NEW TEAM NEEDS

[SciBorg Dave]

OK I want to order some metals.
What size, What number(6061 -6063), How long ?
You got the team going what else will we need ?

Do we do a 2nd robot?

[EricH]

This is a rather involved set of questions this time. I'll do my best, but you're starting to get into details here.

Originally Posted by SciBorg Dave

OK I want to order some metals.
What size, What number(6061 -6063), How long ?

The number is the alloy. There will often also be some form of hardness number following the alloy. 6061 is adequate for FRC applications, as is 6063. There are other alloys with different properties. Going into what all the alloys and their numbers mean... well, that's a materials course and a mechanics of materials course.

Length: Just get the "stock" size if it's anywhere longer than 3-4'. Often, metal is sold in 10' lengths; getting a few of those will help you later.

As far as size... It really, really depends on the application. 2"x1"x1/8" isn't uncommon for drivebases; 1"x1"x1/8" or 1/16" isn't uncommon in the superstructure. If you're going with a kit drivebase, which includes its metal, then I'd get 1"x1"x1/8" in both square tube and angle shapes.

Do we do a 2nd robot?

If you have the resources, yes. If you don't have the resources, don't. In this case, I'd suggest not until after you've built your primary robot, and put all your effort towards getting a running robot ASAP and getting some practice on that, on carpet.

You got the team going what else will we need ?

Mentors, a mentor team, some luck... Oh, and grab some parental involvement if you can.

[SciBorg Dave]

We have a great group of mentors 12
Great students approx 34
Volunteers (parents) 22
We will not be able to get into our build area until Dec 20th
This is a lot of working getting a team going.
FIRST TEAM 2016 is sending us some parts to look over.
Just want to get as much ready for the team before Jan.7th
We do not know what is in the KOP so we start from the ground and work up.
If anyone has more ideas PLEASE send them in.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by SciBorg Dave

We do not know what is in the KOP so we start from the ground and work up.
If anyone has more ideas PLEASE send them in.

Oh, I have ideas. Check your PM box.

One of those ideas is that it may be worth your while to look at the Administrative Manual (2012), if you haven't already. Another is that the 2011 Manual may be decent reading, particularly the KOP and Robot Quick Build documents. Note that the Manual itself will not apply to 2012, though some of the other documents might.

[SciBorg Dave]

How about extra battries and extra charger ?
FIRST 4-H TEAM 4061

[Peyton Yeung]

Originally Posted by SciBorg Dave

How about extra battries and extra charger ?
FIRST 4-H TEAM 4061

I would definitely suggest extra batteries and chargers. Our team has a 6 chargers and about a dozen batteries(probably overkill).With our 2nd bot we do a lot of driving and practicing so we go through batteries quite quickly.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by SciBorg Dave

How about extra battries and extra charger ?

*facepalm* I forgot all about that!

Not knowing what the charger is that comes in the rookie kits these days, I would definitely get another one (I think there's been discussion on CD of various types of chargers and charge rates--a CD search should turn up those threads).

Batteries: You'll get 2, as a rookie; the Manual will tell you what the accepted additional batteries are. They'll be 12V motorcycle batteries, unless something changes. Get 2-4 extras, and consider getting a battery tester, if not this year then soon, to verify that they're working properly. Then set up a battery management system so you know that you've got a good battery every match.

Oh, there is one other place you will want to get VERY familiar with. http://www.andymark.com/ These guys sell motors, gearboxes, chassis systems, batteries... They are also, to some extent, FIRST's "surplus" or "outlet" for game pieces if those aren't readily available, and for the FIRST Choice kit additions. Got an extra couple thousand dollars lying around? Get a complete chassis and build a practice drivebase. Need mentoring? Though that is better done locally, Andy and Mark are both experienced mentors. Can't find assembly instructions for the KOP gearbox? They'll be on that site. Quality is excellent, and customer service is outstanding.

[Marc S.]

Try to get 6061 alloy. 6063 takes longer to machine and tends to gum up machine cutters more. If the size you need doesn't come in 6061 don't spend too much time trying to find it. Having your own machines definately changes what and how much you buy.

973 builds their frame mainly out of 2x1 and 1x1 tubing, 1/16 and sometimes 1/8 wall thickness. We also use just about every size from 1/8x1 to 3x3 solid. After a couple seasons you should have a full list of material to suit your design style.
Check out our cad.