What do YOU want in the Kit of Parts?

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by jp1247

I don't know if anyone else noticed, but this year in the kit of parts we got at least 10 of the small fans used on victors. I realize that some teams do use fans to cool CIM motors and various other components, but i feel these fans are just so small they are pretty useless. We (team 1247) have a pile of fans, ranging from the older style metal chassis ones, 120mm fans, and a box load of these tiny fans.

Point: Less of the small fans, more of the larger, more useful(?) fans.

My two cents.

Or just change it to rules similar to the servo rules; Allow any PC fan within X size range or airflow (spec'd in cfm, most are) as long as it is used purely for cooling and no mechanical attachment is made to the rotary output.

[nahstobor]

The same amount of motors as this years kit. It made a world of difference.

[Michael Hill]

Well, I'll say what I WOULDN'T like in the KoP.

Software.

Make all software downloadable via a secure site.

OK, so maybe include a copy in the KoP, but make all software available online. It's really frustrating when your team loses a piece of software and has to get a copy from a local team.

[daniel_dsouza]

A microcontroller would be nice:

Arduinos are great for testing sensors,
Beaglebones can be used for vision,
Pandaboards/micro-atx can be used for the Kinect.

It's not a crime to keep dreaming.

[Dominator1619]

More of a rule change than anything, but allowing for 1 or 2 more cim motors would be a nice thing to see since most teams use up all 4 in their drivetrain. The cim-sim and cim-u-lator are nice but why go through the extra hassle with dealing with those when you could just as easily use a cim. Possibly open up the motor variety as well. Would also put in a vote for more victors in the kit (especially for veteran teams like ours) or even a new motor controller option (we avoid using jag's at all costs). Possibly a new robot controller with a smaller footprint than the cRio, not to mention a less finnacy rc. Not asking for a return of the ifi controllers (even though I personally wouldn't mind that), but a newer/more reliable controller. That's just a few off the top of my head

[Chickenonastick]

The option to choose Victors or Jaguars. Also better quality PWM cables, possibly with different lengths (12", 24", 36")

[R.C.]

Originally Posted by Chickenonastick

Possibly with different lengths (12", 24", 36")

Why not make your own Its fairly cheap and a lot better than buying them.

-RC

[Chickenonastick]

Originally Posted by R.C.

Why not make your own Its fairly cheap and a lot better than buying them.

-RC

We recently purchased all the necessary materials to do so at Hansen Hobbies! Still learning (poor terminals)!

[Lil' Lavery]

Globe Motors

[IKE]

Allow larger quantities of whichever motor is allowed possibly with a maximum overall limit. This would allow for better standardization and fewer spares. Larger servos.

I am hoping to get a 12V _18V powertool allowance. This would allow the usage of any 12-18V cordless powertool as a motor and gearbox. Hopefully this would create better options for mechanisms, and reduce some of the supply side burden for companies like banebots. Plus there are many great little gearboxes for cordless scredrivers and drills that currently require removing 1 550 motor to install a "legal" 550 motor.

[Boe]

How about a van door and some fisherprice 0673's. Actually more motors in general would be nice. Also more victors would help a lot, and maybe a radio. (basically any electronics that we need on a yearly basis, no more cannibalizing old robots)

[MattC9]

Assortment of gear boxes??? Maybe banebots per chance? I would love for the kit to come with 1 or 2 BB gear boxes.
Battery charger in veteran kit, you can never have to many Battery's charging at once.

[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by Lil' Lavery

Globe Motors

Is there something unsatisfactory about the AndyMark PG-71?

I agree Globes were great, but I think PG-71s are better. Easier to mount things to their shafts, slightly more metal mass to absorb heat, and very similar characteristics for power and efficiency.

More CIM motors (still gonna use them for the drive )
More victors (we spent more money on victors last year than any other part)
More batteries are always a blessing

[rachelholladay]

Alright lets see if we can summarize the input from thus far.. (That way Marina, myself and the other DL winners have a better chance of remembering everything)

- Improved / standardized motor mounting and chain equipment
- More victors and jaguars (although heavy emphasis on victors)
- More vouchers to companies like AndyMark, Banebots, Digikey, McMaster Carr, Home Depot
- Less fans or more useful ones
- Battery for Radio, more robot batteries and battery charger for veterans
- Microcontrollers for testing items
- A larger and more varied motor selection (including but not limited to Globe, van door, fisherprice 0673's, cordless powertool, AndyMark PG-71) especially allowing for CIMs on the robot
- More electronics in general
- The old compressor
- More PWMs and of varying lengths
- Game pieces if they are specialty
- FIRST advertising print material, i.e. brochures, stickers, etc

So far there is mixed opinion on software distribution. And FIRST has signed a contract with NI to use the cRIO through either 2014 or 2015 (my memory lapses..) so you won't see it replaced in till then at the earliest.