Gems of Wisdom
- Even though 218C is less intense than 218B, it’s still in the 218 series! Plan to put in a lot of effort.
- The two most important/difficult parts for us were the communication and making the skirts. Start with these to give yourselves enough time to perfect them.
- Try to use components that you can get in the SPDL and Room 36.
- AeroMicro might not be a great source if you want to be unique.
- Have fun with the design, but don’t spend too much time thinking about aesthetics early; a moving remote controlled hovercraft is probably better than a stationary sculpture.
- By implementing quick, janky solutions just to meet a deadline you are borrowing time from your future selves. Spend a bit more time and get it right even if it means that you will lose a checkpoint by a day. No big deal!
- Invest in your own tools. Our top items: solder, solder sucker, electronics screwdriver set, hot glue gun with glue sticks, super glue, utility knife with sharp blades.
- Prioritize the mechanical design, and lasercut early.
- Use a heat gun to re-meld hot glue for repositioning or replacing components.
- Depending on the assignment, your hovercraft may have to do more than move itself -- many of our class's could move on their own but couldn't push the FERRETs very effectively. The more thrust, the better.
- Reverse is SO HELPFUL. Many teams got stuck at the wall for the entire round and could not move anywhere else -- even when you aren't facing the wall, if you're touching it you tend to get caught and turn towards it. Then you are facing it. And you're sad.
- A good brake is also very helpful.
- Have fun with the controller design, but make it something you can actually use easily (real tactile controls are a plus). Our class included a bike, a snake, and an inner tube, all of which were hilarious but hard to use successfully.
- Use a heat gun to re-meld hot glue for repositioning or replacing components.