View Single Post
  #24   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 02-04-2010, 09:22
Siri's Avatar
Siri Siri is offline
Dare greatly
AKA: 1640 coach 2010-2014
no team (Refs & RIs)
Team Role: Coach
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Rookie Year: 2007
Location: PA
Posts: 1,613
Siri has a reputation beyond reputeSiri has a reputation beyond reputeSiri has a reputation beyond reputeSiri has a reputation beyond reputeSiri has a reputation beyond reputeSiri has a reputation beyond reputeSiri has a reputation beyond reputeSiri has a reputation beyond reputeSiri has a reputation beyond reputeSiri has a reputation beyond reputeSiri has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via ICQ to Siri
Re: Cannibalizing robots

We try to keep them in the best shape we can. We do harvest for parts as needed, though preferably in a way we can put them back easily. Our rookie Triple Play bot is totally gone (that was before we made the policy), Aim High is still in decent mechanical condition, though we need to rewire it. Rack 'n Roll is almost fully functional, as is Overdrive. Lunacy hasn't changed at all. They're actually pretty useful.
Training: Lunacy has a 6wd wide drivetrain with a deployable 7th wheel. Rack 'n Roll has a standard but decent 4wd, and Breakaway has an awesome 4wd independent pivot. It's good to have diversity, so depending on what we pick next year, drivers can practice if they get the chance.
Programming: The pivot drive is basically a bottomless well of programming opportunities (albeit and difficulties). It's also virtually impossible to test without an actual FRC pivot bot. We won't be getting rid of it any time soon.
Test Beds: We used the Rack 'n Roll bot as a test bed for the cRio last year, which was exceedingly helpful.
Demos: (Not necessarily for sponsors who see it every year, but for community outreach, etc.) Some bots demo better than others. Overdrive is usually a pain with the big ball, and depending on the venue Aim High can be too...well, high. Rack 'n Roll is great in almost every situation, and Lunacy is a crowd pleaser with kids (they like trying to catch the balls). It's also good to show how diverse the robots and games are, if you can bring both.

That said, we don't really have a space problem...currently...in our shop. We made up storage shelves which let us stack them on top of each other, so the footprint's actually pretty small. In 10 years? Maybe we'll get a little more discerning.
__________________