Things to bring to an event

[EDesbiens]

Hey everyone!

As a member (the only one :ahh: ) of a rookie team, I find it difficult to prepare for the competition... I am trying to list what should be brought but I am sure I forget important things/documents... Could you help me creating a list of important things to bring?

Here is what I currently bring :

The robot (duh!)
The bumpers (reduh!)
Team standard
Pit decorations
Cart
Batteries
Game pieces
Bag and tags
Controllers
Bag and tag form
Team rooster (not very long!)
Entrepreneurship document

What other documents should we bring?


Tools (Wont list all of them... What are the most important to bring?)
Spare material (To repair or build new stuff)

Metal (Whatever you are using)
Wires
Fuses
Spare motors
Nuts, bolts and stuff...



And, the most important part of all

Duct tape
WD-40


Thanks for your help!

[Andrew Schreiber]

Deodorant
Tooth Brush/Toothpaste
Body Wash
Shampoo
Changes of Clothes for Days + 1
Changes of Undergarments for Days + 1
Changes of Socks for Days + 1

[CalTran]

Spare electronics. Kids these days have much more resilient controllers (My day was Jaguars and Victors and all open case :p) but it's still possible to see them fail. If they do, you'll want a ready replacement.

Also, zip ties. Lots and lots of zip ties in all manner of sizes.

[GeeTwo]

There is a checklist in the back of the admin manual. It doesn't cover the personal items, but it is rather comprehensive on team things to bring.

[ATannahill]

If it was not filled out online you need to bring consent and release forms.

In addition to what you listed you need the following:

Safety glasses
Good walking/standing shoes
Driver station console (with laptop running the newest driver station software)
Common sense
A sense of humor

In regards to tools, I suggest a small flat head screw driver for your electrical board and a long ethernet or usb A to B cable to tether with.

You mentioned game pieces. So you know, the game pieces for the actual matches are provided by FIRST. (I know this sound obvious, but I have had to tell teams that they didn't need to bring their litter pool noodles to the field.)

[EDesbiens]

There is a checklist in the back of the admin manual. It doesn't cover the personal items, but it is rather comprehensive on team things to bring.

Didn't see that one, thanks!

Deodorant
Tooth Brush/Toothpaste
Body Wash
Shampoo
Changes of Clothes for Days + 1
Changes of Undergarments for Days + 1
Changes of Socks for Days + 1

That's pretty basic!


Spare electronics. Kids these days have much more resilient controllers (My day was Jaguars and Victors and all open case ) but it's still possible to see them fail. If they do, you'll want a ready replacement.

Also, zip ties. Lots and lots of zip ties in all manner of sizes.

I remember having to buy tons of jaguars :ahh:
And zip ties should be in my important part!

[EDesbiens]

If it was not filled out online you need to bring consent and release forms.

In addition to what you listed you need the following:

Safety glasses
Good walking/standing shoes
Driver station console (with laptop running the newest driver station software)
Common sense
A sense of humor

In regards to tools, I suggest a small flat head screw driver for your electrical board and a long ethernet or usb A to B cable to tether with.

You mentioned game pieces. So you know, the game pieces for the actual matches are provided by FIRST. (I know this sound obvious, but I have had to tell teams that they didn't need to bring their litter pool noodles to the field.)

I updated my Driver Station last week... Almost forgot to do it! But if my controllers are not up to date, what should I do?

And, I know game pieces are provided! But if I want something to play with on the practice field, I need to bring boulders!

[Sperkowsky]

I updated my Driver Station last week... Almost forgot to do it! But if my controllers are not up to date, what should I do?

And, I know game pieces are provided! But if I want something to play with on the practice field, I need to bring boulders!
Yes bring a boulder or 2.

Remember to update everything before you leave the event or at least download it.
DS, Labview, Java, your PDB, PCM, RIO, ect

Your controllers do not require an update or FRC specific software at all.

[EDesbiens]

I went looking for the list GeeTwo mentionned... Here it is if someone is curious/lazy...

