gliding wheels....

[tkwetzel]

The only thing that I can think of that would allow this is a clutch like in a car with a manual transmission. There are one-way clutches that would allow you to free-wheel, but only in one direction, and I am not exactly sure how a bike hub works to allow it to free-wheel in both directions.

One thing that might work is a centrifugal clutch. We have one on the mini-chopper that my friend and I built. It is mounted on the output shaft of the engine and lets the engine idle up to a certain speed. When the engine speed increases, there are clutch shoes that move outwards and grab the drum around them to turn it. There is a sprocket already attached to the drum. I do not know if there is a cenrifugal clutch that would work on a FIRST robot due to the speed and torque required to engage it, but it is something to look into.

[Joe Ross]

Are your speed controllers in brake or coast?

[EricS-Team180]

Originally Posted by Joe Ross

Are your speed controllers in brake or coast?

Good question!


Stephen,
I'd recommend contacting IFI directly and discussing your problem with them....ie frying Vics. They are a very patient and talented bunch.

Technical Support Hotline - 903-454-1978, hours are 9am to noon, 1pm to 5pm CST. (...so I'd guess you ~5hours ahead)

(The EE's on these forums are also top-notch. A PM might yield an answer to you vexing problem)

Eric