Some changes needed at FIRST IMO

[wilsonmw04]

Originally Posted by tcjinaz

In the real world, market demand pricing rules. With the compressed time frame, an auction based model for the donated material is a reality lesson. Give us some "FIRST Bucks" and let us price what we need as we see fit. The government/leadership fixed price model has proven to be a failure every time out. Let's teach the kids about the real world.

I didn't realize that the engineering/manufacturing got together to auction items. Material delays and production overruns are part of everyday business. I'm not sure how this relates to price fixing in all honesty.

But let's leave that for a minute...

Let's look at motor controllers for a moment. We have three very good options this year (I don't ever remember having 3 before in my year with FIRST). Are some out of stock? yep. Can you still order at least 1 of the alternates. Yep. Is your season over if you can't get your hands on those 6 talons you need for your very limited space on your electronics board? nope. Adapt.

Let's look at hex bearings. Man our drive train is hosed without those bearings. really? What about hex bushings? Those are available. Man, I really need those hex hubs for my shooter. What about banebots wheels that have a built in hex hub? What about a keyed shaft solution?

My final words on this topic: adapt.