Q1. In order to correctly mount the sprockets on the motor shafts, there appears to be a “woodruff key” and maybe a “spacer”? or something that slides over the shaft? For some reason, our guys can’t seem to find them in the kit of parts. Are we out in left field on this one? How do we actually mount the sprockets (2 wheel drive version) to the transmissions?
Q2. What type (and how much) of lubrication is best for the transmission gears?
Thanks,
Murf
Rookie Team 1529 
we are cutting small bits of pvc for ours… we dont have any metal tube atm, but we will probably cut soem metal spacers.
I’m sure other people will have different opinions, but I’d just use a small amount of any kind of grease you have around, like car front suspension grease, wheel bearing grease, or whatever. There would be a little less power loss at high speed using oil or very “light” grease, but the difference would be very small. The power loss from “shearing” the lubricant is much smaller with these Atwood motor applications than with the higher rpm drill and FP motor applications. Unless you run your robot where it is really sandy, you should get a season’s use from the kit transmissions with about any kind of lubricant.
I would reccomend just a drop of light oil (model train) on the bearings, bearings can freeze. As for the gears, you are probably ok, but, we usually use just a touch of synthetic white grease, fairly light.
Right, like white lithium grease, much lighter than the heavy wheel bearing grease and can aso be found at any auto parts store.
I believe the PVC spacers are used on the 5" Axle Bolts. Those are not the “spacers” that I was referring to. What I was really trying to ask about was the spacers or collets or collars??? that appear to slide over the woodruff keys on the transmission motor shafts. In other words, how do we actually mount the sprockets (2 wheel drive version) to the transmission shafts? Could we be missing these parts? We have the two sprockets that afix to the motor shafts, as well as the two woodruff keys, but there appears to be something else we need? Thanks, Murf
Are you talking about the black spacer? Because if you are, then my team is also missing that piece.
Neither of you is missing a part.
This component was NOT included in the KOP and must be fabricated.
http://www.ifirobotics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=122
JV
Thanks! <By the way, I realized later that I kept describing the location of the “mystery part” incorrectly - it’s NOT on the actual motor shaft, but rather the spindle protruding from the transmission housing.> Thanks for not making me feel like a dummy! :rolleyes:
adding to the discussion, what has everyone been using for axles? i know they didnt come in the kit.
The chassis is designed such that teams may use a 3/8" Bolt as a wheel axle.