Chief Delphi - Fall Training Program

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- Off-Season Events (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=20)

- - Fall Training Program (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105509)

Re: Fall Training Program

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wing (Post 1157213)

...try to build one before the season starts, and what I like to do as an exercise is to design a robot for a previous year's game. Design it completely, and if resources permit, fabricate it. This allows the team to go through the full design process once before the season starts, and allows the team to gain experience designing a robot and being hands on with it.

Very well put. This is exactly why us Flaming Chickens (and I assume many other local teams that participate) appreciate our BunnyBots event so much. A build season and competition experience prior to FRC is really beneficial to teams of all levels, from rookies learning the ropes to veterans testing out crazy prototype ideas that just might work (and often do!).

I'd love to see more multi-team, off-season events that are more than just taking robots from previous years' competitions for some more driving experience. I feel that actually going through a whole FRC-style design, fabrication, programming, testing, fixing (etc...), and competition process for a unique game before FRC build season really makes a positive impact on a team's performance and, more importantly, their students' FIRST experience.

Re: Fall Training Program

(Mentor Mike Reilly, formerly of 1771 responding)

Thanks Simbotics! Your world-famous status definitely lends legitimacy to your suggestions!

From a bare-bones rookie perspective, building a previous year will be a challenge. We have a drill, a hacksaw, some screwdrivers. I agree with you when we have more available. Most likely we're going to go with a blend of what you're proposing, with a low target (great bots cost great amounts of money). In other words, an "awesome third bot" approach first year.

What I would really like to do is build the most essential skills. I can personally teach Inventor and programming, and we'll most likely share ideas with 1771 and any other teams. Where I lack are the hands-on skills to practice, like tapping holes, cutting, basic part recognition like spacers, etc.

Thanks for the ideas, keep them coming, I'm finding there is a lot of experience out there, but we can do more for the low-income teams to get ready, and I'd like to make that happen for us and others to follow.

Re: Fall Training Program

Quote:

Originally Posted by longhorns1771 (Post 1157533)

I think people at your standard tool stores should know how to use them, so they can always teach some people.

As for fabricating some things, Georgia Tech RoboJackets have a shop with a lot of great tools like Mills, lathes, CNC's and even a waterjet. I know I would love to use the 1002 CNC Mill or Jet Mill or Lathe to fabricate some parts if you need them :) .

Re: Fall Training Program

How about build a core group from now till the end of the school year.

And then let's make some plans for them to come to the 'IC' in Kennesaw for a couple of days during the summer. We will keep them busy. That is why we built the 'IC'.

We are going to have other teams in doing the same thing during the summer and fall.

We have the stuff. You get the students.

Ed