Swerve Training Hub

Overview

This hub guides students through the Team 2890 swerve drivetrain — from how the motor works to how to program autonomous paths. All content is specific to our hardware: SDS MK4i modules, NEO Vortex motors, SPARK Flex controllers, and YAGSL Java library.

Hardware Stack

ComponentSpecDoc
MotorNEO Vortex (565 Kv, 6784 RPM)neo-vortex-motor
ControllerSPARK Flex (60A continuous)spark-flex
GearboxMAXPlanetary (27 ratios, cartridge-based)maxplanetary-gearbox
ModuleSDS MK4i (L1/L3 field-swappable)swere-modules
CAN InterconnectCanjectors (Endz/Minor/Major)canjectors
OdometryCANcoder + YAGSLmothman-robot-code

Learning Path

Level 1 — Motor and Controller

  1. neo-vortex-motor — how the motor works, Kv rating, stall torque
  2. spark-flex — how the controller drives the motor, PWM vs CAN
  3. maxplanetary-gearbox — why we need gears, cartridge ratios

Check for understanding: Explain why a 6784 RPM motor needs reduction to drive a wheel.

Level 2 — Swerve Modules

  1. swere-modules — how the MK4i module translates rotation into motion
  2. L1 vs L3 — when to use each (speed vs. torque)
  3. canjectors — how CAN signals route from roboRIO to each module

Check for understanding: Sketch a swerve module. Label wheel, gear train, motor, steering motor, CANcoder.

Level 3 — Software and Odometry

  1. mothman-robot-code — YAGSL swerve implementation
  2. systemcore — roboRIO replacement coming (understand the platform)
  3. photonvision — AprilTag pose estimation for autonomous

Check for understanding: What’s the difference between wheel odometry and vision pose?

Student Progress

StudentLevelStatusLast Active
brunoLevel 1-2In progress — roller coaster + battery box2026-05-05
rileyLevel 2-3Strong CAD operator, rebuilding climber2026-05-05

Training Resources

Prerequisites

  • Basic Git usage (for cloning YAGSL)
  • Basic Java (for reading/changing robot code)
  • Fusion 360 basics (for understanding CAD if doing mechanical track)

Gaps Detected

MrC monitoring: This hub tracks learning path completion. Gaps surface when:

  • A student is stuck on a concept for >3 days
  • A hub link points to a missing document
  • Student profile shows no progress in 7+ days

Hub managed by MrC. Add students, update progress, link new training modules as they’re created.