View Full Version : FIRST Robotics: Behind the Design
Joe Johnson
05-02-2007, 16:44
Who's been in charge of monitoring Amazon for the FIRST book we've all been waiting for?
Well, whoever it was, they're fired ;-)
I just now found this book Amazon: FIRST Robotics: Behind the Design (http://www.amazon.com/FIRST-Robots-Behind-Vince-Wilczynski/dp/1592533663/sr=1-1/qid=1170711214/ref=sr_1_1/104-1745445-7367133?ie=UTF8&s=books)
There is not too much info about it. But there is some. It list $39.99 amazon sells if for $26.39. It is supposed to ship on May 1. AND... ...your friend and mine, Vince Wilczynski, is the first author listed.
The cover looks great too -- nice Mecanum wheel chassis.
I know what book is going to be on my coffee table soon after they start shipping.
For what it is worth...
Joe J.
Justin M.
05-02-2007, 16:45
Is that 357's mecanum chassis on the cover?
Is that 357's mecanum chassis on the cover?
It appears to be. So, here's the challenge for all you CSI types out there. From this low res image, how many teams can you identify? I think I see the Team 1114 elevator intake in the top row, 3rd box from the left. (Our designers have a weird tendency to make the globe motor yellow.) Any other guesses?
s_forbes
05-02-2007, 17:03
Mmmm... 30 robots! This book would make up for all of the lost time I spent fixing the robot last year that I couldn't spend oogling other robots in the pit area!
Jeff Rodriguez
05-02-2007, 17:15
Vince joined us on FIRSTcast (http://podcast.openfirst.org/shownotesb.htm) to discuss the book just before kickoff. He gave told us that the book will be available at the Championship Event, walked through one of the chapters and gave teams pointers on increasing their chances for being in the second book.
It's definitely worth listening to. (http://podcast.openfirst.org/finalcut/season2episode5.mp3)
Thanks Vince for being on FIRSTcast and for putting so much work into this great book!
Tom Bottiglieri
05-02-2007, 17:17
Anyone know what the publish date is going to be? I need to know whether I should have it shipped to college or my house in CT.
Anyone know what the publish date is going to be? I need to know whether I should have it shipped to college or my house in CT.
It is supposed to ship on May 1.
It also says so on the Amazon page itself.
Rich Wong
05-02-2007, 17:24
The cover looks great too -- nice Mecanum wheel chassis.
I know what book is going to be on my coffee table soon after they start shipping.
For what it is worth...
Joe J.
Definitely a must have!
:D
StephLee
05-02-2007, 17:38
Ooh, that's a definate must-have. Hopefully I can get the team to pre-order one...
Nice to hear of the initial reaction to the book! It has been a fun project to put together in the "off-season" which never seems to be "off".
The intent pushing the project is to have the book available for the Championship. I will try to get more details on the ship date for items offered via the web sites as to whether their ship is before, after or during the Championship.
I did the FIRSTcast mentioned by Jeff to help teams collect images for the "next book" based on the 2007 season. That piece was intended to give teams some insight on how to collect images that tell the story of their design to increase the team's competitiveness for inclusion in the 2007 book. I hope it was helpful. The images are VERY important, and as such I urge teams to collect high resolution, clear images of their designs.
As for the 2006 book, Stephanie Slezycki is the co-author. Stephanie is a FIRST-alum (Team 236) who is finishing up her B.S. in M.E. We’ve been promised that Stephanie’s bio will be up on the web site. It is important for people to know that in addition to many other accomplishments, FIRST grads are also authors.
In another project I found out that Stephanie had a knack for writing and with her FIRST experience she was a natural to jump into the project. It was fun to do the project together with her.
It was a blast seeing the submitted material and really hard picking the material to include in the book. We're looking forward to seeing all of the submissions for the 2007 book.
We hope you enjoy the work!
