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6:41 PM
October 9, 2009
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allen
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Post edited 6:48 PM – October 15, 2009 by allen
So, as of now, we're still planning on what we want to do for the club, particularly in terms of what competitions we want to enter and what kind of robots we want to build. Please reply with what you think would be best for the club for each of the following categories.
1. Competitions: basically there are two tournaments that Triton Robotix can enter, BattleBots and Robogames.
2. Robots: related to the competitions, there are a couple weight classes in which we can build robots. The weight classes for Robogames are 1 lb, 3 lb, 30 lb, 60 lb, and 120 lb. BattleBots offers 15 lb and 120 lb.
3. Time: How much time can you commit to this club? Note: BattleBots provides a lot more media exposure, as it is more focused as a TV production, rather than a competition. Robogames does not provide as much media exposure, but it is much more competitive, making it more of a learning experience.
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Allen Jiang | Triton Robotix | Builder | Media Manager
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3:33 PM
October 11, 2009
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djyang
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Post edited 6:49 PM – October 15, 2009 by allen
1. Competitions: I believe that Battlebots is more exciting because it is on TV. However, I think robogames will be a better experience simply because it allows us the importunity to build 2-3 smaller bots as opposed to only one 120lb bot.
2. Robots: If we can afford it, I want to build a brand new 120lb to compete in BB AND build two 30lb to compete in RG. If we cant afford it, I believe we should build 2-3 30/60lb robots since it will give more experience to everyone and it is easier to work on smaller teams.
3. Time: How much time can you commit to this club? I have tons of time haha.
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2:18 PM
October 12, 2009
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Joe Schmoe
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1. Competitions: I'm personally leaning more towards Robogames simply for the experience. Since this will probably be the first robot for some of the members (myself included), I think it'll be better for those members to work on the Robogames while those that have been in the club longer and have more experience to work on a BattleBot robot.
2. Robots: If money and time permits, I'd say 1 120lb BattleBot robot for those with more experience and with the newer members just understand how things work on a larger scale and smaller, either 30lb or 60lb, for those that are new and just starting off.
3. Time: Personally, I only really have time in the evenings on everyday except Wednesday and Thursday. (Although, this is assuming I don't randomly get swamped with tons of homework, quizes, tests, etc.)
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1:10 PM
October 13, 2009
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eoliphan
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1. Competitions: BattleBots and Robogames.
I say we enter both! We have enough people to do so I think.
2. Robots: related to the competitions, there are a couple weight classes in which we can build robots. The weight classes for Robogames are 1 lb, 3 lb, 30 lb, 60 lb, and 120 lb. BattleBots offers 15 lb and 120 lb.
Robots- the more the merrier as long as we don't overload ourselves.
Versatile- would be great so if make a robot that can compete in the BattleBots 15lb that we can modify slightly to compete in the Robogames 30lb that would be great. So that we get more experience and reuse our resources.
Basically I'm of the opinion that we should modify the old 120lb make a new 120 lb and do a 15lb. robot that can have some modifications to also compete in a 30lb. competition.
3. Time: aprx 10hrs/ week. Evenings are best. Will NOT be available at all on Sunday.
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11:44 AM
October 15, 2009
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mddavis
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I have 2 concerns with going all out:
1) funding/material resources: each robot needs its parts, more the marrier, true, but we still have to support all of them. It is doable I think, but each team may have to pull a good amount of the weight trying to find parts/funding for what they need. The up side: if a company is going to donate something to a university, it can't get any better than these projects we're doing.
2) time: if we have enough people, especially people with extra time (i'm definitely not one of them), this won't be an issue.
I think if we continue to have about 15-20 members, however, 2 or 3 robots is doable (depending on size).
What do people think about a rotation system? Where if you feel like you've got some good experience (in this club or not) and want to further develop it by being part of a 120 battlebot team you can, while if you want to spend some time gaining that experience and have a little more freedom from cost join a 15 or 30lb bot? Recources-wise, I don't think there will be a large cross-over for big-ticket items like motors and batteries since the power/energy requirements are fairly different between the classes.
