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3.2.2 - Triage & Troubleshooting

3.2.2 - Triage & Troubleshooting

Section titled “3.2.2 - Triage & Troubleshooting”

Objective: Master the high-pressure environment of the FRC Pit by learning how to prioritize repairs, execute pre-planned checklists, and successfully turn a damaged robot around for the next match in under 8 minutes.

During qualification matches, you might an hour or two between field times. But during playoffs, or when the schedule compresses and we are on double deck, you might have as little as 8 minutes from the time the robot enters the pit to the time it must be queuing for the next match.

In the pits, panic is your worst enemy. Preparation is your only defense. This module will teach you how the Pit Crew operates and what you must do before we ever leave for a competition to prove you are ready for the chaos.

🚦 Step 1: The Triage Mindset

“Triage” is a medical term for assigning degrees of urgency to wounds. In FRC, it means fixing what actually matters to win the next match, not what makes the robot look pretty.

If the robot comes back shattered, you must fix things in this exact order of priority:

  1. Safety First: Is the battery leaking? Are wires shorting/smoking? (Fix immediately).
  2. Drivetrain & Bumpers: A robot that can drive and play defense is infinitely more valuable than a robot that can’t move but has a working shooter. Bumpers MUST be secure to legally play.
  3. Primary Scoring Mechanism: Fix the mechanism that scores the most points.
  4. Secondary Mechanisms/Climbers: Fix only if time permits.
  5. Cosmetics: Plastics, LEDs, and zip-tie tails. (Ignore until the end of the day).

📝 Step 2: Pre-Competition Deliverables

You cannot learn how to handle an 8-minute turnaround during an actual 8-minute turnaround. You must prove you are ready in our shop beforehand. Complete the following three deliverables with your Subteam Lead.

🎯 Deliverable 1: The “Blindfold” Tool Test When a drive chain snaps and the queueing volunteer is yelling for our robot, you do not have time to ask, “Hey, where are the 5/32 Allen keys?”

  • The Task: You must be able to locate the following items in the travel pit tool chest within 10 seconds each (metaphorically blindfolded):
    • 5/32” and 3/16” Allen Keys (T-Handles and L-Keys)
    • 3/8” and 7/16” Wrenches
    • WAGO Tool (or a tiny flathead screwdriver)
    • Zip ties and flush cutters
    • Spare Anderson powerpole connectors and the crimper
  • Sign-off: Have the Pit Boss or a Mentor time you finding these items in the packed pit cart.

📋 Deliverable 2: Create the Subsystem Checklist Every subsystem (Drivebase, Intake, Shooter, etc.) needs a rapid-fire checklist that takes less than 60 seconds to complete.

  • The Task: Write a 5-point physical checklist for your specific subsystem.
  • Example (Intake):
    1. Check all hex shaft collars—are they tight?
    2. Pluck the polycord/belts—is the tension correct?
    3. Check the NEO/Falcon motor wires—are the Anderson connectors fully seated?
    4. Spin the rollers by hand—is there any grinding or heavy friction?
    5. Check the mounting gussets—are any rivets sheared or loose?
  • Sign-off: Submit this checklist to the Pit Boss to be laminated and hung in the pit.

🏎️ Deliverable 3: The Mock Pit Stop This is your final exam. We will simulate a catastrophic match breakdown in the shop.

  • The Task: The drive team will bring the robot to the cart. A mentor will have secretly un-plugged one motor, loosened one bumper bracket, and thrown a drive belt off its pulley.
  • The Goal: As a Pit Crew, you have 5 minutes on a stopwatch to:
    1. Swap the main battery and secure the strap.
    2. Run your Subsystem Checklists.
    3. Identify the three “broken” elements.
    4. Fix the elements and verify connection via the Driver Station.
  • Sign-off: Successfully complete the mock pit stop under the time limit without yelling, running, or panic.

🔄 Step 3: The Actual Workflow

Once you are at the competition, every single time the robot touches the cart, the Pit Crew executes this exact dance:

  1. The Catch: The robot hits the cart. The driver immediately communicates what broke or felt “weird” during the match.
  2. Power Down & Swap: Main breaker is turned OFF. The dead battery is immediately pulled, marked with a red tag, and put on the charger. A fresh, 120%+ charged battery is strapped in.
  3. The Swarm: Mechanical runs their physical checklists (checking belts, bolts, and bumpers). Electrical checks main power runs and motor connections.
  4. Triage: If the driver reported an issue, or the swarm found one, the Pit Boss stops everyone, assigns the priority, and the necessary team members execute the fix.
  5. System Check: Tether to the robot. Enable in the Driver Station (with wheels OFF the ground/props removed) to verify the fix worked.
  6. Release: Un-tether, clear the cart of stray tools, and roll to queueing.

✅ Step 4: Pathway Deliverable

To complete this module, you must physically demonstrate your readiness to the Pit Boss or Lead Engineering Mentor.

Before submitting for review, ensure you have:

  • Passed the Tool Location Test.
  • Written and submitted a 5-point rapid checklist for at least one robot subsystem.
  • Participated in a successful timed Mock Pit Stop.

Notify a Mentor: Let the Pit Boss know you are ready to be tested and officially added to the active Pit Crew roster!

🎉 Module Complete! Once you have proven you can handle the pressure, you are ready to manage the rest of the competition workflow.