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Unread 10-01-2003, 07:32
Unsung FIRST Hero
Al Skierkiewicz Al Skierkiewicz is offline
Broadcast Eng/Chief Robot Inspector
AKA: Big Al WFFA 2005
FRC #0111 (WildStang)
Team Role: Engineer
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Rookie Year: 1996
Location: Wheeling, IL
Posts: 10,766
Al Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond repute
I don't know how to really word this so if it sounds weird, sorry. It is not always the best robot (insert any noun here) that wins but it usually the one who has performed their homework, eeked out the slight edge or practiced, practiced, practiced. 5-10% better is huge when it only takes one more point to win. As to testing vs. calculating, we must always be testing ourselves. Make the calculation and run the test, if they are close then proceed. If they are far apart check the calculation again then test again. Something has to be wrong and you need to find out why. Many teams last year asked for our assistance to find problems with their robot. In some cases we encountered teams who had made the calculations and tested and were still blowing breakers. They had all the data that something was wrong they just couldn't find it. These cases were usually two motor drives where one of the motors had failed or was accidentally wired wrong when replaced.

BTW, We are always glad to help if we can. If you are having a problem let us know. Especially if we are at the same event, come and get one of us to help. If you came to play, I want to help you make that happen.
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Good Luck All. Learn something new, everyday!
Al
WB9UVJ
www.wildstang.org
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Storming the Tower since 1996.