RS775 In Drivetrain?

[gpetilli]

Originally Posted by stinglikeabee

The RS series motors need active cooling to keep the enamel on the commutator shaft from melting. This is achieved in stock form by an internal fan and air ducts at the front and rear of the housing. The RS series motors are intended for power tools and R/C cars where they have plenty of air movement and are typically driven in one direction for a continuous period of time (not fast forward-reverse motion like the FRC robot).

I do not recommend using an RS motor for a critical, high load (high current) application such as the drivetrain.

I believe the 775 has a bad reputation because many teams block the air input vents. This is largely because many of the gearboxes (banebots and AndyMark CIM-Sim) cover the input air vents and the motors overheat. One year we used the banebots gearbox and ultimately machined channels in the gearbox mounting face (look at the VersaPlanetary mounting plates) and that made a HUGE difference in the temperature of the 775 motors.

If you do use the 775 in your drivetrain (or anywhere else) absolutely make sure it is well ventilated. If you use the CIM-Sim at least drill some holes in the plate where the motor mounts to allow air to enter the input vents.

That said, the drivetrain is arguably the most important subsystem on your robot. Do a risk/reward analysis before moving from the miniCIM to the 775. Is there anyplace else you can save a few pounds?