Re: Ftc Kick off 2008
 

actually, I think you are missing the point. The entire point of ftc and vex is to have a program that doesn't require all the resources of FRC. If we had the ability to machine parts, weld aluminum and had those facilities (and tons of money) we'd do FRC. We don't.
But my students want to do ftc and vex so they are on a pretty even playing field with the other teams and can build all their robots in our classroom - if some schools are able to weld and machine parts for ftc, then we can't make and use many parts they will be able to. To say "just build a simple robot" is missing the point. We don't want to build a simple robot, we want to challenge ourselves with the parts available, we just don't have the resources to machine or weld parts.

Re: Ftc Kick off 2008
 

I was also speaking of FTC not FRC. Don't get me wrong, its great to challenge yourself but in the end I think many people will agree that it will be the teams that don't spend time trying to use polycarb and aluminum who will come out on top.

If you actually really want to do this then seek help from machine shops or your local highschool that might have a machine shop. Just go out there and make it happen. Finding machining resources is actually easier than finding people willing to sponsor teams. You can even open your yellow pages and search for "Machining" and I guarantee you will find something.

Re: Ftc Kick off 2008
 

You are totally are missing the point. The reason I even have an FTC team is that it gives my small school a chance to play on a more even playing field than when we play in a FRC event. If FIRST allows complex machining, the teams with those abilities and the mentors to guide them will have a significant advantage to those teams who just have good mentors. FTC will have the same flaw as FRC. There will be two camps in competition: the haves and have-nots.

Re: Ftc Kick off 2008
 

Woah!!!

Heated conversation. I must say, FTC is simple, and not havving the ability to weld and machine in major ways is what makes FTC amazing. An even playing field in more ways than you would know.

And if you look at the FTC mission statement, " The ultimate goal of FTC is to reach more young people with a lower-cost, more accessible opportunity to discover the excitement and rewards of science, technology, and engineering.".

I know for a fact that our machine shop has over $10,000 worth of saws, tools, and other things. and that's NOT including any welding equipment.

Re: Ftc Kick off 2008
 

This is what I love about the FRC program; it more or less doesn't limit what you can accomplish. If you want to have a professionally machined robot, go ahead and call up the local industry, you can make it happen.

However, I loved the FTC program for an entirely different reason. I loved it because with the exception of funding to buy parts, there really wasn't a huge resource gap between the have and have-nots. Team YYY had a full machine available and you didn't? No big deal, if anything the only advantage they gained was a few minutes time shearing/bandsawing rather than hacksawing. This fact made FTC the FIRST program that could be in every school in my opinion. The way our nation is, a FRC team simply can't happen in every high school, but a FTC team easily can.

By changing up FTC so much, I think a lot of teams will be alienated. Yes, the teams that were building in classrooms and living rooms still can compete and probably be competitive, but it simply won't be the same. I think it stems back to the FIRST Board of Directors being out of teach with what being on a team is really like.

Re: Ftc Kick off 2008
 

Regardless of where you lie in the all-standard to all-custom spectrum; after carrying out the important activity of discussing and testing your thoughts here; please remember to cast your vote where it counts the most: Tell it to your FTC AP.

Re: Ftc Kick off 2008
 

Anyone know when we'll be able to buy extra parts?

Re: Ftc Kick off 2008
 

Does anyone know if the FTC kickoff will be webcast, and if so where can i find the link?

Re: Ftc Kick off 2008
 

There is no "official" thing. Like FRC. There's generally game animations and stuff. so not webcast.

Re: Ftc Kick off 2008
 

here's a hint. the video is puled down though. Thanks Unlimited.
http://ftcunlimited.blogspot.com/200...-face-off.html


I was going to go to the kick off, but I forgot to set my alarm clock.. oops

Re: Ftc Kick off 2008
 

Crap, who pulled the video?

Re: Ftc Kick off 2008
 

I'm just curious, isn't the kickoff at 5pm today? If so how do they already have the information?

Re: Ftc Kick off 2008
 

The local sites (or whatever FIRST calls them) get everything including the field in advance. I guess one of the sites decided to open there doors early.

Re: Ftc Kick off 2008
 

I don't get why some areas get the game early and others have to wait?

Anyway, I was a little disappointed. The game doesn't look very hard, but that does not look like a cheap or easy field to build. I really don't like the autonomous start. How do they decide which robot gets to start on the field? I'm sure we will always want to. Maybe I'll like it more after we review it some, but for now, I think past games were better.

Re: Ftc Kick off 2008
 

Please someone describe the game for us!