Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott_4140
Depending on how much of the FTC program you’re looking to pursue, your program could easily support more than 5 members on each team.
On to your list: - We started our FTC program last year and purchased one FTC base kit and three expansion kits. We also purchased about $500 worth of additional parts for the MN Snow Drift tournament and another $500 worth of spares for the World Championships. I’d budget $1200 on the low end and $2000 on the high end. Depends on the challenge and how complex of robot you intend on building.
- Locally in Minnesota, I’d talk with KING TeC FRC 2169. I can get you contact info if you need it. They run 3 or 4 FTC teams primarily for incoming Freshmen, but also allow students to remain in the program if they wish. While FTC can be used as a JV program for FRC, The technical challenges are structured differently. I’d keep the door open for it being an alternative High School program.
- If all you want is to build a robot, program it for the challenge and have some practice time, a few hours a week is sufficient. FTC gets their challenge in September. The MN Snow Drift tournament has historically been late Feb to early Mar. If you want to embrace the full spectrum of what FTC has to offer, you’ll probably need more time. (Additional components would include: Engineering Notebook, CAD modeling, Outreach & Fundraising)
- FTC is so underrepresented in MN that I can’t see how anyone could complain. The only area they would care about is if you start poaching their sponsors. A short discussion with the Middle School team should alleviate any concerns.
Let me know if you have any other questions on FTC in MN. Our team is always looking for ways to expand and improve the program.
--Scott McDowell
Coach FTC 4140 – Fish in the Boat |
Scott,
Thanks for all of the information! I have spoken with some of the parents with what you have said and it now sounds like we want it to be more of a freshman training program than a JV program. I am going to hopefully get a mentor or two that can handle meeting once a week during the build season to work on the robot.
Concerning the MN Snow Drift tournament do you know of any limit on the number of teams that can register? If everything goes to plan we could have up to four FTC teams in Bloomington next year, one for each middle school and one for the two high schools. Last year it appears that there were 23 FTC teams in MN, looking at the teams currently registered in Minnesota for the 2012 season there are already two new teams from other areas of the state. That puts the total # of teams at 25, not including the three potential new FTC teams from Bloomington.
According to mnftc.org and the 2012 tournament registration form "entry is limited" and it also says that the tournament slots have been completely filled for last year's tournament. I guess I am just worried there will not be enough space for everyone depending on how much FTC expands in Minnesota next year. If you could offer any foresight on this it would be much appreciated! Otherwise I assume I should email Joe P. as indicated on the registration form?
Thanks for your help!
Evan