Best Drivetrain

[Cory]

Originally Posted by EricH

For the same reason that they changed it in 2005. Prevent teams from pre-building drives.

Who says that's why they did it then?

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Cory

Who says that's why they did it then?

Something I heard back then. I'm not sure on accuracy. Maybe they did it just to give an extra challenge.

[Cory]

Originally Posted by EricH

Something I heard back then. I'm not sure on accuracy. Maybe they did it just to give an extra challenge.

I just don't remember any discussion about such a situation, back then.

[David Guzman]

This year we (1251) decided to try something new for us. An 8 wheel drive, it worked great for us, lots of traction when being hit/pushed side ways and it could also turn on dime. The key was how far apart the wheels were width wise and having the front two wheels 1/8 higher.

As far as chain goes we love 25 chain. We have used it in 07 and 08 w/o major problems, in both arms and drive train. Last year we were having issues at our last competition because our robot had such a beat up. and the sprockets on the wheels started to get bent and throw the chain off. The important thing to use 25 chain successfully is the alignment of the sprockets. This year (2008) we used live axles and 25 chain and we never lost one. The chains that were put on the robot back in February are the same ones that are on there now.

[T3_1565]

Originally Posted by IbleedPink233

One of the disadvantages I see to going to a smaller footprint is the impressiveness factor. One of the most common comments that I get is "I didn't realize the robots you kids make were so big." Bigger is not always better, but it is often good for showing off, one of the best ways to promote FIRST.

Agreed! This is one of the best ways for us, as a team, to get interest. Something that is big, flashy, makes noise and looks dangerous (even if it isn't) always seems to draw attention from us high school students (and I'm not sure why...)

[Brandon Holley]

Originally Posted by T3_1565

Agreed! This is one of the best ways for us, as a team, to get interest. Something that is big, flashy, makes noise and looks dangerous (even if it isn't) always seems to draw attention from us high school students (and I'm not sure why...)

Do you really think a 2 inch change is going to be so noticeable that people are not going to be impressed by the size of your robot?

[T3_1565]

Originally Posted by Brandon Holley

Do you really think a 2 inch change is going to be so noticeable that people are not going to be impressed by the size of your robot?

I dont see the point in reducing it by only two inches! every other change has been at least 6 inches (if I'm not mistaken).

And I find a 6 inch change to be huge! our 2007 bot is 6 inches smaller than our 2008 bot, and its surprising to here students comment on how much bigger our 2008 bot is, and how "wimpy" (there words not mine) the 2007 bot is lol.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by T3_1565

I dont see the point in reducing it by only two inches! every other change has been at least 6 inches (if I'm not mistaken).

The last one was 2" in each direction. You could tell the difference.

[Brandon Holley]

Originally Posted by EricH

The last one was 2" in each direction. You could tell the difference.

Yes you can tell the robot is a little longer, and little skinnier but saying that takes away from the overall impressiveness is just plain not true.

[Tom Bottiglieri]

Originally Posted by Brandon Holley

Yes you can tell the robot is a little longer, and little skinnier but saying that takes away from the overall impressiveness is just plain not true.

Why do people go to Monster Truck shows?

[Cory]

Originally Posted by Tom Bottiglieri

Why do people go to Monster Truck shows?

To see stuff getting ran over/crushed.

[T3_1565]

Originally Posted by Cory

To see stuff getting ran over/crushed.

by giant trucks!

[Triple B]

thats what im talkin bout!
mike d

[usbcd36]

Originally Posted by EricH

I understand that you are mostly correct. Back in the day, the teams with 36" by 36" robots had a hard time fitting through standard doors, as I understand it. So they changed it. They changed it again, before bumpers didn't count against weight or size.

I agree that it was done to make it easy for robots to get through doorways. We blew up the trackball inside our robotics room this year, then realized that the ball was 40" in diameter, but the doorway was only 36" wide. Not a big problem, since the trackball deforms with enough force, but if it had been the robot instead of the trackball, I would've cried.

[mrs. p]

Originally Posted by Triple B

but we gots a good left hook
mike d

i saw that fight