TOOL BOX ITEMS

■ Ball driver set / nut driver set
■ Batteries and Charger
■ Box cutter
■ Broom (small, for team Pit cleanup)
■ Cable ties / connectors / rubber bands
■ C-Clamp, large, medium, small
■ Cutters
■ Deburring tool
■ Dremel tool/accessories
■ Drill - cordless w/charger
■ Drill bit set
■ Flashlight
■ Glue, super and/or glue stick
■ Hacksaw and blades
■ Hammer (ball peen & brass)
■ Heat gun
■ Leatherman-type tool
■ Level, small
■ Lithium grease, spray can
■ Magnet on a stick
■ Paint brush
■ Pliers - large, small, needle nose assort.
■ Power outlet strip/extension cord (2)
■ Power screwdriver
■ Saber saw/wood & metal blades
■ Sandpaper - various grits
■ Screws - nuts - washers
■ Screw driver assortment, flat and
■ Phillips
■ Shrink tubing
■ Socket set – 1/4”, 3/8” drive
■ Soldering iron (electric), solder, wick, flux
■ Spare parts
■ Square - small, medium
■ Tap & die set/assorted taps
■ Tape
■ Clear
■ Electrical
■ masking
■ Tape measure / ruler
■ Tin snips
■ Tweezers / scissors
■ USB stick/drive
■ Vice grip - large, small
■ Volt meter
■ WD-40 / lithium grease, spray can
■ Wire terminal crimpers / Wire strippers
■ Work gloves- several pairs
■ Wrenches, Allen, crescent, open and box
■ X-Acto type knife and blades

ADDITIONAL ITEMS

■ Banners - Corporate signs & flags for team Pit
■ Camera and film, disposable
■ Cart for moving robot
■ Drop light
■ Epoxy
■ File folder box for paperwork
■ Hand truck
■ Laptop / software / cables / discs
■ Manual and updates
■ Medical Release Forms
■ Message board - dry erase marker set
■ Notepads / spiral notebook / clipboard
■ Paper / Sticky Notes
■ Paper towels and paper cups
■ Pens / pencils / sharpies / markers
■ Portable printer
■ Release form for each person, completed
■ Seat(s) for team Pit (small, foldable)
■ Schedule to set up and break down team Pit
■ Spray cleaner
■ Stapler / staples
■ Storage box / bins- trinkets & trash (buttons)
■ Team roster and contact information
■ Trash can (small) / trash bags
■ Plastic zip type bags

PERSONAL ITEMS

■ Alcohol Prep Pads / First Aid Tape
■ Anti-Nausea or Diarrhea Medication
■ Cough Drops / Sore Throat Medicine
■ Eye Wash And Drops
■ Facial Tissues/ Cotton Balls / Wet Cloths/
■ Feminine Products
■ First Aid Kit - Band-Aids / Blister Kit / Ice Pack
■ Hand Sanitizer / Liquid Soap
■ Insect Sting Medicine / Insect Repellent
■ OTC Pain Medication; i.e., Aspirin, etc…
■ Safety Glasses
■ Sewing Kit (Small)
■ Sunscreen / Sunburn Spray / Aloe Vera Gel

[EricH]

If you bring game pieces, clearly label them with your team number. This helps keep them off the field if you forget they're in your robot, and helps them find their way home if you loan them out.

[Gregor]

Team rooster (not very long!)


I love my team rooster! :rolleyes:

http://www.baildonmethodists.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/rooster.jpg

[EDesbiens]

Yes bring a boulder or 2.
Your controllers do not require an update or FRC specific software at all.

I meant motor controllers!

So I can download the updates before the event and install them there?

[EDesbiens]

I love my team rooster! :rolleyes:

http://www.baildonmethodists.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/rooster.jpg

I really thought this was the way to spell it! :yikes:

[GreyingJay]

Depending on the complexity of your robot you can be a little judicious about what tools and raw materials you bring to the pit. Remember there's (very) limited space there.

