Robot Arm

http://scioly.org/wiki/Robot_Arm

^USE this to start out

YOU NEED TO START THIS EVENT EARLY AND IF YOU CAN...program the robot arm or else the remote control will be difficult. 1) Read the guidelines- basically if you know the rules and read the event description like at least ten times, then you will have a good idea of all the ways you can get points without even picking up stuff really (but you NEED to pick up stuff...just in case you can't)

2) DO NOT USE VEX ROBOTICS- the motors stop working randomly, the claw is really good, but don't be deceived it doesn't work out in the end because the motors don't work. Also, the metal parts are really heavy so the arm kept falling down- best to have a lighter arm so you don't have to find ways to counterbalance it.

3) IF YOU DO USE VEX ROBOTICS...because a lot of teams do, you need to buy the ENTIRE SET, and that means some major fundraising beforehand- THIS IS WHY A SCIENCE TEAM FUND WOULD BE USEFUL

4) if you have time try electromag stuff...but it's really not necessary. A basic arm with a claw will get you far.

5) STRATEGY WISE- if anything goes wrong or you are running out of time...just push stuff into north zone and rack up as many points as you can get. don't wasite time trying to pick something up because it isn't worth it.

6) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE TIME TO PRACTICE - This is not an event that you can become good at overnight (I tried this, it failed). Controlling a robot is a lot harder than it looks, and a lot of things can unexpectedly go wrong during the competition. You need to be ready do deal with things such as a loose gear or anything else that could hinder a robot's performance.

7) HAVE A GAME PLAN - Have both people try controlling the robot and see who is better and plan who will do what during the competition. Both people should be involved during the actual competition. If one person is controlling the robot, the other should be helping them by timing, gauging distances, ect... This is a 2 person event for a reason. It takes two people to effectively control a robot.