things to keep in mind while in the pits..

[Gamer930]

I'm surprised this hasn't came up.
When at all possible try to keep isles clear. The isles are not the place for lawn chairs and picnics. Sure you many stop and have a conversation but I'm talking having robot carts, robots, and other large things just sitting in isle.

Also arrange to have a pit crew if you have a large team (a normal amount would be 4-5). That way only the pit crew is in your pit and you don't hang out into the isle and it will be a lot easier to fix the robot or get things organized

[coreyjon]

thats what we have, we have a "pit crew" as well. it is around 4-5 people like yours, I was, as I said earlier, the "pit boss" or pit chief. (and as a halo fan, it was turned into "Pit Master Chief"). Having a lot of people around is nice, but the pits are small, and having too many people can cause a serious problem. I've had it so crowded in the pits that I was seriously stepping and hopping over people while they leaned down so I get to a tool, or the robot. Thats when you know there are too many people in the pits. Last year we where very strict to as who could be in the pits. and it worked out good. I don't think we ever really ran into a problem of over crowding (at the regionals). We where less strict down at nationals, and again I was jumping and climbing over people to get to tools and other important things, because why everyone talked, me, Bryan (bryno tho rhino - sorry buddy, had to),my brother, and a few others where trying to fix and maintain the robot.

So, I'm gonna take a look at that NEMO thing, and get a general format down from it, then I'll begin. I'll keep you guys posted on how it comes out. I'll make sure to include who suggested what, and what team they are from. Keep the great ideas coming.

[Anne Shade]

Here is the list I came up with.

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PIT TIPS FOR FIRST TEAMS

1. Wear safety glasses. Make sure to bring enough for your whole team and visitors to wear while in the pit area.

2. Keep pit area neat and organized. This will make it much easier to find tools when last minute fixes are required and judges love to see it.

3. Develop a pre and post match robot checklist. This list should include all high maintenance items on the robot as well as a basic list of things to check before and after matches to ensure the robot is in it’s best working condition. Include:
i. Wiring connections
ii. Structural integrity
iii. Pneumatic pressure/line integrity
iv. Battery power
v. Tightness of bolts, connectors, etc
vi. Working condition of mechanical systems
vii. Program run through (include test with control system)

4. Limit number of people in pit. Pits are small so keep only essential personnel. You can even have a pit rotation schedule to get more people time in the pit.

5. Label all tools with team number. Tools get borrowed or misplaced at competitions all the time. Having the label will make it easier for others to return your tools. The same applies for batteries as well.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you don’t have the tool you need, the part you need, and/or don’t know how to solve a problem, ask around. There is a lot of expertise at FIRST competitions and always people willing to help out.

7. Keep aisles clear. Robots on carts, people, judges, and inspectors all need to be able to move through the aisles. Keeping everything out of the aisle makes things easier on everyone.

8. Charge extra batteries. Make sure to always have charged batteries including power tool batteries.

9. Use available resources. Most competitions have professional machinists and a machine shop available to teams. Make use of them and their expertise. Many competitions also have a practice field available for teams which is a great way to work out programming and mechanical issues as well as provide extra driver practice.

10. Be careful when testing your robot. Many robots have large moving parts. When testing those in the pit, make sure to keep the area clear and to warn those around you.

11. Use the tether. Never use the radio modem in the pits, always use the tether.

12. Know where your field crew is. Always keep tabs on the field crew so that they are aware of robot issues before matches and make sure they are available for pre-match strategy.

13. Don’t lose field buttons. Collect the buttons at the end of the day and put them in a safe place that everyone knows to make sure they aren’t forgotten at the hotel the next morning.

14. Keep essential tools on cart. Tools that may be needed for last minute repairs on the field should be kept on the cart.

15. Use time wisely. For instance, when the robot leaves for match queue is a perfect time to clean up the pit area. Use slow times to make extra spare parts. Make a plan for repairs and wanted changes.

16. Nourishment for pit crew. Have someone make sure that the pit crew gets food and drink throughout the day. It tends to get very hectic in the pit and food/drinks tend to get forgotten.

17. Have a pre-set plan. Have set responsibilities assigned including pit crew, awards, scouting, field team, etc. Also have a plan for robot repairs and changes to be done. Get all these plans set before going to competition.

[Bharat Nain]

[quote=Anne Bergeron]Here is the list I came up with.

16. Nourishment for pit crew. Have someone make sure that the pit crew gets food and drink throughout the day. It tends to get very hectic in the pit and food/drinks tend to get forgotten.

[quote]

On that note, do not allow foods and drinks in the pits.The last thing you want is soda spilled all over your robot. It is very easy for that to happen. Keep this in mind even when repairing the robot at school/wherever.
-B