Peter Wallers Robot Ramblings

[Rapidrory]

Would there be a way of integrating some thread or something into the tracks to stop them from stretching?

[peterwaller]

I had some thoughts along those lines, the main two problems I could see was holding them in place while it sets and it does need to stretch some to be able to fit it over the rims.
I am just moulding a much thicker track to see if is better and if I redesign the non driven track wheel I should be able to make it captive on the shaft.

[Andrew_Hibberd]

I haven't tried it but my idea was the make the track in a big round mould with the tread on the outside and teeth on the inside. Possibly using some thread to give some internal support. Standard rollers on the motors and free end. The mould size then adjusts the tension.

[peterwaller]

Thats about what I have done except the thread but making it thickers seems a lot better except I can't test it deflea now as it is too thick.

[peterwaller]

Made a new mould this time thin enough to fit deflea and with much finer tread pattern.
Here is the first track second in the mould now.

Here is the mould.

Just got to redesign the idler wheel and I should be able to test them under load conditions which is where they may well stretch.

[peterwaller]

Here is comparison of Deflea with original tracks which are going off a bit and the new moulded tracks.
You cant really compare the figures with my chart as with the curve of the scoop you get a lot of down force.
Old tracks
http://youtu.be/KAc8hGRQy0I
New soft moulded tracks
http://youtu.be/GRCHXT-DpXA

[earthwormjim]

BIG difference between the two, good job Peter.Promising results.

[razerdave]

I'm impressed by the difference! Nice work Pete .

[playzooki]

Makes a lot of difference, nice job!

[peterwaller]

I have modified the idler wheels so they are now captive but there is still a problem with the tracks coming off when turning.
I am looking at making the tracks a little sorter to add a bit of tension and maybe add a flange on the side.
If that fails I might have to add some thread or strands of fibreglass into the track
Here it is just about at its limit on a 55 dgree slope.
http://youtu.be/beDju7K_PpA