Any older robotics hobbyists out there?

[Pipisongo]

Hi everyone. I just purchased a Vex starter kit a couple of days ago and I'm learning the ropes and having a blast with hobby robotics. I searched the web for a good forum and it looks like this is the place to be. However I'm 27 years old and was wondering if there are any more older persons like myself who frecuent this forum, or are the vast mayority of you in high school. By the way, I have to say that I envy every single one of you have competed or will compete in a FIRST competition. I drool every time
i see images of a FIRST competition thinking how cool it would have been to have that opportunnity when I was in high school.

So are there any older hobbyists out there?

Happy gadgeting,
Jorge L. Molinari, PE

[Babyhueyhnx]

i started in FIRST my sophmore year in high school. Now Im 20 and just cant get enough of FIRST. This will be my third year in college and its just to much fun to stop. I've even gotten my 26 yrld brother to get involved. Its a blast.

[Adam Richards]

This link could help if you want to get involved with FIRST as a mentor:

http://www.usfirst.org/robotics/gtstart.htm

[TimCraig]

Older? I attended my 40th high school reunion this year. But then, I was a prodigy.

[Jack Jones]

My 40th. reunion comes up in '07. I've participated in FIRST as an engineering mentor, event volunteer, and behind the scenes as a fundraiser/promoter. Last weekend, thanks to the "anything goes" format at the Novi Expo-tition, I got the chance to be human-player and even operated the robot's boom in the final match.

So, quit drooling and get busy! If your local high school doesn't have a team, then get one started by using all the influence you can muster to convince some parents, students, dedicated teachers, and a $ponsor that FIRST is the best thing since microwave popcorn.

[Paul Copioli]

Jorge,

There are many engineering mentors and teachers that frequent this forum. Most of us are associated with FIRST robotics teams, but some are not.

I am 33 and, like you, did not have FIRST available when I was in high school. I have been mentoring a FIRST team for 6 years now.

Welcome to the forums and beware that in January most of the discussion in this forum will be about the 2006 FIRST Robotics Competition game. I am sure there will a lot of VEX talk too so keep checking the forums.

-Paul

[Andy Baker]

Nope, nope... no adults here. We're all kids.

Welcome Jorge.

Andy B.

[Alan Anderson]

[geezer]I was building and programming teleoperated robots before you kids were born.[/geezer]
Seriously, I was the prime programmer for a college open house robotics project in the early 1980s. I've been helping with a FIRST team since my son started high school two years ago.

[Steve W]

Originally Posted by Andy Baker

Nope, nope... no adults here. We're all kids.

Welcome Jorge.

Andy B.

I concur with Andy. I guess it depends on your definition of old. Some of us are a lot younger than others look.

[Pipisongo]

All right thanks people. Nice to know I'm not alone.

Regards,
Jorge

[Swampdude]

Team 1144 Coquitron is from PR, here's their website:

http://www.pupr.edu/organizations.asp?ID=41

They competed at our Florida regional last year, great team...

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Who ya calling old? I don't play with robots, it's much more serious than that.


But seriously, Steve is older than me. Shhh don't tell anybody.

[skimoose]

Hi Jorge,

I've seen your posts on vex - skimoose here - hey I'm 42 and got involved as a coach with my kids for LEGO League 4 years ago and moved up to mentor FRC two years ago. Don't be envious! Have fun - get involved - help start a team if necessary - just do it.

There's just as much satisfaction and challenge helping a FIRST team. As far as Vex goes. You won't have to wait long. According to the FIRST website, kickoff for this years 2006 FIRST Vex Challenge is October 2006. If there aren't any FIRST teams in your area, approach the local school system, boy & girls club, scouting groups, or other local youth groups about starting a FIRST Vex team. You won't regret.

[dlavery]

Let's just say that I am old enough to have watched the original live broadcast of The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show, and leave it at that.

Yes, there are some of us out here. Welcome aboard!

-dave

[HologenicMan]

I'm 39 and have been interested in Robotics/AI since 1984. My kids aren't in High School yet, but they like the lego robotics mindstorm for now...

John L>