Skunkworks Drive Train??

[=Martin=Taylor=]

Originally Posted by 114ManualLabor

I'm not digging the shape, however. It looks like the base is a little small. You might want to arrange the modules in a rectangle (diagonally near the corners), in order to be able to use more of the allowed box.

That was my immediate reaction too. Also, is the picture upside-down? Building a drive-train that high off the ground might make you even more prone to tipping.

Originally Posted by Bob Steele

simply using a drive system that worked before or one that is neat to design and operate are not good sound engineering decisions by themselves.

Forcing the design of the robot to work in the game is much more difficult than trying to figure out the best design for the game.

To use 254/968/60/22 (the list goes on) as an example I'd have to disagree with you. These teams have used almost the exact same system for the last 7 years with little impact on their success. The enormous quantity of experience they have gained over the years has allowed them to slowly tune and perfect the system. The same goes for any team that has used the same design every year.

These teams are guaranteed a proven, reliable system every year.

Please realize that I encourage innovation. After all, 254/968/60/22 had to start somewhere! What your team designs should be entirely dependent on your own goals for the season.