Design Calculators

Getting Started

To use the following calculators, you need to have a rough idea of what the subsystem or mechanism will be. These calculators will not solve the design problems for you, however they will ensure you are using the parts properly.

Using the calculators is an iterative process meaning that you have to make tradeoffs between the perfect distance that you need in the mechanism and what is physically possible with the parts and pieces we use.

Chain Sprocket Spacing

ReCalc has a straight forward chain calculator that can be used to determine the desired sprocket center to center distance based on the ideal distance and sprockets being used.

We have standardized on using #25 chain for most applications. If higher load capacity is needed, #35 chain can be used.

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Chain Calculator

Belt Pulley Spacing

All the theory behind calculating belt spacing and visualizations can be read on WCP's documentation page here:

Belts & Pulleys | FRC Build System | Welcomedocs.wcproducts.com

ReCalc has a belt calculator created for easily determining:

• What belt length to use based on ideal center to center distance and pulley diameters

• What center to center distance to use based on selecting a specific belt and set of pulleys

Care must be taken to ensure you are using the calculator for belts that we have in stock or can easily acquire. We have standardized on HTD belts which have a 5mm pitch.

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Belt Calculator

Mechanism Calculators

Linear (Elevator) Mechanism

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Linear Mechanism Calculator

Rotary (Arm) Mechanism

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Arm Calculator

Flywheel (Shooter) Mechanism

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Flywheel Calculator

Gear Ratio Finder

Once you have found the ideal gear ratio with a mechanism calculator, you can use this gear ratio finder to help identify sets of gears that will acheive the ideal reduction.

This finder can work within the constraints of your subsystem or mechanism with the overall space availble.

ReCalcwww.reca.lc

Ratio Finder