NEforecast: Waterbury District Event, March 8th - March 10th, 2019
The Blue Alliance: http://thebluealliance.com/event/2019ctwat
Webcast: https://www.twitch.tv/nefirst_red
Who is your favorite of this week’s top teams?
- 230
- 177
- 176
- 558
0 voters
This week we’ll be heading down to the southern part of New England to get a look at many of the competitors from the region’s second smallest state. Among those competing we’ll see teams who tend to fall into the mid-tier range as well as those who’re typically within the top 5 best robots in the district. Though the upper level of play is about as scarce as you’d normally expect from a district event, the amount of depth that can be found here could give us a glimpse of if it’s possible for 3 average robots to take on the offensive capability you’d find in a top seeded alliance.
In the first week of Deep Space we learned many things about this game, among them were the importance of level 3 climbers for ranking highly (and the deficit it can create on the other alliance). Additionally, how important utilizing null hatch panels effectively can be when paired with an efficient cargo scoring robot. We think this successful formula is likely to continue, though with what is arguably a deeper field than GSD (not to mention more time to prepare) the value of having a level 3 HAB climber may not be as detrimental to other alliances, since it’s likely to be less rare among this group of teams.
Top Teams:
230, Gaelhawks: Though the FRC world (and a high percentage of ChiefDelphi) are generally against mecanum drive, we don’t think that memo has reached the ears of 230, who can arguably be considered the best mecanum robot in the world year after year. Starting strong has never been an issue for this team and that’s probably why they were able to soar into an undefeated win at Waterbury last year. Taking a lot of inspiration from their 2018 elevator the Gaelhawks are sticking with what they know are proven design concepts. What will really set this team apart is how well they are able use their maneuverability to their advantage to out cycle the other teams in the competition, and whether or not they can remain consistent even in the face of defense.
177, Bobcat Robotics: Last year we saw the Bobcats return to excellent form, winning the Hartford District Event and finishing as finalists at the New England District Championship. Whether collecting from the HP station or the ground, Team 177 may have one of the most effective (not to mention widest) cargo intakes we’ve seen so far. This could allow them to stand out as a cargo scoring specialist this weekend. But, they’re also coming equipped with an 8-wheel drive, center grabbing hatch mechanism, and a level 3 HAB climber. Smart play and strong teleop performances have always been this team’s mantra. Auto mode has long been a troubled area for 177 and Deep Space placing less importance on auto modes could work to their advantage.
176, Aces High: After their breakout season in 2018, Aces High is looking to defend their title as the Waterbury champs. Their robot is coming preloaded with a stacked deck, with an over the bumper cargo intake, a wheeled hatch acquisition and deployment mechanism, a linear cargo shooter, and a 6-wheel WCD, Team 176 has the potential to solidify themselves as the top team in New England for week 2. What separates this team is their climber, choosing to build a secondary elevator off the back of their robot that helps them get to the 3rd level of the HAB. What they leave behind, however, is a platform for their partners to get on, making them one of the few known partner climbs in this district.
558, Elm City Robo Squad: The Robo Squad seems to be ditching their tiny robot trend in 2019 and playing with the big boys. Working with tested and true drivetrain from years past, with a quick elevator, a tube roller intake for cargo, a pneumatic hatch intake, and a very fast level 3 climb, 558 just might surprise you as a great all around robot this season. Playing smart and getting locked in with one of the other top teams in elims could give them the chance they need to get themselves a deep run come Sunday, or possibly even taking it all.
Honorable Mentions:
228, GUS: Pulling heavy inspiration from 195’s 2018 elevator, GUS is looking for some redemption from the poor luck they had last season. Coming in with a maneuverable H-Drive, and a dual cargo intake/hatch deployment mechanism this team is ready to make a strong showing at their opening event. The true test for Team 228, however, will be getting their level 3 HAB climber working, something that if it proves to be successful could give them a Fuego performance.
236, Techno-Ticks: Team 236 never really has an issue with competing early, in fact, in recent years it tends to be where they find the most success, as they won the Waterbury event in both 2015 & 2017. Choosing to go with a double masted elevator, a claw shaped cargo intake, and a pneumatically ejected hatch mechanism, the Techno-Ticks could capitalize on their ability to design simply and play the game conventionally to enter their way into the winner’s circle once more.
1071, Team MAX: Team 1071 is coming into Waterbury featuring a wide cargo intake, center-grabbing hatch mechanism, level 2 climber, and an elevator capable of reaching any level on the rocket. Though that may not be astray from most robots this weekend, what really separates this Wolcott based team apart is that they have logged more practice hours than just about any team at this event, reducing cycle times and learning the ins and outs of their machine.
175 Buzz Robotics: Finishing as finalists on their division in Houston last year Team 175 is hoping to up the ante from their performance last season. That’s probably why their elevator takes some heavy design inspiration from their 2018 bot. This time, however, they’re choosing to go with an H-drive for alignment, a tube roller cargo intake, and pneumatic pistons to push out the hatch. Whether or not they can climb to HAB level 3 will be the truest test for their success this weekend.