[FTC]: Rookie Team- Any Tips?

[Deliah_Duck]

Hello! I'm a rep. of team 6945, and it's our first year.
I have a few questions, and will gladly accept any pointers you can give :)

First, i've read "if your robot is physically capable of holding more than 15 balls in its main mechanisms, you will not pass inspection." Does this mean it could FIT 15 balls, or HOLD 15 balls?

Also, we are using LVLM, so any canned programs would be appriciated.

Thanks!
Dee

[Siri]

Hello! I'm a rep. of team 6945, and it's our first year.
I have a few questions, and will gladly accept any pointers you can give :)

First, i've read "if your robot is physically capable of holding more than 15 balls in its main mechanisms, you will not pass inspection." Does this mean it could FIT 15 balls, or HOLD 15 balls?

Also, we are using LVLM, so any canned programs would be appriciated.

Thanks!
DeeWelcome to CD! Happy to help.

Unfortunately, the rule you quote is from the 2011-2012 game (Bowled Over (http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/uploadedFiles/Robotics_Programs/FTC/Game_Info/2011/Bowled-Over-Game-Manual_Rev(5).pdf)). Assuming you're playing FTC officially, this season is the 2013-2014 game, Block Party (http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/game). This year's game doesn't have that rule--in fact, it doesn't use balls at all.

Hope that helps and you didn't go too far down the 2011-2012 game road! Feel free to keep asking.

[Deliah_Duck]

Thank you! I saw it originally in a recently posted forum reply, so I was pretty confused.

Thanks Again!

[ksafin]

Hints? I can go on and on and on!

But here's some main pointers..

1) Axle collars get stripped set screws all the time. Have spares.
2) You'll be surprised how many axle hubs you'll use- they're very useful. Have spares.
3) Depending on how you use motors, you may need more. Have spares if needed.
4) If you can, switch the connector on the battery for Anderson Power Poles - much more secure and robust than the initial connector.
5) Look into new wheels, it's a great addition to this years rules.
6) keep your wires neat - I can't tell you how many times that's been a problem.
7) Have a 9 volt battery so you can test some basic mechanisms without having to program it or annoyingly touch wires from a 12v; unless you have an easy way to do so, in which case, by all means!

[pyroslev]

4) If you can, switch the connector on the battery for Anderson Power Poles - much more secure and robust than the initial connector.
!

I'd go so far as to say to use them for all critical connections.

Also be aware of static electricity. To that end, refer to this well hidden document on the FTC page.
http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/uploadedImages/Robotics_Programs/FTC/Team_Resources/ESD_Protection.pdf