Quote:
Originally Posted by taharder
I would like to hear from teams that have done bag & tag last year what they found worked well.
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Our pit used to be made from our shipping crate (we would turn the halves of the crate on their sides and insert shelves to hold boxes), so when MI switched to bag and tag in 2009, we had to completely re-do everything. We came up with a setup that, while required a trailer/U-haul to transport, allowed us to keep a similar pit layout to what we had before. It also is easily adjustable to accomodate for different pit sizes (which is a MUST). It sounds very similar to Cynette's description of their MPT.
Quote:
Originally Posted by taharder
I would like to hear from teams what they value about the pit layout/furniture
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a) Have some sort of work surface. Many teams use the table that is already provided in their pit, but that doesn't always work with custom setups unless you plan for it.
b) IMO, you don't need chairs in the pit unless your mentors plan on hanging out there when the robot's in a match (which they shouldn't). If students really have to sit in the pit, you can lean against a table.
c) The layout should allow for the robot to get in and out easily, and should allow for access on all sides of the robot.
Quote:
Originally Posted by taharder
I would like to hear what people consider must-have's and nice-to-have's in terms of tools/equipment. (Do you really think you need that benchtop bandsaw when someone has brought the NASA machine shop trailer?, etc.)
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Bring what you need to repair your robot - even for parts that shouldn't need repairing. This includes fasteners, spacers and drill bits! If there's a type of fastener that you you EVERYWHERE, bring multiples of the appropriate wrenches/screwdrivers/allen wrenches. Be sure to bring extras of custom parts, especially if they're for your drive train! I would also suggest bringing some spare aluminum stock and polycarb for emergencies (it can often be stored between your pit setup and the curtain dividing your pit from the one behind it).