FP transmission adapter

[Andrew Schuetze]

How many teams would use the FP motor plus transmission if they had an COTS item that they could order that would interface with the FP transmission hub?

One of our mentors, worked up a solid model to interface with this transmission that accepted the '07 KOP triangular lead screw nut. We first attempted to mill it out of aluminum round stock but that was going to too complicated for our new mill and novice user status.

We then just printed the model out of ABS plastic using a Dimension 3D printer. In just 3 hours we had the first prototype and a day later a refined part that fit snug. If ABS plastic is not up to the material strength requirements then I am thinking that the plastic model could be used to make an injection mold. The Dimension representative did tell me that they have a new model that prints a higher strength plastic.

If we were to go forward with this as a project then we would need to know what the market demands for common interaces with the transmission. So take the poll

[Billfred]

I actually kicked around this very notion a few weeks ago. The FP gearboxes never seemed particularly easy to interface with, at least without scrounging around obscure websites for the right adapter for it. If you can get it to interface a half-inch keyed shaft, like the window motors (as I recall) in the kit of parts, it'd be awesome.

Perhaps as a bonus, some holes could be made for mounting directly to the output adapter?

[sanddrag]

I think it's a good idea, but am I the only one that takes issue with this notion that seems to be going around that the FRC KOP ought to fit perfectly together right from the box? I mean, back in "the good ol' days" FIRST seemed harder than it is now, and I feel like I learned more as a student back then than students are learning now.

[EricH]

The inside of the output gear on the FP transmission is an octagon. We just made some octagons of the appropriate size, put a hole for the shaft in, and added a keyway. (We also put hose clamps around the outside of the output to make sure it stays together.) Makes it really easy to put two of them together. Also can be adapted to any size of shaft that fits through the hole at that end of the gearbox.

This use can be seen here. Look at the base area of the mast and take a close look at the FP. The metal is an octogon with a shaft collar on this side of it.

[Jared Russell]

I would LOVE it. It's a nice, light gearbox that gets the speed down to a reasonable rate, but it's IMPOSSIBLE (at least it seems that way to me - the programming guy) to mount to a lot of things on our robots. We've used the AM Planetary a lot the past few years, but that only gets it down to CIM speed.

We use 1/2" shaft on most of our machines, and that's what we have most of our spare parts in.

[Bill_Hancoc]

The ABS plastic could be used to make a aluminum casting. PM me for more info

[jskene]

We make a plastic, octagonal insert (see below) every year with a CNC mill. I'd be happy to post the G code if anyone wants it.

This year the insert is used as a winch drum.

[ChrisH]

Originally Posted by EricH

The inside of the output gear on the FP transmission is an octagon. We just made some octagons of the appropriate size, put a hole for the shaft in, and added a keyway. (We also put hose clamps around the outside of the output to make sure it stays together.) Makes it really easy to put two of them together. Also can be adapted to any size of shaft that fits through the hole at that end of the gearbox.

This use can be seen here. Look at the base area of the mast and take a close look at the FP. The metal is an octogon with a shaft collar on this side of it.

In the interest of full disclosure, I believe we "borrowed" this idea from Team 60, hose clamp and all.