pic: Test/Training Bot

[Rob2713g]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

EDIT: what role do the FPs play in the swerve? If you plan on steering the modules with them, you're probably better off just using the globe motor. Smaller, and much easier to work with (yet, it is still plenty powerful for the job).

The Fisher Prices are the drive motors. They are mounted in a similar way as on the Test/Training Bot. We are building next Tuesday and I'll be sure to take some pictures and upload them. We bought a backup AndyMark gearbox, but never had to use it, so we will be steering the prototype swerve modules with it. We would like to eventually put Dewalt gearboxes on each module, but are not sure we will be able to make them. It would be great if we could look at, borrow, or buy one as an example. Thanks for all of the feedback!

[Dan Petrovic]

Why not CIMs? CIMs wont heat up as quickly as FPs. If you plan on using FPs to drive with, bring plenty of spares.

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by Rob2713g

The Fisher Prices are the drive motors. They are mounted in a similar way as on the Test/Training Bot. We are building next Tuesday and I'll be sure to take some pictures and upload them. We bought a backup AndyMark gearbox, but never had to use it, so we will be steering the prototype swerve modules with it. We would like to eventually put Dewalt gearboxes on each module, but are not sure we will be able to make them. It would be great if we could look at, borrow, or buy one as an example. Thanks for all of the feedback!

What?

You definitely don't want to use FPs as the drive for a crab (especially during the season), they just couldn't compete with any other drivetrain; Unless something drastically changes, we only get 2 per season.... Also, the stock gearboxes have way too much reduction to be in the drive of a robot (unless it's just a demo like above). You'd be moving at 3-4 fps, totally negating the added maneuverability of a crab. Your best bet at getting a good crab is a CIM in each module with the globes steering.

[Rob2713g]

We won't use Fisher Price gearboxes and motors in the actual drivetrain. But for a first prototype they work pretty well. For prototyping, they already come with a gearbox, which is ideal because of limited access to manufacturing (especially during the summer) and we don't have to buy anything. Once we see if it works, we can let our programmer start having fun, while we begin building a more advanced prototype.