What's your favorite part of build season?

[bEdhEd]

I was thinking about what part of build season I like most, and it has to either be the beginning or the end. I like all of build season of course, but I seem to like the middle of build season the least, because for my team, we are usually waiting for something, like shipments, CNC parts, wiring, and coding, and sometimes, the waiting can get boring. I like the beginning and end because at the beginning, that's where all the brainstorming and ideas come together, and at the end is when the robot finally gets finished, and a bunch of teams post their progress and finished product on CD and I get to see what other teams have completed. I love seeing other teams' creations just as much as my own. I'd have to say that the anticipation of seeing what other teams did , and the anticipation of competition season, and possibly competing with the teams i see on CD is why the end of build season is my absolute favorite part.

So, what's your favorite part of build season?

[Chadfrom308]

I would say sleep but that haven't happened In 5 weeks so...

But anyways, I love when we make a cad design and we build a robot that actually looks like the cad design and it all comes together like you planned (first time this year for us)

[Animal Control]

Beginning and the end. The brainstorming and the testing.

[2185Bilal]

for me it would have to be meeting and talking new people, especially the ones that share my passion.

[Peyton Yeung]

Definitely the initial thrill of the game release and the last 2 weeks when we have something that resembles a robot and is functioning.

[Boe]

As the CAD lead my favorite moment is being able to take my computer out into the shop with the CAD open and see the robot and the CAD look (mostly) the same.

[sergioCorral842]

Finally getting the chance to test code.

[Jacob Bendicksen]

There's usually a week in there somewhere where we're working on Chairman's, everything is coming together, and it's the best feeling in the world.

[cadandcookies]

Sitting there at kickoff waiting for the game release, and that initial surge of ideas and analysis and enthusiasm. There's no rush quite like post-kickoff game analysis sessions.

Second is submitting Chairman's-- there's nothing quite like the sigh of relief after you have it in.

After that, seeing our first machined parts and assembly-- at that point where I've finished my work in CAD and I get to see the entire robot coming to life.

[dellagd]

Finally getting the chance to test code.

You mean your first competition?

Just kidding, our controls department has traditionally complained about the time they get, but this year it seems they might have ~week to test/practice.



As for me, when we finally have everything figured out, and its just a matter of work hours to get it all done. That being said, my second favorite is when we actually finish said work :P

[starbound1332]

KICKOFF!!!!!!!🎉

[DonRotolo]

The parts before the beginning and after the end.

[BBray_T1296]

Just after Champs and you realize how you should have built your robot

[Joseph Smith]

For me, the best part of build season is always seeing a machine with all systems working together, usually during the last week. To see this thing you slaved over for weeks finally drive and score and do everything it was designed to do makes it all worthwhile.

[Whippet]

For me, the best part of build season is always seeing a machine with all systems working together, usually during the last week. To see this thing you slaved over for weeks finally drive and score and do everything it was designed to do makes it all worthwhile.

Wait, yours actually do stuff?!? :eek:

[DampRobot]

Prototyping, detailed design, milling, and iteration. Wait, isn't that like pretty much all of build season?

[Joseph Smith]

Wait, yours actually do stuff?!? :eek:

Somehow, it always ends up doing things. I can't for the life of me figure out how though.

[Chadfrom308]

Finally getting the chance to test code.

Wait you guys do that in build season?!?!? More like first match for us::ouch:: :rolleyes:

[Squeakypig]

The first time auton runs successfully. Best feeling ever. (even if it is a fluke)

ESPECIALLY when you don't have to say "Why is it going backwards?" after the first attempt.

[nlknauss]

Detailing and integrating systems, so basically seeing it all come together.

Spending time with the team is up there too!

Nate

[Justin Montois]

The first week and the last week.

:)

[Alan Anderson]

It's hard to choose. I'll say Saturday lunch, with late nights on Chief Delphi as a close second.

