reusing drive design

[OZ_341]

Originally Posted by Aaron D.

we have used the same drive system the past 2 years with 4 chips and 2 AM gear boxes, but we have always used tank drive, but we built an omni bot just to see how it worked. BUt I beilive it was talked about in a west v. east thread that the east coast tends to use the same drive, i find this true with most teams , 103 used the same drive last year and this year, so did 357, 341 did, and also 25 did.

We do believe in adapting to the game and we have experimented in the off-season with omni drive. Unfortunately in 2005 we thought that pushing and shoving would be more of a game factor.

For 2006 We did improve our drive system by adding a pop caster system that was programatically integrated. When you make a hard turn the air cylinder automatically fires, dramatically increasing your maneuverability. We also introduced an improved program based, automatic transmission.

Both improvements have contributed to our success (13-6) this year.

[Gabe]

Can you? Yes, we can do it because we have time between now and next year to think about designs.
Have you? Certainly. Our 2005 robot was all about hugging the floor to avoid wedges. This year our robot (see photo- tag: frc604) was built with Poof clearance both sides and front/back, keeping it high off the floor. Two very diiferent designs.
Should you? I think so, because our center of gravity was just a tad too high this year. (You know what that means... Timber!)
Will you? Yes, because we are eager to try something different once again. You'll see next year!