[Chrono101]

Thoughts from KC:

1) Do not throw empty cells over the wall! Our PS did that and it's a 10 point penalty.

2) Be easy on the trigger - Our robot was a hybrid dumper-shooter that let all 7 balls go at once. Our driver pulled the trigger too early and we missed all 7 balls. Turns out we only lost by 4 points. Wait and be sure you have a clear target.

3) Autonomous - If someone on your team doesn't have an autonomous mode, you will lose, every time. Go around and make sure your alliance partners have something, even if it just runs straight ahead at full speed.

4) Check the hitch pin - If your trailer comes un-done during the match, you get an E-Stop and your robot just sits there, not helping anybody.

5) Don't bury the radio - This has already been stated, but you will have to be able to access your radio to install the WPA encryption. Make sure it is easy to access.

6) Check your cables - After you tether your robot in the pit, make sure you plug the ethernet cable back into the radio when you are done! There were more than a couple of teams at KC that forgot, which led to several on-field delays and a distraught FTA.

7) Careful with the tongs - if the PS at the Fueling Station touches a robot with the tongs through the airlock, it's a penalty. This happened more than once.Be very careful when trying to retrieve moon rocks and empty cells delivered by robots.

8) Make a plan - Always, always, always meet with your alliance prior to queuing to develop a strategy. Every time we did this we won by massive margins (one time it was 100 to 17). Know your teams capabilities and strengths, and how to use them against the other team's weaknesses and faults.


Personally, this was one of the most fun game modes I've ever played in. I was only the Commander, but it was so much fun trying to out maneuver the shooter robots. Running from the S.W.A.T team and trying to swing around to nail them with our "stinger" was some of the most fun I've ever had in FRC.