It's all part of the challenge...

[Arefin Bari]

Through the past few weeks of the build season, I have noticed that there are some threads where we are only complaining. Such as, “oh, this isn’t what we wanted,” “why can’t we do it this way,” “why do we have to use this,” “It would be much better to do it this certain way.”

Let’s all take a step back real quick. Let’s solve the problem that is given to us.

It’s given that we are all not going to be happy with what we get. Every single one of us has our own opinions on things. Few nights ago, I found out about the color coding rule for the electrical board (it was bad on my part, because I didn’t pay close attention to that part of the manual). The kids and I will have to go back and rewire everything again with color coded wires as FIRST asked us to use. Of course, it maybe frustrating to sit there for another hour and wire it up, but as long as kids look at it as a challenge, they will be able to accomplish it. Another example, right now we are most likely stressing on weight. You know, I wish I didn’t have to use the terminal block, or any zip ties (given there are close to 50 to 100 zip ties on the robot), heck, I wish I didn’t have to use the regulator. At this point, I would like to go back and take off everything from the robot that I think is not needed, but according to the rules, they need to be on there. Here we go, kids will face a challenge to fabricate and put together everything they want to do, and at the same time keep the robot under weight.

It’s all part of the challenge. Let’s have a great last two weeks of build season… =)