Finally, I would like to address the mini-competition we are (were?) considering. Logistically it will be very difficult to orchestrate a competition with multiple robots here on campus. Additionally, I would far prefer to build a robot than host a competition. And Lastly, I feel like larger robots are more exciting to work on and allow for more design complexity, as well as give the ability for everyone to learn from others rather than get stuck on their own. Please feel free to discuss.
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7:23 PM
October 15, 2009
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allen
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I agree. While a mini-competition would be certainly interesting, the requirements to get such a event in motion, and then be successful, is a little over our heads at this point. Inevitably, it'd be MAE3 all over again, and somehow the rewards will fall short of satisfaction.
By building larger and more dangerous robots, the sense of accomplishment resonates much deeper. I believe building these fewer but bigger robots will be our best course of action.
Of course, then it comes down to what class of robots we would like to shoot for. Personally, I think a 120 lb robot should be a must, since it would put us on par with last year's output. Since the club has grown in size, we now have the capability to expand and build an additional 60 lb robot or two.
As for finances, well, we have 9 months to figure that out. Just because we don't have instant cash today doesn't mean we should compromise tomorrow. That's probably not the best philosophy to live by, but I think in this case, the end justifies the means. Besides, once the BattleBots show finally airs, I do think we'll suddenly have a powerful negation tool, when it comes to sponsorships.
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Allen Jiang | Triton Robotix | Builder | Media Manager
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9:32 PM
October 15, 2009
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Joe Schmoe
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Also following allen and mddavis's post, it seems that just repeating MAE 3 would be kind of pointless. Well, not so much pointless but not as beneficial.
I also agree with how bigger robots would be more helpful as a whole. However, I still believe what I stated earlier that I think that the more experience people should work on the larger robot while those who are still new work on smaller robots. Finances can also tie into this opinion as newer members may end up requiring more attempts before having a firm grasp of how things work. It will be a lot easier to work on smaller robots and just get help while working on it to have an overall better understanding of how to build a robot.
However, seeing as how this will personally be my first robot in this club, I'm not sure but can anyone tell me about how much time is required into the creation of this robot?
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8:09 AM
October 16, 2009
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tylertucker202
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I'm liking the idea of building 30 lb robots. I like it because it provides more design and building expierence for many of the new members (me).
I assume that lighter robots have lower power requirements and so would cost less. This would allow for us to build a number of robots, in smaller groups. Yes, this may be a repeat of MAE 3. I'm taking it right now, its alot of fun. I don't understand why people don't repeat that expierence.
As of now, it is hard to say how much time I will have during the week. I'm still new to this school, and though as of now I can commit to 6 hours per week (ballpark estimate, I need to get more information on what goes into building a robot from scratch). Building a big fat complex robot, I feel will be a larger time sink then a smaller robot that I know I can sink my teeth into. Its unclear how many inexpierenced people are in this club. It the majority of the group have done this in previous quarters, I would feel more confortable on building a 120 lb robot.
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11:47 AM
October 16, 2009
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baseblast
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For the competitions, I think it would be great to participate in both Robogames and Battlebots.
As for the weight limits, I like the idea of one or two of 30 lb. robots, depending on the amount of money available, along with a 120 lb. robot to air on television. If it goes well, getting sponsors will be a bit easier. As a new member, I dont really care which robot im a part of, whether it be building the smaller or the larger robot, I just want to build. Having new members work on the smaller robots would probably be better, with the experienced members working on the larger one, but I"m not sure. Also, I was thinking that bringing in last years robot would be a great help for the new members such as myself. This way, we can kind of get a feel of what to expect, in terms of size, design, and weight. I did robotics in high school, but that was more MAE 3 status, where we would get balls and score them in bins, nothing with blades and lifting mechanisms (hahaha).
For the amount of time I have, well my schedule has a lot of classes going on in the afternoons, but I could work around them. Weekends are pretty much clear for me so that would also be a good time for me.
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