A few Questions about Omni Wheels....

[kSniper]

Alright, first off let me apologize for creating yet another Omni Wheel, Crab Drive, or over all Drive Train thread because I am sure some of you are getting tired of them.

So the idea of using Omni wheels has been thrown around with members of my team but no one on the team has any real tested direct experience with Omni Wheels, if there was a year to ues them this seems to be the one. AndyMark seels a metal set for $375 that are rubberized but I have heard those may have trouble on the carpet.

Basically I am wondering what everyones thoughts are about Omni wheel vs Tank vs Swerve and if you have any links to follow examples that would be much appreciated.

We have not dove into it yet but I would like to get as much information as possible before discussions begin! Rather then post this in an existing thread I thought making my own would be easier.

So yea if you guys could help point me in the direction of reliable information as well as post your own opinions tested and non because your opinions mean alot to me in determining the best path for my team.

Our main concerns reguarding drive trains is being able to manuever easily and efficiantly as well as speedy and agile. Suggestions, thoughts?

Thanks again so much for your help!

[MrForbes]

Are you talking about omni wheels (rollers at right angle to wheel) or mecanum wheels (rollers at 45 degree angle to wheels)?

[kSniper]

Honestly I am researching all types and variations at this point, I just found a very useful PowerPoint on the web created by team 485 that is aiding me slightly but I still would like as much info from anyone about anything they can contribute.

I just visited Andymark.biz and took a look at the difference between the right and 45* wheels and unless the rubber hurts traction on carpet that seems to be more what we're looking for. But again I would appreciate the opinions from all sides. Even swerve/crab drive is being considered and high traction wheels.

[Akash Rastogi]

I def. don't see this game as a place for tank drives. turning+more turning+tank drive= bulky and unmaneuverable robot. Omni and mecanum drives the way to go this year. Lots of turning+omni/mecanum drive =

Then there's holonomic...crabdrive...and we liked the "beastdrive" (crab)

Here's a great PPT all about omni-drive systems. I don't totally agree with some of the advantages and disadvantages but its full of great info.

http://www.firstroboticscanada.org/s...irectional.pdf

Have fun!

[kSniper]

Thank you XxMortTeam11xX I will d/l that pp and view it, perhaps show it to the team....the more opinions and information I can gather the better

And Yea, tank drive seems like a pretty undesirable way to go this year....there are a few reasons why a team might want to use it but the other methods seem to have more going for them.....

Oh One more Question that I would like specifically answered......I read somewhere on ChiefDelphi that the Rubber Mecanums (sorry if mispelled) do not get good traction on carpet, is this true? I would have thought that because they are rubber they would get better traction then non rubber, I mean naturally less pushing power then tank or crab but the rubber I would think should help? Could be wrong though!