Greg Needel
06-02-2007, 08:03
(Our designers have a weird tendency to make the globe motor yellow.) Any other guesses?
I really hope you are in there Karthik but alot of teams have yellow globe motors in their designs. It is what happens when you get the model from firstcadlibrary if you look at any of our designs we have the yellow motor as well. (although we didn't have a team last year so I know it isn't us :D )
Tom Bottiglieri
06-02-2007, 09:50
It also says so on the Amazon page itself.
Ha, look at that. My bad, sorry.
MikeDubreuil
06-02-2007, 09:52
I pre-ordered one. Excellent coffee table book!
Brandon Holley
06-02-2007, 10:11
Im pretty sure they're gonna be on sale at nationals, which is like 15 days before they'd ship out books from amazon.
Alex Cormier
06-02-2007, 10:35
So who's the teams in this book?
the answer will depend on if i purchase it or not. ;)
Joe Matt
06-02-2007, 14:41
So who's the teams in this book?
the answer will depend on if i purchase it or not. ;)
Looking at the cover of the book and one of the descriptions of the chapters in the FIRSTcast episode, I think it's pretty clear that........ well, you'll just have to put 2 and 2 together. ;)
Last I heard from Vince the book will be available at Champs, online, and and at various bookstores (B&N, Boarders, etc).
Im pretty sure they're gonna be on sale at nationals, which is like 15 days before they'd ship out books from amazon.
Plus, if you get it at the championship event, you can get all the teams in the book to autograph it.
Alex Cormier
06-02-2007, 15:45
Looking at the cover of the book and one of the descriptions of the chapters in the FIRSTcast episode, I think it's pretty clear that........ well, you'll just have to put 2 and 2 together. ;)
Last I heard from Vince the book will be available at Champs, online, and and at various bookstores (B&N, Boarders, etc).
haha. not all of us listen to first cast/ blue alliance.;)
I pre-ordered one. Excellent coffee table book!
Exactly what I was thinking! Looks awesome!
Joe Troy
06-02-2007, 21:28
Is that 357's mecanum chassis on the cover?
Yes...the Mecanum chassis on the cover of the book is an early inventor drawing for Team 357's 2006 Jester Drive.
Needless to say we were thrilled to have our design on the cover!!
Guess what gift I'm giving everyone on my Christmas list next year. :D
Elgin Clock
12-02-2007, 02:02
I had a chance to visit Rockport publishers who is putting out the book while up in Gloucester MA this October. They were closed the day I was there, but it gave me a perfect photo opportunity. w00t!
http://photos-847.ak.facebook.com/ip002/v51/8/100/507827109/n507827109_2847_4587.jpg
LightWaves1636
12-02-2007, 05:17
Ah Man, I can't wait to get the actual book. I wonder which teams were chosen.
I was able to get a better resolution version of the cover. I dropped a version in the gallery and have the higher resolution version here. I expect to get an example chapter soon. Enjoy - Vince
Alex Cormier
15-02-2007, 23:13
wahoo! i see Ellery and some other X-Cats on the cover!
LindsayKnowlton
17-02-2007, 15:21
Wow, that's pretty cool. Definitely going to check it out. I've been waiting for a FIRST-related book to come out, and now it's here! :) And the funny part is that the cover is pretty much how I thought a book on FIRST would look like. :ahh:
well.........good news for team 322. Three of the small pics on the cover contain parts from our robot.:yikes: :yikes: :yikes:
We are pretty excited to say the least.:ahh:
Elgin Clock
22-02-2007, 00:06
Some more in depth discussions going on here about the book and the pics on the cover.
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54233&highlight=book
Alex Cormier
07-03-2007, 12:31
Why did the book price go up? was it becuase of the alarming number of Wish-List hits towards this book?
I am disappointed.
FYI: The list price never changed, the pre-release special that Amazon.com was running has expired.
RAZ
Why did the book price go up? was it becuase of the alarming number of Wish-List hits towards this book?
