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Title. Need a suggestion for a Windows laptop that can run a large assembly in SolidWorks, so processor in ~2.5-3+ GHz range. Would also use this computer for general use, maybe some light gaming. Decent battery and build quality would be nice. Strongly prefer SSD + HDD combo, and at least 8 GB of RAM.

I've looked a lot for any information regarding the Ontario District point system, but I can't find any official documentation. How do teams qualify for the district championship event? How do teams move on to the world championship? Is there any official plan, or has FIRST not confirmed anything yet? This information will be really necessary during the first days of build season, so I'd appreciate it if anyone could point me in the right direction.

Thanks!

Has anyone had any experience with this navigation board? Our team is looking at using an accel/gyro for our autonomous and targeting programs (we program in Java btw).

We've already ordered this part, but I can't find any documentation or tutorials online. If anyone has had experience using this part before, advice would be greatly appreciated.

Our team is looking at using our own pre-existing CAD models in parts of next year's robot to save time on design and prototyping. I am aware that we aren't permitted to use pre-existing physical parts, but is the use of pre-existing designs allowed? If so, and if we are obligated to share the CAD files, what is the preferred location to do so?

Thanks for all the help.

I bought the $150 USD (more like $200 with Canadian exchange and shipping for me) Orion Dynamo Pro 17Ah battery to use my equatorial mount in remote locations. Shortly after warranty, it broke and wouldn't charge. I was disappointed that the unit failed so quickly. I finally got around to poking around inside it, and found that the battery inside is a standard run-of-the-mill golf cart battery, about $50 CAD ($38 USD).

As luck would have it, I have another of the same type of battery laying in my garage. Took the old battery out, and put the new one in. The unit then worked like new!

While I am pleased at this success, I'm also disappointed that this unit failed so quickly. Has anyone else