"This problem could easily be solved in the short term if every one of the 525 VA-DC FLL teams sent in $10 for a new set of high quality competition tables..." Fabulous idea, Kickstarter? On Nov 10, 2014 10:30 AM, "Anant Narayanan" < [log in to unmask]> wrote: > Niketa: > > On average, most team tables are better than the competition tables (the > public property vs private property syndrome). While it is good of you to > try your approach, please don't rely on this too much. You may want to > coach your kids to be flexible and adapt to the circumstances quickly. If > they do this well, they will generally be able to improve their score from > round to round during the competition day. > > If you need realistic tables, you would need to age relatively inexpensive > competition tables in storage trailers for about 5 years, a process almost > as hard as producing fine whiskey, especially if you want to replicate the > microclimate of the parking lots, and the delicate warping produced by > leaning tables at an angle against the wall for 11 months. > > None of this is the fault of the hardworking VA-DC FLL volunteers and > organizers -- it is just competition reality. FLL HQ in Manchester is > seized of this problem and is currently collecting ideas for better tables. > > I haven't met many coaches who love the competition tables over their > own. This problem could easily be solved in the short term if every one of > the 525 VA-DC FLL teams sent in $10 for a new set of high quality > competition tables of standard design (preferably designed under the > supervision of a committee of experienced coaches). That is just $1 a > child. It is a pity that kids (especially beginner teams) must suffer for > want of a nail ... > > One additional tip that may help this year is that the bounce > characteristics of MDF is considerably different than gourmet plywood - > important for the sports mission. Is your team prepared to team adapt? I > think it would be legal to use the 1-min setup time before the round to > test this characteristic on your specific table( if your team is using a > bounce strategy) and adjust your program. > > Best of luck, > Anant Narayanan > > Sent from my iPad > > > On Nov 9, 2014, at 5:59 PM, niketa ganju <[log in to unmask]> > wrote: > > > > Hello, > > > > I would like to see if any team can allow us to tryout our robot to > perform some missions for testing. This is our first time to participate in > FLL and the kids wanted to make sure their robot works on someone's else > table. > > We would really appreciate if someone can help us. > > Thanks in advance for your help. > > Niketa- The Master Builders team. > > > > Sent from my iPad > > > > -- To UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your settings, please visit > https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-l.html and select "Join or > leave the list". > > > > -- VADCFLL administrative announcements are sent via > VADCFLL-ANNOUNCEMENTS-L. Visit > https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-ANNOUNCEMENTS-l.html to > subscribe. > > -- To UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your settings, please visit > https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-l.html and select "Join or > leave the list". > > -- VADCFLL administrative announcements are sent via > VADCFLL-ANNOUNCEMENTS-L. Visit > https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-ANNOUNCEMENTS-l.html to > subscribe. > -- To UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your settings, please visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-l.html and select "Join or leave the list". -- VADCFLL administrative announcements are sent via VADCFLL-ANNOUNCEMENTS-L. Visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-ANNOUNCEMENTS-l.html to subscribe.