pic: drive base idea

[dbell]

Originally Posted by IKE

I edited out a lot of your post, but I would like to challenge you that if you are spending the time to do an upfront design, figure out how to power at least 4 of those wheels. There are some extremely simple and cheap ways out there and then you will drive better and be able to climb ramps (or bumps).

We have excluded teams in the past (06, and 07) as picks for having only the center 2 wheels driven from our elimination selection list. If you need some pictures of how to get 2 more to drive, let me know and I will send them your way.

I agree, center wheel drive is limited because it cannot climb ramps. However in a game without such obstacles (eg. 2002, 2005, 2008) center wheel drive is fine. Other years, some teams have used a drive system that cannot negotiate obstacles, and have still done well. eg: cheesy poofs in 2004. They could hang on the bar without climbing the stairs.)

Figuring out how to power the corner wheels is not the issue. With a few more sprockets, some chain and moving the inner rails, i could have a 6wd. However, this design is not 6wd, its a design similar to what 1519 has used for 3 years.

I'd like to point out a few things
-We don't know the 2009 game and we don't know what kind of drive system will be best for this game.
-Both 6wd and center wheel drive have their advantages and disadvantages.

Originally Posted by Hachiban VIII

Who says there will be ramps next year.... or bumps... (or dry land for that matter)

On a more serious note... Is that a sprocket or a gear on the center wheel?

If you aren't gonna power the outer wheels why not get rid of chains all together and incorporate the wheel directly into the tranny?

What trannys are you planning to use anyways? The kit ones perhaps?

I'm planning on using either Dewalts or AM toughboxes.

Its a 36 tooth sprocket.

Interesting idea... To be honest, i didn't really think about a direct drive that way. Mounting the tranny output shaft to a wheel is easier said than done. Especially on the toughboxes. It would be pretty easy for something like the Banebots p80 long shaft. But because the toughboxes have such a short shaft, you would need an extension. something to think about.


With all the comments from everyone, I think i'll start working on another design...

DB