So, is anybody shipping their robot unfinished this season? We’re having some real huge problems, and it’s starting to look like we’re gonna have to ship unfinished.
Our problems all stem from the fact that we were flying by the seat of our pants: for some reason, we never really modeled the robot before we built it.
Another problem is the fact that what little design we did have was WAY too ambitious, so nothing is working like we want it too.
I guess what I’m basically saying is, are we the only team willing to admit that we screwed up and probably will only be able to get one practice match in?
We were planning on witholding stuff, but realized we would not be able to get the robot back together on Thursday quickly enough…so we jammed and got it all done before putting it in the box. Almost
1646 will need time on Thursday morning to replace a pin in our shooters top wheel. We were testing things tonight and it sheared. Other then that, it is mostly complete.
Last year, we shipped the robot with no trackball manipulating device on it whatsoever, and spent all practice day installing one (constructed during fix-it windows, and went on to win the regional.
This year, we are pretty sure it is finished, with the exception of sponsor logos and team numbers.
However, there are always improvements to be made at the competition.
1618 hasn’t tested all of its functions together. When the last kid left tonight, generally the signal for us mentors to stop work as well, we pulled off the bits we’re withholding and got it in the crate. (Have to have something to do at Palmetto, yes?)
2815 is mechanically done. There are a few tweaks that need to get knocked out–numbers, some bumper fiddling, etc–but it’s more than ready. I’ll get video up soon.
Team 904 is finished with their robot and still have some tweaking with the software. We (a Michigan team) “bagged” our robot tonight, since we didn’t feel that we would have any opportunity to get much accomplished before 5pm tomorrow.
