More Finesse as a Driver

[cjster]

Okay so I am the backup robot driver on my team, only because I'm more of an offensive person. Last year, I had no problems going up and blocking people from making shots into a goal. But this year, I can't seem to get my fingers to settle down-I need to be more careful.

Any suggestions on how I can have more finesse as a robot driver?

-Thanks!

[Jay O'Donnell]

Originally Posted by cjster

Okay so I am the backup robot driver on my team, only because I'm more of an offensive person. Last year, I had no problems going up and blocking people from making shots into a goal. But this year, I can't seem to get my fingers to settle down-I need to be more careful.

Any suggestions on how I can have more finesse as a robot driver?

-Thanks!

If you're using standard joysticks, I found it helps to hold them down at the base of the stick instead of at the top. Also, a key thing to remember is "go slow to go fast". It doesn't matter how fast you go if it doesn't go like you want it to.

And practice. Lots and lots of practice.

[cjster]

Originally Posted by Jay O'Donnell

If you're using standard joysticks, I found it helps to hold them down at the base of the stick instead of at the top. Also, a key thing to remember is "go slow to go fast". It doesn't matter how fast you go if it doesn't go like you want it to.

And practice. Lots and lots of practice.

Thank you. We use Xbox 360 controllers, though. I will try to practice more.

[pastelpony]

Originally Posted by cjster

Thank you. We use Xbox 360 controllers, though. I will try to practice more.

I don't know how anyone could be precise with those...unless you're like me and practice driving by playing GTA V.

[cjster]

Originally Posted by pastelpony

I don't know how anyone could be precise with those...unless you're like me and practice driving by playing GTA V.

I mostly play games like Call of Duty or Forza Motorsport, where the thumbsticks are almost never used less than 100% whereas this year's game requires me to move more slowly, so I don't knock 50 points of totes over.

[Whippet]

I would seriously recommend making the switch to standard joysticks. It takes a little bit of getting used to, but the added precision is well worth it.

[MaGiC_PiKaChU]

Originally Posted by Whippet

I would seriously recommend making the switch to standard joysticks. It takes a little bit of getting used to, but the added precision is well worth it.

I'm driving with a logitech controller (the one from the KOP) and it's personally better for the precision... our backup driver has the same "problem" as him (he was our main last year), and he is always using regular joysticks...

It is probably because of you as a person, the way you handle pressure and react to it, not that it is a bad thing, just depends on the context.

in my opinion, it's all about the driver; this game may not be the best for you. Just remember you are good somewhere else

[cjster]

Originally Posted by MaGiC_PiKaChU

In my opinion, it's all about the driver; this game may not be the best for you. Just remember you are good somewhere else

Like I said, I'm more of an offensive driver. Maybe next year the game will be something along the lines of Battlebots, then I can drive

[MaGiC_PiKaChU]

Originally Posted by cjster

Like I said, I'm more of an offensive driver. Maybe next year the game will be something along the lines of Battlebots, then I can drive

Exactly

[kgzak]

In response to the joysticks, I find that the xBox controller is easier to control with but I can use the standard joysticks just well, it just takes practice if you want to adapt. We usually design our driver's station around the drivers so they use what they are best with. In terms of driving better, I have found a few things help. One is adding buttons on the controller to enable a slow speed mode that limits the max speed of the robot giving fine control in those moments when it is needed. Another is squaring the values of the joysticks in the software so that their is finer control at the low speeds but at the high speeds it rapidly rises. If you do this just make sure you account for the sign (squaring a value will get rid of negatives). Practice is also important. Staying calm is very important. It may not seem like it but 2 minutes is a lot of time. When practicing, try to use the practice function on the driver's station to simulate the real stress of last second stacks. Be patient while driving. Tortoise vs Hare.

[cjster]

Originally Posted by kgzak

In response to the joysticks, I find that the xBox controller is easier to control with but I can use the standard joysticks just well, it just takes practice if you want to adapt. We usually design our driver's station around the drivers so they use what they are best with. In terms of driving better, I have found a few things help. One is adding buttons on the controller to enable a slow speed mode that limits the max speed of the robot giving fine control in those moments when it is needed. Another is squaring the values of the joysticks in the software so that their is finer control at the low speeds but at the high speeds it rapidly rises. If you do this just make sure you account for the sign (squaring a value will get rid of negatives). Practice is also important. Staying calm is very important. It may not seem like it but 2 minutes is a lot of time. When practicing, try to use the practice function on the driver's station to simulate the real stress of last second stacks. Be patient while driving. Tortoise vs Hare.

First of all, we were 7th seed alliance partners in Escanaba. Hi! Secondly, thank you for your suggestions. Today I tried the 2:20 tele operated time limit and it seemed to make a difference after a few tries.

[kgzak]

Originally Posted by cjster

First of all, we were 7th seed alliance partners in Escanaba. Hi! Secondly, thank you for your suggestions. Today I tried the 2:20 tele operated time limit and it seemed to make a difference after a few tries.

Hello! I was 4392's Drive coach. Were you the diver at Escanaba?

[CJ_Elliott]

In my opinion, it usually comes down to the preference of the driver. If you have access to joysticks, I would try them. But as said earlier, it does come down to practice.

[JesseK]

There is no magic wand that will make you a better driver for this type of game - there are plenty of teams with gamepads running up high scores. Here are some tips:

Cap your max speed (note - not necessarily your acceleration!). There are a couple of ways to try this, including software (requires encoders) or hardware (remove 2 CIMs). The methodology is completely dependent on your robot however - removing 2 CIMs may make it very difficult for your robot to turn. Our best driver is comfortable at only 6-7ft/s, and when we 'sneak' it up on him he's noticeably worse. If you're only a single-speed bot, have a button which puts a software cap on the speed. One speed is for game piece interaction, the other speed is for short bursts of sprints.

In a typical year, use an active intake, or a more forgiving intake. Every year, your team should have an active intake or TONS OF PRACTICE. If you have neither, lower your expectations. This year, however, seems to require nothing but an active intake for the most successful teams. My team tried the practice route (had a driving robot early week 5) and it just hasn't panned out. Active intakes aren't easy to do this year since the game pieces are square and fairly rigid. Therefore the active intake must conform to the game piece rather than vice-versa. 2056's double-passive-articulating active-roller intake seems to have the best combination of compactness, effectiveness and versatility.

Be proactive in going over match flows with the coach, move-for-move before a match starts. Learn the situations you'll get into and how to deal with them. This can be done via practice or via finding other successful robots similar to yours and watching all of the video you can find.

[Daniel_LaFleur]

Originally Posted by cjster

Any suggestions on how I can have more finesse as a robot driver?

It's like how you get to Carnegie hall. Practice, practice, practice.