Tank Treads

[Thermal]

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/28589

Heres some food for thought. Courtesy of my team 1293. This was our 2007 Robot Atlas.

[TimelessFate]

I think tank treads would be pretty epic. Kudos to the teams who use them.

[EncodersRUS]

The only problems with tanks would be getting over the humps if the treads aren't set up right....

[viperred396]

Originally Posted by EncodersRUS

The only problems with tanks would be getting over the humps if the treads aren't set up right....

Ya we think its a gamble but if it pays off it should help us a lot going over the humps hope it works >_< *crosses fingers*

[llama1719]

How about a half track?

[rkelly23]

You would need to do some rather extensive thinking about the suspension. Our team is kicking this idea around and my hint is to go look at the mechanical structures of military tanks. Any other comments about tank treads and teams that are planning to use them are highly appreciated.

[viperred396]

Originally Posted by llama1719

How about a half track?

Half track?

[EricH]

Originally Posted by viperred396

Half track?

Wheels on one end, tank tracks on the other.

[Andrew.Jensen]

Originally Posted by EricH

Wheels on one end, tank tracks on the other.

We were considering that, but in the end we decided to go with a whole tread. I forget the reasoning, however. But even so, it would still not change the question of where to get some treads for a reasonable price

[Jerry]

Hi, Could you use the Tank Tread kit from Vex??


http://www.vexrobotics.com/276-2168.html

[viperred396]

Originally Posted by EricH

Wheels on one end, tank tracks on the other.

As Andrew said we did consider it but then we decided not to because we think that the tracks will help us navigate the humps easier

As of now we were thinking about maybe adapting snowblower tracks to suit our needs

[Andrew.Jensen]

Originally Posted by viperred396

As Andrew said we did consider it but then we decided not to because we think that the tracks will help us navigate the humps easier

As of now we were thinking about maybe adapting snowblower tracks to suit our needs

Me and Bill were discussing finding synchronous conveyor belts, but they were rather expensive, like $400 a piece.

[EricH]

You could try http://www.andymark.biz/am-0566.html or http://www.andymark.biz/am-0565.html for some belting material. AndyMark also sells 1" wide x 10' long pieces, officially for use on a plaction wheel. Nothing says you can't put some 1" wide pieces of different types side-by-side to get a tread. You'd still have to figure out how to connect the ends, though.

[Andrew.Jensen]

Thank you, EricH, that might work well! It's cheap too! Just have to figure out how to rig it to work....

[Cory]

Originally Posted by EricH

You could try http://www.andymark.biz/am-0566.html or http://www.andymark.biz/am-0565.html for some belting material. AndyMark also sells 1" wide x 10' long pieces, officially for use on a plaction wheel. Nothing says you can't put some 1" wide pieces of different types side-by-side to get a tread. You'd still have to figure out how to connect the ends, though.

Roughtop or wedgetop would be totally useless as the backing is smooth. You want a tread with backing. Transmitting power through a slick surface is not a very good idea.