Some teams do the "kitchen sink" approach and bring giant tool chests filled with tools and fasteners and spares. "Just in case" you decide to cobble together something completely new and unexpected, or complete a repair you weren't planning on. You will also be the best friend of any other team who needs that one obscure part or tool.

You could also pack only the things you're likely to need. If you've standardized on 1/4-20 and 10-32 fasteners, do you need to bring your team's entire 400-piece socket set, or could you get by with a far more portable 50-piece set?

Don't forget to bring a nice long Ethernet cable (15-25 feet) for use in your pit or in the practice field - wireless connections are not allowed. I would suggest bringing several in case you accidentally snap off the little locking pin on the RJ-45 connector.

Don't forget the most important thing: buttons to hand out :D

[GreyingJay]

So I can download the updates before the event and install them there?

Update your driver station laptop before you get there. I presume you can't update your RoboRio, CANTalons, etc. because they're currently in a bag, but get the firmware files ready on your PC and know exactly how to do the firmware update so that you can do it quickly when you get there.

(Hint: I would do it BEFORE they ask you to flash your robot radio to competition firmware, because there is a chance you will struggle with connection and IP issues afterward. You will fix any such issues eventually, but you will be much less stressed if you have already done the updating beforehand.

The goal is to go as quickly as possible from unbagging the robot to being fully inspected and ready to compete on the practice field.

[EDesbiens]

Don't forget the most important thing: buttons to hand out :D

But... Buttons are expensive to buy from another team! So is a machine to make them... And, how can I have the time to make them myself?!? :ahh: Anyone wants to gift some?

[EDesbiens]

Update your driver station laptop before you get there. I presume you can't update your RoboRio, CANTalons, etc. because they're currently in a bag, but get the firmware files ready on your PC and know exactly how to do the firmware update so that you can do it quickly when you get there.


I tried to connect to them but the ethernet cable wont go through plastic! ::ouch::

I'll try to get every firmware update ready then... Should have thought about that during build season!

[GreyingJay]

But... Buttons are expensive to buy from another team! So is a machine to make them... And, how can I have the time to make them myself?!? :ahh: Anyone wants to gift some?

Hahaha!

Probably too late then for this regional but here are a few Canadian suppliers we have used, that have good prices for buttons:

sixcentpress.com
buttonbros.com

[vhcook]

Do not forget your robot lockup form.

[EDesbiens]

Do not forget your robot lockup form.

Do you have ideas of other important documents to bring?

[Drakxii]

Do you have ideas of other important documents to bring?

Bill of Materials

[Sperkowsky]

Bill of Materials
You don't technically need a physical copy but it is nice to have.

[cgmv123]

Do you have ideas of other important documents to bring?

Team roster and consent forms from those that didn't complete it online.

[Captain_Kirch]

We have two long tool chests with a workbench surface on top, a road case for extra storage with a drill press bandsaw and sanding station on top, a robot cart with tool storage built in and of course a battery cart. Between these 5 pieces we have pretty much our whole shop out at competitions with us, and its all tucked away under some sweet sweet work surface(a real commodity in a 10x10 pit).

I can't say enough about these benchtop tool chests, they're great. I would reccomend them over any of those tall stacked chests you can find. That's more of a future purchase, but they're great, look into them!

Bring whatever spares of cots parts you have on hand as well. WHEELS! Stronghold is brutal, if you have extra wheels, bring them. If you have the carry in weight, bring spares of anything else that could easily get broken(pick up arms, hanging mechanisms, etc). Did I mention wheels? You should bring extra wheels.

If youre using those plastic totes that first does the KOP in, they'll be fine but you should totes (ba-dum-tiss) find a better solution by next year. Something you can work on top of, maybe with wheels, did I mention wheels? Wheels are great, put them on all your stuff. Seriously though, try carrying a tote filled with 50+ pounds of spares all the way out to your trailer, its awful. Or better yet try to find that one thing you're looking for in a stack of totes in the middle of a busy pit.

Team 1538 This is a long post! I'll stop now. Best of luck.

