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Unread 02-06-2006, 12:50
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GlennGraham GlennGraham is offline
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AKA: Glenn Graham
FLL #0006 (Shark Bait!)
Team Role: Coach
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Rookie Year: 2003
Location: Beaverton, Oregon
Posts: 20
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Re: Vex Challenge coach/mentor advice

Thanks everyone, this is exactly the type of info I was hoping for.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ManicMechanic
One thing that we had to adjust to is that it takes A LOT longer to assemble something with Vex than Lego.
Great point. I've been thinking that using CAD software might help (I've been a user and designer of EDA software for many years). I'm hoping that it would help the designers work out some of the construction issues and identify the Vex parts to be used (and what modifications - cuts, bending - might be needed). Is CAD software available for FVC teams through a similar program as for FRC?

Quote:
Originally Posted by ManicMechanic
With 2 robots, teams can compete with themselves with simple mechanical challenges that don't require much field assembly
Thanks for bringing this up. In FLL, all the teams I have seen have access to a playfield for practice during the development season (low cost and small size). It really lends itself to the iterative nature of LEGO robot design. For Vex (do to larger cost and size of the playfields), do most teams build a mock-ups of some of the field elements and practice with them "piece meal"? Build full playing fields? Have a shared, community playfield that everyone can schedule time on? Can anyone share their experiences with any of these options (or others)?

Thanks,
-Glenn
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