Shifting X-Drive

[bobsalive]

Originally Posted by JoeG

The math checks out. An N-motor, Y-ratio "X" drive will move faster than an N-motor, Y-ratio tank drive. However, this is a little bit misleading. For a single speed system, you loose signifigant amounts of torque in the "X" drive. Therefore, the N-motor tank drive can be safely geared faster than the N-motor "X" drive, cancelling out the difference if we're talking about two separate robots.

Of course we're not saying you can just get magic speed out of nowhere! You can drive in x when you need speed or strafe (and torque doesn't matter as much), and then switch to tank when you need torque closer to the end of the match where you might need to push against another robot.

[MarkO]

Originally Posted by JoeG

<< SNIP >>

Cool shifting concept though! Reminds me of this. I wonder if a similar linkage system could be applied to reduce the number of cylinders/air consumption required.

Ah yes, Vex's Big Brother, the IFI, FRC Robot Controller with the PIC 18F8722 Microcontroller.

[dontworryaboutit]

You could always use the swerve drive kits and power all 4 wheels' rotation by one motor via lots of chain and some gears. That way you could really get a continuous transmission.