8" Non-Pneumatic Wheels

[matthewdenny]

Rookie team 6054 here, we have the KOP drivetrain (Square Orientation), and we would like to go to 8" wheels. The conversion to the pneumatics upgrade is beyond our financial means, but we are considering switching out our wheels with these (http://files.andymark.com/x2010-8-FIRSTwheel.pdf). We will have to relocate a couple churros to make it works.

Anyone knows how these will work on the different playing surfaces? Any Obvious problems were overlooking?

[messer5740]

I couldn't see the file but Im guessing you are talking about the plaction or rubber treaded wheels (white/ blue ones). I think that there is a small possibility of them getting stuck in the rough terrain, but I think you are on the right track with 8 inch wheels for this year. Best of luck!!

[matthewdenny]

The ones we were looking at were from the 2010 kit and are plastic with gray rubber on the outside.

[jmar896]

I think you are talking about this type of wheel, right?
http://www.andymark.com/product-p/am-0420.htm

[messer5740]

Yeah I would avoid the rough terrain because the blocks are spaced out a larger width than the wheels- but hey you most likely will be allied with a team that CAN pass rough terrain and again its only one defense.

[Doug Frisk]

Given this is likely to be a game with vigorous robot to robot contact how would those hold up to being T-Boned?

[matthewdenny]

Originally Posted by jmar896

I think you are talking about this type of wheel, right?
http://www.andymark.com/product-p/am-0420.htm

Yes, That's the one.

[de_]

Have you checked whether the larger 8" wheels will collide with the front and back "C" frames ? If so, is it possible to notch the frame to accommodate the extra 1" wheel radius ? Else you have to move the axles and then the belts don't fit.... Or extend the frame

Also keep in mind when going from 6 to 8 inch and not changing any gear or belt pulley ratios, the robot will go slightly less than 8/6 times faster. Though your driver does has a "throttle", it might be somewhat harder to control the robot in close in maneuvering. And the robot will have 8/6 less torque (in a pushing match).

[matthewdenny]

We are going to change our gearing to regain some torque, and it's very close on the notching, so I think we will see how it fits together to se if we need to notch

[EricDrost]

Originally Posted by DareDad

Given this is likely to be a game with vigorous robot to robot contact how would those hold up to being T-Boned?

Agreed!

http://www.robotmarketplace.com/products/BPDWC22.html

Would be my choice. Pneumatic will likely be better, but in a pinch, I'd go with Colsons.

[snoman]

We tested today 8in 4wd gray wheels didn't make it over the mote . We are testing with 20in AM nano tube s going to try 6wd tomorrow.. that should work?? Maybe

[jkelleyrtp]

Originally Posted by EricDrost

Agreed!

http://www.robotmarketplace.com/products/BPDWC22.html

Would be my choice. Pneumatic will likely be better, but in a pinch, I'd go with Colsons.

These look really nice, is there anyone who has used these before to comment on their "compression"? The pneumatic wheels are a tad too pricey for us to prototype with and we've never used colsons before.

[sanddrag]

Originally Posted by jkelleyrtp

These look really nice, is there anyone who has used these before to comment on their "compression"?

Not much at all. They grip decently but are by no means "squishy"

[MisterG]

Originally Posted by EricDrost

Agreed!

http://www.robotmarketplace.com/products/BPDWC22.html

Would be my choice. Pneumatic will likely be better, but in a pinch, I'd go with Colsons.

Would you elaborate on the betterness of pneumatic? In 2012, I saw some teams really struggle with 8" pneumatic (esp with 4 wheel skid steer).

I am trying to campaign for traction wheels of some sort. Really like your colson suggestion. Even with the vex hub added they seem to be $14 cheaper per wheel than the AM 8". Plus they are a true 8" rather than 7.65".

If there are things that I am not taking into account I would be very glad to learn.

[george.tan]

Originally Posted by matthewdenny

The ones we were looking at were from the 2010 kit and are plastic with gray rubber on the outside.

I don't think they're as grip as well as the newer wheels. Also I'm pretty sure we broke 1 or 2 of them while conducting some extreme testing. They never made it on our robot for 2010. We used traction wheels instead.