Is a shifting transmission really necessary?

[sanddrag]

Originally Posted by Cory

Sanddrag, I still do not understand why you believe that it's so bad that people not go all out and make crazy drivetrains. Why innovate when what you have suits the game perfectly? There's no reason to make a super cool 4 speed 6 motor drivetrain if a single speed, 2 or 4 motor drivetrain will get your strategy done just as well.

I completely agree. Putting resources into something elaborate when only something simple is required would be considered by many as a poor strategic decision.

Like I said before, I can't really define my point sharply. I can't really make any sort of case or argument against the kop gearbox. I even said it is fine piece of hardware that has made the robot more enjoyable for many.

I have no case or argument against it. All I'm saying is that I like to see kits, rules, and games designed that challenge teams in the area of drive systems. To me, for every team to be handed a beautiful, reliable, and capable gearbox right from the start, instantly eliminated a large part of the challenge in the robot building for many teams. In some cases this was a very positive thing, in other cases I believe it wasn't.

It is very clear that there will never be one set of rules or one set of parts or one type of game that suits every team well. Due to variances in resources, skill, and experience, it will always be easy for some, and hard for others. The only thing I'm trying to say about the KOP gearbox is that I believe it made it too easy for too many. You are probably wondering "why make it hard and have people struggle, wouldn't you rather have them succeed from the start?" Well, the beginning of everything I learned in FIRST, was by helping design and build a gearbox for the first time, and have it fail. And look where I am today. I'm not saying one must fail in order to learn, but I think teams would get more out of this if they had to design their own gearboxes just like in the good ol' days.

Before anyone makes a reply attacking what I say, it is merely an accummulation of some trends I saw, and some ideas I had. I'm not trying to argue anything or make a case against anything. I'm not trying to offer any solutions to any problems. I'm not taking a I'm not really sure where I'm going with them.