Vex for the Technically Challenged

[ManicMechanic]

I have just uploaded a white paper entitled "Vex for the Technically Challenged" (it was too large to attach, and I had to eliminate all of the photos to get it uploaded). It is a guide designed to help the 9 start-up teams in my area, none of which has any FRC experience, and only one of which has FLL experience (my team). None of the coaches is an engineer (one is a stay-at-home mom without any college degree). It is woefully incomplete because I had hoped to post it for corrections/commentary, then revise before the fall began. Unfortunately, the next 3 weeks will be taken up with another project, so I couldn't get it as far along as I would have liked before seeking corrections. I consider it about 2/3 done.

Does someone have a good written explanation of how lifts work? That's something I couldn't get a good grasp of. Also, has anyone built or seen built a 2-axis linear grip made out of Vex parts. Also, if you think there are other additions that should be made, I would appreciate suggestions.

If I don't respond immediately, I haven't forgotten you. After 3 weeks, I should be alive again.

The material is way too easy for anyone who currently reads these forums, but know that you can be a part of helping Vex expand into FIRST's frontier "white space."

[ManicMechanic]

The final version (for now) of "Vex for the Technically Challenged", complete with photos is now available in the White Papers section at this link:

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/1871

Feel free to distribute it to any rookies who can use it.

Thanx to Kathie, Greg, Chris & Andy for your input & assistance.

Yolande, aka Clueless in CA

[KathieK]

The paper is also included in the NEMO (Non-Engineering Mentor Organization) website - Resources section. www.firstnemo.org

Thank you to Yolande and Justin for creating this paper!

[Cynette]

Thanks for creating and posting this. One of the new mentors for Team 1511 (graduated team member) has started a project for boosting the technical confidence of the young women on the team by using Vex. They are calling it "Project Girl Wrench." This paper is just what we need to move us along the learning curve!

[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by mocat1530

Thanks for creating and posting this. One of the new mentors for Team 1511 (graduated team member) has started a project for boosting the technical confidence of the young women on the team by using Vex. They are calling it "Project Girl Wrench." This paper is just what we need to move us along the learning curve!

Yeah, what she said!

This paper is cool. I'm testing it on my daughter, who was already into taking things apart. So far she has managed to put the squarebot together. We've driven it enough to be bored. Now I need to order the programming kit, or else continue to depend on my FRC team for that. You can guess which the ten-year-old prefers.

Notice Bronwen's stylish attire, courtesy of the incomparable women of 771.

[ManicMechanic]

A revised version of "Technically Challenged", along with "A Clueless Coach's Companion" have just been uploaded here:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/2019. I had intended to release a trio of rookie resources together (the last is a step-by-step builders' guide), but the last project won't get finished until the fall when our family returns home from overseas, where our Vex equipment is. After the recent announcement, I realized that these documents (prepared in late spring) are quickly on their way to obsolescence.

I have to admit that the increasing unlikelihood of Vex being continued has put quite a damper on any enthusiasm I previously had; I apologize for the artificially euphoric tone in the writings, but they were written during happier times. While the likely discontinuance of Vex makes it less likely that I'll be recruiting rookies this year, I hope that the documents will be of use to someone.

I'm attaching a sample from "Robot Recipes" (the builders' guide) -- if you have a project that you would like featured, I'd love to include it. I'm hoping to list all projects in similar format.

[skimoose]

Originally Posted by ManicMechanic

I have to admit that the increasing unlikelihood of Vex being continued has put quite a damper on any enthusiasm I previously had; I apologize for the artificially euphoric tone in the writings, but they were written during happier times. While the likely discontinuance of Vex makes it less likely that I'll be recruiting rookies this year, I hope that the documents will be of use to someone.

I'll second your sentiments. Whatever FIRST's reasoning for looking for other robotics systems for FTC, it's awfully clear that this move is upsetting many mentors to the point of inaction.

[ManicMechanic]

Originally Posted by ManicMechanic

...the last project won't get finished until the fall...

The "ugly" version of Robot Recipes, the last of the Rookie Trio is posted here: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/2029

Blake is working on a more elegant and aesthetic version, but with FTC season underway, that will probably take a while. The preliminary drawings are ooh-aah-awesome and will be worth the wait.

If you have projects that you want to add to the collection, we'll be glad to include and acknowledge. May not get done 'til next year, though. So many projects, so little time...

[ManicMechanic]

Originally Posted by ManicMechanic

The "ugly" version of Robot Recipes, the last of the Rookie Trio is posted here: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/2029

Unfortunately, it contains a rather major error.


For the Chin-upbot, (project #2), under "Parts to cut", the instructions for cutting of angle bars are wrong.

The INCORRECT version currently reads:
Cut 3 X 15” angle bars into 2.5” + 12.5” (on the notch) – only the 2.5” pieces are used
Cut 1 X 15” angle bar into 5” + 10” (on the notch) – only the 10” piece is used



The CORRECT version should read:
Cut 3 X 15" angle bars into 5" + 10" (on the notch) - only the 5" pieces are used
From one of the remaining 10" pieces, cut one 7.5" piece (on the notch -- this is the center section)



My apologies -- I hope the error doesn't cause too much frustration & wasted metal. In our eagerness to start on the Challenge, we were a bit hasty in wrapping up this project.