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Re: Build season week 1
After we get everything settled at the kickoff we host, our break down usually goes like this:
1. Watch the kick off video again (Repeat about 3x)
1B. While watching we are printing out copies of the game manual
2. Begin going over the simple parts of the game (What Scores Points)
3. Establish the robot limitations (Height, Weight, Size)
4. Go over more important details of the game (How many game pieces can we hold, how many game pieces are on the field at 1 time, do game pieces circulate (2016) or once scored are they done (2013)
5. What is the ranking criteria (Average Score, QP, Win Loss)
6. Go over game play rules (Where are the safe zones, what areas are off limits, how long is autonomous)
7. Go over specific robot rules (Bumper rules, Extensions out side frame perimeter, expanding beyond starting size)
Once we have gone over that depending on time we either break for the first day or go into ranking what is important for the robot to do. For 2016 it went something like:
1. Move.
2. Manipulate boulders.
3. Cross 3 defenses that can be on the field at any time.
4. Score High Goals
5. Climb
After the first day usually I go back over the rules and create a power point to outline some of the specifics of the game (along with visuals) to help everyone understand the game better. We then either go back over the list of importance or we make it the first time depending on if it was made on Saturday. We then discuss what we think is the best drive train archetype to use (Tank, Mecanum, Swerve) and then begin prototyping drive trains as well as manipulators and scoring mechanisms (both CAD and real world prototypes are used) until about the middle of the week. We then meet discuss the competing ideas for the robot, vote on which way we are going to focus our efforts on, then prototype some more of the design we decided on.
That is usually our first week of build, the only thing that we have the advantage on is that we already have the team built field done to look at (Which we also have open to anyone who wants to come down through the entire build season). But once a decision is made we order parts ASAP and begin manufacturing what we need to.
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Driving Record: 24-8
Coaching Record: 66-31
2014 South Florida Regional Woodie Flowers Finalist
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