We didn't build an identical second bot' last year, instead we modified the 2002 robot and used it to work out the bugs in the Auton program as well as practice different strategys. It also gave the drivers much needed practice.
This year we are building 2 robots without a doubt. Once you have the drawings completed making duplicates of all the parts isn't haard once you have the pieces laid out and have the machinery setup to cut the parts. We will build the 2 simoultaneously. We won't however, have to make a second set of transmissions. The 2003 trannys are still in great shape and will be interchangable with the 2004 trannys. Although the '04's have some major improvements. On Saturday, we are even going to order a complete set of 04' controls for the second machine. That serves 2 purposes, 1) spares if we should have a failure during a competition(which happenend in Ypsi last year!) and 2) will allow us to use the same programming for both machines.
One parallel FIRST is drawing with NHRA Drag Racing and NASCAR is the competitive teams run at least 2 car teams so they can sort out the tuneup for each track twice as fast. Robots are no different. Having a full scale practice field and 2 identical bot' gives you the oppurtunity to sort out the "tuneup" that much faster.
