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.