I am disappointed.
Alex Cormier
08-03-2007, 22:09
FYI: The list price never changed, the pre-release special that Amazon.com was running has expired.
RAZ
boo. ok.
Joe Ross
14-03-2007, 13:32
Our team leader just received notification that we are in the book. Who else made it?
jason_zielke
14-03-2007, 13:43
Our team leader just received notification that we are in the book. Who else made it?
We got it too!
Our team leader just received notification that we are in the book. Who else made it?
I received notice that Team 1114 would be in the book.
Dave Flowerday
14-03-2007, 13:50
Wildstang is in, but we already knew that since we identified one of the tiny photos on the cover as our own ;)
StephLee
14-03-2007, 18:08
Team 1629's in it as well!
The WOBOT, Team 141 Is In The Book. Way to go Team! Congratulations to all the other teams!
Danny Diaz
14-03-2007, 19:42
Yeah, 418 made it too, but then again our team number is on the cover. :D
-Danny
JohnBoucher
14-03-2007, 20:27
237
Team 191 X-Cats is in too.... Sweet. Now I just have to figure whether or not I should cancel my current Amazon order and get the discounted version or if it is a wash.
NOTICE TO WINNERS: Hopefully most of us will be in Atlanta this year. Wouldn't if be great if we could take turns signing eachothers copies!
Looking forward to meeting up with all the other teams.
Joe Matt
14-03-2007, 21:25
Heck, I'd love to have the main designers of each of the robots sing their respective pages in the book! Maybe during the CD web hug?
ChrisMcK2186
14-03-2007, 21:26
Didn't they advertise or talk about this in the kickoff this year?
Unfortunately I won't be at Atlanta this year :( - ya know that grad school thing tends to take up alot of time. But having people sign it would be kool!
Ellery
Andy Baker
14-03-2007, 21:51
I want a book, and will be seeking it to be autographed by the teams highlighted in the book. Maybe there needs to be a book signing session Thursday or Friday night in Atlanta.
Whoever is responsible for these wonderful designs (students and mentors) will hopefully be giving out autographs. I'll stand in line with the rest of respectful FIRST members to get my copy's pages signed by the designers.
AB
Joe Matt
14-03-2007, 21:59
Just got the email from the team head........
384 is in it! I'll drag Jame's/Crebber's $@#$@#$@# to Atlanta to get those signed for everyone.
I'll probably be the only X-Cat at the webhug and it would be improper for me to sign the page since I did not work on the robot (unless you count the signage). I'd reccomend going to our pits to get the signature from those who truly deserve the credit. Particualrly our coach Henry who's explaination of our process basically won us the award.
Stephanie.S
14-03-2007, 22:06
Didn't they advertise or talk about this in the kickoff this year?
The book and "Get Published" opportunity were mentioned at the kickoff. You can find out more information about the next edition at http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Community/FRC/FRC_Documents_and_Updates/Get_Published.pdf, or search the FIRST website.
=Martin=Taylor=
14-03-2007, 22:21
Yay! Team 100 is in there!
The alumni who designed the award wining transmissions doesn't even know about this yet! We'll have to surprise him at Davis :D
BIG THANKS TO VESELIN KOLEV (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/member.php?u=4768) WHO HELPED MAKE THESE TRANSMISSIONS A REALITY!
Stephanie.S
14-03-2007, 22:34
At the Championship, on Thursday, April 12th, we will be giving a talk about the "Get Published" project as a part of the FIRST workshops. This workshop could be utilized as an opportunity for teams to congregate and meet eachother. More details will be provided as the Championship nears.
TEAM COSMO #123 is in... We received the Email.
Coach Joe - "Drive team coach, team robot designer, engineer & mentor"
I also authored the editorial we submitted to Rockport last year; it will be interesting to see what they left in and/or added and what pix they used. I guess we'll see, only 27 more days.
