[TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

The Blue Alliance is a video tutorial series bringing you the how-to on topics relevant to competitive robotics teams. We survey products, techniques, and general knowledge in order to teach you what you need to know to be successful and learn new things. Whether it’s how to wire up an electrical system or integrate an Easy Button into your controls, we’ll show you how. Episodes are available for download, or view them right on our page thanks to YouTube. Click the image above to go watch!

In the first episode of The Blue Alliance we start off with a broad view of a key FIRST system. We give you an overview of the electrical system used to power and control FIRST robots. From the battery to the joysticks, each part of the system is explained. Watch to learn a bit more about Victors, Spikes, the RC, and more!

Let us know what you think of this episode, the good and the bad, and if there are any topics you want to see covered in the future. Stay tuned, because we've got a whole bunch more videos coming your way!

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

The site looks really nice. Im downloading the episode as I post this. Good work guys.

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

site looks nice.. o wait i already saw it on Thursday:cool:

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

that was cool!!
very informitive!!
really helps me being a firt year FRC participant..
good job!!

~Alex~

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

I think as the series goes on it will be a good thing for new members to watch as it presents alot of good information. Maybe its just me but Tom reminds me of Kevin Rose and shows like Systm.

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

I actually could follow you guys, unlike when my team tries to teach me things. Oh, and I've added a link to your website, on my team's Helpful Links page, since I showed this to a few team mates and they also agreed that it was actually helpful. You guys did a great job. :)

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

Looks like Christmas came early. Great job guys, the show notes are nifty too, I learned a little bit from it too (did you know PWM cables are popular in RC Planes?) I think I'm gonna make Freshmen watch this, it's a great introduction. Can't wait for the next episode!

By the way, I agree with Tom, I <3 Globe Motors too.

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

I just watched the show. Overall, it's definitely not bad for the first episode--if I can catch some 1618ers before Kickoff, I'll point them in this general direction.

Just a few thoughts from watching:
-The graphics correcting what you say are very helpful, better than just posting an errata on the website. Obviously the ultimate goal is not to need them at all, but these make a good enough substitute.
-It sounded like Tom's microphone was clipping during the show--no real way to fix it other than to check your levels while recording.
-The end of the show has a little bit of titles overload, between the email address and the website and the credits (each of which use their own style), but overall the graphics were readable and good-looking, even when playing the high-quality version at half-size. I'll have to convert it and try it on my iPod for the ultimate test, but I don't think most folks will be viewing the show that way.

Any guess as to the frequency of the show? Weekly? Bi-weekly? Monthly?

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

Very, very nice job and congratulations on your first episode. While I think we can all nitpick (and most will), the show was very well produced and had a great momentum that kept things rolling. Overall I would have to say that it was pretty much perfect, especially for the pilot. I'll forward this on to teammates and hope for more episodes soon.

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

[quote=Billfred;544911]I'll have to convert it and try it on my iPod for the ultimate test, but I don't think most folks will be viewing the show that way./QUOTE]

They published an iPod version of the video so you dont have to convert it yourself.

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

I'm glad all of you are enjoying our little Christmas present. We have some really cool stuff planned for future shows, so keep checking back for updates.

If you have an idea for a show, email questions[AT]thebluealliance.net and we'll see what we can do!

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

Great job guys, you seem to have really taken this seriously and put a large effort into it already. Can't wait to see where you take this show!

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

WE are so proud of our alum

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

I don't know if it's my connection (my router has been known to screw with my head) or if it's the server but I can't seem to get to TBA. It isn't timing out, but it isn't loading either.

JBot

EDIT: It just loaded a few minutes ago. Wow, I'm jealous in a way. What a cool idea!

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

Eek, I noticed that as well.

Either way, heres the link to the YouTube group that will hold episodes. Remember, the episodes are also available to download (when Greg's web host decides to work...:cool: ), so you wont have to watch the pixelated YouTube version. This will come in handy come screencast time.

http://www.youtube.com/group/thebluealliance

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

Nice job on the first episode!
It kept things moving and maintained my interest.
It's like The Science Channel for FIRST.
When's the next episode debuting?

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

Well we announced the show on Thanksgiving, then released the first episode on Christmas. Judging from trends, it seems like New Year's Eve might be a good day to check back ;) .

Thank you guys for all your compliments and critiques. We're working out the bugs still, but our pilot episodes ought to give you a good taste of what is to come. Don't forget to check out the show notes, because they contain a lot more useful information that we aren't able to pack into the episodes.

I'm not sure why the website died for a while, but it was probably just our host being a bit sketchy. The plan says it has unlimited bandwidth, so go crazy download the high quality episodes :cool: . Everything seems to be back up now. In the future, I will also link to the YouTube versions from the Chief Delphi posts so you guys can still watch even if the server goes down.

Also, be sure to tell all your friends on other teams, because we want to try to reach more people than just the Chief Delphi community. We're trying to help teams get more comfortable with some advanced topics, and it can be difficult to reach new teams. Please help us out and share the site :) .

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

I rather liked the episode. I will most likely use them as introductions to the rookies on the team. Whats the next subject, or will we just have to wait?

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

WOW. Thats quick. I cant wait to see it.

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

What happens if they totally change the control systems for the 2007? :cool:

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

Now I highly doubt that.

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

It would be a shame if they went to USB; I a) don't want to fight with RC USB drivers, b) don't want to see linux users snuffed out (at least until they reverse-engineer IFI loader again...) and c) don't want to be tethered to the 'bot by a 3 foot USB cable. Not to mention I bought this laptop mainly for its *real* serial port...

JBot

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

I find it kind of unlikely they would go the way of NXT, because even Vex uses serial connections just to keep it simple. The way the controllers are right now allows for a great deal of power with how teams code, but at the same time doesn't let anyone go overboard with bluetooth modules or any unnecessary things built into them, so its a decent compromise between form and function.

It wouldn't surprise me to see USB joysticks and potentially an adapter for their uses with gameports in the kit this year, because CH Flightsticks that older teams have are starting to die, and the new rounded joysticks are definitely not suited horribly well to FIRST. Plus, it wouldn't surprise me if the vendor they got them through no longer produces them, as it seems like a very limited market. So who knows, maybe USB CH Flightsticks this year?

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

the website looks very revision3.org-esque

good work

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

You guys did know that they sell replacement parts to repair joysticks, right?

http://www.chproducts.com/shop/parts.html

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

This was pretty great guys! I'm really impressed. My dad (Phalanx) was too, he even posted your link on our team forums to get our new/younger/inexperienced students to learn more! Can't wait the next episode!

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

A very good first episode.

What equipment are you guys using to film this and record the audio? Sometimes the audio was a bit too loud, but better loud than too soft.

Looking forward to the next one.

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

Exellent video for rookie teams such as ours. Many thanks to BlueAlliance for producing it.

Also, want to compliment Greg on the 2 + 2 = 5 website. Very nicely done. http://www.twoplustwoequalsfive.com/

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

The audio is being recorded by the camera after being mixed by an audio board. We didn't quite have the gains all right, and there was this weird noise problem we weren't able to isolate right away. After this first beta batch of episodes, things should be a bit smoother. It takes a few tries to get everything just right.

Episode 3 will give you some more technical details once it comes out.

Thanks. I have to get around to updating a bit while I'm home on break. Normally there's so much to do and so little time, but I have an open stretch for a few weeks, so that will be one of my projects.

Re: [TBA] Episode 1 - FRC Electrical System
 

Nice job on episode 2! I never knew how versatile an easy button was. Now I understand the driver controls. Watch this episode at http://thebluealliance.net