Requested Advice

[Mike Martus]

A team contacted me with this question:

(Hi,my name is SHeena and I am writing on behalf of West Hill's Robotics Team in CAnada. We would really appreciate any feedback you can provide on building robots, deals on where to get parts of the robot from, and your own team experiences. Please email us at sheena_bhola@hotmail.com . Thank you for showing great team sportsmanship.)

I responded as follows:

(Feel free to expand and give advice by adding to the thread)


Boy that is a tall order, however I can offer the following quick advice as a 8 year veteran:

We purchase most of our consumable materials from McMaster Carr or MSC. Both offer a good variety as well as fast shipping and competitive pricing.

Look for donations of building material, if you plan to use Alum. Then start getting it now. Since FIRST has opened the materials list the last few years teams can expect that it will stay and can start looking for raw stock. Free from local persons is always good.

Standardize your fasteners, this saves cost and confusion as well as tool purchase. Chief Delphi uses 10-24 cap or button head 90% of the time. There are always a few oddball 1/4 20, but very few.

Keep up on what is happening by monitoring the Chief Delphi forums. Ask questions, many teams can find you great deals or even swap you stuff you may need extra of.

Your best source of information is other teams. Use them, they will help in general as well as specifics.

Start learning basic robot building techniques as soon as possible. Knowing how to operate tools and machines before you start to build will lower the learning curve and lower waste. Get your students practice in the brain storming process as well as the build. They need to know how to work together, and that takes hours of practice.

Do not forget to learn how to read a micrometer.

Shop the local machine shop for deals, they might even donate a Bridgeport Mill or Lathe to your school. It makes a great Tax write-off for them and helps your team.

Many veteran teams work on designs in general all year long. And you thought that this was just a 6 week thing! They work on drive systems, shifters, and other possibilities that might be built in the next year. I am NOT saying they pre-build, no way, just experimenting to see what really works and how they would make that great idea come to life if was needed. Many FIRSTers just cannot get the program out of their head and dream "what if" all year long.

Save last years designs, they are lessons learned. What worked and what did not work is a great starting point for the coming season.

Lastly, organize your team and sub groups well in advance of the build season. Knowing what each person is responsible for as well as a plan to cover the emergencies when the job is behind schedule is important. Have your team well organized so that the build is the only thing you have to worry about.

I hope that this gives you a little insight for the coming season.

Keep in touch,

Mike Martus - Team Coordinator #47 Chief Delphi