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Extra batteries in the finals?
We, too were worried about only being allowed to use the two batteries from this year. Our bot this year is a true voltage-hog. When we ran it back at the school during testing, we were constantly changing batteries. Yes, we were charging them completely before using them, and in fact, put a meter on them prior to use and ran the bot with a meter on it as well. Everything is working correctly but---we just use a lot of electricity.
We thought that we'd definitely be okay with batteries during the regular qualification rounds, but during the elimination rounds (if we make them), I was seriously concerned about first's ruling on the matter. I hope that "Evan" and "Clark Gilbert" are correct in what they say about FIRST's new position.
This is similar to what happened with the trickle chargers not being enough to keep up with the demand. It would be silly for every team to now have to deal with a new parameter (energy usage) during the two minute period. Remember, you HAVE to compete when your time comes--you can't say, "Wait a few minutes until one of the two batteries you allowed us to use is charged".
I'm sure FIRST will see the light.
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