Things to bring to an event

[EDesbiens]

Hey everyone!

As a member (the only one ) of a rookie team, I find it difficult to prepare for the competition... I am trying to list what should be brought but I am sure I forget important things/documents... Could you help me creating a list of important things to bring?

Here is what I currently bring :

• The robot (duh!)
• The bumpers (reduh!)
• Team standard
• Pit decorations
• Cart
• Batteries
• Game pieces
• Bag and tags
• Controllers
• Bag and tag form
• Team rooster (not very long!)
• Entrepreneurship document

What other documents should we bring?


Tools (Wont list all of them... What are the most important to bring?)
Spare material (To repair or build new stuff)

• Metal (Whatever you are using)
• Wires
• Fuses
• Spare motors
• Nuts, bolts and stuff...

And, the most important part of all

• Duct tape
• WD-40

Thanks for your help!

[Andrew Schreiber]

Deodorant
Tooth Brush/Toothpaste
Body Wash
Shampoo
Changes of Clothes for Days + 1
Changes of Undergarments for Days + 1
Changes of Socks for Days + 1

[GeeTwo]

There is a checklist in the back of the admin manual. It doesn't cover the personal items, but it is rather comprehensive on team things to bring.

[EDesbiens]

Originally Posted by GeeTwo

There is a checklist in the back of the admin manual. It doesn't cover the personal items, but it is rather comprehensive on team things to bring.

Didn't see that one, thanks!

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

Deodorant
Tooth Brush/Toothpaste
Body Wash
Shampoo
Changes of Clothes for Days + 1
Changes of Undergarments for Days + 1
Changes of Socks for Days + 1

That's pretty basic!

Originally Posted by CalTran

Spare electronics. Kids these days have much more resilient controllers (My day was Jaguars and Victors and all open case ) but it's still possible to see them fail. If they do, you'll want a ready replacement.

Also, zip ties. Lots and lots of zip ties in all manner of sizes.

I remember having to buy tons of jaguars
And zip ties should be in my important part!

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by EDesbiens

That's pretty basic!

Based on how many kids smell by the end of an event... apparently not so.

[Joe G.]

Self drilling/tapping screws. Although we never intend to use them during the season, these things are amazing for quick/dirty repairs and additions in the pit.

[CalTran]

Spare electronics. Kids these days have much more resilient controllers (My day was Jaguars and Victors and all open case ) but it's still possible to see them fail. If they do, you'll want a ready replacement.

Also, zip ties. Lots and lots of zip ties in all manner of sizes.

[ATannahill]

If it was not filled out online you need to bring consent and release forms.

In addition to what you listed you need the following:

Safety glasses
Good walking/standing shoes
Driver station console (with laptop running the newest driver station software)
Common sense
A sense of humor

In regards to tools, I suggest a small flat head screw driver for your electrical board and a long ethernet or usb A to B cable to tether with.

You mentioned game pieces. So you know, the game pieces for the actual matches are provided by FIRST. (I know this sound obvious, but I have had to tell teams that they didn't need to bring their litter pool noodles to the field.)

[EDesbiens]

Originally Posted by rtfgnow

If it was not filled out online you need to bring consent and release forms.

In addition to what you listed you need the following:

Safety glasses
Good walking/standing shoes
Driver station console (with laptop running the newest driver station software)
Common sense
A sense of humor

In regards to tools, I suggest a small flat head screw driver for your electrical board and a long ethernet or usb A to B cable to tether with.

You mentioned game pieces. So you know, the game pieces for the actual matches are provided by FIRST. (I know this sound obvious, but I have had to tell teams that they didn't need to bring their litter pool noodles to the field.)

I updated my Driver Station last week... Almost forgot to do it! But if my controllers are not up to date, what should I do?

And, I know game pieces are provided! But if I want something to play with on the practice field, I need to bring boulders!

[Sperkowsky]

Originally Posted by EDesbiens

I updated my Driver Station last week... Almost forgot to do it! But if my controllers are not up to date, what should I do?

And, I know game pieces are provided! But if I want something to play with on the practice field, I need to bring boulders!

Yes bring a boulder or 2.

Remember to update everything before you leave the event or at least download it.
DS, Labview, Java, your PDB, PCM, RIO, ect

Your controllers do not require an update or FRC specific software at all.

[EDesbiens]

Originally Posted by Sperkowsky

Yes bring a boulder or 2.
Your controllers do not require an update or FRC specific software at all.

I meant motor controllers!

So I can download the updates before the event and install them there?

[GreyingJay]

Originally Posted by EDesbiens

So I can download the updates before the event and install them there?

Update your driver station laptop before you get there. I presume you can't update your RoboRio, CANTalons, etc. because they're currently in a bag, but get the firmware files ready on your PC and know exactly how to do the firmware update so that you can do it quickly when you get there.

(Hint: I would do it BEFORE they ask you to flash your robot radio to competition firmware, because there is a chance you will struggle with connection and IP issues afterward. You will fix any such issues eventually, but you will be much less stressed if you have already done the updating beforehand.

The goal is to go as quickly as possible from unbagging the robot to being fully inspected and ready to compete on the practice field.

[EDesbiens]

Originally Posted by GreyingJay

Update your driver station laptop before you get there. I presume you can't update your RoboRio, CANTalons, etc. because they're currently in a bag, but get the firmware files ready on your PC and know exactly how to do the firmware update so that you can do it quickly when you get there.

I tried to connect to them but the ethernet cable wont go through plastic!

I'll try to get every firmware update ready then... Should have thought about that during build season!

[jweston]

One thing I didn't see in the thread or in the admin manual list is battery spill kit.

[EDesbiens]

Originally Posted by jweston

One thing I didn't see in the thread or in the admin manual list is battery spill kit.

True! Didn't think about that one at all!