Thoughts from TC - Day 1
 

The Traverse City event isn't over yet, but I decided to write this post while in the pit. Right now we're terribly behind schedule (field issues as usual), so I have the time to do this.

Here are my observations:

Almost every team here feels that they didn't have enough time to test and build their machine. In fact, it seems to me that for most teams TC has been their very first time driving (which would explain why the chains are falling off a lot of robots!)

Also there aren't many software issues that teams are experiencing. However, there are still some field errors that are getting very old very fast. I also haven't seen any team use their camera to score. I know that we have the capability to do this, but it just hasn't been convenient to use it. Maybe this proves that camera tracking is useless, but I believe it's too early to tell.

Very few robots score in autonomous, Code Red (2771) is an exception. Even fewer can consistently hang. However, two points actually makes a difference when the highest score in a match has been 7.

I know that the COMETS (my team) has done very well by playing defensively. I haven't seen much defense from many other teams, so teams like 1918 can get away with scoring 7 goals without any resistance.

Re: Thoughts from TC - Day 1
 

I've noticed that a lot of teams have changed aspects of their robot since arriving, though I suppose that's normal for a week 1 event. I've seen a few great hangers (I believe that 3234 is the team that has the one with the string? The really awesome one...), and some really strong kicking mechanisms. I'm impressed with what I've seen, and I've noticed a lot of improvement since the beginning of the event.

We've had some issues with our robot all around, so I'd like to already thank everyone who's helped us out either with expertise or loaned parts.

From a team spirit standpoint, the delays were great, and my ankles and feet are thoroughly sore from dancing around in a cape and starting the wave that happened during that one extremely long delay.

Also, as a general week 1 observation, e-stop buttons are apparently breaking. The spare parts table doesn't have any, and nobody has a spare. Please treat yours with respect!

And anyone who's up here at TC is welcome to come find me and say hello at some point! I'm the Gearhead with brown, braided hair who will either be wearing a cape in the stands or attempting to fix something in the pit.

Re: Thoughts from TC - Day 1
 

The level of play improved a lot from early Friday to the playoffs. I think a lot of teams didn't get much driver practice this year. Once things got going, teams made some tweaks on their machines and got the feel of things. That made a big difference.

On Friday, the median winning score 3 and the median losing score was 0, (which meant that if you scored at all ,you would have won half your matches). In the playoffs, the median winning score was 6 and the median losing score was 3. There were a lot of great, tough matches at all levels.

Thanks to 2645 and 1254 for being great alliance partners in the playoffs.
Great job in 66, 2246, and 2959. Also to everybody else we had the honor of competing with and against.

See most of you at West Michigan!

Re: Thoughts from TC - Day 1
 

I agree with everything said above. The improvements from Friday to Saturday were amazing.

Congratulations to the winning alliance of 1918, 2645, and 1254, and also to 66, 2246, and 2959! The elimination matches were spectacular and really high energy. Also, congrats to EI winner 2771 and Chairman's winner 85!

Thanks to all of the wonderful mentors, sponsors, and volunteers that made the event happen. Despite some field problems and other delays on Friday, we were able to get back on track for Saturday!

Also, does anyone have the link for the event photographer's gallery? I must've been handed dozens of those little green slips, but I can't find any of them in my bags now.