FIRST Robots to Lead Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

[Mr. Rip]

We went with softer rubber wheels and increased the diameter from 4 to 5 inches for better ground clearance. The floor intake was removed because it had runners that rode right on top of the carpet. A floor pan was added to protect the electronics from debris and water.

Additional lights were added to the robot to create a candy cane effect on the back cable carriers. The main robot battery runs the lights and a marine battery is powering the robot the entire 2.5 miles of the route.

All of the electronics have been enclosed in polycarbonate boxes and a polycarbonate rain shield can be quickly added to provide cover for the entire robot in case of inclement weather.

Scott Rippetoe
Texas Torque

[Abhishek R]

Great, now I have a reason to watch the Parade. I had been wondering how you were gonna cut the ribbon, did you have to add a new mechanism, or are using the elevator or something to open the scissors?

[Aaron.Graeve]

From the picture Mr. Rippetoe posted on the previous page, it looks to be a new mechanism on a separate solenoid.

Also, it is nice to see show bumpers again.

[Mr. Rip]

We are using a new attachment to make the scissors open and close but they run off the same pneumatic solenoid that raises and lowers our hanger hooks. Flow control keeps the scissors from chomping too quickly.

Mr. Rip

[geomapguy]

Originally Posted by srippetoe

Just for fun, here is the Texas Torque 2013 robot Sonic ready for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The lights on the back of the robot are cycling as candy cane stripes.

Scott Rippetoe
FRC Team 1477

Scott, what exactly is the sponsor side panel made out of?

[Mr. Rip]

The side panels were made buy Sign's Now, the company that donated the graphics for our trailer. They are made from the same material used for the signs people post in their yard that remind us their child plays football, baseball, band, etc. I believe it is called corrugated plastic. The cost was very reasonable and I think they really dress up the robot.

Mr. Rip

[George1902]

SPAM's 2013 robot, Chomper, and his all black confetti cannons are ready to go!

[Dan Petrovic]

This is awesome!

Leading the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with the Purdue Marching Band was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I hope the members from these teams can say the same soon!

[peetam22]

Here's what S.P.A.M.'s robot, Chomper is looking like!! It was so great to see it done, and I'm so happy I'll get to be with him in the parade and driving him!

[Hallry]

16 and 1477 both shared this video from NBC Today on their Facebook pages earlier today, though I'm kinda peeved that the lady called FIRST 'a national contest.' The brief mention begins at 1:25.

[Kristian Calhoun]

MyCentralJersey.com posted an article about FIRST teams in the parade today: http://www.mycentraljersey.com/artic...nclick_check=1

[GBK]

Originally Posted by Hallry

16 and 1477 both shared this video from NBC Today on their Facebook pages earlier today, though I'm kinda peeved that the lady called FIRST 'a national contest.' The brief mention begins at 1:25.

As much as I like that the teams are able to do this, I suspect that any TV coverage on FIRST or the robots, will be just a brief.

[Mr. Rip]

Maybe we need to play up the "will the robots make it all the way to the end?" card to build up some drama. Will the wheels make it through the whole trip? These robots have seen lots of action this season, it's a miracle they are still running at all! The standard battery is no match for the 2.5 miles in 45 minutes.

Mr. Rip

[geomapguy]

Originally Posted by srippetoe

Maybe we need to play up the "will the robots make it all the way to the end?" card to build up some drama. Will the wheels make it through the whole trip? These robots have seen lots of action this season, it's a miracle they are still running at all! The standard battery is no match for the 2.5 miles in 45 minutes.

Mr. Rip

I sense backup batteries...

[MichaelBick]

Originally Posted by srippetoe

The main robot battery runs the lights and a marine battery is powering the robot the entire 2.5 miles of the route.

1477 for one said they are using a longer life battery earlier in the thread.