[Al Skierkiewicz]

I also took part in some inspections this year and there are a few things I would like to add to the process. As an electrical guy, wiring is very important so my point of view is slanted in this respect.
Multiple inspection stations might be the way to go. Station 1 is electrical, then mechanical, with weigh in and size at the end. I would like to see one student and one mentor with the robot for each station to answer questions and get explanations of items that need to be checked. (Too many students can't tell you where the "off" switch is located or what the battery is used for or where the tether port is located. If they don't know, chances are they don't use them.) Inspectors at each station would need to be well versed in the area they are judging which should make things go a little faster. I hate to keep pressing the point but there are potential wiring and mechanical systems that are dangerous to the crew working on the robot and to folks on the playing field. We have been lucky so far but safety is a high priority. We need to be a little more aware that the battery is capable of delivering enough current to cause burns and to drive a motor/ mechanical device to the point of severing a finger or inflicting bodily harm.