FIRST Robotics 2014

The 2014 season of the FIRST Robotics Competition is in full swing. Don't forget to visit www.Gates.com/FIRST to order free parts and view our helpful resources.

Good luck!

Pulley Face Width Offset With The EZ Align Tool

The EZ Align belt drive alignment tool is easy to use and provides accurate and effective results.  While mounting and set up is generally straight forward, it may be necessary at times to offset the reflector or transmitter to compensate for differing sprocket/sheave face widths.  An example of this is aligning synchronous belt drive systems with a flanged driver sprocket and an unflanged driven sprocket.  The face width of unflanged sprockets is greater than flanged sprockets, so spacing the reflector outward from the motor sprocket is necessary to place the center target line in the appropriate location.  This way the narrower driver sprocket can be appropriately centered with respect to the wider driven sprocket.

An offset kit containing 1/2" and 3/4” thick offset brackets is available as an optional accessory.  These brackets attach to EZ Align reflectors or transmitters via. magnetic attraction.  The amount of offset, however, may be greater than necessary.

For finer offset adjustments, thin rare earth disk type magnets can be very useful.  Disk magnets can be placed directly onto the EZ Align magnets for incremental offsetting while maintaining similar mounting strength.  For more correction, simply add additional disk magnets.

Amazing Magnets is a convenient source for powerful rare earth magnets like this.  Some standard sizes to consider are 1/2” dia. x 3/32 thick” (D094D), 1/2” dia. x 1/8” thick (D125D) and 1/2” dia. x 3/16” thick (D188D).  To order or for further information about these magnets, contact Amazing Magnets at 888-727-327 or https://www.amazingmagnets.com.

For questions, feel free to contact Gates Product Application Engineering at 303-744-5800 or ptpasupport@gates.com.

Still need holiday gift ideas? How about one from Gates!

Are you still looking for those last minute holiday gift ideas?  Here is a great one.  REI has recently started selling a bike from their Novara line called the Arkham.  This belt drive beauty won't fit in your stocking, but would look just right underneath the Christmas tree.  Equipped with a Gates Carbon Drive belt, and a SRAM 3 speed hub, this thing would make anyone a happy commuter.  Check it out here:

http://www.rei.com/product/857591/novara-arkham-bike-2014

BladeRunner Belts

A lot of people call us looking for specialty length BladeRunner Belts.  Unfortunately this is not usually an option.  BladeRunner are OEM specific belts, and usually made to special lengths, or even special constructions that cannot be replaced with other off the shelf belt lines.  This is also why the part number is not a description of the belt's dimensions.  The best potential option for replacement of non-standard size BladeRunner belts are our PoweRated line of belts.  However, these belts are typically only offered in inch increments, and not in as long of options as some of the BladeRunner series.  Knowing this issue may help if you are trying to redesign any part of your lawn and garden, or low power requirement equipment.

EZ Align Service

Do you have a Gates EZ Align laser alignment tool in need of repair?  If so, we have someone for you to talk to.  Contact Bill Seiffert at Seiffert Industrial for assistance:

Bill Seiffert
Seiffert Industrial
972-671-9465 x 102

HVAC Equipment Inspection

Many air handling drives have structures that are not particularly rigid, which can create belt tension and drive alignment problems resulting in unusual and premature belt wear. Synchronous belts are sensitive to fluctuations in center distance that can be caused by inadequate bracketry. Under start up conditions, an AC motor can be required to provide 150% to 200% of its rated capacity. Synchronous belts cannot slip, and must transmit the higher start-up torque. Under these conditions, the drive center distance may collapse if the

structure is not sufficiently rigid.  With the drive shut off and safely locked out, a simple method to use when

inspecting potential drive conversions is to grab the two belt spans and push them together while observing the motor. If any significant relative change in center distance or motor position is noticed, the drive’s structural strength is most likely insufficient for a simple conversion. The structure would need to be

reinforced to obtain optimum performance from a synchronous belt drive. The best conversion candidates have motors that are mounted solidly on support bracketry that is part of the fan’s structural system. When possible, select synchronous drives with diameters similar to existing V-belt sheave diameters. This will maintain similar belt pulls and loads on the shafts and structure.

Frequency and Tension

Occasionally we get asked about how to calculate tension based on the Sonic Tension Meter frequency measurement.  The STM will calculate tension in pounds or Newtons for you with the proper input, but the math behind it is really pretty simple.  Here's how to do it by hand:

Formula:

T = 4 x M x W x S^2 x f^2 x 10^-9

Where:

T = Belt span tension
M = Belt mass constant
W = Belt width or number of strands
S = Length of the span to be measured
f = Natural frequency of the belt

Make sure to use proper units!