Drive motor options

**Liftoff** · 13th November 2013, 16:42

Just landed a couple of min ago, and having nothing to do on a 3hr flight I got myself through a lot of immaginative thinking regarding gearboxes etc...and got this idea of a compact planetary gearbox which could stay inside a wheel. ..have to think about this some more, put it into writing and make some sketches before I forget.
Will explain myself better when I get a clearer idea myself of what I'm talking about!

Originally Posted by RogueTwoRobots

I think 720 uses the 16:1s with 775 motors, this will give you a rough idea of speed

Wow! thats seriously fast!...hmm...to be honest I think I like the idea of something that goes that fast!

Ellis, the wheels are 64mm in dia but with the track on, the effective dia becomes 74mm so that's close to your estimate. Regarding the added stresses on the tracks on skidding sideways, you're probably right...but they ain't going nowhere. The way they're mounted now its impossible to throw a track off...so might as well give it a try! Honestly I doubt it will side slip much with tracks, they're quite grippy!

The sabretooth, well if statistically it should be able to drive both motors I'll go ahead and use it, useless having it there to gather on dust! It's more honourable for it to die in battle!

**maddox10** · 13th November 2013, 20:20

Originally Posted by Liftoff

and got this idea of a compact planetary gearbox which could stay inside a wheel. ..have to think about this some more, put it into writing and make some sketches before I forget.
Will explain myself better when I get a clearer idea myself of what I'm talking about!

Skyfall uses that idea, as well Firestarter (Dutch Feather using Astroflight motors). And that's the current feathers.

Project One and Two used the same idea a decade ago.

**Liftoff** · 13th November 2013, 22:08

Originally Posted by maddox10

Skyfall uses that idea, as well Firestarter (Dutch Feather using Astroflight motors). And that's the current feathers.

Project One and Two used the same idea a decade ago.

Good, saves me the thinking! Any links to the gearboxes?

Another thing, was discussing the options for the motors with my brother (he's more knowledgeable on electrics than I am) and mentioned brushless motors, are they suitable for combat robots? The main issue I see is gearing them down to a reasonable speed, but otherwise they seem to be smaller lighter and more powerful to their brushed counterparts....
I know I'm asking too much, but while I'm at it I prefer to evaluate all options to make an informed decision and save myself from ordering needless or wrong parts!