See ya all at the Nat’s
Team 467 has 5 pages front and back on some page in the fifties.
The Publisher dropped into the Boston Regional with some of the first copies from the press run. People seemed to like what they saw.
http://i10.tinypic.com/30tjtbn.jpg
Vince,
After seeing you at UTC,
any word on availability of the book at Championships?
Nuttyman54
25-03-2007, 21:04
When we asked the publishers in Boston, they said that if it wasn't available at the Dome, that the Georgia Tech bookstore would have it
I think i'm gonna purchase this and use it as an idea base for next year. 1023 is going to be going into new waters next season with some interesting design changes (for the good hopefully!).
I'm still waiting for my pre-order to arrive from Amazon. Can't wait to check it out!
As dtape (Jeff) said above, 467 is in the book - one of two MA teams (the other being 190). I stopped someone that was holding a book and asked if I could take a peek to see if we were in it. She looked at my and noticing my team shirt, said "oh yeah, you're in it, about 7-8 pages" Then proceeded to open it up and show me!
Very nice! Can't wait to get a copy!
Also, some of our students presented a copy of the book to Governor Patrick.
I had an idea we may have been in back in January, when I received an email asking for verification of some student info. After replying I then received a reply saying like "..I'll see if I can make the change - the book is going to press soon..."
the book is going to press soon..."
T, in order for them to show us the book, it had to have already be printed;)
T, in order for them to show us the book, it had to have already be printed;)
;) That was from an email I received back in January - before it was printed
I am definitly buying it! I love checking out other teams bots, hopefully I can get it at Atlanta. Would be a great read on the 8 hour drive back.
Jeremiah Johnson
27-03-2007, 11:44
I am definitly buying it! I love checking out other teams bots, hopefully I can get it at Atlanta. Would be a great read on the 8 hour drive back.
Ditto... except I need something to keep me company for a 14+ hour bus ride home.
Team 648 is going to start working on our Behind the Design 2 submission tonight, after winning the Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award at the Midwest Regional. Anyone have any tips?
ChuckDickerson
05-04-2007, 10:57
Just letting everyone know the book is now shipping from Amazon!
I had pre-ordered the book from Amazon and received an email thins morning that the book has now shipped. Hopefully it will get here before we head to Atlanta so I can get some signatures!
Ditto... except I need something to keep me company for a 14+ hour bus ride home.
Team 648 is going to start working on our Behind the Design 2 submission tonight, after winning the Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award at the Midwest Regional. Anyone have any tips?
You can check us out under the GM Industrial Design section. ;)
As for tips: follow the guidelines laid out for you specifically, make sure to answer all the questions fully, and include as many pictures as possible (make sure they're in the proper format and guideline conforming).
Good luck.
Jeremiah Johnson
05-04-2007, 11:18
You can check us out under the GM Industrial Design section. ;)
As for tips: follow the guidelines laid out for you specifically, make sure to answer all the questions fully, and include as many pictures as possible (make sure they're in the proper format and guideline conforming).
Good luck.
I have a ton of pictures and I can convert them to the format needed. I have the completed questionnaire. The only thing I'm missing is a full photo of our robot in a white background. I won't be able to get one of those until we're in Atlanta. I think we're going to bring a white sheet and try to tape it on a wall in the pits somewhere to get the photo... but that's cutting it close, our submission is to be postmarked the 16th...
There's always Photo Shop. ;)
Joe Matt
05-04-2007, 11:32
The book + 2 day shipping costs less than what the book usually should cost (and will cost at Atlanta.)
I bought it too. Just giving everyone a heads up. ;)
Is the book hardcover or softcover? Amazon and B&N disagree.
They also disagree on the title. But the ISBN, pic of the cover and authors are the same, so I'm sure it's the same book.
