Parade Preparation

[AustinH]

I know one thing that we'll be doing for SURE next year:

Pneumatic tires on carts.

I remember there being a post a year or two ago about a modified battery cable for hot-swapping batteries. Not sure if this was ultimately recommended or not due to voltage differences between a fresh battery and a drained one.

Also, have a contingency plan for rain.

[Alan Anderson]

A half inch isn't much for driving on pavement. Consider using larger wheels, or perhaps affix some extra tread to the existing Colsons.

If you're concerned about battery swaps, you might try connecting a trailer of some sort to the back of the robot, with a deep-cycle "marine" battery and an extension power connector.

Pay some attention to driver comfort as well. Will he be walking, or sitting in a vehicle or on a float?