omni wheels

I have had several discussions with andy befor ei even posted this about mecanum wheels :P, my origional plan was to use 4 mecanum wheels , but they are a lot more fragile than omni wheels and cant support nearly as much weight , they are mega mega expensive and theres no way to build them efectively . and also a system with 4 omni wheels is a lot easier to ontrol with out designing your own controller or using a4 channels. So i definitely want to sue omni wheels :D .i have found some really grippy ones in america so i might just have to get them off ebay or something.

And my plan for the omni wheels is to use 4 in a square configuration , so 1 on each side but not on 45 degrees. Ill find a picture :).

You can get omniwheels from RS, but they are only plastic and are only suitable for feathers - and would definitely not take a hit from anything spinning. I bought 2 pairs of 50mm to put in Mini Mighty Mouse, not got round to it yet though

Here is a link - http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/sear ... &x=25&y=13

The omniwheels on Meggamouse are aluminium and very tough, thanks to Leo, who saved me a few quid. As to their efectiveness, they replaced rubber wheels and has improved the turning ability and are a better setup than castors as they are chain driven from the rear wheels.

If anyone is interested is looking at them I will put them in the toolbox for Maidstone.

Trev

I wouldn't trust those 48mm ones. A loading of 50N (just under 5kg)? I wouldnt trust that one a featherweight even if you have them doubled up.

The 80mm ones doubled up might work well, a load of 250N each, doubled up and id be happy to run them (protected of course) in a feather

thanks trev, The 80 mm wheels siund great :). One thing though, as youve used tehm, do you need to double them up to get smooth turning ?

They will not work unless they are paired, they lock together 60degrees apart and this gives a full smooth diameter. If you try one on it's own it will give you a lumpy ride.

The 2 pairs of 50mm I bought are well made but cannot comment on their strength as I have not used them yet, but as long as they are protected they should be suitable for a feather.

Ultimately one day I may use 4 banks of 6 or 8 in a cross formation driven by 4 motors. No idea whether it would be effective or not, but should be fun to drive.

I just lo9ve the idea of evading opponents side ways :P. As soon as funds are sufficvient i shall begin buying bits and start a build diary :).

Aussie bot Sidewinder is an omnibot
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1.../4-6-06004.jpg
There is a lot of information in the builders thread on the RoboWars forum, especially with testing different wheels and designs.
http://robowars.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=428

thanks :). Very helpfull but iam building a 4 wheeled bot for ease of driving.:)