Mystery Sprockets

[aaeamdar]

Originally Posted by dlavery

Need to add more sprockets to the robot? Get additional parts similar to those in the Kit Of Parts. Can't find exact duplicates?

My fundamental point is that before you have to resort to buying your a way out of a problem, make sure that you really tap all the resources that you have at your disposal.

-dave

The first point I would make about this is that you should be able to find more of the types of things that are in the Kit of Parts. There should be a FIRST-related site where you can go and order more of any part that comes with the kit. I know, for example, that IFI Robotics has part of this list (but only with the things they make, obviously). Why are you not able to just go online and order another part? If the answer is that FIRST wants us to practice our drilling skills, then why do the sprockets in the KoP come pre-drilled?

Furthermore, I understand that there's more than one way to get things done. We've already ordered two omni wheels from Andy Mark to see if we can come up with some other solution than 4WD. However, we also wanted to look into the possibility of getting more sprockets. I'm also not sure why you think we should be looking for the most complex solution to a problem (buying pre-drilled or at least easily-drillable parts seems much simpler than drilling new holes in a steel part, which our mentors tell us is much more difficult to machine). We also did ask local teams if they had extras of these parts, and we have not yet gotten any replies.

When we're trying to solve a problem as simple as our drive train, we're going to be looking for a simple solution; getting two more KoP sprockets should be doable. We are examining the alternatives, and one of them should be to get these sprockets. You seem to be critiquing me for not doing exactly what I'm trying to do with my post.

Am I reading this wrong?
Paul Dennis