Quote:
Originally Posted by treffk
You could always start brainstorming what sort of drive train you want to use and buy the parts for it ahead of time to help beat the rush!
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Since they're rookies, I'd say it's a 99% bet that drive train should be the KOP one. Especially since we've gotten some indication from FIRST that this year's KOP chassis design could give away field obstacles.
Raw materials are nice. I wouldn't suggest getting anything too fancy-- box tube in 1x1 and 2x1 should be just fine for your use.
Please get extra batteries and extra battery charges. Ideally, like Allen said, 8+. That should be around $320 + tax, and then some good chargers. I'm a big fan of
this guy. It's expensive, but it gets you three batteries charging from one, which is great. Not having power is a terrible way to lose a match.
I understand you have a good shop already, but it'd be a good idea to make sure you have tools and fasteners in common FRC sizes before the season starts-- those would be 1/8" rivets, 10-32 and 1/4-20 bolts (pick one, or use both), and associated wrenches, drill bits, etc. It's a very good idea to standardize your fasteners-- it's a big time saver at competition and cuts down on the amount of tools you need to bring.
It'd also be a good idea to track down prototyping materials-- there's no reason to buy these-- I'm talking leftover cardboard boxes, scrap wood, maybe some foam.
Good luck in your rookie year!