I think it is time for our site to implement categories. We should work on that tonight. That way Mr. Prettyman’s posts about research that he has done doesn’t get lost. Speaking of which, nice job finding important, relevant forum posts.
Please note this article on Samantha lateral mounting http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/samantha-lateral-mount
Here are several articles about configuring and installing encoders and gyro sensors:
Encoder installation/Configuration http://www.robotc.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=3245&sid=21af7ecd5e05a5ebcc91475247bf6bc9
Gyro Sensor Configuration: http://www.robotc.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=3152
We had a good day at the Duel yesterday. We discovered some strengths and more than one weakness. Our robot functioned pretty well, except when another robot turned it off, our motors came disconnected and our ball collecting conveyor belt came off its sprockets. 
We learned/ remembered (depending on how many years each of us has been on the team) that robots function a lot differently when there are a hundred balls rolling around then when there are no balls on the ground. I think we also learned that the ball tubes add an extra challenge when the balls have been released. Also, I think it would be wise for us to individually review the scoring rules and penalties.
I have a quick question for anyone who knows the answer- Is there any reason we have to connect the motor controllers to each other with that thick wire? If there isn’t, I could replace it with thinner wire, which would make wiring Samantha about 100x easier.
~Stina
Happy mole day everyone! (Yes, I had this published at 6:02)
Guess what everybody! Now, if you search for “MOE FTC”, we are on the first page of Google!!!
UPDATE: Oh, and Stina’s post about Dean Kamen is listed under the link.
Check out our new discussions page! I know it will probably not get much use, but it’s an experiment.
Since our first event of the season is tomorrow, I thought write a little reminder for all of us about Gracious Professionalism.
Gracious Professionalism is, of course, the core value of FIRST. Basically, it means that while we compete like crazy, we still help other teams both off, and, to a certain extent, on the field.
Here’s a quick list of Gracious Professionalism do’s and don’ts. If you were on the team last year, you probably know all of these (and more). If you weren’t on the team, just be aware that this list is NOT comprehensive.
Do talk to other teams
Do offer suggestions if they ask for help (this doesn’t mean telling them all our plans, it just means offering suggestions as to how to make their designs work. )
Do obey the rules and follow instructions from volunteers
Do obey all safety rules
Do be polite to EVERYONE. This includes your teammates, your mentors, other teams and their mentors, volunteers, FRC people, spectators, your parents, your siblings, and anyone else who shows up (unless said person happens to be a rabid raccoon. )
Don’t make fun of other teams and their designs. Just because they don’t have anything built doesn’t mean they’re not a good team. (See us 2 years ago. )
Don’t horseplay
So, just keep Gracious Professionalism in mind, and have fun tomorrow!!
GO MOE!!!!!!
~Stina:)
I uploaded a new background based on the one on the laptops. How do you all like it?
Who besides me is getting excited for the Duel this weekend? I can’t believe that we’re actually going to be one of those amazingly organized, put together teams that have working robots at the Duel!
Just a reminder for Saturday- Please don’t run in the parking lot. :)
I forgot to say- Happy National Chemistry Week, everyone!!!!!!
GO MOE!!!!!!!!!
~Stina