Tuesday, October 27, 2009
october 25 meeting
In the last meeting we worked on completing the main arm, arm to release the balls, and bucket/scooper. The arm to release the balls sounded like it was going good. i think we completed a scale model of the ramp. we are making a lot of progress with the robot. Thanks to Mr.Reidy we have plenty of gears to complete the arm.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Friday Practice (10/30)
As we discussed last night there will be an optional build session on Friday from 4 - 6:00pm. Please respond if you are able to attend
thanks
Mr R
thanks
Mr R
FTC Announcement
Guys - we received the following announcement from FTC. It details some of the feild control and other software we need to use for this year's competition. Scott / Sean - lets make sure we've downloaded the correct versions.
Here is the email w/ links
Here is the email w/ links
Hello Teams!
This is team email blast number 8 for the 2009 FTC Season. You should expect to receive weekly email blasts from us. The Team Email Blast is generally the way we communicate information about the program to you. That information could include competition specific news, software updates, trainings, or anything else we think you might like to know. This email is intended for FTC teams and is sent to the main contact listed in your team record.
1. Field Controller Station – The FCS is now available in BETA version on the USFIRST website. Please download it, use it and send any feedback you have about the FCS or the FCS Manual to us at ftcfeedback@usfirst.org. Put FCS Feedback in the subject line and make sure to tell us which version you are working with (full version, Win Executable or Mac Executable).
Load the FTC FCS Program if you don’t have LabVIEW loaded on your computer.
Load the FTC FCS Windows Executable if you do have LabVIEW loaded on your computer.
Load the FTC FCS Mac Executable if you are using an Apple product.
2. Competition Templates – Download your competition templates from here:
Remember, you must use the official competition templates to pass the software portion of the robot inspection at tournaments.
3. Countdown to FTC Events – The competition season is fast approaching – How are you preparing? Now is a great time to learn more about the programming languages available to FTC teams:
http://www.robotc.net/ftc for your ROBOTC needs
http://www.tetrixrobotics.com for tools to help you get started
Go Teams!
~FTC Support
FIRST TM (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)
Being a Gracious Professional involves respecting yourself, your team, other teams, and everyone around you. It is a way of doing things with a competitive spirit, without making anyone feel like a loser. Gracious Professionalism is a way of interacting with other people respectfully, doing excellent work, and promoting teamwork and appreciation of others.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Ramp dimensions
I was plotting out the dimensions when I found they were too short and at too much of an angle
for our robot to go up but our trap door design may fix that problem {:-) also I might build a wood ramp that is almost(as close as possible) to the ramp used again might (need to check for supplies)
Brad A.
for our robot to go up but our trap door design may fix that problem {:-) also I might build a wood ramp that is almost(as close as possible) to the ramp used again might (need to check for supplies)
Brad A.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Meeting Notes-10/18/09
Attended by: Jordy, Colin, Sean, Brad, Connor, and Matt
Tonight we didn't accomplish as much as we would have liked, but we still got a fair amount done. We started working on the actual arm with the new design, and added a servo to the end. We also looked at the gearing for the arm, and decided we would have to change it.
Also, we agreed that each team member should do some individual research on what other teams are doing to try and get new ideas, or refine our own.
To the team members that couldn't make tonights meeting: Feel better!
Tonight we didn't accomplish as much as we would have liked, but we still got a fair amount done. We started working on the actual arm with the new design, and added a servo to the end. We also looked at the gearing for the arm, and decided we would have to change it.
Also, we agreed that each team member should do some individual research on what other teams are doing to try and get new ideas, or refine our own.
To the team members that couldn't make tonights meeting: Feel better!
feild construction
http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Robotics_Programs/FTC/FTC_Documents_and_Updates/2009_Hot_Shots/FTC_Detailed_Field_Drawings_2009.pdf
Saturday, October 17, 2009
New Links
I added 2 new links
The first is to the Tetrix Robotics Home site (they make the kit) and the second is to a Labview programing help site.
