pic: FRC254 -- Ball Collection Mechanism

[Bill Gold]

Originally Posted by Veselin Kolev

Sure, their robot is very elegant in most ways. There are still things that could be better, but overall the entire robot fits together really well. I think in the end in FIRST it isnt about who's robot looks the best, or looks like its designs have been gone over with a magnifying glass. It's all about who's robot works better, how well it can function in this year's game.

Better is relative. There is no hands down *best* anything this year, or most years. There are viable ways of accomplishing a task or ways that aren't practical. Not to mention the insane amount of luck it takes in each event to win. Lucky breaks and trying to minimize failures or mental breakdowns are what these games are all about, like any sport.

[pakrat]

How are the lexan sides attached? Also, whats the function of the rollers on the far side from the accumulator?? I cant figure it out. Really nice robots though.

[Bob A]

Originally Posted by Veselin Kolev

Sure, their robot is very elegant in most ways. There are still things that could be better, but overall the entire robot fits together really well. I think in the end in FIRST it isnt about who's robot looks the best, or looks like its designs have been gone over with a magnifying glass. It's all about who's robot works better, how well it can function in this year's game.

Remember that in industry, a beautiful, complex machine will always be equal to an ugly, cheap sheetmetal machine, that does the same task just as well.

You are absolutely right! Bottom line - it's got to work well. But if you can make it LOOK good too, why not go the extra step and show some pride in your work?

By the way, you might want to see how 254 did last week in Portland. http://www2.usfirst.org/2006comp/Events/OR/awards.html). They DO look good. But the design...well...you decide for yourself. Have fun at SVR!

[Doug G]

It was sure an elegant and yet straight forward design. After looking at it, you start have that conversation with yourself, like "oh, why didn't we think of that", and "hmm, that's a sure simple way of mounting that part", and of course "painting and anodizing your robot?? Don't they have something better to do?" But seriously, I was shocked when I noticed they (254) use only one sensor (gyro) on the entire bot (at least when I saw it on Friday at PNW). I kept wondering why I could see their entire RC, they're weren't a bazillion of PWM's going into it!! I take it their program was fairly straight forward this year (just wondering)?

Note to self - stop spending 3 weeks getting our camera, 2 servos, 4 quad encoders, 2 current sensors, and gryo to work and just build a good working robot!! Strike that last comment - our team's programmer may read this

Congrats again to them on a great looking and functioning robot. They just keep raising the bar.