Simple Weight test using Rotacaster multi-directional wheels.

[Burf2000]

So I was lucky enough to win a set of 3 of these off Botbench.com in last months competition.

As I build big, I wanted to know what kind of weight these could move under normal XL motors. Nothing fancy, just a simple test.

I am pretty impressed with the 15 minute moc platform and how much it moved. I am pretty sure with some gearing I would get well over 20KG.

The wheels can take 35kg each, however I doubt the Lego axels can. Did someone mention metal axels? :)

For more info on the wheels, visit http://www.rotacaster.com.au/robotics-wheels.html

[timslegos]

very impressive build. it is a shame that those wheels are so expensive.

tim

[Burf2000]

I do see your point however there still cheaper than some of the rarer Lego wheels e.g Hailfire Droid wheels and Power Puller :) If your interested in getting some, maybe worth dropping them an email.

[KEvron]

does it come with cup holders?

(i'm gonna get endless mileage outta that gag!)

KEvron

Edited December 8, 2011 by KEvron

[Alasdair Ryan]

does it come with cup holders?

(i'm gonna get endless mileage outta that gag!)

KEvron

No i don't think so

Why don't you use a technic turntable with some small 'city wheels' in it?

[Burf2000]

I can add a cup holder if required lol

[asielen]

How is maneuverability and speed with the wheels? Do they have good traction or do they tend to spin out with faster speeds (or slippery surfaces)?

[Burf2000]

The outer rings on the wheels are soft rubber so stick really well. I would not use these wheels for drifting lol. The speed at which the vehicle moves without load is pretty quick and manoeuvrability is very good.

If there is something you want me to test, let me know

[AussieJimbo]

Nice little demonstrator. It can certainly move a lot of weight.

The Rotacaster wheels look nice and solid with lots of potential.

http://www.rotacaster.com.au/robotics-wheels.html

http://www.rotacaster.com.au/shop/category/cat10325/Rotacaster_Robotic_Wheels_Lego_NXT_Compatible.html

:classic:

[Ape Fight]

Thank you so much for this!! Not so much for the wheels, but for showing what XL motors can do;

I have a model that weighs 4.5KG, powered by 4 XLs motors. These were geared down twice, from 8 tooth to 24 tooth, and again 8 tooth to 24 tooth, and yet I was busting cogs and even twisted (like a corkscrew!) two 5 long axels that were held in place every other stud. I thought I'd exceeded what Lego was capable of, but then I saw this and wondered why my model was smashing pieces and yet this, weighing 3 times as much, was fine.

It turns out I had wildly underestimated the torque of XL motors, and geared them down so much they had enough twisting force to simply twist bricks to pieces.

I've now removed one set of cogs gearing the model down - and it runs beautifully. No busted bricks so far, and it's so much faster it's a joy to drive! Awesome stuff : )

Thanks again

[Burf2000]

Thank you so much for this!! Not so much for the wheels, but for showing what XL motors can do;

I have a model that weighs 4.5KG, powered by 4 XLs motors. These were geared down twice, from 8 tooth to 24 tooth, and again 8 tooth to 24 tooth, and yet I was busting cogs and even twisted (like a corkscrew!) two 5 long axels that were held in place every other stud. I thought I'd exceeded what Lego was capable of, but then I saw this and wondered why my model was smashing pieces and yet this, weighing 3 times as much, was fine.

It turns out I had wildly underestimated the torque of XL motors, and geared them down so much they had enough twisting force to simply twist bricks to pieces.

I've now removed one set of cogs gearing the model down - and it runs beautifully. No busted bricks so far, and it's so much faster it's a joy to drive! Awesome stuff : )

Thanks again

Hey there, I have learned similar lesson building big robots. With XL motors you need short axels and I try for direct drive. However if I need to use cogs, I use at least 2 sets in parallel per motor else things just break!

They are amazing motors, my next robot will hopefully use 4 per track :)

[Ape Fight]

Hey there, I have learned similar lesson building big robots. With XL motors you need short axels and I try for direct drive. However if I need to use cogs, I use at least 2 sets in parallel per motor else things just break!

They are amazing motors, my next robot will hopefully use 4 per track :)

I realised that one pretty quick too! My cogs are doubled, and also have pins pushed through where possible to take the load off the central cross hole. I just never realised that XLs don't really need gearing down to any large degree, as they're so torquey anyway, until you posted that video : ) Great job

[Burf2000]

Glad it was helpful!