Update 6

[Jeremy_Mc]

[long post]

You don't need victors and motors to test...

Since you have THAT much time to spend on programming, you SHOULD be able to get a dynamic autonomous program (such as the beacon tracking or line tracking) code going that's pretty independent of things like motors in the long run. All you need for that are sensors (which might be included in the controls? That may be something that FIRST needs to clear up...) and the RC. We're doing our auto programming with just that right now.

I think the rule about building spare parts is perfectly fair. If you make something, make another one. It's that simple. The machine or whatever is already setup to make that part so it won't take nearly as long to do. If resources are a problem, then you probably shouldn't worry too much about doing it later either.

I also have to support the new mobile machine shop rule. I didn't know of any teams turning away a team from their mobile machine shop last year, but then again I never heard of anyone asking. Please...if you have a mobile machine shop, put big sign on the side that says "MACHINE SHOP HERE. COME ON IN" and let people use it. I know of a couple of teams (don't remember their number or name) that in recent years have "hidden" their shop in trucks and trailers in the parking lot giving no indication the facility was available unless you happen to catch them with the door open.

In any event, I must admit I support these new rules. Thumbs up to FIRST.

[/long post]