Problems That Arise and Things You Want

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by Liz Smith

One of the key problems in my opinion is how to keep track of which batteries are fully charged...

That's what the plastic battery flags are for. I devised them many years ago for the TechnoKats to use, and we gave away hundreds of yellow ones bearing the Team 45 number. AndyMark now puts their own white version in the Kit of Parts. They are intended to be inserted into a battery connector when -- and only when -- you remove a fully charged battery from its charger. You're forced to remove the flag in order to plug a battery into a robot, so you can't forget to mark a battery as used.

Some safety advisors have the mistaken idea that they are "safety plugs" and try to insist that every battery always has one inserted, but that's not how they're supposed to be used.

[Taylor]

Problem:
Careless team members often put the wrong size/type of hardware in our labeled drawers. It can get a bit frustrating when one is expecting to find a 1 1/2" hexhead bolt and finds practically everything but that in the drawer.
Product:
A dynamic, compartmentalized system that can hold quantities of hardware of varying sizes and types.

[M. Mellott]

Originally Posted by Alan Anderson

That's what the plastic battery flags are for. I devised them many years ago for the TechnoKats to use, and we gave away hundreds of yellow ones bearing the Team 45 number. AndyMark now puts their own white version in the Kit of Parts. They are intended to be inserted into a battery connector when -- and only when -- you remove a fully charged battery from its charger. You're forced to remove the flag in order to plug a battery into a robot, so you can't forget to mark a battery as used.

Some safety advisors have the mistaken idea that they are "safety plugs" and try to insist that every battery always has one inserted, but that's not how they're supposed to be used.

I love those things! I got several red plastic flags from the TechnoKats at the D.C. Regional last year. Using those in conjunction with AndyMark's white ones, we have a system to put the red flags on batteries after a match so we know it needs to be charged, and then put the white flags in the plugs after the batteries are fully charged. This, as you mentioned, also keeps the Safety Judges happy with a flag in every plug.

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by M. Mellott

I got several red plastic flags from the TechnoKats at the D.C. Regional last year.

We use the red ones as "lockout" indicators. We'll plug one into the robot connector if there's a good reason to keep power from being applied. They also go on batteries that we suspect have a problem and shouldn't be used until someone has checked them out.

[Travis Hoffman]

Ratcheting T-handle allen wrench set with interchangeable hex keys?

A modular system of shelving that permits quick access to standard size parts storage containers without having to unstack the totes sitting on top of the one you really want. One that permits a team to integrate them into their pit in a variety of configurations (8 high x 1 wide, 4 high x 2 wide, etc.)

I second the request for a compact, portable, six-slot battery charging station design that utilizes current kit chargers and can be built with commonly-obtainable materials or old KOP stuff that hardly anyone ever uses. Put a leadscrew on it! Recycle those old 2009 rover wheels.

[nnfuller]

Would removing the existing sheath on the Fisher Price void it as a legal motor? Removing it would seem to simplify the design of a heat sink for the motor.

[Jared Russell]

That's a good question. Since it is not an explicitly permitted motor modifcation via <R47>, my guess would be "no", you may not remove the sheath (under 2011 rules).

[joeweber]

The smaller WACO connectors need to be modified, they are hard to attach wires to and then plug them in so that they stay. I do agree with the need for gear boxes for the small motors, as a small team we can not afford to purchse them from andy mark each year. volume or direction controled air valves would be nice so we can control the pnematics leagally. Linear drive boxes would be great. Rack and pinion gear box to fit the motors we get with the KOP. Mounting boxes or hardware designed for the sensors as ours do not last long and eather get damaged or just quit working. A better mount and wiring system for limit switches. Addapters for the fisher price gear boxes like we use to get with the KOP.

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by joeweber

The smaller WACO connectors need to be modified, they are hard to attach wires to and then plug them in so that they stay.

Are you referring to the white Wago 734-102 connectors? We never have problems with those, unless you count losing track of the proper tool for opening them. You just need to use the right wire (stranded, 14-22 AWG) and strip it to the proper length (7 mm).

[czeke]

A modular system of shelving that permits quick access to standard size parts storage containers without having to unstack the totes sitting on top of the one you really want. One that permits a team to integrate them into their pit in a variety of configurations (8 high x 1 wide, 4 high x 2 wide, etc.)

Check out the one from Stanley ( can be purchased at Wal-Mart ). The comparments have 3 different sizes and are made interchangeable. You can move them around, since they are individual containers.

[M. Mellott]

Originally Posted by Travis Hoffman

Ratcheting T-handle allen wrench set with interchangeable hex keys?

They already have one: Rogue Tool http://www.garrettwade.com/hex-ratchet-imp/p/76B03.01/

You can find them cheaper on eBay, though.