More fires from 1317

[Ryan M.]

I had said something a while ago about when I caused a fire on wire which was shorting out the RC. I have returned from the Buckeye regional with more hair raising stories.

Some scary things that happened to us at competition:
1) A loose steel cable fell across a battery, shorting it out and sending out a spurt of flames and a nice big mushroom cloud. It wasn't me, I swear! I was just the closest person.
2) While staying until 8:00 on Thursday, we managed to step on the tether (which was screwed into the RC). The snap was startling, but it was nothing compared to having the tether port on the ground. Fortunately, we got a loan a RC from Innovation FIRST for the duration of the competition.

Throw in any of your own stories, if you think you can top ruining a $500 microcontroller.

[Elgin Clock]

Originally Posted by Texan

2) While staying until 8:00 on Thursday, we managed to step on the tether (which was screwed into the RC). The snap was startling, but it was nothing compared to having the tether port on the ground. Fortunately, we got a loan a RC from Innovation FIRST for the duration of the competition.

Ahh, famous rookie mistake.

Never screw your tether into the RC or the OI people!!!!!
Bad things happen when you do!
Just place it in the RC and OI, but do not screw it in. You never know when the robot will lurch forward on it's own power and rip stuff right out!

[Ryan M.]

Originally Posted by Elgin Clock

Ahh, famous rookie mistake.

Never screw your tether into the RC or the OI people!!!!!
Bad things happen when you do!
Just place it in the RC and OI, but do not screw it in. You never know when the robot will lurch forward on it's own power and rip stuff right out!

So, I found out...

Actually, it wouldn't have mattered. I'm not even sure it was. It was being pulled back against it and off.