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Unread 14-01-2014, 17:28
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pyroslev pyroslev is offline
VirginiaFIRST FTA
AKA: Jack of all trades, Master of few
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Rookie Year: 2001
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Re: [FTC]: Losing Control During Competition

Quote:
Originally Posted by F Elliott View Post
Great stuff everyone. Thanks for the suggestions.

1. Powerpole connectors from the RIGrunner to the various components but the original DC battery connector (Tamiya?) is still in the mains. It is new and seems stable but that is certainly a possibility. As a rookie I couldn't bring myself to cut these off our two batteries and our charger yet but it's now on the MUST DO list.

2. Control loss was short.

5. I will check this personally since I've been relying on a student for this.

6. I will ask the team about NXT status after we recovered the bot.

7. The FIRST people tried intentionally wiggling the NXT USB connector and couldn't get it to fail.

8. Samantha power last on the RIGrunner. We will change that for regionals.
1&2&8: The most common headache issue I see other than lockup is the Tamiya connector wearing out. That wears out, gets hit and loosens up enough for power to blink out and the radio, no matter it's position on the Rig, to reboot requiring to reconnect. The Alternate Wiring Method for the Samantha is on the FTC site so go look it up.

5. Teams will often turn on the Bluetooth for uploading code or to practice on the field with if the Pit Router is overloaded such that you cannot control your robot on it.

6. Never hurts to check behind the students or have them check behind you.

7. Don't wiggle the USB port on the NXT. That'll wear out the port faster than standard wear & tear. I've seen teams actually use differing types of USB connectors on the NXT to ensure it doesn't move, ranging from specific USB adaptors to taping the cord in.
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