Rookie in need of advice
 

We are a rookie team with an extremely small budget ($1000 for all tools, materials, ect.) and we missed out on the FIRST choice batteries and speed controllers. Where is best (cheap/reliable) place to order these? I plan on ordering CIM motors from IFI but the speed controllers are alot (cheapest I've found)
Tips on this any any other tools/materials would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
-Justin team 3538
P.S. We are from Auburn Hills MI

Re: Rookie in need of advice
 

What do you mean, missed out? Did everyone else beat you to them?

The Victors are IFI VEXPro products and quite reliable. Just don't get metal in them; they smoke quickly afterwards. Unfortunately, they're the only supplier I know about unless you can get some from another team.

Re: Rookie in need of advice
 

Erik, Andy mentioned in the FIRST choice thread how AndyMark only had limited amount of batteries and they went very quickly.

As for parts and tools, please attempt to get in touch with some of your local Michigan teams. I am sure they will be willing to give you a hand with whatever you need. Good luck this season.

Re: Rookie in need of advice
 

I've been out of touch with CD since last night. Explains why I missed that.

Re: Rookie in need of advice
 

The IFI Victors seem to be cheaper then the Jaguars so we'll probably go that direction. I happen to like Victors better anyway :)

Re: Rookie in need of advice
 

What about batteries? I assume 2 will not be sufficient especially with FIRST in Michigan's format.

Re: Rookie in need of advice
 

Check with your local automotive and battery stores to see if they would be willing to donate a couple of batteries in exchange for a "Powered by <Sponsor>" sticker on the robot.

Re: Rookie in need of advice
 

I'll try to find some local places that carry that kind of battery. I tried going thru the First website listed supplier and couldn't find it lol.

Re: Rookie in need of advice
 

You can still claim you're powered by X Y Z Battery company if they donated the cash for you to buy the ones you need. Remember to tack on the cost for Anderson connectors and throw in a charger for good measure.:)

Re: Rookie in need of advice
 

Since FRC requires a specific battery, your chances of finding a store that carries them are slim. I'm not sure how feasible it is, but the store may be willing to donate the amount required to purchase the correct batteries from the manufacturer.

Worst-case scenario, you don't have an adequate amount of batteries by your first competition. Befriend local veteran teams, who probably have multiple extra batteries, and see if you can borrow one or two for the duration of the competition. Even if you can only borrow one from a team, if you are borrowing from three different teams...bam, you have three more batteries.

Keep in mind that you also will need to have a battery or two on-hand at competitions for testing parts of the robot in the pit. Every bit of battery life counts :P