How can we drive on this new floor?

[sPod]

We cant use OMNI's or traction wheels, only the KOP wheels. any ideas of how to drive?

[Jay H 237]

The same way you would as if you were driving on snow or ice. It is possible and start off slow to get going.


I think the teams in the snow belt areas will have an advantage with the 2009game

[Seat Ninja]

My guess would be to accelerate slowly to prevent burnouts, and distribute your weight on your back wheels.

[Lesman]

Well, it's obvious that every wheel touching the ground will need to be powered (otherwise you're foolishly wasting precious traction) but beyond that I don't have many ideas. Would any non-tank drive style drive systems help? Also, am I wrong in assuming that traction force is just a function of coefficient of friction (cannot be changed) and mass (going to be 120 for everybody)? Does increasing the surface area have any affect?

[pyrome]

There are even a few more factors than that in optimizing traction.
However, to put it simply:
Friction is a function of normal force (weight).
Traction is a function of normal force AND surface area.

[rl1806]

Would there be any advantage in using crab drive or another drive system like that? Or would a car like drive system be better for towing the trailer around?

[drkiraco]

<R06> says it all. You may use only the KOP wheels.

Originally Posted by sPod

We cant use OMNI's or traction wheels, only the KOP wheels. any ideas of how to drive?

[gorrilla]

Originally Posted by drkiraco

<R06> says it all. You may use only the KOP wheels.

they dident say that we couldent angle the wheels............

[DanDon]

Originally Posted by drkiraco

<R06> says it all. You may use only the KOP wheels.

A holonomic drivebase would still be possible even with just the KOP wheels. The coefficient of friction is low enough that a swerve base or kiwi drive would both be possible, since the wheels slide easily enough.

[gorrilla]

Originally Posted by DanDon

A holonomic drivebase would still be possible even with just the KOP wheels. The coefficient of friction is low enough that a swerve base or kiwi drive would both be possible, since the wheels slide easily enough.

thats exactly what i was thinking

[Swerting]

I think it may be good to have weight on the driving wheels so that there is plenty of traction for turning and changing direction.

[Thermal]

There is another rule stating that the wheel's rotation MUST BE inline with movement of the bot, so that the axle the wheel is on is perpendicular to the bot and wheels movement

[markulrich]

For tank drive systems, what do you guys think about 4 vs 6 coplanar, evenly spaced wheels? Would there really be any difference?

Has anyone felt the new playing surface? How much does it cost? Would plane old hallway concrete be a suitable substitute?

[gorrilla]

Originally Posted by Thermal

There is another rule stating that the wheel's rotation MUST BE inline with movement of the bot, so that the axle the wheel is on is perpendicular to the bot and wheels movement

could you find this and link to it?

[Bryan Herbst]

Originally Posted by Jay H 237

The same way you would as if you were driving on snow or ice. It is possible and start off slow to get going.


I think the teams in the snow belt areas will have an advantage with the 2009game

I have to agree.

To teams that have no experience driving in snowy/icy conditions- trying to start out going fast (even middle-range speeds) can result in either your tires just sitting there spinning, followed by a jerk forward, or the car/bot sliding out of control.