pic: more

[Andy Baker]

Originally Posted by sam shawe

It's true, these track drivetrain sets will be produced!
To answer your questions:
We will work with Andy Mark so that our track system mates directly to their
gearboxes or a team can use the kit gearbox.
Total drive train weight is 16-18 lbs. per side depending on the motors used.
Tracks are made by Breco-Flex, we will have them in stock with no lead-time, also in talking with Breco Flex the
tracks can be re-treaded.
When properly designed a tracked robot will spin on it's footprint !
This track system mates directly to the gearboxes eliminating all extra chains
belts etc. to remove from the robot remove 3 bolts and unplug motor wires.
These tracks are steel belted and do not stretch eliminating any need for
adjustment adding reliability to design .
The three uniquely shaped columns add structural rigidity to system.

Sam Shawe

These are a great set of tank tread tracks. This is an efficient design, especially since there is no need for a tension adjustment. It should be easily to link up any sort of motor/gearbox output to the input shaft of this design.

Sam at Outback Manufacturing in Oregon is looking to provide these as a resource to teams for the upcoming year. He and I have been communicating about this, as I have been sharing some of my experience regarding how many teams may be interested in his creation. Obviously, the demand may depend on the upcoming FIRST game.

I wish Outback Manufacturing the best of luck with accurately forecasting just enough (and a bit more) of these systems to fill the uncertain demand from FIRST teams. If teams want to see this effort happen, they should drop Sam and note and tell him if they are interested in this being sold.

This is another resource for teams to use if they don't have high end CNC milling capability or design resources to create a similar track system.

Sincerely,
Andy Baker