FRC ROBOTICS FALL WORKSHOP
WHEN
October 27, 2018
10:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
WHERE
Byron Center High School
8500 Burlingame Ave SW, Byron Center, MI 49315
EACH TOPIC PRESENTED TWICE
10:00 a.m. – 12 noon
1:00 p.m. – 3 p.m.
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/frc-first-robotics-fall-workshops-tickets-50777975291
Summary of presentations:
KICK-OFF AND BRAINSTORMING
Presented by Ken Orzechowski (2771 Code Red) – We will discuss game reveal day, how to hit the ground running immediately afterward and make the most of your first few days of the FRC build season.
GAME STRATEGY
Presented by Cory Walters (2767 Stryke Force) – Game Strategy in regards to the following areas: dictating robot design, drive team, game planning, robot play book, finding weak spots in your opponents, and game evolution.
LABVIEW
Presented by Mike Gerstweiler (4004 MARS) and Mike Shumaker (4381 Twisted Devils) – Basic setup of a LabVIEW FRC project, explanation of all the main FRC project VIs and how they are to be used, basic and intermediate programming techniques, driver station customization, etc. Advanced topics may be discussed based on participants’ requests.
JAVA
Presented by John Marchand (4381 Twisted Devils) – Introduction to VS Code and Java, iterative robot programming example (motors/servos/pneumatics, autonomous and teleop), how to write stable and maintainable code, accurate autonomous driving, object oriented software development, command based programming (benefits, example), Q&A.
C++
Presented by Kevin Russell (2959 CW Tech Robotarians) – Topics will include: Project creation, getting the robot moving, moving components via pneumatics, moving components via motor, stop moving component with a switch, command base programming. Topics covered will be tailored to the participants’ backgrounds.
CAD
Presented by Mike Haaser (1918 NC GEARS) and Nick Gerstweiler (4004 MARS) – Basic, intermediate and possibly advanced (dependent on attendees’ interests) CAD concepts, techniques and tips.
DRIVE SYSTEM FUNDAMENTALS
Presented by Ken Platteschorre (107 ROBOTICS) – Before designing your machine you must know what you want to do. Choosing the right drivetrain is critical to the success of an FRC robot. We will discuss: different types of drive trains and how your strategy determines what drive train would work best and why, the different types of wheels and gearboxes and how they affect mobility, basic robot rules as it relates to frame design and how it will help you pass inspection.
PNEUMATICS
Presented by Bill Bauman (2054 Tech Vikes) – Topics will include: Introduction, advantages/disadvantages of air, components, and demonstration.
MANIPULATOR TYPES
Presented by Wayne Tenbrink/Andrew Redder (1918 NC GEARS) and Alan Thornton (4381 Twisted Devils) – Overview of the common Manipulator Modules/Mechanical Systems/Mechanical Components, recommended practices (KISS, modularity, withholding allowance, serviceability, etc.), Make vs. Buy, resource library for parts and materials, and more.
BASIC ELECTRICAL
Presented by Jonathan Tuuk (1918 NC GEARS) and Mike Tucker (4381 Twisted Devils) – All sorts of topics including reviewing the FRC electrical rules, proper soldering, sensor selection and wiring, encoder selection and wiring, labeling electrical devices, securing devices to a panel, wiring strategies for quick replacement in the field, using test equipment for fault analysis, and more.
SCOUTING/DATA ANALYSIS
Presented by Matt VanderPloeg/Tyler DeVries (107 ROBOTICS), Alicia Bay/Lindsey Bay (1918 NC GEARS) – Overview, pre-event and event scouting, different methods of match scouting, analyzing and using the data (Excel/Tableau/MS Power BI), alliance selection, running effective scouting meetings, tips/techniques and more.
WRITING STRONG COLLEGE/SCHOLARSHIP ESSAYS
Presented by Linda Baas (2771 Code Red) – How to write excellent scholarship and essays that will put you leaps above the competition.