I though it would be smart to start a thread with tips for new VEX teams.
Here are some that our team has found over the 4 years we have been in robotics:
If the robot burns out while in a match, let it sit for a few seconds to recover.
Keep your engineering notebook up to date, by filling it out at every meeting.
Go your own direction, don’t always make the same robot everyone else is.
Do skills at regional and state competitions as a fall-back to qualify for the next tournament.
Scout early during tournaments.
Read the entire rule book at the start of the season.
Don’t just start throwing parts together. At the beginning of the season take maybe even a couple weeks to brainstorm what will work best. Also, prototype EVERYTHING!
Try a simple design before attempting anything big. Don’t try to copy the best guy in the competition right away because it probably won’t work like theirs did.
Know the manual like the back of your hand (Granted, with as many scars from robotics as I have on my hands, I’m not sure I know them all that well any more).
File down the edges of your robot or you get scars on the back of your hands. Cut zipties can also hurt.
Be willing and ready to argue with referees, but iff (not a typo, if and only if) you are certain you know the rulebook.
Talk to people. Knowing the people in your region really makes a difference in alliance selection. Also, get their contact info on fb or the forum etc. Banking off each other’s ideas will motivate you to innovate.
Drink lots of water at compitetions. Helps you make better decisions.
Create a game plan with your allies for each match. Knowing what to do results in your alliance playing more effectively, and may help you eek out a win from a stronger alliance.
While scouting, try to find flaws with your opponents’ robots. They can be used against them in a match. (It’s the secret to my team’s scouting strategy)
Robots with memes on them instantly become twice as memorable.
