[FTC]: Getting started in FTC

[IDidAScience]

Hi all,

I coach an FLL team of 6th-7th graders who have learned quickly in the last couple of years, and we are thinking about trying out FTC next year with some of the kids to keep their interest and keep them advancing in their knowledge. They can bridge to an high school that has FTC and FRC in another year or two, and I'd like to give them a leg up on that as well.

I was thinking about getting a Tetrix kit for us to play with the next few months, as well as some CAD software and RobotC and/or Labview for NXT licenses. I see that:

1) There is free CAD software available to current teams, but otherwise it is pretty expensive
2) Labview -- same as #1
3) There may be FLL-to-FTC grants available around summertime that cover much of the cost, but otherwise it will be $600 or so for a Tetrix kit
4) RobotC seems to be undiscounted, but at least it is affordable ($80).

So, it sounds like if I wait to start until we register (which is when?) then we can possibly get all of these goodies for next to nothing thanks to the generosity of these fine companies, or we can try to get stuff now but it will have a very high price tag (mostly unaffordable without significant fundraising).

Is my interpretation correct? Or are there other options available?

Also, how does one get on to ftcforums, as that seems like the main place that FTC discussion occurs? I tried to register there, but apparently you must be on a registered team to join, so it isn't much use for learning about the program.

Thanks!