Timing Belts for 6W Drive

[Brandon Holley]

Originally Posted by Cory

Oops. Maybe I totally invented that in my head then.

I recall someone using belts recently and not liking it much. Guess it wasn't 125.

Cory,
We did use belts this season (2008), but ended up having a lot of success with them. We used 25 chain in 2007.


As for the original topic,
I have posted on a few threads already (a quick search should churn them up). Belts are definitely something teams can do, but as stated above, tension is key with them. We used kevlar reinforced belts which basically eliminated "stretching" so we did not need an active way of adjusting the tension. I would suggest doing a lot of research to make sure they are something you want to consider.

Right now I could not tell you what our plan is for the upcoming season. We are proud we used belts effectively and we will see what the game is before we commit to using them again.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Brando

[colin340]

did 118 use that ajustable v-belt stuff to power form the v6 to the swerve drive wheels

Brandon could you post or pm me were you got you belts

[sdcantrell56]

I'm almost positive that 125 purchased there belts from sdp-si.com They have a great selection and some helpful calculators as well.

[=Martin=Taylor=]

The statement that belts cannot handle high torque is false. Lots of machines like large mills and motorcycles use belts without any trouble.

The problem with belts is that they are not good at changing directions quickly. Often, when they go from forwards to reverse very quickly, (as in a FIRST robot) they skip teeth or go flying off.

Notice how 118 only needs to drive their wheels 1 direction?

[Brandon Holley]

We ordered our belts from http://www.sdp-si.com/. They are a reliable source, equivalent to any kind of supplier. They offer a large variety of sizes, lengths, and materials in both the pulley and the actual belt.