Re: [FTC]: Thoughts on new FTC game?
 

I think this link was posted before, but I just wanted to post it again to make sure teams have it.

http://logoloc.com/first/RNR/2009GamesKits.html

Here you can buy the field for FTC at a pretty good price, as well as pucks. I know we wish we had this link earlier, but now it's a bit too late for us.

Re: [FTC]: Thoughts on new FTC game?
 

I don't think the design limitations are so severe that they would restrict a major part of a design. I mean, probably the biggest issue this year is no intake rollers or treads, but that's part of the game.

Eh, personally, those prices are a little high anyways. For a team pushing their budget, I can't afford to pay $115 for 70 pucks. I would much rather pay $10 for like 5 pucks...but there is no small ordering in this.

Re: [FTC]: Thoughts on new FTC game?
 

There was a website that had regulation pucks (although they were orange) in packs of 6 (although they were a higher price individually when bought that way). Unfortunately, I do not have the link. Can someone else post it?

Re: [FTC]: Thoughts on new FTC game?
 

:D. I know. They can be found at http://store.thestreethockeyshop.com/flhopu3pa.html

Re: [FTC]: Thoughts on new FTC game?
 

I really think more freedom should be given to innovative design using fully rotational servos - requires the freedom to alter the gearhead.--commonly seen servo hack.

Are we allowed to use pop rivets?

If not a bit more fastener freedom should be implemented and FTC should really permit hybrid vehicles which can utilize fully the good stuff from VEX - like tracks and linear slides.

If they keep it the way it is currently I will think twice about doing it again next year, The current part system is inadequate for serious robotics. Flanged bearings should be part of the kit instead of bushings, yes they are expensive but in my humble opinion well worth it.

Re: [FTC]: Thoughts on new FTC game?
 

I'm sorry, i'm not quite sure where you are coming from. plastic gears and prepackaged solutions aren't "serious robotics" either. Did you know there is an encoder in the LEGO motor that lets it act like at 360 degree servo? This new kit has taken a lot of folks outside of their comfort zone, I understand that, but to say it is not "serious" is not being fair. My only gripe with the kit was the lack of a decent way of connecting the lego motors to the metal, but we did it. I would take a look at what folks are putting together for St. Louis and Charlottesville before making such broad statements.

Re: [FTC]: Thoughts on new FTC game?
 

Outside comfort zone: yes.
More Challenging: yes.
A welcome change: yes.
Looking forward to this season: heck yes.

Re: [FTC]: Thoughts on new FTC game?
 

Well I guess we have different perspectives on serious.:) I am coming from FRC never having done FTC or LEGO, so please excuse my ignorance.

What is a LEGO motor? Are you ref'ing the NXT motor? If so yes of course. Still it bothers me that one is so restricted by the kits contents and the inability to tweak and hack with outside components.

Is there a final comprhensive BOM for the FTC kit yet anywhere. The last one I have is quite incomplete.

Can we use pop rivets?

Please provide links to see what you are refering to in the St. Louis and Charlotteville area. I'd enjoy seeing some development pics.

I am looking forward to some great fun as well.

Re: [FTC]: Thoughts on new FTC game?
 

The link to the Bill of Materials is http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles...or%20FIRST.pdf .

Uh, pop rivets, I don't think so.

The St. Louis and Charlotteville tournaments are on Saturday, so they have not happened yet. Pictures will probably be posted on Sunday, or Late saturday if we're lucky.

Re: [FTC]: Thoughts on new FTC game?
 

That is the Field BOM - I need a good bom for the FTC kop.

What is a LEGO motor?

Re: [FTC]: Thoughts on new FTC game?
 

The NXT motor. It is made by LEGO (or at least to their specs), and includes an encoder inside it.

Re: [FTC]: Thoughts on new FTC game?
 

I find it rather bizzare that Pitsco and FTC have yet to produce a "complete" BOM, from a business and end user perspective.:confused:

Re: [FTC]: Thoughts on new FTC game?
 

We aren't as restricted as we were with the VEX system. We are able to fabricate parts using Polycarb and Alum (see rules of details). This is not FRC, the machining ability/resources of the team does not have as big of an impact. It's a different kind of competition. The Charlottesville Comp was awesome. There where some great teams there with some excellent robots. I'll try and get some pictures up this week.

Oh, and about the BOM: The lack of a BOM and clarification as to what LEGO parts were legal led to some none kit parts being allowed into competition. I REALLY hope this is clarified before the next round of events.

Pop Rivets? not allowed. Only connectors in this years kit (or exact OTC parts) and your VEX connectors are allowed.

Re: [FTC]: Thoughts on new FTC game?
 

Pictures would be awsome.

Re: [FTC]: Thoughts on new FTC game?
 

I don't know if I could disagree any more than I do with this statement. We've spent the whole build season saying "If we only had <this Vex part> this would be easy." The whole Pitsco/Lego combination has -- quite frankly -- been a train wreck.