pic: GEAR & CHAIN IN TUBE 8WD

[pwnageNick]

Sorry, couldn't get to my computer until tonight.

Originally Posted by Cothron Theiss

Any chance we could get some more detailed renders of the gearbox/chain runs? What I can see looks great, but it's hard to ascertain the specifics from this.

Here you go (sorry for the large image file)

Originally Posted by InFlight

I understand the attraction of belt/chain in tube drivetrains as a design exercise.

The trade made is very involved and long replacement times if a belt/chain/axle/bearing failed during a competition. You could very easily miss a match for the amount of time it would take to replace any part.

Considering maintenance, and tensioning should be prime considerations in determining the best way to implement a belt/chain drive train.

Originally Posted by Cothron Theiss

I would try and tweak the design so that the ends of the drive rails are open, so that if you do need to get to your chain or gears, you don't have to disassemble your chassis frame.

Well in this specific situation the top half of the chain runs inside the tube while the bottom half of the chain runs under the tube. So using masterlinks the chain would be easily accessible and easy to switch. Maneuvering around the sprockets should be fine with the access slots on the bottom of the tube.

I do agree that this chain setup is not ideal, but I kind of got worked into a corner with trying to fit everything in the tube.

I am working on a variation right now with smaller wheels, and a 2" height tube, and am attempting to have the entire chain run inside the tube. The challenge there is you have to choose between:

(1) Motor clump on the corner wheels which for everything to fit means that your wheel is pushed further in from the front/back of the chassis so the CIM can sit in front
(2) Motor clump in the middle and your tube gets wider to accommodate both sprockets on the wheel shaft and the gear.

I keep going back and forth on which I'd prefer. May end up designing both and seeing how they both look as an end result.