Competition - First Day

We survived the first day of competition mostly unscathed. Everyone has hard worked very hard and it's paying off.

We got better as the day went on and I'm causously optimistic that we'll make a good showing today.

We hung twice, the kicker is working and the roller is operational. The last piece is autonmouns and with a little luck we'll have that today.

We have 3 matches this morning and it will be interesting. If we live up to our potential, TechTigers could be playing in the eliminations of the Florida Regional for the 6th straight year.

Still Working/First Day

Still Working
As I write this I am sitting in front of a projector screen watching the finals of the Kansas City Regional. It's too early to tell how well received Breakaway! will be. My guess is you'll see some high scoring in the later regionals as teams figure out the most effective strategy.

This past week has been a busy one as we work to get the practice robot up and running. We've made some changes to the kicker as early testing revealed a flaw.

Our temporary new home has been a God-send. As I mentioned in my last post, we've set up camp in an empty gym.

First Day
Well, I started the post above with every intention of finishing it but it was not to be. We've since packed up and are now sitting in Orlando and have wrapped up the first day.

It was a long day and everyone worked hard to the robot going. Unfortunately we didn't make it on the field but we're in pretty good shape.

There was an issue with some speed controlers. We had one flame out on us and discoverd 2 other bad ones. Good thing we found those now.

Tomorrow qualification play starts and we're in the third match. Keep your fingers crossed and I'll post an update tomorrow night.

The Robot Shipped!

Hello (I know I'm late again),
So much has happened since my last post. The robot shipped, we kind of found a new home, and we're busy getting the practice robot together.

Yes, last Tuesday at 3:03PM FedEx showed up to take the robot away. It was a bit hectic but she was secured in the crate, closed up and sent on her way. (notice my reference to the robot as "she" - I'm an old Navy guy).

After spending 3 weekends at Jonathan Parriera's house working in his garage, we've changed locations to an empty gym Mr. Cosme was able to procure for us. There's lots of room to work and drive the robot around! I want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Parriera for their hospitality as they went above and beyond the call of duty.

Our focus now is to get the practice robot fully assembled, test all systems, find the weak spots, make them better and find our drivers. If you'd like to come by for a peak, the address is 3000 W. Prospect Road, Fort Lauderdale. It's at the intersection of NW 31st Ave and Prospect Road, behind the 7-11.