|
|
|
![]() |
|
|||||||
|
||||||||
![]() |
| Thread Tools | Rate Thread | Display Modes |
|
#1
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
Improving the KOP Skyway wheels
For a lot of teams, the Skyways we've seen in past Kits of Parts have been solid, reliable wheels with a price that's hard to beat ($0). But it seems that lately, particularly with the rise of the AM Shifter and hard defense, that more and more wheels are biting the dust.
Some folks rectify this with other wheels, but sometimes that's just not an option due to cost (or time). Has anyone figured out a good way to make these wheels survive a three- (or six-, or nine-) day thrashing? |
|
#2
|
||||
|
||||
|
Re: Improving the KOP Skyway wheels
never had a problem with them myself, we had one set that we ran at two or three competition with out one single problem....i think one of the most common mistakes i see that causes problems is that teams just bolt their sprocket straight to the plastic wheel hub and never put a bearing in the sprocket...
|
|
#3
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
Re: Improving the KOP Skyway wheels
Have spares. Sometimes the best way to ensure you will make it through is to make sure you can fix anything that can go wrong.
|
|
#4
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
Re: Improving the KOP Skyway wheels
We tried in 2005 but couldn't find a way. We must have broken the 6-8 we had in the 2 regionals we went to. I know you say cost is an issue but have you looked at buying their pneumatics? They don't beak easily and you could in fact reuse them for a 2-3 years before the tread wears off.
|
|
#5
|
|||
|
|||
|
Re: Improving the KOP Skyway wheels
Step 1: build practice/demonstration/programming robot that won't see combat.
Step 2: install Skyway wheels on said robot Step 3: purchase Colson wheels Step 4: machine aluminum hubs for Colson wheels Step 5: install colson wheels with custom hubs on actual FRC robot. |
|
#6
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
Re: Improving the KOP Skyway wheels
Quote:
How were they connected to the drive? In the past, we've cut wedges that fit into three of the six pockets on each wheel -- on both sides -- then bolt a sprocket to those wedges. This spreads the load out along the whole spoke and we've not once had an issue with the wheels doing anything they're not supposed to do. |
|
#7
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
Re: Improving the KOP Skyway wheels
Quote:
|
|
#8
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
Re: Improving the KOP Skyway wheels
Our breakage was a result of the wheels coming off the ground and slamming back down. It seemed like after a few hot/cold cycles from shipping they became brittle. Until 2005 we hadn't had as big an issue. This caused us to look at alternatives and we used the IFI last year which were great after me made a few changes to them. For 2007, well that's TBD. We plan on comparing IFI v2, Colson, and something I'm not sure even we can make work.
![]() |
|
#9
|
|||
|
|||
|
Re: Improving the KOP Skyway wheels
The broken wheel referenced in the picture appears to have been modified. Our team has used the KOP wheels unmodified in a 4 powered wheel configuration and never had a problem. Maybe it's the modifications that are causing the problems.
|
![]() |
| Thread Tools | |
| Display Modes | Rate This Thread |
|
|
Similar Threads
|
||||
| Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
| Hubs for the 8" skyway wheels | rswsmay | Kit & Additional Hardware | 3 | 12-01-2005 15:57 |
| How do you drive the KOP 6" wheels? | Alex Cormier | Technical Discussion | 7 | 04-11-2004 17:14 |
| has anyone ordered the wheelchair wheels outside of skyway? | archiver | 2001 | 0 | 23-06-2002 23:17 |
| Skyway wheels w/o bearings | ahecht | Technical Discussion | 4 | 22-01-2002 01:25 |
| Skyway Wheels | fs_2002 | Rules/Strategy | 1 | 11-01-2002 15:27 |