Re: pic: Presenting Teams 384, 540 and 1086
 

While waiting for the FexEx truck to come, a few of us 116ers were browsing CD and came across this picture. While the immediate response was first investigating the design, a later reaction began to emerge. All three of these teams were first round selections at VCU last year (384 declined and became an AC), 384 was a finalist, 540 was a SF (and eliminated 1086 in the QF), and 1086 and 384 won technical awards. While we are supporters of collaborations (and I have voiced my support of the NiagaraFIRST Triplets last year), we didn't really feel this was in the spirit of the "Triplet Challenge" like you claim it was.
540 and 1086 had already had great success, and didn't appear to be on the verge of collapse. While we have no problem with a collaboration (and definitely look forward to facing off against these bots in a little under two weeks), this is more like the West Coast collaborations of 22, 60, 254, and 968, or 4 and 980. It is not a "Triplet Challenge" type collaboration, and shouldn't be suggested as one.

That being said, the Black Pearl definitely has the best color scheme. ;)

Re: pic: Presenting Teams 384, 540 and 1086
 

And inwhich, your logic in inherently flawed. I raise to you the question, what if one or more of those teams this year faced such a fate? It should be noted that your basing your assumptions on past events. Without being privy to such info, you should tred lightly here.

Triplet? Perhaps. Collaboration? Perhaps. From what I know, it's probably a little of both (btw, read into some RVA area posts on the state of FIRST in the area, might be a good read.)

Re: pic: Presenting Teams 384, 540 and 1086
 

None of the three teams involved met any of those criteria stated in the challenge (I know that's a strict definition of the meaning, but the meaning is still true). While certain teams may struggle for funding and sponsorship in the Richmond area, design innovation and mentorship have other solutions (such as the FIRST associations with VCU and it's students, VirginiaFIRST, and the VirginiaFIRST alumni association). Sharing resources and funding should not have required a shared design. While I have no problem with a shared design, it should be called what it is.

Re: pic: Presenting Teams 384, 540 and 1086
 

The 3 teams began working on frame designs in the off-season as a way to pool ideas. The collaboration later turned into 3 identical robots. This allowed us to share ideas, but most importantly resources and mentors.

We have never said that we were accepting the Triplet Challenge. The name "Triad" simply denotes that we are 3 teams with nearly identical robots.

Re: pic: Presenting Teams 384, 540 and 1086
 

here's some autonomous video, and we'll get regular scoring later...

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...451&pr=goog-sl

Re: pic: Presenting Teams 384, 540 and 1086
 

Wow.:D Can all three do that constantly? And on different spots maybe?

Re: pic: Presenting Teams 384, 540 and 1086
 

Our Triad was mainly formed to share mentors and resources and most importantly, brains. We are 3 schools within a 5 mile radius in an area that is not a mecca for industrialization. Finding a shop to help us out is not an easy task. By forming this Triad, we shared shop time, held meetings at either school or shops. In the pre-season, we looked at many different drive systems, arm systems, feeder systems, and some students were concered about making the bot water-tight fot the possible water game :rolleyes:. 384 has always been ahead of schedule and on time, something that 1086 has had problems with in the past. One of 384's mentors is a Physics teacher at their school and a former Air Force engineer, who gave us the military perspective of the design process which we implimented as a fly-off of which team's design prototype we would use for the competition. One of 540's student's dad owns a fixture corp. who made a full rack to be used by all three teams, designed and made an awesome control board and crate for all three teams. 1086 shared their machine shop and warehouse space with the 384 and 540. Engineers who work with vacuum systems for their paletizing robots everyday, helped the student design team understand air flow and pressure to get max yeild for the Venturi vacuum. This process of colaboration is not about winning, but about the local teams getting a better engineering experience from FIRST.

Re: pic: Presenting Teams 384, 540 and 1086
 

We've checked our's a million times and it had to be "calibrated" a few times for perfection, but now yes it's very consistent and from different spots. 1086 got there's done just as well, and when done right it's spectacular. 540, unfortunately didn't have time to test it when I was around at Flexicell (1086's sponsor with 540's Rack) so hopefully they're doing well, and they're going to have to let you know from there behalf if it's ready. :)

short answer: 384, 1086 = YES // 540 = most likely, but they'll let you know or you can wait and see :D :D (gosh i'm so excited about VCU!!)

Re: pic: Presenting Teams 384, 540 and 1086
 

im diggin that red one, cheya 540

and for all that dont know 540 and 384 came up with slightly different designs , but at a meeting voted on what we thought was best and used that to move forward and build these sick machines....


and sean i totally agree

Re: pic: Presenting Teams 384, 540 and 1086
 

I dub thee three the autonomous wizards. That was nice and congrats sparky and partners on the 128

Re: pic: Presenting Teams 384, 540 and 1086
 

I'd like to sound as least annoying as possible, but I think the idea that the 3 Henrico schools making an almost exact image of each other's robots is a bit out of the idea of orginality. Personally I would work together to make robots of different design and process, to give each team individuality, but still keep the learning process going throughout the three teams.

Nevertheless, all three teams did fantastic at the competition, congratulations to team 540 for there Richmond Regional championship win with 2108 and 843, team 1086's "Driving Tomorrow's Technology" award, and also congrats to Marshall Turner from 384 for his Regional Woodie Flowers award.

Re: pic: Presenting Teams 384, 540 and 1086
 

I have to say these teams are awesome. Not only did they build great performing machines, but they all exhibit the "gracious professionalism" that FIRST is built on. 1086 (along with this guy who kept calling himself "Superman") took time out of their busy build season to help mentor my rookie team this year. James, From Sparky, was always lending a hand or sharing an idea (the guy designs wicked drive trains). 540 helped with parts, crating and a control board.

I feel the entire Triad helped 2106 get to where we are right this moment. Thanks guys and gals for everything you've done for 2106 this year. Good Luck in Atlanta. The Land of Gooch will be cheering for you!

Re: pic: Presenting Teams 384, 540 and 1086
 

Although you learned alot dont you feel that creating a unique robot that no one else has would be better thats the reason that most people are proud because they know they built their robot from scratch and that no one else will have another robot that looks anything like theirs. You should try that it might actually help you learn more thats just my opinion

Re: pic: Presenting Teams 384, 540 and 1086
 

These teams are fantastic, and the bots ain't to shabby either. They did amazing at VCU but I think what really stood out in my mind is how there was always atleast one, if not more of them in our pit, 2186. The fact that the teams helped eachother out and shared resources in mentors is what I feel is the whole point of FIRST. They worked out the problem, came together as a community and by doing so, spread awareness in the community.

Good job guys and thanks for the help.

Chris