Re: New engineer, need to know the basics....
 

I would say that the first thing to do is to go to a local event with a camera, or visit a couple of local teams to ask questions. Make sure you take a couple of other students with you for more sets of eyes and ideas. Cool thing about FIRST competitions, most of the time teams have no problem explaining the complexities and design considerations they underwent in order to make the machine you're looking at. Will you use everything you learn? Definitely not, but it helps having it as a resource.

Definitely know the rules like the back of your hand. They have to be taken into consideration with most every detail of the design. Things like cut-off switches mounted near chains will fail inspection, so there are some gotchas even after the rules. Seeing another well-designed robot will help you gain experience in those areas.

Start learning how drive trains work and the importance of a GOOD drive train. "Defensive" teams can do 1 simple thing very well (e.g. ramps in 2007), play defense for the rest of the game, and STILL get to the same levels of competition that a more exotic team can get to.

Re: New engineer, need to know the basics....
 

Anna, you are going to attend the Battle at the Border with the rest of your team, right? Get to know some of the veteran teams there, and let them know that you're looking for guidance.

Re: New engineer, need to know the basics....
 

Also make sure your team is tied in with Team San Diego. This is a network of teams in the San Diego area. The guy here on CD you really want to talk to is Jon Jack (that's his CD screen name). He knows everything there is to know about FIRST in the San Diego area. Search Members for him and it will help you get in contact.

Also I've heard that some teams may be bringing extra robots to Battle for pre-rookies to play with. But in that case you will want to make arrangements in advance if possible.

Re: New engineer, need to know the basics....
 

I'm not an engineer, just an animation and website mentor, but I would suggest that you have fun with this, don't stress and hopefully the lightbulb will light above your head( as in Eureka!!!!)lol. I know my first competition was stressful initially, but after seeking help and advice here at Chief Delphi life became so much easier... ;) :]

Re: New engineer, need to know the basics....
 

Understand your design capabilities, and design within it.

Understand your manufacturing and machining capabilities, and build within them.

You don't need the 8th wonder of the world to have success and inspire in this game, what you need is a robot that works (and works every time).

One last thing. As engineers and mentors we need to keep a perspective on things. While we design in advantages and compete to win, our goals are to inspire, and to show that anything is possible.

Re: New engineer, need to know the basics....
 

As Dan pointed out, read these documents very thoroughly, and make sure to drill down to all the docs.

http://www.usfirst.org/community/frc...nt.aspx?id=452

You will hear it a million times from people, Read the manuals !!

Re: New engineer, need to know the basics....
 

Get yourself a copy of "Machinery's Handbook"... and you'll go far. :]

It has everything... really! I learned how to machine, how to make roller chain sprocket profiles, feeds and speeds for materials, heat treating, strength of materials, etc... its basically amazing. :rolleyes:

Re: New engineer, need to know the basics....
 

Thank u! All of this info really did help.

Someone though advised that a clarify something.

I am a student. I am the Lead engineer though. I am organizing it and heading it off. I am looking for advice on how to do this since this is my first year in Robotics though I have a little experience with engineering.

Still most of your advice applies. Thank u!

Anna

Re: New engineer, need to know the basics....
 

Anna, as someone mentioned previously, do some project planning and try to stick with it during the build season. Six weeks can slip by so fast... MOEmentum breaks it down by week so you have an idea what needs to be done by when. http://www.fsrobotics.org/moe365//moementum.php Team-in-a-Box is another great resource, as is RINOS. They are all linked from the NEMO website at www.firstnemo.org/resources.htm

Re: New engineer, need to know the basics....
 

Wow, u guys really jump on the chance to help out! Thank u. Yes I am going to the Battle at the border, and i am trying to read all those docs.:yikes:.
Also I will be asking the lead mentor for a copy of the manual or find on online.
Your guys have been a huge help! Thanks again. One last thing, I am not sure this falls in fabrication or design. Who researches parts and materials?

Thanks,

Anna

Re: New engineer, need to know the basics....
 

Usually whoever is designing a subsystem of the robot, will research parts and materials that could be used for that subsystem. Material selection is an important part of the design process.

Re: New engineer, need to know the basics....
 

Isn't that great about FIRST? The fact that teams can say, I can't wait to compete against you, but hey, first and foremost I want you to succeed so what can I do to help you?

Re: New engineer, need to know the basics....
 

Yea, post up where you are located in you profile so other teams can see if they are available to help you out.