The first is to the Tetrix Robotics Home site (they make the kit) and the second is to a Labview programing help site.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Meeting 10/16/09 Notes
Today we had a make up meeting for last sunday.
Attendance: Scott, Conner, Collin, Andrew, Jordy, Sean, Brad
Today we have decided to scrap the ball shooter all together and started work on the new design.
In the construction field we began to construct the gearing, bucket pivot mechanics, and tower. Our New design consists of a bucked on a servo that can lay the bucket horizontal of vertically. The bucket is attracted to a long metal arm that is powered by two motors and a seres of gears. This arm will bring the balls in to the high goal. The bucked will be shaped like a cylinder to hold the most amount of balls.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Materials Allowed
Any part from the TETRIX system with the following constraints:
No more than eight (8) TETRIX 12V DC drive Motors
No more than twelve (12) TETRIX Servos
Exactly one (1) 12V Rechargeable NiMH Battery Pack. This battery pack may only be used to power the Robot through the HiTechnic DC Motor and Servo Controllers. This battery pack must be identical to those supplied in the kit of parts. (Note: the TETRIX™ battery pack is custom designed with an internal 20 amp protection circuit. Use of any other battery could result in permanent damage to the NXT components and is not allowed). Battery packs are NOT allowed to be used as ballast.
A total of no more than four (4) HiTechnic DC Motor or Servo Controllers (in any combination)
The TETRIX R/C Controller (Product Id W34243), the Infrared Electronic Ball (Product Id W991458) and the TETRIX Speed Controller (Product Id W34244) are NOT allowed.
The TETRIX AA Battery Holder is not allowed.
The Permatex Super Lube provided by the TETRIX system may be used only to reduce friction with the Robot. Lubricants shall not be allowed to contaminate the Playing Field or other Robots.
b. Any LEGO building element with the following constraints:
1. Exactly one (1) NXT Controller must be used
2009-10 FIRST® Tech Challenge Game Manual
Rev 5 10/06/09 Page 30 FIRST® 2009
2. The NXT controller must be powered either by the NXT rechargeable battery pack or six (6) AA batteries.
3. No more than three (3) NXT Motors may be used.
4. Non-NXT electrical elements are not allowed, with the exception of RCX sensors.
5. LEGO pneumatic elements are allowed. Teams may not modify LEGO pneumatic elements to attempt to change the working pressure limits of the elements.
6. Any LEGO Approved NXT sensor (as indicated by the LEGO Mindstorms NXT Certified – Hardware label)
7. Any NXT compatible sensor from HiTechnic, including the NXT Touch Sensor Multiplexer, NXT Sensor Multiplexer and the NXT prototype boards (both solderable and solderless)
8. No more than one (1) LEGO Power Function Battery Box may be used. It may be used only in conjunction with and to power the NXT Sensor Multiplexer(s).
9. LEGO-Approved NXT extension cables. Approved cables are currently only available from LEGO and HiTechnic.
c. The following additional components may also be used:
1. Polycarbonate plastic sheet (e.g. Lexan), not to exceed 24" x 24" in area or maximum dimension and not greater than 0.10" thick.
2. Kydex plastic sheet, not to exceed 24” x 24” in area or maximum dimension and not greater than 0.040” thick (1 mm).
3. ABS plastic sheet, not to exceed 24” x 24” in area or maximum dimension and not greater than 0.0625” thick.
4. PETG sheet (aka Vivak ® Copolyester Sheet) not to exceed 24” x 24” in area or maximum dimension and not greater than 0.080” thick.
5. Polycarbonate glue/cement is allowed, only for the joining of polycarbonate pieces. Use of polycarbonate glues/cements may or may not be allowed in the pits at tournaments based on site-specific rules or requirements.
