Our Bot
 

Wow, I just looked at the pics of other robots(See the 15 foot WildStang)...We are done. Our robot can't even stack 1 tetra on the shortest goals. To be exact, we lack 13 inches to being able to stack. Our team fresh, so we just are getting the hang of building a bot. At least it runs most of the time(PWM cables suck)*, and we have some arm. *Shakes fist* Just wait till next year*Mutters*59 foot arm, 0-60 in 10.2 seconds, titanium body!

*The PWM cables randomly decide to stop working. By rotating the cables repeatedly, our wheels start turning. Already changed all the speed controllers, reset the speed controller, robot, etc.

Re: Our Bot
 

Sorry to hear about difficulties with yoru robot but I'm glad to hear you are inspired by the ones you see. You know, you still have all day Thursday at the regional to make modifications. Maybe you can rig something up to get that 13 inches you need.

As for the PWM cables, we had 3 bad ones that were purchased brand new. :( So you are not alone.

Re: Our Bot
 

Stacking isn't everything in this game. You can still score points by getting tetras underneath goals or you could even play defense if you want.

There's always a way to compete so don't get your hopes down.

I DO know what you're going through though. Last year was our first year. We couldn't do what our robot was designed to do as well as we had hoped. However, we always went onto the field for our competitions and because we could do that we considered it an accomplishment. We placed 50th out of 51 at the BAE Granite State Regional. Now we know what to expect and we think our new robot is going to kick some serious butt. The first year is definitely a learning experience.

Re: Our Bot
 

Hey, tough break, bud.

If it's any consolation, I am predicting that many of these bots will prove to be overdesigned and underproductive. The past two years, our bot has been exceedingly simple (our first year we could blow boxes, and our second year we could deliver balls well), and we made it into the finals both times. If you can move a lot of tetras, you'll be worth it to someone. In fact, I'm worried about my team this year precisely because we can stack--I don't like not being able to score often.

--Petey

Re: Our Bot
 

Our first robot had the wheels held on by rubber bands and the base was a sheet of plywood. When we moved too fast the bands fell off and we caught fire so often that the event people followed to our rounds with a fire extinguisher.

We all start somewhere. But did you have fun? Maybe learn a few things?
Accomplish something? Hopefully this six week ordeal has started the development of your TEAM- far more important than any machine. The bots will come and go but the TEAM is the greatest accomplishment.

Good luck. And be proud of what you HAVE done so far. Most people never even try to build a bot.

WC

Re: Our Bot
 

Here's an idea:

If you are allied with a team that can lift two or more tetras at once, then stack the tetras in pairs on the floor so your ally can double their productivity.

Another thought:
Even if you cant do much, do what you tell your allys you can do. If can play defense, then play the best defense in the history of FIRST, and people will over look your "short"comings, inspired by your will to fight and compete.

Good luck
Josh

Re: Our Bot
 

I'm a rookie on the team, so this is just history, but... Last year was our rookie year. According to the members of last year's team, we weren't very good at pushing the small balls or placing the large ball reliably, and we couldn't hang at all, but we went into the finals in the sixth-seeded alliance and ended up beating the #2 and #3 seeds to finish second in the Pacific Northwest tournament. I don't know what we did right, but things turned out OK. Our 'bot was way overweight and the team spent a whole night drilling holes. Also, we used a scissors lift that tended to sway wildly from side to side, which is why we had trouble placing the large ball.

This year, we had a tiny budget (less than $1,000 after an anonymous donor paid our $6,000 entry fee), but still managed to build a robot that was finished ahead of time, came in well within the weight target, drives straight, and can cap any of the goals the first time (nearly) every time. We may not have the best robot in our tournament, but we are definitely fielding the best 'bot we could given our team experience and resources. We think we have a top-10% robot. There is nothing like experience.

Next year, we will have our autonomous code done before shipping (ours isn't done yet), and will have a year-round fund-raising program in place. I don't know if we will look like a 2-digit team, but we hope to have enough money and students to build a top-tier robot.

Stick with it. Do not judge yourself against the top teams on this board. Most of us look a lot more like your 'bot than like Wildstang, and you never know what will happen at your tournament. Hey, we finished second last year!

Re: Our Bot
 

Don't worry, you have a defensive advantage. Scout well, and run the most amazing defense at your regional. If you do that, some team willy likely ask you to join them in the finals(that is if you aren't already in the top 8 =) )
Last year we competed with a robot that neither hung or capped and we did very well - picked by the #1 alliance. Do what you do well and I'm sure there will be much hope in your future.!

Re: Our Bot
 

Isn't it against the rules to hold multiple tetras at the same time? What would happen if I pushed on a tall robot and it tipped over? I do have a plan to give us the 13 inches with pvc pipe, steel cable, and a couple of self-tapping screws. I doubt that we will spend much time playing with the tetras, but rather blocking. That makes me worry since or robot is 4 motor, 2 wheel drive; not much pushing power:(

Our robot is probably being shipped right now, so when can I get at it to work on it somemore?(I have a special program to upload as well as attempt to give us 13 inches) Can I work on it after the practice rounds?

*New Quote* A tall robot can't stack any tetras if another robot is blocking it ;)

Re: Our Bot
 

Hmmmm.... good point, not sure about that one

Re: Our Bot
 

There's no rule against a robot having multiple tetras at the same time, except in special cases. Remember that a human is not a robot.

You can work on your robot during regionals, including between and after the practice rounds. Due to the physical nature of regionals, usually everybody is working frenetically on their robot then.

Re: Our Bot
 

just a suggestion why not try to come up something you can build now then add at your first regional instead of trying to throw something together there. I don't know if that is exactly legal but its something to look into.