White Paper Discuss: Team 670 - Universal Drive Systems: Design and Analysis

[ChrisCook]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

It all boils down do what do you view as bringing the most success to the team. Placing well in competition, or learning a little something extra and maybe not placing so well.

Reuse a drivetrain, time for practice/programming, place better in competition.
Build a new drivetrain, not as much time for practice/programming, don't place so well in competition.

Which is more beneficial to the students' enrichment? Driving practice and programming or drivetrain design/innovation?

There are no definite answers to these questions. It is up to each team's set of values to determine.

One of the main reasons I wrote this was becasue our team spent 4 weeks just trying to develop a new form of drive system. Closed loop steering using a few sensors. it worked but was not as effective as the tank methods I saw this year.

Another reason i worte this was that teams should not rty and just focus on the robot. they shoudl try and fous on the other team building and GP things that take place at FIRST comp. I feel that the universal drive system enables teams to work with a reliable robot and allows them to consentrate on the real ideals of FIRST.