Amazon:
FIRST Robots: Aim High: Behind the Design (Paperback)
http://www.amazon.com/FIRST-Robots-High-Behind-Design/dp/1592533663/
Barnes & Noble:
Robots That Rock: The First Book of Robot Design (Hardcover)
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ISBN=1592533663
They should all be hardcover. There seems to have been some discrepancies from site to site but Rockport has printed in Hardcover.
Ben Piecuch
05-04-2007, 17:51
Amazon now has it listed as (Hardcover) I was very disappointed to see it initially in paperback, which is the main reason I haven't bought it yet. However, with the new change I'll be putting in my order tonight.
BEN
It is hardcover. One of our team's mentors received his today (next day shipping from Amazon.)
It's really well done (even if our team wasn't in it :) )
Can't wait to get my own!
I thought I had heard that each team that was in the book was to receive 5 copies, and they would also be able to purchase it at a discount. Is this true, or am I just hearing things?
LightWaves1636
06-04-2007, 00:48
could somebody list all the team numbers that got in, we've dying to know who.
could somebody list all the team numbers that got in, we've dying to know who.
My brother(Joe)'s rush copy just arrived. Here's the list of teams as taken from the table of contents:
Delphi Driving Tomorrow's Technology Award
Team 25
Team 33
Team 100
Team 357
Team 467
Team 1501
General Motors Industrial Design Award
Team 121
Team 123
Team 190
Team 237
Team 294
Team 384
Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award
Team 111
Team 225
Team 418
Team 494
Team 1114
Team 1629
Motorola Quality Award
Team 16
Team 141
Team 191
Team 207
Team 322
Team 1024
Xerox Creativity Award
Team 86
Team 293
Team 330
Team 694
Team 1319
Team 1510
Vogel648
06-04-2007, 15:37
I have a ton of pictures and I can convert them to the format needed. I have the completed questionnaire. The only thing I'm missing is a full photo of our robot in a white background. I won't be able to get one of those until we're in Atlanta. I think we're going to bring a white sheet and try to tape it on a wall in the pits somewhere to get the photo... but that's cutting it close, our submission is to be postmarked the 16th... Ahem. We. Also, if you revised that any could you send a revised copy to me?
Joe Ross
08-04-2007, 12:36
So far, I like 1501's entry the best, about their monocoque construction. Still have a bunch to read, though.
Jeremiah Johnson
08-04-2007, 13:03
Ahem. We. Also, if you revised that any could you send a revised copy to me?
Of course... I had Ed finish up a question that was missing (my fault) and I'm still in the revision stage. Should be done in a little bit, though.
MikeDubreuil
10-04-2007, 19:33
I received mine from Amazon today.
The good:
Awesome step for FIRST. I love the idea of a book of unique FIRST designs.
hard cover- This is a great coffee table book. One you can keep out and show friends examples of advanced design in the FRC.
A great read. Teams did a wonderful job with their articles.
LOTS of pictures.
Price- the book isn't very expensive for how awesome it is.The Bad:
Pictures are a little blurry. I'm not sure if the cause is amateur photography or bad paper quality. I would be willing to pay more for higher gloss paper.Overall, I love it and can't wait to order a 2007 version :D
ChuckDickerson
10-04-2007, 20:56
I received mine from Amazon today.
...
Pictures are a little blurry. I'm not sure if the cause is amateur photography or bad paper quality. I would be willing to pay more for higher gloss paper.
Mike, I received mine from Amazon today as well. I am looking forward to a great read on the bus to Atlanta tomorrow. I have given it a quick thumb through though and in my copy the photos are really great. As you say the paper isn't high gloss but still really nice. Of course it is all relative and these are amateur photos for the most part but is it possible your copy might be a bad printing? Give me a particular photo and page number that you would like me to check and I will give it a look. There are a few photos here and there that are less crisp but overall I think they are great.
I also really like the layout of the book overall (so far). Can't wait for that bus ride tomorrow!
JaneYoung
10-04-2007, 21:07
Mine came yesterday and I think it is the perfect size book.
