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Drill Motor

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This entry describes the drill motors included in the 2003 and 2004 kit of parts. Earlier drill motors had a smaller shaft and were not as powerful.

Drill (Skill Bosch) Motor

Stall current: 127 amps
Stall torque: 7.70 in-lb
Max power: 376 watts
Free speed: 19,670 rpm

Two drill motors and gearboxes were included with every kit of parts. The drill motor, along with the CIM motor, are the two most powerful motors included by a significant margin. One of the two basic skid steer drive trains included in the kit of parts utilizes one drill motor on each side of the robot.

Included gearbox

The drill motor is provided with the accompanying gearbox in the portable drill that the motor comes from. It is a planetary gearbox with two gears with ratios of ratio here and here. The gearbox has a torque limiting clutch that can be set to disengage the gearbox from its output shaft at a certain torque. Additionally, the gearbox has two small pins that stop backdrive on the motor, but they can easily be removed.

Usage Notes

  • Many teams use the Drill motors on their drive train because of its high power output, easy to use mounts, and accompanying gearbox that provides a large enough reduction.
  • If the drill gearbox’s torque limiter is used (not set to “drill”), robots may have jerky control, making it very difficult to drive. After a little practice, switching over to direct drive could be the solution. It risks burning out your motor if it stalls, but makes it much easier to control.