I’m part of a team going into it’s third year, and getting funds has been relatively hard, especially in this economy. We were brainstorming possible methods of fundraising at our last meeting when one of our members suggested we build FTC field elements for other teams in our area (NorCal). We all agreed that it’d be a great way for new members to learn how to build within specific measurements but were wondering if any Chief Delphi-ers would have any advice for us. We also considered building FLL tables, but because they’re so hefty, we’d have a hard time shipping them. Any input would be appreciated, seeing as we have pretty much no clue as to how to to about doing this. :
A great idea. Three years ago a team in our area built the FTC goals (the hexagon bases on wheels). They showed up at a FRC off-season event with 12 sets and sold them in the first 10 minutes of being there.
I can’t help you on construction other than the key to repeatability is jigs and templates. Oh and lots of labor to make it go fast and remain fun.
It all sounds good, but just make sure you have an incentive for people to buy it from you, generally low price does the trick.
Also, offer different parts of the field, for example, if a team only wants a center scoring area, and one ramp, make that available. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve only wanted like one part, but I can’t buy it because that would include me having to purchase $200 worth of field stuff.
Good luck, it’s definitely a good idea. You might be able to expand to other teams. =)
I know in my FTC days, I would have gladly payed for this, as building an 18 inch goal was not something I had time to do. And that was before these fancy autoloaders or multi tiered mega goals of today.
I would contact teams with pre-orders as soon as possible so that they don’t invest lots of resources into their own build projects before you have the chance to help them.
It would be kewl to see FTC kits available for purchasing. If you guys are going to be selling them. I know Team 1323 would buy one for our Robotics Class FTC Kids.
Dear Black Brigadeer et al,
We are a rookie FTC team in Florida. We are creating kits of pre-cut parts for Hot Shot! FTC fields. As I understand it, FIRST will not be providing FTC field kits as they did last year.
We would be happy to collaborate with you in marketing this idea and sharing what we have done to provide these kits. We also are putting out the word that we will take orders for Ball Chutes and Center Goals for FTC teams. We have yet to set our pricing structure. Please contact us if you wish to converse further.
Paul Bresnan
Coach FTC Team 2868
Mechanical Flightless Waterfowl [email protected]