[Ben Martin]

It's worth it to have separate electronics for both machines, even with the expense. With FIRST Choice, it's easier to get a second copy of most components, and you can use PWM-based speed controllers across both robots to keep the costs down. If you switch anything between robots, maybe just switch the roboRIO if you can't round up the funds for a second copy.

It's far too valuable for most teams to withhold 30 lbs of whatever contacts the game piece -- this is an easy way to make sure both robots behave as close as possible and allows easier updates between competitions. We've taken this approach for the last 2 years.