Snow Days
 

So far we have had 3 meetings and 3 weather cancelations this robot season. Last year we missed 14 days of build season. It looks like we are following that trend again. Any suggestions on productive things my students can do while sitting at home without machines or CAD computers?

(Note: we can't bring home the machines, meet elsewhere, or enter the school on days where it isn't in session (weekends included))

Re: Snow Days
 

Instqll the CAD software on the students personal laptops/pcs at home. PTC Creo allows unlimited # of seats (within reason). I assume Autodesk and Solidowrks does also.
The advantage of using PTC Creo, is you also have access to Windchill, their online storage to work from multiple sites.

Re: Snow Days
 

You can still program at home if you download the software of the students' personal computers.

Re: Snow Days
 

Solidworks gives you the amount of licenses you put in the form when you request sponsorship. They respond pretty fast though, I'm sure you can get more licenses just by requesting more.

Re: Snow Days
 

I think you can also de activate liscences and transfer them temporarily.

Re: Snow Days
 

Last year we held online meetings with our team. Google Hangouts or Skype was used to discuss potential designs and share drawings of these designs. Though you can't get quite as much done in these online meetings compared to a regular meeting, it is still better than nothing at all.

Re: Snow Days
 

You could set up a remote connection to at least get the students cad. Awards are always easily completed via Google Docs, and skype / facetime / google hangout can also help continue to drive brainstorming and team meetings.

Re: Snow Days
 

You could also use some form of conference calling (google hangout/skype/facetime/whatever) to plan out the next build session so that when you get back in the shop you waste as little time as possible on planning activities.

Re: Snow Days
 

Bringing home small projects that can be completed with handtools (like assembling a gearbox) are good for those days.

These are all great ideas everyone.

Re: Snow Days
 

You can always discuss strategies and design concepts through Google Hangouts or Skype.

Re: Snow Days
 

So far you have met as many times as us and we have only had 1 weather cancellation. Some of it can just be managing your time better. Our team is only scheduled to meet 8 to 10 hours a week and we still get a complete robot.

It is tough but building within your constraints is a variable to consider when deciding what to build.

Re: Snow Days
 

Try to nail down what COTS items you will need and get those ordered. This most often includes drive train items like wheels and transmissions, but don't forget about what pneumatic components you might need like pistons or air reservoirs.

This is less of a tip for keeping your students busy and more of a way to avoid sitting around while you wait for your parts to be delivered when you are available to meet.

Re: Snow Days
 

Autodesk Student just needs an account (I can't remember if it needs a student email address, set up my account 5 years ago) and you can have access to all the Autodesk software your heart could want.

Apart from that, I guess just read up on material, surf CD, and get some rest before the next meeting. If it's still happening, it's not never too late to just read the entire manual cover to cover. Perhaps have your students read it and you could come up with some sort of quiz with prizes.

Re: Snow Days
 

Our team uses a VMware client, which allows for Solidworks to run and for files that are automatically saved to our team's website. It is a pain to setup though as you will need a server to run it.