Things Learned During Build Season

[militaryrobot]

When something works don't take it apart then make it lighter. Then not put it back together and it not work. Don't do this the hour before build ends.

[DominickC]

Originally Posted by MathMaven

A better one: Finish the robot early so that the programmers have time to PROGRAM. Seriously, we need time to write and, more importantly, to test our code. My two years so far were awful because of this, and year three likely will be stressful again.

+1,000,000!

[AcesJames]

Do it right the first time. If you don't, you'll waste enough time and material to build a second robot.

[Leeebowitz]

It sounds cliche, but the most important ingredient for a successful robot is devoted team members. Our team lost access the machine shop we had always used in years past, and all we were left with was a drill press, a band saw, and some hand tools. It took some serious stripping down of designs to work with these limitations. And yet, if anything, our robot came out better this year than in previous years because there was a small group of students and mentors who were willing to work hard and stay to all hours of the night to get the robot done.

[andreboos]

An 8" ball has no traction in an 8" wide chute.

Sometimes, science must defer to progress.

Any tests performed with damaged equipment can and should be ignored retrospectively when damage is discovered. Particularly, multimeter continuity checks.
Corollary 1: Case shorts in motors (BaneBots, in particular) aren't revealed by damaged multimeters.
Corollary 2: Re-test said motors after replacing the multimeter.

Bumpers can, and in some cases, should, be made and painted as soon as the frame is available and interferences can be tested.

Victors and Spikes are very picky about PWM cable insertion angle.

Wiring takes twice as long as you expect, especially when you plan around this fact.

Hands are not reliable encoder mounts.

Our statistics would indicate that one of our flathead screwdrivers is more dangerous than the entire machine shop.

Laryngitis improves communication quality by raising the "vocalization threshold". This is supported by multiple cases in our leadership this season.

Success tends to occur when or where cameras are off or pointed elsewhere.

6-conductor modular terminals do not crimp correctly in a 4-pin crimper.

5 volts means 5 volts, not 12 volts.

The cRIO can read from a controller after being disabled, and act accordingly when it is re-enabled.

Digital inputs read "true" unless pulled low, by a limit switch, for example. Input values should be verified in hardware and software before being used as limits.
Corollary: Hard stops are advisable.

[daltonmead]

When problems within your team arise (ie drama, rivalry, jealousy, etc) address it immediately. Pull in a nuetral person to mediate. A team in discord cannot accomplish the mission no matter how hard you try. So step up and be a leader where no else will.

[Chris86]

As a former FIRST student, freshman in college, and new lead mentor for a rookie team... I learned that as much as I thought my mentors did for my team and I, they actually did 10x more. I never would have believed the amount of time and effort mentors have to spend doing things for the team beyond what the students even see.

As far as technical things go: I also taught myself wiring, serial programming, motor curves, and a couple other things to be able to be the best mentor I could be for my new team.

[Gary Dillard]

Set screws don't.

You can never own too many power tools. For graduation you might want a car or some furniture. Ask for a nail gun and a miter saw instead - you'll thank me later.

If your wife is an RN, she can accurately tell what your blood pressure is just by looking at the swelling around your eyes when you get home.

[hurtzmyhead]

Summary, Trust but verify. This goes for:

1. Motors (Rs-775s)
2. Models (Downloaded a model a motor and the mounting holes were off)
3. Welded Parts (Squareness, Measurements, etc...)
4. Window Motor movement (This can screw up attempts at precision movement)
5. and is a generally good idea

[Grim Tuesday]

Originally Posted by Gary Dillard

Set screws don't.

Quoted for truth.

We used set screws on our RS550's in double doozy's, and after a bit of mild use, they both broke within seconds of each other, chewing up the gears in the process.

[moonlight]

Originally Posted by Leeebowitz

It sounds cliche, but the most important ingredient for a successful robot is devoted team members. Our team lost access the machine shop we had always used in years past, and all we were left with was a drill press, a band saw, and some hand tools. It took some serious stripping down of designs to work with these limitations. And yet, if anything, our robot came out better this year than in previous years because there was a small group of students and mentors who were willing to work hard and stay to all hours of the night to get the robot done.

i don't think it's cliche what you say it's actually true. If you have a great place with all the tools you need, but your team doesn't really function as a team, then things won't get done the way they should.A small team can accomplish big things as long as they are passionate about what they do and work hard towards the same goal. I honestly believe that the problems we face and the challenges we overcome together makes us stronger as a team, and i think it's amazing that you guys kept on going no matter the circumstances. That's what FIRST is about and i have no doubt your team will do great at competition! good luck!

Karina Adame
Team Captain
Chairman's award Lead

"Scientist study the world as it is; Engineers create the world that's never been"

[flippy147852]

Stock up on colored hair spray NOW. You'll forget the day before your first event.

[Sean Raia]

I learned several things...

- It IS possible to shave 8 pounds off of a robot without losing functionality.
- Jaguars wired under CAN communication can cause major headaches.
- Position mode is not fun to program.
- 4 traction wheels in a wide configuration will not turn on carpet.
- Always remember to "Set project as main" in Netbeans.

[Gray Adams]

Originally Posted by flippy147852

Stock up on colored hair spray NOW. You'll forget the day before your first event.

Or use bleach and permanent dye