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Unread 07-01-2009, 08:28
Unsung FIRST Hero
Al Skierkiewicz Al Skierkiewicz is offline
Broadcast Eng/Chief Robot Inspector
AKA: Big Al WFFA 2005
FRC #0111 (WildStang)
Team Role: Engineer
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Rookie Year: 1996
Location: Wheeling, IL
Posts: 10,766
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Re: GDC you have failed us.

OK,
The video is merely showing one robot driving around on a large surface of the material used in this year's game. Thanks to one of our parents for having a few pieces stored in his shop from a previous project. The robot shown has crab (because we had one that used the same wheel mounts as this year) but everyone must understand, this is day three driving and practice has not even begun to make a dent in driving performance. Of course the trailer is not competition because we (like you) are prototyping to understand the dynamics of the floor and the movements of a robot with trailer attached. This is using an IFI control system with no code modifications. We used a heavy steel drum dolly with sticky wheels to simulate the weight and charachteristics of a trailer bolted to the frame. And to be sure, we are not giving out hints to our design, it's only Day three! We are still brainstorming.
The GDC has made a simple game a challenge by the selection of floor surface that is the real challenge. The same challenge all of us face. We don't know if crab will be an advantage or if tank drive will win out. Since manipulators that extend away from the robot are not allowed (see Team Update 1) then teams that are good at manipulator design won't have an advantage. This game is about the best level field I have seen in 14 games and I love that human players are more part of the equation.
I will make this prediction (begging forgiveness from the Great Car Nack) teams that will do well will have practiced like crazy. As the adage goes... "How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, Practice, Practice!"
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Good Luck All. Learn something new, everyday!
Al
WB9UVJ
www.wildstang.org
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Storming the Tower since 1996.

Last edited by Al Skierkiewicz : 07-01-2009 at 08:36.
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