Idea: "CAD-a-thon"

[cadandcookies]

Originally Posted by Munchskull

The hosting group could have people separate based on what type of CAD they use. Solidworks in one group, Inventor in another.

And Creo can work with both

I assume by separating into groups, you mean different groups competing in the same competition can use different software packages. Splitting the entire event into sub-competitions based on package used doesn't seem to serve a valuable purpose in my opinion. Also, this entire idea sounds like a lot of fun to me and I hope someone can make it work (and I might borrow and modify the event for a future GOFIRST event...)

[NWChen]

Originally Posted by Chak

Maybe you can pose a challenge/topic at the beginning of the CAD-a-thon, have diverse groups (different teams/age) try and design something. Then we can see how others work directly and get to know people on other teams. Afterwards groups can present and everyone will get exposed to different designs.
The CAD-a-thon can also have some 3D printers running. That would be fun.
I see that all three posts on this thread so far are from the Bay Area. Hmmm...

This is how large [coding-oriented] hackathons operate: a challenge/challenges (tackling problems in health, education, etc.) is issued at the start, and judges/peers determine winners. One of the most appealing aspects is the ability to network and learn from others; hackathons often institute a system of mentors, either from the industry or just experienced programmers in the community, to help out with certain languages, technologies, and so on. There's also the draw of free food, energy drinks, and prizes, of course.

It could be interesting to extend this idea to a "prototype-a-thon" of sorts, where people from multiple teams (as opposed to the prototype-a-thon that takes place in Week 1 every season) can access a set of shafts, drills, wheels, fasteners, and wood, and run with their ideas.

[swaxman12345]

This actually sounds super interesting. Our team just started an official CAD team this year, so we've been building up computers and experimenting with software.

One question: Would there be a specific CAD software that everyone would have to use? I worry that there might be some disadvantages for younger/poorer teams that can't afford complex software like TurboCAD, and would be forced to use less capable products (such as Autodesk)

Other than that, I'd be really enthusiastic about an event like that in the FIRST community!

[cadandcookies]

Originally Posted by swaxman12345

One question: Would there be a specific CAD software that everyone would have to use? I worry that there might be some disadvantages for younger/poorer teams that can't afford complex software like TurboCAD, and would be forced to use less capable products (such as Autodesk)

While I'm generally pretty clear that I dislike Inventor, it's disingenuous to claim that, for FRC purposes, it isn't a perfectly capable piece of software. I'd prefer to work with someone with four years of experience in Inventor over someone who has a year in Creo (or TurboCAD, but I can't say I'm familiar with that package and I haven't ever heard of anyone using it for robots or in industry), and certainly wouldn't say that our theoretical designer working with Inventor is at a disadvantage.

I've been training a few FTC students in Creo for the past few weeks, and one of the things I've been impressing upon them is that Creo or any other CAD package is a tool, and it isn't any smarter than you are. The "best" CAD software in the world won't give you any advantage if you don't know how to use it.

[asid61]

Originally Posted by swaxman12345

This actually sounds super interesting. Our team just started an official CAD team this year, so we've been building up computers and experimenting with software.

One question: Would there be a specific CAD software that everyone would have to use? I worry that there might be some disadvantages for younger/poorer teams that can't afford complex software like TurboCAD, and would be forced to use less capable products (such as Autodesk)

Other than that, I'd be really enthusiastic about an event like that in the FIRST community!

You can get Solidworks and Autodesk products free for educational use.
I have to say that even with all of SW's simulation tools, I use only one (the bending analysis) and then only when I really have to. It's just a lot to learn for anybody without a few years their belt already, and it takes time to learn.

[KohKohPuffs]

Okay, seems like this idea is taking off. Therefore, I do hope to do a "CADathon" this winter break.

As for online vs. meeting physically, my team isn't going to give me support, in terms of helping me find a place to rent out for the day and such. Therefore, the one I intend to host will be online, so people out of the Bay Area can also be included. I'm still working on how that's going to work, but here's what I have in mind:

--> Participants will be divided into groups of 2-4, and they use Google Hangouts to communicate with each other to complete projects as a group

OR

--> Participants will be divided into groups of 5-10, and they use Google Hangouts to communicate with each other, but they work individually at most, using the online medium as a way to discuss and receive help and feedback on the work they've done.

I will have more information as the date gets close (date, I was thinking the first Monday after Christmas, which is the 28th), but the main issue with the first option is that maybe more gets done when working alone. However, the second option will not simulate what it's like to work with the other CADers on the team (unless you happen to be the only person who CADs on the team). Any thoughts on which one is the best way to go?

[thinker&planner]

Originally Posted by KohKohPuffs

Any thoughts on which one is the best way to go?

Let people choose?
I am the only person who really CADs on our team, but that is partially because we don't have experience with CAD-collaboration. That's why I would like to get better at it.

[Munchskull]

I think groups of 2-4 working together would be best. Gives a better experience for all. Plus it would be fun to learn form the people in the group.

[Colin Small]

If this is going to be a thing, I'd love to go! To clarify, groups of people attending the CAD-a-thon would work together to CAD something assigned by the judges, and prizes would be awarded to the best-CADed designs?

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by KohKohPuffs

--> Participants will be divided into groups of 5-10, and they use Google Hangouts to communicate with each other, but they work individually at most, using the online medium as a way to discuss and receive help and feedback on the work they've done.

This would be the one I prefer, personally. I have stuff I want to work on already, and I'm not really interested in starting a random project with other people I don't normally work with. At that point I realize it's not functionally different from just twitch-streaming normal CAD sessions, so maybe I should just do that if people prefer the group thing. Depending on the date / time I might end up at work during the marathon anyway.

[KohKohPuffs]

Originally Posted by Colin Small

If this is going to be a thing, I'd love to go! To clarify, groups of people attending the CAD-a-thon would work together to CAD something assigned by the judges, and prizes would be awarded to the best-CADed designs?

Something like that, but I think what's going to happen is we're going to separate people into groups based on a Google Form choice of if they want to work together or work independently. Then these groups have their own Google Hangouts session for communication. Groups submitting challenges as one will use the online medium to make sure everyone is on track and doing their part, and groups with members working independently of each other will use Google Hangouts to discuss, get help and feedback, etc.

When my high school finals are over (jeez, this is going to be my death ), I'm going to make a new thread with "official" event details.

[Colin Small]

Originally Posted by KohKohPuffs

Something like that, but I think what's going to happen is we're going to separate people into groups based on a Google Form choice of if they want to work together or work independently. Then these groups have their own Google Hangouts session for communication. Groups submitting challenges as one will use the online medium to make sure everyone is on track and doing their part, and groups with members working independently of each other will use Google Hangouts to discuss, get help and feedback, etc.

When my high school finals are over (jeez, this is going to be my death ), I'm going to make a new thread with "official" event details.

So, this won't be in any one place, but from everyone's houses/shops/etc.?