Ftc Kick off 2008

[Akash Rastogi]

Originally Posted by MidWFirst

actually, I think you are missing the point. The entire point of ftc and vex is to have a program that doesn't require all the resources of FRC. If we had the ability to machine parts, weld aluminum and had those facilities (and tons of money) we'd do FRC. We don't.
But my students want to do ftc and vex so they are on a pretty even playing field with the other teams and can build all their robots in our classroom - if some schools are able to weld and machine parts for ftc, then we can't make and use many parts they will be able to. To say "just build a simple robot" is missing the point. We don't want to build a simple robot, we want to challenge ourselves with the parts available, we just don't have the resources to machine or weld parts.

I was also speaking of FTC not FRC. Don't get me wrong, its great to challenge yourself but in the end I think many people will agree that it will be the teams that don't spend time trying to use polycarb and aluminum who will come out on top.

If you actually really want to do this then seek help from machine shops or your local highschool that might have a machine shop. Just go out there and make it happen. Finding machining resources is actually easier than finding people willing to sponsor teams. You can even open your yellow pages and search for "Machining" and I guarantee you will find something.

Originally Posted by Ricksta121

When comparing this to FRC, look at all the teams that build a simple reliable machine and do well year after year. Then look at the teams with money that over complicate and do poorly each year. Same thing will happen with FTC. Teams will waste time designing and building complicated metal/poly assemblies, while the teams that build simple and strong will cruise on by come competition.

I am excited about the expanded use of raw materials in FTC and hope FIRST lets us weld the aluminum.