6. Aluminum sheet, not to exceed 24” x 24” in area or maximum dimension and not greater than 0.0625” thick
7. Rope or cord any length, not to exceed 0.125” in diameter
8. Plastic-coated wire rope 0.03125” diameter or smaller. Compatible compression sleeves, clamps and hardware may also be used only in conjunction with the plastic-coated wire rope.
9. Non-Slip Pad, not to exceed 24” x 24” in area or maximum dimension (e.g. McMaster Carr Part #69275T54 or Home Depot SKU #134555)
10. PVC piping (of any schedule) 3” inside diameter or smaller, not to exceed 36” in total length
11. Commercial PVC couplings are not allowed.
12. PVC cement and cleaner (only for gluing PVC). Use of PVC cements and cleaners may or may not be allowed in the pits at tournaments based on site-specific rules or requirements.
13. Compatible mechanical fasteners (nuts, bolts, screws, etc.)
14. Mechanical fasteners may be secured using Loctite® or a similar thread-locking product. .
15. Rubber bands (size #32 or smaller, i.e. 0.125” thick & 3” in circumference)
2009-10 FIRST® Tech Challenge Game Manual
Rev 5 10/06/09 Page 31 FIRST® 2009
16. Surgical Tubing 0.25" OD or smaller not to exceed 24” total length
17. Electrical tape and/or heat shrink tubing used only for insulation of electrical connections.
18. Universal Security Clips to hold PWM connections together
19. PWM extension cables. These cables may either be purchased from a vendor or fabricated by the team.
20. Any material strictly used as a color filter for a Light Sensor.
21. Hook and loop (e.g. Velcro, 3M Dual Lock) fastener may be used. The fastener may not be used as tape.
22. Non-Metallic Cable ties (also known as Zip Ties) up to 11” in length may be used.
23. The packaging, manual binders, Styrofoam, cardboard, plastic bags, etc. from the TETRIX and/or LEGO kits are NOT included and CANNOT be used for Robot construction. Only the TETRIX and LEGO parts themselves are allowed.
d. For the HiTechnic NXT Prototype Board the following constraints apply:
1. All power used in the circuits connected to the NXT Prototype Board must be derived from the power connections provided within the board. No batteries or external power sources are allowed.
2. Circuits may connect only to the named connections provided by the NXT Prototype Board (i.e. A4-A0, B5-B0, 3V, 4V, 9V, 5V, GND)
3. Communication to the NXT Controller may only occur through the included NXT connector.
4. Sensors connected via the NXT Prototype Board may be distributed throughout the Robot, they do not need to be physically attached to the NXT Prototype Board.
5. Additional circuit boards may be connected to the NXT Prototype Board as needed.
6. The processor included in the NXT Prototype Board may not be reprogrammed
7. Circuits included as part of the HiTechnic NXT Prototype Board may not cause interference with any Robot on the Playing Field, any part of the field management system or any game element.
8. Only visible light LEDs may be connected to the Prototype Board. These visible LEDs may only be used as a cueing signal for the team or for decoration. If used, the purpose must be demonstrated during inspection.
e. The Robot must be designed to be controlled by no more than two (2) Logitech Gaming Controllers
f. Teams may add non-functional decorations from parts not on the above list, provided that these parts are non-functional, do not affect the outcome of the match, are not hazardous to themselves or other teams, and are in the spirit of “Gracious Professionalism”.
g. Vex parts of any type are not allowed.
h. No additional components may be used.
No more than eight (8) TETRIX 12V DC drive Motors
No more than twelve (12) TETRIX Servos
Exactly one (1) 12V Rechargeable NiMH Battery Pack. This battery pack may only be used to power the Robot through the HiTechnic DC Motor and Servo Controllers. This battery pack must be identical to those supplied in the kit of parts. (Note: the TETRIX™ battery pack is custom designed with an internal 20 amp protection circuit. Use of any other battery could result in permanent damage to the NXT components and is not allowed). Battery packs are NOT allowed to be used as ballast.
