Rookie Team Shopping List

[adciv]

Originally Posted by Nemo

Laptop for programming and driver's station

I would like to emphasize this. The Rookie KOP comes with a Classmate driver's station but I very much dislike it. I replaced ours a few years ago and we haven't looked back. I fully recommend not using it except in an emergency. From our experience, even a $300 laptop is superior to the Classmate for programming and as a Driver's Station.

Other than that, it's going to depend on your budget.
Anderson Power Pole Connectors (see mouser)
Proper Crimping Tools (See powerwerx)
ZipCord wire (Example, cheaper sources are out there)
For very neat wiring and you can buy 4 conductor 22 AWG Belden Wire from Mouser.
About 6 extra batteries (make sure you buy the correct part numbers)
2x Triple 6A chargers (From Andymark)

I should post our suppliers somewhere.

[AllenGregoryIV]

For battery chargers we don't use the Andymark ones because we find they are too expensive.

For a long time we have been using these chargers, they are similar to the kit of parts chargers but a little smaller and normally a bit cheaper. We've bought them for as low as $23.

http://www.amazon.com/Raider-AA-023-.../dp/B003Y3UFMS

This summer we purchased one of these that can trickle charge up to four batteries at a time with an adapter. We've been using it in our shop and haven't had any problems yet. We'll be doing some testing soon.