pic: 1493 Drive Train 1

[Dan-o]

WHOA! Before this gets blown out of proportion, let me apologize for any feelings I have hurt. I feel that I have been mostly misunderstood. Also know that words expressed here, though greatly misworded, were the words of one person, me, and do not represent the words of my team, team 1493.

Let me go in order of posts. I really did not mean for this to be taken this way. And I greatly apologize.

First. The design for the wheels was amazing, that's why we used them.

Second, I had no idea it was Andy Baker's Design, because the omni wheels were not my part of the project. I did not know who to give credit to, so I just said some guy. Quite an understatement on my part, and I apologize.

Thrid, I would like to publicly thank Andy Baker for publishing his design to make it possible for FIRST teams to fabricate the parts.

Fourth, I did not mean to trivialize the work of Andy Baker, and I apologize for comments leading you to believe that I am not grateful.

Fifth, Ok this is a big one. I do not down the product produced by Andy and his group, nor say that it uses cheap products. I greatly respect your work, and encourage other teams to buy your products.

Sixth, to Wayne, I truly did not mean to belittle the work of these great engineers. Andy's design is far greater than any design that our team could come up with for wheels, and that's why we used the design. I did not mean to say anything less than wow, those wheels really helped.

Lastly, to Andy, I am amazed at the professionalism you conveyed by trying to lighten the tone a little on this exploding conversation. For this, I am very greatful, and have great respect for you. Wow, I am still taken back by all this. Though I do believe I was misunderstood, I do admit that I was reckless with my wording, for which I apologize. I feel like a fool for opening this can of worms, as it's like a kindergardener walking into a doctorate level engineering design course. I wish I could change the words of my first post, but that would not be fair to the people who posted after me. I hope that anyone who reads the first few messages in this thread reads this reply, and understands my utmost respect for an engineering genius. From the bottom of my heart, I apologize.

On a side note, I will talk to the people who fabricated the wheels, and get you a bill of materials.