Kitbot build day for rookie FRC teams

[rsisk]

OK, I'm working on the powerpoint for the Programming room for the Kitbot build day and have some questions regarding the classmate the rookies will be receiving. Hoping the beta teams might have some insight...

1. Will the roookie classmates have any software pre-installed?
2. Will Labview CDs come in the KOP or need to be downloaded?
3. Will the rookie classmates have CD/DVD reader?

[Fletch1373]

Originally Posted by rsisk

OK, I'm working on the powerpoint for the Programming room for the Kitbot build day and have some questions regarding the classmate the rookies will be receiving. Hoping the beta teams might have some insight...

1. Will the roookie classmates have any software pre-installed?
2. Will Labview CDs come in the KOP or need to be downloaded?
3. Will the rookie classmates have CD/DVD reader?

I can't speak for sure about this year, however I can base my answers off last year's kit hoping it hasn't changed TOO much.

1. The classmate had an image on it including OpenOffice, Labview, Windriver, and Netbeans. Unless FIRST has made major changes, I would assume the image will be very similar.

2. Two years ago, the Software bundle included 2 DVD's which were used to install anything you would ever need for programming(Labview(and cRIO imaging tool, etc.), Windriver, etc). I don't remember exactly how the software bundle arrived last year, however I don't think it was very different with the exception of the thumbdrive that was available to reimage the classmate.

3. As the classmate series are netbooks, they do not have CD drive. I would not expect any difference this year. However, I heard somewhere that any laptop could be used as the Driver Station this year(speculation on CD maybe?), so that could make it easier for teams to keep programming and driving separate.


hope that helps.
-Fletch

[rsisk]

Thanks Fletch, that does help. I was having a hard time remembering what last year's rookies got.

Still would like to hear from Beta Test teams if they saw the new classmates.

Also, does anyone know if there is an official place to ask this kind of question? Is the 2011 Beta Test forum the right place? http://forums.usfirst.org/forumdisplay.php?f=1458

[hg273]

The FRC Blog confirmed that we'll be able to use laptops other than the classmate as drivers stations this year.

[GarrettF2395]

I have participated in the Oklahoma build day every year since it was started by team 476 in '08.
It has certainly helped the Oklahoma regional tremendously in keeping teams involved,
and competing every year by guaranteeing that every team has a driving platform by the end of kick-off day.

If you already have the instruction information from the OK staff, then
I'm sure you already know more about the workings of "Kitbot day" than I can help you with.

But, for the sake of common knowledge I'll share a bit about how it is run.

Each aspect of the robot is broken down into small sub-groups (electronics, chassis, programming, and gearbox).
Each sub-group has it's own work area, the chassis is worked on in the main kick-off room, while
each of the smaller sub-components are worked on in a classroom or meeting room to prevent over crowded workspace.

Each sub-team is responsible for the following areas:

Gearbox: Assembling the Andymark gearbox.

Chassis: Putting the chassis parts together including the frame, wheels, assembled gearboxes, and chains.

Electrical: Mounting all electronic components to the electrical board, and wiring
everything together so all they have to is hook up the motors and a battery and drive the thing.

Programming: In order for the rookie programmers to be able to get everything running today, they need
to be able to pick up their classmate and C-rio the night before kick-off and download all necessary software.
Then during the "kitbot day" they can put together a basic drive program.

I'd say the most important parts of running a "kitbot day" is makeing sure you have ample room for each of the
sub-teams to work, and having enough staff for each sub-group so the rookies can receive help when needed.
That ways you don't have one person trying to help 8 different teams build a toughbox or strip a wire.

[rsisk]

Hi Garrett,

We are working from the OK instructions, and yes they are awesome.

Could you elaborate on the programming part? We were planning to use the Labview default program which should be buildable and ready to run the robot. What else takes place in the programming room?

Right now, here are the major tasks assigned to the programming room:

• Install updates on Classmates
• Configure radios
• Construct driver station (velcro joysticks, computer, and radio to wood)
• Image cRIO
• Build and deploy basic Labview programs

Anything missing?

[kamocat]

Originally Posted by rsisk

Right now, here are the major tasks assigned to the programming room:

• Install updates on Classmates
• Configure radios
• Construct driver station (velcro joysticks, computer, and radio to wood)
• Image cRIO
• Build and deploy basic Labview programs

Anything missing?

Make a simple spec of how the data should be wired on the robot.
For a basic program, it probably needs only include the drive motors and the compressor.

I have a more detailed spec I collaborate with a couple teams on, if you're interested. They have manipulators and sensors relevant to last-year's game.

Programmer's version

Electrical version (incomplete)

[GarrettF2395]

Originally Posted by rsisk

Hi Garrett,

We are working from the OK instructions, and yes they are awesome.

Could you elaborate on the programming part? We were planning to use the Labview default program which should be buildable and ready to run the robot. What else takes place in the programming room?

Right now, here are the major tasks assigned to the programming room:

• Install updates on Classmates
• Configure radios
• Construct driver station (velcro joysticks, computer, and radio to wood)
• Image cRIO
• Build and deploy basic Labview programs

Anything missing?

Sounds good to me! You might give them the option of installing updates before the kit build. But that's assuming that they are able to pick up those parts prior to kick-off.

[rsisk]

Congratulations to all the hosts of Rookie Quick Build sessions today. I know you are probably all exhausted, but if you could post feedback on how the day went, I would appreciate it.

Thanks and here's to your Logomotion!

[rsisk]

I posted a recap of our Rookie Kit Bot build day on CD-Media, enjoy...

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/2435