Brand New Team

[DonRotolo]

We got your back.

I think you have enough info on web sites, but I want to echo Kathie's comments to not worry so much about design, focus on content. Look at other team web sites, see what you like and what is useful, and build your content. If you got a computer guy at the school ask him or her for advice.

As for the shirts: Focus on the design, but remember that really fine lines and some halftones do not reproduce well in silkscreen. Also, more colors cost more, so try to stick to a team color for the shirt and a contrasting ink for the screen design. The Pioneers use 2 ink colors: Black shirts with white printing, and a touch of yellow in the logo.

Then look in the yellow pages for places near by that do silkscreen, there are plenty of them. Go with an adult and talk to them, maybe they can help you out on the price in exchange for becoming a sponsor. Remember that these places are always being asked that, so don't get disappointed, but definitely ask (the worst they can say is no). Also, you ahve some funding, sometimes you have to spend the money. Get extra shirts (we get 2 for each regional so we don't have to wear a dirty shirt or do laundry - Thursday we wear any old shirt) because you'll want to give a few away to sponsors, school administrators, parents and other important supporters.

Regarding the Co-Op: Your first priority is and always should be school. Keep your grades up! Even if you have to do homework instead of cutting aluminum.... Second priority is the co-op, while you are at work. Work yur hardeat, do your best work, but once you leave for the day you can think about other stuff (like homework or robots). The LAST priority is robots. And don't forget food, family, and some fun too.

We'll talk again at the kickoff. Meanwhile, drive the robot, study it to see where the wires go and why, change the programming to see what effect is has... This is your practice bot, use it!

Finally: For your rookie year, resist the temptation to do it all. Focus on a few things and be great at them, instead of doing everything, but poorly. Think about your robot base, about your wheels, about your drivetrain. When you are putting it together after kickoff, think about how you're going to get it apart again when it breaks.

After kickoff, first figure out what it will take to win the game, then figure out what kind of robot can do that. 2 years ago, what won the game was the ability to shoot a few baskets or herd a few balls or play defense, and then to climb that ramp.

Oh yeah: Keep Asking Questions!

Don