[FTC:] Starting a new team 2012

[ehochstein]

Thanks for the information on the maximum number of teams Scott.

The team would have 10 members total, just 5 from each school. In the future we would expand that to one team for each school but during the first year we want just one team so we do not spread our resources too far.

Budget wise we would probably share a field with the other teams in our school district. I will budget for $2500 or so otherwise.

Thanks for the advice!

[Scott_4140]

Originally Posted by Wiifi

Budget wise we would probably share a field with the other teams in our school district.

If you’re buying a new metal field, I highly recommend getting the VEX field over the AndyMark field. It’s about $100 more, but it’s a lot easier to deal with. MN Snow Drift uses the AndyMark field, but FIRST used the VEX filed at the World Championships.

[superbotman]

I would reccomend contacting Joe because he is the one that knows everything, I believe that using this form will get you in contact with him.

I suggest this because this past year we went from one field to two fields, and that will likely alter the max number of teams in the future.

Good Luck and I hope to see you at the competition!

[ehochstein]

Ok I have one other question for you guys;

As an FRC team (#2470) we already have two NXT controllers from our mini-bot. Does this mean we still need to purchase the KoP with mindstorms or can we purchase it without mindstorms?

I plan on contacting Joe once it gets closer to the season.

[Scott_4140]

Originally Posted by Wiifi

As an FRC team (#2470) we already have two NXT controllers from our mini-bot. Does this mean we still need to purchase the KoP with mindstorms or can we purchase it without mindstorms?

If you already have two of the NXT Mindstorms bricks, you don’t need to order the FTC KoP that comes with the Mindstorms kit. The two controllers should be plenty.

The Mindstorms Kit sells for $280 at LEGO Education and it’s only $200 if ordered with the FTC KoP. So it’s a good deal if you want spare parts or if you want to resell it or make a good deal to a FLL team.

I’d recommend you get at least three of the white rechargeable NXT batteries for competition. They take 2-3 hours to charge after each match. You don’t want batteries to be your downfall at a tournament. They are $60 at LEGO Ed. The charger for the battery is $25. The sensors NXT motors are about $20 each. All these things could factor into your decision to buy the Mindstorms kit or not.