Well the day started out promising on getting the bot done but ended horribly.

The arm, in order to counter balance it, had some springs attached on the opposite side, this seemed to be the answer to our problems for a few hours until we actually tested it. The springs allow us to lift the arm, which is better than before, but it only allows for about 90° of motion and we need around 180°. Counter weighting the arm is a little risky because right now we are at 90 lbs and that's just with what is built of the deployment and the arm is so long that the counter weight would be just as long or 4 times as heavy. The other idea was to use a spring as a counted weight on a gear hooked up to the arm instead of fighting the arm at the tail end. Either way, the further fixing of the arm will take a lot of time we don't have.

The actuator for the claw was started today and looks very good as far as finishing on time. Instead of having the assembly inside of the claw, it sill be outside and should function very well, assuming the arm works of course.

The mini bot is mostly done and works every time, but nothing is being done to that since it isn't required for the scrimmage and doesn't need to be shipped.

The deployment also doesn't need to be shipped, but it also is far behind with some major speed bumps. The dropping of the mini bot on the pole is the main problem and many parts are still in prototype phases.

The robot came to life today and we were able to place the last jaguar on. Also the bumpers were worked on today a little and as long as people continue to come, might be ready by the scrimmage.

Anthony would like to keep everyone informed about what is happening with the Chairman's award so I am forwarding it to everyone in this email. "The questions are in the relative chairmans pdf and this is what I got so far, will likely finish first copy of major essay draft tomorrow "

Now that we are in the last week, it is an all or nothing and we need groups and teams of people to come on Tuesday and Wednesday. Here is what needs to get done:
-Counter balance arm somehow (could take all week)
-Finish actuator for claw (1-2 nights)
-Finish deployment (not necessary but will take all week and more)
-Build bumpers (could take all week)
Depending on what get's done this week, Sunday will be used to repair what broke at the scrimmage, modify anything that needs to be, and test. Unless everyone comes on the weekdays, it is time to panic.