Re: Biggest Challenge of '05
 

Yeah, that'll help, there's still a thought I have it may flip though.

The noobies with prebuild chassis is a challenge too. But then again, it's a good thing for teams that are new, and getting started.

Re: Biggest Challenge of '05
 

On the other hand, the prebuilt chassis is really heavy. It's a pretty big tradeoff. Besides, what advantage does it actually give to newbies? I don't ever recall a rookie team ever producing a robot that lacks a chassis.

It just levels the playing field a little -- no pun intended.

Re: Biggest Challenge of '05
 

Well, more than simply giving the newbies simply a bolt together chassis, a 4 motor drive train transimission is included, reducing the advantage other teams have gained by using 4 and 6 motor drive trains in previous competitions. This helps FIRST two fold. It reduces the time intensive requirements rookie teams have had in the past developing a drive base for the first time, allowing for greater innovation and creativity for rookie teams. Additionally, it poses a greater challenge to veteran teams, inspiring kids to think up new ways to perform better, because even rookies will have powerful 4 motor drive train transmissions. But yes, the chassis and drive train components this year available to the rookie teams will certainly prove to be a challenge for vets.

Re: Biggest Challenge of '05
 

I think the most challenging part of this game is to come up with a mechanism that can handle one or more tetras and still be high enough to cap the middle goal. Also the coaches have a big part this year because they have to correspond with 2 teams instead of one and they still have to figure what is going on in the field.

Re: Biggest Challenge of '05
 

We built the kit bot yesterday:D It isn't that great. The chassis flexes somethin' terrible. The tyranny is ok but the weight :ahh: Fun toy though...

Re: Biggest Challenge of '05
 

how about a segway style balancing stuff.. :D well one of the robots in the animation were like that

Re: Biggest Challenge of '05
 

Building a two-wheeled robot would introduce new balancing problems. If you want to go for shifting mass to maintain rotational equilibrium, it might be easier to use a moveable counterweight. You could, for instance, stick your air compressor on one end of your arm and use a motor to move it back and forth on a track.