Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris is me
I really seem hesitant to latch onto the idea that we should make the game more accessible for teams that can't even assemble the kit chassis (enough to change zones) or put a flat piece of lexan on the front of the robot (become a push cart). Were there really a lot of teams that not only couldn't change zones at all, but they couldn't push balls in front? I would agree completely if the kitbot didn't climb bumps out of the box, though.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BrendanB
Yes and yes. We played with teams and I saw teams that were we have one zone to play. And from scouting I have written, "They had a lot of trouble herding into the goal/can't" so many times.
Chris as I remember 2791 wasn't able to change zones at one point!  |
Unpopular comment coming...
We should absolutely NOT lower the bar so that struggling teams can compete. In my mind any team that could not at least push a ball into the goal this year should not have been competing because they didn't seek help.
The KOP drive train absolutely could go over the bump. Barring that it could go under the tunnel. It wasn't fast and it wasn't pretty but it worked.
The KOP code was simple plug and play.
Wiring is detailed pretty well as long as you read the directions.
The KOP gearbox is among one of the best single speed transmissions on the market in my opinion.
In my mind the only obstacles to having a robot that could score at least 1 ball a match were the bumpers and frankly I don't need to start that rant again.
In short, any team that couldn't even push a ball into the goal failed. FIRST gave them an out of the box solution to most of the problems they faced.
(Please note, this is for teams within the continental United States only. Outside of that things are different, shipping delays, language barriers, etc, contribute to it being genuinely harder to compete. I respect the teams that attempt it and am awed by the teams that succeed.
TLDR: Keep up the great work you guys! This rant only applies to teams in the States)