[FTC]: FTC Game Platform for 2009-2010

[Abra Cadabra IV]

Originally Posted by ttldomination

1. I still stand by the fact that we were all too comfortable with VEX so FIRST presented a challenge.

2. FIRST may seem like a downer at times but they're not heartless. They HAVE seen how much we've put into it and they won't change the platform. Agreed teams have poured thousands of dollars into VEX, heck my team did too, but FIRST was confident that the parts wouldn't go to waste with VRC going strong.

3. I do not believe that the Tetrix kit "destroyed" FTC. I strongly believe that it simply redefined it.

4. For the teams using LabView, I was wondering where you guys got your support material. I went to the first tech challenge website but I found that to be little or no help at all...

I very much agree with all your points. Vex was making things too easy. I'm not saying that the new kit doesn't need better or more varied parts, I'm saying that there were too many easy solutions the old way. Case in point: tank tread conveyor belts. Designing a conveyor belt this year took lots more creativity and engineering than did last year, and I'm absolutely sure that FIRST did that on purpose.

Also something to keep in mind is that this is the kit's first year. FIRST is going to listen to our complaints and they're going to try to make things better. The contents and cost of the kits are not going to stay the same; the cost was one of the biggest complaints this year and I'm sure FIRST is going to try and reduce it rather than lose teams. It's a pity they couldn't get everything perfect on the first try, but who can?

I honestly wouldn't give up on FTC yet. Just give it some time.