Gems of Wisdom
Use the MPLAB Simulator to test out your state machines, without having to wait for all your hardware to be built
Wire up the power distribution board as soon as possible. Supplying power to all of your circuits through the power distribution board is the most reliable way to ensure low-noise common grounding
Beware of using your SPI HAL from 218A (there will probably be a lot of unwritten functions)
You can "run" your robot through the game field without a drivetrain to test sensors
Ender 3D printers at the PRL are free, so print and iterate on mounts to secure all of your sensors
Make sure your mechanical enclosure and drivetrain are robust because your robot will crash a lot
Finish the "state machine" as soon as possible, and use it to guide you during the project
Keep your schematic or spreadsheet with pin assignments up to date
Always think about ways to simplify your design challenge, simple and reliable is the best path the success
Make your batteries accessible from the outside. Charge your batteries between competition rounds!