= Pit Design
The pit lives primarily for 2 reasons:
1. to serve as the pit, where the robot is parked and repaired
2. to serve as a hub for the team, to perform outreach and marketing

== The Physical Pit

'''!Requirements/Considerations'''[[BR]]
* all items brought must fit inside the pit (no items sprawling out)
* there will (probably) be a table you can't remove
* safe and effective working condition
  * items should be accessible
  * subteams should ideally store their items in a place where they won't run into each other as they do things in the pit
* display of sponsors, other outreach/marketing items

'''Constraints:'''[[BR]]
* dimensions
  * technically a 10'x10' space, but usually 9'x9', and sometimes 8'x8'; a good design will work in as small as 8'x8' but not be constraining in a 10'x10' space
  * nominal height limits set by venue, but usually ~10'
* electrical power: there is usually a limit per team and a limit per 6 teams at district competitions
* cannot daisy chain (power strip + power strip)

{{{#!div style="border: 1pt dashed; color:blue"
'''"What are all the things you need to bring to the pit?"'''

From that list, think about how might you ''most conveniently''
* store '''each item''' in the pit
* access/display '''each item''' in the pit
* transport '''each item'''


As with all iterative engineering, ask '''"How can we do better?"
}}}

=== Things to Think About


'''Questions to Ask Yourself'''[[BR]]
* What is the workflow of each match cycle? Will people bump into each other as they crowd around the same spot where batteries and bumpers are stored?
* What if you get a corner spot? Are two sides open or just one?
* What do you do with all the jackets and bags team members will bring?
  * What to do with stuff other teams give you?

== People in the Pit
Everyone who's in the pit should have something to do. Everyone who's there should understand what they're responsible for and when. For example,
* Billy Joe Fisher : responsible for replacing the battery before each match
* Ellen B. Evergales : in charge of pit operations; has the authority to kick out people who aren't doing anything if space is crowded
* Alai Suetterl : performs checkup of robot immediately after each match
* Dan R. Campbell : reads off items on the pre-match checklist and ensures each item is completed

{{{#!div style="border:1pt dotted; color:red"
For every match cycle, the robot will need to be examined. To ensure that all items are checked, you should really use a '''checklist''' of items to check.

{{{#!div style="1pt dotted; color:orange"
'''Qualities of a Good Checklist'''[[BR]]
* detailed and precise enough that someone else could take over if needed
* broken up into individual tests of specific things
  * don't say "check all connections", but "tighten bolts on arm-shooter connection"
}}}

When you carry out the checklist, there should be at least 2 people. One person reads off each item from the checklist; the other ''actually'' performs each check. Ideally, a third person can double check each item's completion.
}}}

== Practice
1. Practice setting up the pit, especially if it's complicated.
  * you can check you have all the parts/tools necessary
  * people can get a feel for how the pit will be run
2. Assign roles beforehand, make sure each person understands their role

= Current Pit Design & Components
??  ??

= Previous Pit Components ''(listed in reverse-chronological order)''
These are just the previously used items. ''There are definitely better solutions out there.''
== curved trade show display
A 10 ft. long curved display structure with soft material backing (allows velcro attachment). 

=== PROS
* easy to attach anything with velcro
* somewhat flexible in where it is placed
* hollow space inside in which to hide things
* single carrying case

=== CONS
* large, unwieldy setup, esp. if not practiced beforehand
  * expansion of the inner frame can take a good bit of space
* very tricky to assembly correctly (such that it ''stays'' assembled)

== steel & wood carts

=== PROS
* simple
* wheels

=== CONS
* extremely heavy (some places dangerous)
* require a trailer (or similar) to transport

== cube frame
A 9 ft. cube made of 16 aluminum frame pieces and 16 pairs of fasteners.

=== PROS
* simple
* enables hanging of elements from any segment

=== CONS
* separate and heavy parts
* restricted to a 9' cube (some other configurations possible, see below)

=== Other Configurations
It is possible to have a few other configurations of the frame besides a 9' cube, although they are still just as (or more) constraining.
* remove one side
* lower entire frame by 1/2 (and remove front side)
* use only 3 sides (one corner)

== pvc pipe frame
A modular frame of PVC elements.

=== PROS
* easily sourced, easily assembled
* lightweight

=== CONS
* looks much less professional