New FTC Platform

[artdutra04]

Originally Posted by BHS_STopping

I believe that some teams, in the past, have been equally frustrated with the reliability of the Vex system which, unfortunately, has given our team some grief with the last two competition robots that we have built. The problem with the Vex system is that it is difficult to repair something short of replacing it - it's nearly impossible to fix a motor or a broken transmitter, and is also quite difficult to diagnose a problem if it ever occurs.

Again, our team has had to deal with these issues in competition, and has had to pay some unfortunate costs. Last year in Atlanta, our robot suffered from intermittent control issues due to unknown circumstances. This year, we (FTC 546) also faced a similar issue, in that our robot only operated about half the time it was on the field. We still do not know the source of either of the problems, but we feel that it is simply the nature of the Vex system which led to these issues.

Personally, I like the idea of shifting to a new, hopefully more reliable system. I think that Vex is a great system for learning and classroom use, but it lacks the robustness to be used heavily in a stressful competition setting. The lack of reliability from the Vex system fulfills your criteria for making the switch. Even though the new system may not necessarily be cheaper, I would gladly pay a little bit more money to ensure that the system will work will in competition.

That said, I still hold true to the belief that Vex is a great system which allows students to flex their creativity without having to go great lengths to build a high quality machine. However, the rigors of competition have, time and time again, proved a bit much for the system, which is why I support the platform switch for FTC. I just hope that everyone is still able to enjoy participating in the program, despite the changes for next year.

The problems which you attribute to the Vex system - such as having a motor or a transmitter that are hard to replace if broken, or diagnosing problems - aren't just a problem with Vex, they exist in any and all robotic kits or systems.



// The following is not directed towards anyone, and I apologize in advance if it is read as such.

Over the past few years, I've lost track of how many posts I've read where people complain that we need metal gears, metal chain, bigger motors, etc., and they are all quick to point to Vex as the problem. It would be a much more beneficial solution if they accepted their own fallibility, and re-investigated their own mechanism before pointing the blame on something else.

And if someone puts all their hopes that the new kit will magically solve all the issues and problems, and that flowers and rainbows will sprout from the earth and peace and prosperity will come to all, they are quite mistaken. Nothing is perfect, whether it's LEGO Mindstorms, Vex, the new FTC kit, the FRC KoP, etc., and issues will arise no matter what system exists.

There's a fine line between which problems are inherent to the kit/technology used, and which ones can be solved by a little more creative thinking.