[EDesbiens]

You should bring extra wheels..

What if I don't have any?!?!?! I didn't order any extras...

Thanks for the suggestions!

[Alan Anderson]

I meant motor controllers!

So I can download the updates before the event and install them there?

If you have installed the FRC Update Suite, you have all the latest firmware already. Many teams are unaware of this, and at the Indiana events many asked me for a copy on a flash drive. They were surprised when I showed them how to find what they needed on their own computer.

The roboRIO firmware is in the C:\Program Files (x86)\National Instruments\Shared\Firmware\cRIO\76F2 folder. Everything else (i.e. PCM, PDP, Talon SRX) is in C:\Users\Public\Documents\FRC.

[Andrew Schreiber]

That's pretty basic!



Based on how many kids smell by the end of an event... apparently not so.

[Joe G.]

Self drilling/tapping screws. Although we never intend to use them during the season, these things are amazing for quick/dirty repairs and additions in the pit.

[BenjiSG]

Good things to remember:


scouting materials, provided you're doing scouting
spare electronic components (stuff breaks)
food, or at least plan for food - competitions are twice as hard on an empty stomach
toiletries, if you plan on staying overnight nearby
any sort of fliers/pamphlets for showing your team off to other teams/judges - it'll help you get picked and maybe win some awards
something to entertain yourself with on the trip there/back


Best of luck!

[IronicDeadBird]

Water Bottles

[EDesbiens]

Good things to remember:

scouting materials, provided you're doing scouting


Where can we buy scouts? Or maybe scouting data? :)

[Matthew Levis]

Make sure to stash snacks in a backpack or tote on the robot cart for the pit crew and drive team. As long as nobody finds it it's allowed.

[EDesbiens]

Make sure to stash snacks in a backpack or tote on the robot cart for the pit crew and drive team. As long as nobody finds it it's allowed.

I don't know why but this sounds a bit like : "It's always free if you run fast enough"...

[Matthew Levis]

I don't know why but this sounds a bit like : "It's always free if you run fast enough"...

It's the same principle, just more legal. But they clearly didn't make the rules of the venue clear enough if I had to look on the website to find the rules, although I was late to the drivers meeting and I was in the pit during the opening ceremony.

[Dibit1010]

Bring 2 of whatever is "never going to break in a million years"

[GreyingJay]

Where can we buy scouts? Or maybe scouting data? :)

Did you say you're the only team member??

[EDesbiens]

Did you say you're the only team member??

I did :D

[jweston]

One thing I didn't see in the thread or in the admin manual list is battery spill kit.

[EDesbiens]

One thing I didn't see in the thread or in the admin manual list is battery spill kit.

True! Didn't think about that one at all!

[GreyingJay]

I did :D

Wow! Chief, cook and bottle washer!

You may need to work out something for scouting with another team. Unless you have a lot of mentors at your disposal :D

[EDesbiens]

Wow! Chief, cook and bottle washer!

You may need to work out something for scouting with another team. Unless you have a lot of mentors at your disposal :D

I'm not sure to understand that first sentence... For the rest, I plan taking notes after each match about each teams...

[GreyingJay]

"Chief, cook and bottle washer" is an expression that means someone that does everything. Looks like you're drive team, pit crew, safety captain, scouting lead, all in one!

[EDesbiens]

"Chief, cook and bottle washer" is an expression that means someone that does everything. Looks like you're drive team, pit crew, safety captain, scouting lead, all in one!

Thanks for the help on that one!

Yeah, it seems like I'll wear a few different role buttons :)

[Captain_Kirch]

It looks like you're only competing at one event, so no reason to order spares unless you qualify. If a wheel breaks just try to borrow one from another team, they may have spares.

[EDesbiens]

It looks like you're only competing at one event, so no reason to order spares unless you qualify. If a wheel breaks just try to borrow one from another team, they may have spares.

Yeah, I asked another team to bring the right wheels in case I would need some...

I'm really curious about seeing my wheels break :yikes: