Listen to the episode: [musicsingle file=”https://www.thevillargroup.com/ftcteam6024/wp-content/uploads/captains-log-entry-5-next-stop-kronos.mp3″]
Tip #1 is to design things either on paper or in PTC before you actually start to build. Have everyone on the team submit their ideas then discuss which ones are the most practical and best.
Tip #2 a good strategy is to make a chart of each of the tasks presented by this years challenge, and prioritize them by difficulty and points. Use strategy and try to think of ways you can be compatible with alliance partners! So basically say “oh, I think we should just go for putting cubes in the buckets because it’s worth this many points and it’s not too difficult” or “oh, I think it’s the most practical to focus on hanging from the center bar and playing defense”. Decide which mechanism you think is the most important to have, and prioritize completing that first. Once you’re ready to start, put your thinking cap on, or your smarty pants, or whatever intelligent article of clothing you own -I don’t judge- and try to think of the most practical way to accomplish them.
Tip #3 is to be smart with how you build. REMEMBER: Often simpler mechanisms are more practical and work better. Keep in mind to brace all of your parts as you build- triangles and squares are strong. Slap some cross beams and bolts in place to keep everything tight! Keep your samantha, nxt, and motor controllers, visible, well secured, and easy to access. And don’t forget to be creative! Last year my team had a paper mache ring grabbing mechanism.
Tip #4 is to communicate with the programmers, drivers, and strategists as you continue to build. This is important because having a well designed robot does nothing if the programming doesn’t work well with it and the drivers can’t control it properly. On-the-field performance is what you’re aiming for!
Tip #5 is to remember that while how your robot performs is very important, you can’t control a lot of what happens during matches and you have to be prepared for the worst to happen. Your robot isn’t the most important thing at a tournament, it’s your behavior and the way your team works together, as well as outreach, innovation, and many other aspects. And don’t’ forget to document your design process well in your engineering journal! Take lots of pictures and upload the sketches and PTC pictures into them.
To Summarize:
Tip #1 is to design BEFORE you build.
Tip #2 is to be wise and strategizeeee about what’s important to build.
Tip #3 is to not over complicate your design and keep it sturdy
Tip #4 is to keep the drivers and programmers in mind as you go
Tip #5 is to remember to keep cool and not be over attached to how your robot performs
For more tips & tricks, listen to our radio show, Captain’s Log, every other Sunday at 7:00 PM.
http://mixlr.com/captains-log–2/