Not too big, not too small..just right. It's traveling to Atlanta with me.:)
I like it a lot.
Jane
Joe Ross
10-04-2007, 21:07
Mike, I received mine from Amazon today as well. I am looking forward to a great read on the bus to Atlanta tomorrow. I have given it a quick thumb through though and in my copy the photos are really great. As you say the paper isn't high gloss but still really nice. Of course it is all relative and these are amateur photos for the most part but is it possible your copy might be a bad printing? Give me a particular photo and page number that you would like me to check and I will give it a look. There are a few photos here and there that are less crisp but overall I think they are great.
I agree, the photos in my book look as good as could reasonably be expected.
ChuckDickerson
10-04-2007, 21:15
Does anyone else see a misprint in 418's section in the top photo on page 150? My copy has some text printed over the image that doesn't look like it is supposed to be there.
Alex Cormier
10-04-2007, 21:16
Mine came yesterday and I think it is the perfect size book.
Not too big, not too small..just right. It's traveling to Atlanta with me.:)
I like it a lot.
Jane
did you get some porage(sp?) with it too? :p
Joe Ross
10-04-2007, 21:20
Does anyone else see a misprint in 418's section in the top photo on page 150? My copy has some text printed over the image that doesn't look like it is supposed to be there.
Yes, same on mine.
JaneYoung
10-04-2007, 21:31
The misprint is there.
did you get some porage(sp?) with it too? :p
Jalapeno chips and diet coke. <grin>
i received my today.
i found that my name in the back of the book is misspelled.
I too also have the misprint.
I Finally got mine... Sweet!!! It's great read about how other teams managed to decide on what design to make.
Great job to all the teams who submitted. Nothing like pioneering the first FIRST book! Also it's kool having our team picture in it too. Note our Histogram of pins in the background collected from all the years.
meglovesbots
12-04-2007, 10:57
im PUMPED for this book!
i think our teams gonna be in it since we won the design award in boston, but i could be wrong...
Ed Sparks
02-05-2007, 23:36
VERY cool book.......
I love the layout, especially how ideas evolve from paper sketches, to CAD models, and then to the real thing. I bought 3 copies to donate to our school's library to help inspire future FIRST team members.
I was a little disappointed that the FirstCadLibrary didn't get a mention. I guess I'll have to work a little harder this summer. ;)
Wayne Doenges
03-05-2007, 07:08
At Atlanta several of our engineers got their copies signed by Dean and Woodie. Others got the author to sign them.
Did anyone else get a the trading card sets with the winning robots shown?
Several of the Team 1501 pictures, in the book, are mine. Yay!
Elgin Clock
03-05-2007, 12:44
I thought I had heard that each team that was in the book was to receive 5 copies, and they would also be able to purchase it at a discount. Is this true, or am I just hearing things?
Not sure about the 5 copies thing, but my team has a one time offer to buy them for half off since we were in it, which we took advantage of and offered team members the special rate.
I bought 2. Buy one get one free pretty much. :)
I was a little disappointed that the FirstCadLibrary didn't get a mention. I guess I'll have to work a little harder this summer. ;)
Ed, we gave you credit on our Inventor Award submission this year on the site here in the credits section: http://www.team237.com/inventor/index.htm
What you are doing for the FIRST community is a very valuable service!! Thank you from us all!!!
Anyone have info on the "Rack and Roll" version of the book? It's available for preorder on Amazon here (http://www.amazon.com/FIRST-Robots-Behind-Design-First/dp/1592534112/) for $26.39 and comes out on April 8th, 2008. Does anyone know which teams are in it?
Stephen Kowski
16-12-2007, 14:46
Has anyone heard whether or not either of these books are going to be available as an ebook?
I got my copy in the mail today....
Some very cool robot designs in there....
Who knew somone built a stationary "Ramp Bot" ?
Not me. But I do now :)
Phil.
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