[RamZ]

Wait you guys do that in build season?!?!? More like first match for us::ouch:: :rolleyes:

Two words: Practice bot.
:P

[sergioCorral842]

Two words: Practice bot.
:P

Correct Answer. :p

[Michael Hill]

Though technically not part of build season, it's the day after bag day.

[waialua359]

The first week and the last week.

:)

Same for me except 2000, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2013 for the last week part.:(

[Kevin Ray]

My favorite part is when you've found that "Ah-ha" moment that defines your particular robot. It's the time during either modeling, prototyping or modifications to a semifinal iteration when you KNOW that you've got what you think will be competitive. It becomes the moment when I feel that I can start sleeping well at night without worrying unnecessarily.

[Koko Ed]

The beginning. It's like Christmas.

[Gregor]

Competition season. :rolleyes:

[wasayanwer97]

This is like choosing the best song on your favorite album... I love build as a whole.

Highlight moments:

KICKOFF!!!! And the horrible feeling of disappointment when it's not a water game. :( I still remember how during 2013 kickoff in San Jose, half the room was like "WOAAAAHHH" when the game was unveiled. :p
That moment where you realize your strategy and robot design and get to it.
When the first prototype works.
The first time you test your drivetrain.
All the laughable moments with your team. From the stupid jokes to the random things sleep depived teammates do.
Competition. Nothing beats being on the field, adrenaline pumping and all as you're about to start a match. As a coach, I have yet to find a place and time so energized and chaotic yet focused and calm at the same time. The feeling is indescribable.

[TheKeeg]

The design and testing.

[Canon reeves]

1. Kickoff
2. Opening parts boxes on week 2 or 3, it's like Christmas but better!
3. Competition
4. Driving a robot!!!!!!111

[raptaconehs]

The time when the Bot works.

[kmusa]

Watching students as they experience their "Eureka" moments, regardless if it translates to progress on the robot.

-Karlis

[Damiaen_Florian]

Probably right after programming is finished and you get to see your robot score or gather the game piece for the first time, I think that all teams hold a special place in their heart for the time they first see their robot do what it was designed to do.

[RamZ]

Probably right after programming is finished and you get to see your robot score or gather the game piece for the first time, I think that all teams hold a special place in their heart for the time they first see their robot do what it was designed to do.
Oh god, yes. I'm still waiting for our practice bot to be done, but I remember the smile on my face when I saw our robot drive for the first time last year. :D

[bEdhEd]

Just after Champs and you realize how you should have built your robot

I do the same thing!

[Mongai]

Team parents are encouraged to provide meals during work days. Everyone looks forward to supper.

[E Dawg]

That new robot smell.

[Chadfrom308]

Two words: Practice bot.
:P


I think we are going to try and build one this year, we have the frame for it

[Caity_Dawh1730]

I started this year knowing absolutely nothing about robots, machines, CAD, or programming. My awesome team 1730 welcomed me in and taught me so much. Now I am even teaching others things, and others who once taught me are asking me about the robot and parts that belong on it!
I love watching everyone work together to build our robot. We have worked so hard. I don't think I have ever seen a group of people (students) work so hard and together, and the result be a product that shows all that hard, dedicated work. I am proud to call myself a member of Team Driven 1730!
:D

[MelodyPond]

Definitely collaborating with other teams. The friendships we make each year between teams are priceless! Oh, and the dancing. My team loves to dance in the shop! (We wear safety glasses ;) Don't worry!)

[RamZ]

I think we are going to try and build one this year, we have the frame for it

It's much better than waiting until your first event.
It saves the time before competing of "Okay, let's figure out how to do everything."
You can plan all your tactics ahead of time, and possibly have some scrimmages with other teams.

[AustinH]

Seeing banner ads for pool noodles. In February.

In all seriousness though, sit-down home cooked meals every night of build season has been fantastic.

[Ryan Caldwell]

Anytime during the build season in which I can sleep for more than a couple hours...that's definitely my favorite.