We bagged and sealed really early for a change @ 7:45 PM last night, a fully tested complete and ready working competition robot (less 2 P.U. arms that weigh less than 2-3 lbs total -each are 3 simple bolt connected, removed so we can make multiple B.U.'s of them as replacements as anything in the max. 20" extension area will be a "defenders target" this year for sure). And of course, we did not bag the bumpers, batteries and operator console.
We lost no actual days to snow/ice or other extreme weather like many other teams of the U.S.. (Feel bad for those that have, but the 15lb. increase in hold out should help some after reading here a lot).
Actually, all we did tonight is blow out the robot(s) well w/ compressed air, pull off those 2 minor pcs, and (eat pizza & ice cream w/ the team), take team pics w/ their new toy, then bagged & tagged & stowed away from prying eyes. (It was pretty slow & relaxed compared to previous years for sure).
What a welcomed change from the last few years! Thanks to the GDC and some great robot designers, and a ton of help from pretty much the entire team over the last six weeks!
Save for 1 ordered gearbox coming from AM soon, and an hr. to install it and 2motors, to make it match the comp bot exactly...Our 3rd. gearbox and motor iteration change for the P.U. design BTW, and finally one that worked well enough to actually trust to get the job done repeatedly)....The practice bot will be ready to hit the field next. (But first,....a few days off for all are in order...The announcement was made tonight....The (OUR), shop is closed until Sunday team! So REST UP after getting that homework done;-).
WHAT!!!! You say I get to actually watch both the Duals from Daytona on Thursday night, and the NASCAR Daytona 500 on Sunday? Wow! Now there my friends, is a FIRST!
