things to keep in mind while in the pits..

[Ted Boucher]

Originally Posted by coreyjon

14) should test the systems in the pit as much as you can, perfecting them, or insuring that they are functioning, don't be afraid to use white lithium grease (or just wd-40, or whatever you use for lubricating parts) with the drive train, keep the chains lubed, and other rotating parts that might be tight, or stick.

Alittle off topic but along the same lines:
Also, it is a very good idea that you do a system check once you get to the field during a regional or championship competition. Things can happen from the pits to the field and ruin your match. Also, it is good to have a system preparation battery on the robot in the pits and change to a fully charged battery at the last moment at the field so you don't have any battery failures.

Originally Posted by coreyjon

12)think about using Velcro to fasten the batteries to the robot, a 1 inch wide strip on the bottom (or more) a few inched long will hold that batteries upside down. I used a 2 inch wide 6-7 inch long strip on the 2002 robot, had to be Hercules to get the batteries out.

Wire tires are also a good way to hold a battery in the robot. This year we had 2 strips of Velcro (3/4 inch wide) and failed almost every time during a big wreak. Since then we backed up the Velcro with wire ties and they usually did not fail.

Also, alway have your batteries charging! It is a great idea to assign someone the job in the pits to always monitor your batteries. Batteries can make a big difference.

[Mark McLeod]

Post your team’s Match times, so you stay on schedule in the pits. A lot of teams use small white boards for this purpose.

Keep an area for programmers to work and plug-in (I keep finding tools and metal shavings on top of my laptop).

Assign a Pit Chief to be responsible for:
vKnowing where all tools and spare parts are stored and keeping them that way.
vMaintain a list of items to be purchased, supplies to replace, etc.
vTrack tools and parts borrowed from FIRST and other teams (the Pit Chief can write thank you notes in his or her spare time) and tools loaned to other teams .

[JVN]

Originally Posted by Mark McLeod

vTrack tools and parts borrowed from FIRST and other teams (the Pit Chief can write thank you notes in his or her spare time).

Ooooo!
I really like that one!

I think 229 owes a few hundred (thousand?) thank-you notes.

Good Idea Mark,
John

[RoboMom]

I added a couple of items from the feedback and will post this in the white papers.
Kudos to all who participated.
Let me know if I got anything wrong so I can edit.
Between this, the 18 hints for rookies, tips for mech and electrical, there will be plenty of useful handouts to be used for workshops and kickoffs!

[RoboMom]

I'd like to get this version finalized so it can be put in the white papers and used at the upcoming meetings.

Since Anne did a great job at summarizing, why don't we take her version and then I need you all to look over your comments and add anything that she forgot from your comments. We are up to #17, so start with #18. You write your comment and I will add it. I have added a "thanks" line at the end with all your team #'s and your first names (coreyjon-what first name do you want to use?) To keep this to one page, back and front, we have room for 3 or 4 more hints. So look it over and let's finish this by next week.

[coreyjon]

I apologize for not having a final version completed, I agree, Anne did do a great job of summarizing what we have all said. I started working on a one page summary of what others have said, but I have run into problems with a Mat Sci Lab that then seemed to become almost like a black hole, and so that is where most of my time and effort has been going. I agree this information will be more useful before events start occurring, and is good to get to teams ASAP, so that they may start planning, and integrating ideas into there team SOP's. (standard operating procedures). I look forward to the final copy of this, as I'm sure it will be a great help to rookie, and veteran teams alike.