What We Learned
Set up a good accounting and expenses spreadsheet in the very beginning. Even with a generous budget, it quickly becomes hard to keep track of all the purchases you'll make over the quarter.
Make sure the motors you buy have twice as much torque as you think you need.
Test mechanical components early and often so that there is time to explore alternate solutions if your first idea doesn't work out.
Have regular meetings to discuss what each teammate is working on and plans to work on before the next meeting. If a certain area needs more attention or someone is working on something that may not be as vital to the project, it's easier to make the necessary adjustments.
Plan ahead for PCBs. Leave enough lead time for parts to get in and revisions to be made.
Have a supply of common IC's, molex connectors, etc handy.
Make sure the motors you buy have twice as much torque as you think you need.
Test mechanical components early and often so that there is time to explore alternate solutions if your first idea doesn't work out.
Have regular meetings to discuss what each teammate is working on and plans to work on before the next meeting. If a certain area needs more attention or someone is working on something that may not be as vital to the project, it's easier to make the necessary adjustments.
Plan ahead for PCBs. Leave enough lead time for parts to get in and revisions to be made.
Have a supply of common IC's, molex connectors, etc handy.