pic: universal_chassis_complete

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by ajlapp

The chassis will be sold in component form with a side rail kit, optional ladder bars and assorted accessories. The UC is specifically designed to work with Andymark components. It currently supports the AM Performance Wheel, the AM FIRST wheel and the new 6" Plaction wheel. Any 4", 6" or 8" wheel could be adapted for use with proper spacers and shafts. Team 221 LLC. will also offer a solution for the AM Toughbox and Am Supershifter.

When will you have the details about the super shifter implementation?

Also, will spacers be offered so that if we use AndyMark wheels and sprockets, we don't have to cut our own?

[ajlapp]

When will you have the details about the super shifter implementation?

The supershifter mount is nearly complete. It looks like you'll need two swap in a few flat head bolts and replace the drive shaft with the extended Andymark version.

Also, will spacers be offered so that if we use AndyMark wheels and sprockets, we don't have to cut our own?

I'm planning to sell "wheel kits." These will include the proper shaft and spacers for the performance wheel, FIRST wheel and plaction wheel.

[Greg Marra]

Will you qualify under FIRST's "supplier" rules for commercial off the shelf parts?

[ajlapp]

Will you qualify under FIRST's "supplier" rules for commercial off the shelf parts?

I have read the rules thoroughly and believe that I will fully qualify without question.

I've been working closely with Andymark to avoid any potential pitfalls.

I was also lucky enough to show the chassis to a few of the FIRST decision makers at IRI and they seemed pleased with the concept.

If for some reason FIRST has a problem with my plans I'll do what it takes to modify my products.

I'm also planning to sell many of my components outside of FIRST. I chose to design this chassis on the 27"x37" dimensions so FIRST could use it, but I will have many new products later this year that are not necessarily FIRST related.

[Herodotus]

Though our team prefers building out own chassis for customization and learning purposes, I really like this idea and see the value in it. After all, if you can purchases a chassis that meets all of your needs, and you can afford it you might as well do so. Engineering isn't just about designing, it is also about optimizing, and sometimes that optimizing consists of using something that already exists and simply making it better or building off of it.

How many inventions are designed from scratch? Almost all will incorporate parts that already exists, that is a part of designing. So, once again, kudos on this whole project. I think many teams will find the idea quite useful and I wish you the best of luck.

[AdamHeard]

Have you finalized your super shifter mounting method?

[ajlapp]

Unfortunately the supershifter has taken a back seat to other issues.

I'll will re-tackle it this weekend and see if I can come up with something simple and elegant. I have developed a Toughbox adapter that is pretty slick.

If you have any thoughts please feel free to send them along. The .stp files for the chassis are on the website.

Thanks.

[ajlapp]

I took a look tonight, and good news! The long shaft option on the supershifter has enough reach to directly drive the center wheel.

A few angle brackets should be sufficient to hold the rest of the shifter in place.

So, the answer is yes, I do believe I now have a supershifter solution.

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by ajlapp

I took a look tonight, and good news! The long shaft option on the supershifter has enough reach to directly drive the center wheel.

A few angle brackets should be sufficient to hold the rest of the shifter in place.

So, the answer is yes, I do believe I now have a supershifter solution.

Ah, Similar to what I was imagining.

Will the mount holes for this come on the rails stock?

Pretty much, we'd like to use this for season and we don't want to have to do any machining operations on the side rails or super shifters themselves. However, making the angle brackets wouldn't be an issue if you decide not to sell those.

[ajlapp]

Will the mount holes for this come on the rails stock?

I'll probably be able to make and sell the brackets, but I'm not sure about having holes in the chassis rail.

I'll be looking into the CAD this weekend. I'll let you know.