[Clinton Bolinger]

Just as a warning ... usually the programmers get the least amount of time with the robot. The mechanical group takes for ever testing and changing things, while the electrical is given no room for any of there components and the programmers get very little time and are rushed to show results.

The programmers should try to be involved or at least listen to the discussions by the other groups. Once you get an idea of what they want you may want to write a few programs to cover the different situations. i would highly recommend that you start with the drive and maneuverability of the robot first. Determining if the "Drivers" (not programmer, mechanical, electrical) wants to have tank drive, single joystick, or the ability to quickly change from single to tank will help with the development of the driving program. After having radio controlled driving finish I would work on Autonomous until other programs are need, because the other groups will come to the programers asking for a simple program to test some of their designs.

I guess the best advice I can give is to make sure that all of your groups communicate, that is the job of your coach to make sure that everyone is on the same page.

-Oris-