A total of no more than four (4) HiTechnic DC Motor or Servo Controllers (in any combination)
The TETRIX R/C Controller (Product Id W34243), the Infrared Electronic Ball (Product Id W991458) and the TETRIX Speed Controller (Product Id W34244) are NOT allowed.
The TETRIX AA Battery Holder is not allowed.
The Permatex Super Lube provided by the TETRIX system may be used only to reduce friction with the Robot. Lubricants shall not be allowed to contaminate the Playing Field or other Robots.
b. Any LEGO building element with the following constraints:
1. Exactly one (1) NXT Controller must be used
2009-10 FIRST® Tech Challenge Game Manual
Rev 5 10/06/09 Page 30 FIRST® 2009
2. The NXT controller must be powered either by the NXT rechargeable battery pack or six (6) AA batteries.
3. No more than three (3) NXT Motors may be used.
4. Non-NXT electrical elements are not allowed, with the exception of RCX sensors.
5. LEGO pneumatic elements are allowed. Teams may not modify LEGO pneumatic elements to attempt to change the working pressure limits of the elements.
6. Any LEGO Approved NXT sensor (as indicated by the LEGO Mindstorms NXT Certified – Hardware label)
7. Any NXT compatible sensor from HiTechnic, including the NXT Touch Sensor Multiplexer, NXT Sensor Multiplexer and the NXT prototype boards (both solderable and solderless)
8. No more than one (1) LEGO Power Function Battery Box may be used. It may be used only in conjunction with and to power the NXT Sensor Multiplexer(s).
9. LEGO-Approved NXT extension cables. Approved cables are currently only available from LEGO and HiTechnic.
c. The following additional components may also be used:
1. Polycarbonate plastic sheet (e.g. Lexan), not to exceed 24" x 24" in area or maximum dimension and not greater than 0.10" thick.
2. Kydex plastic sheet, not to exceed 24” x 24” in area or maximum dimension and not greater than 0.040” thick (1 mm).
3. ABS plastic sheet, not to exceed 24” x 24” in area or maximum dimension and not greater than 0.0625” thick.
4. PETG sheet (aka Vivak ® Copolyester Sheet) not to exceed 24” x 24” in area or maximum dimension and not greater than 0.080” thick.
5. Polycarbonate glue/cement is allowed, only for the joining of polycarbonate pieces. Use of polycarbonate glues/cements may or may not be allowed in the pits at tournaments based on site-specific rules or requirements.
6. Aluminum sheet, not to exceed 24” x 24” in area or maximum dimension and not greater than 0.0625” thick
7. Rope or cord any length, not to exceed 0.125” in diameter
8. Plastic-coated wire rope 0.03125” diameter or smaller. Compatible compression sleeves, clamps and hardware may also be used only in conjunction with the plastic-coated wire rope.
9. Non-Slip Pad, not to exceed 24” x 24” in area or maximum dimension (e.g. McMaster Carr Part #69275T54 or Home Depot SKU #134555)
10. PVC piping (of any schedule) 3” inside diameter or smaller, not to exceed 36” in total length
11. Commercial PVC couplings are not allowed.
12. PVC cement and cleaner (only for gluing PVC). Use of PVC cements and cleaners may or may not be allowed in the pits at tournaments based on site-specific rules or requirements.
13. Compatible mechanical fasteners (nuts, bolts, screws, etc.)
14. Mechanical fasteners may be secured using Loctite® or a similar thread-locking product. .
15. Rubber bands (size #32 or smaller, i.e. 0.125” thick & 3” in circumference)
2009-10 FIRST® Tech Challenge Game Manual
Rev 5 10/06/09 Page 31 FIRST® 2009
16. Surgical Tubing 0.25" OD or smaller not to exceed 24” total length
17. Electrical tape and/or heat shrink tubing used only for insulation of electrical connections.
18. Universal Security Clips to hold PWM connections together
19. PWM extension cables. These cables may either be purchased from a vendor or fabricated by the team.
20. Any material strictly used as a color filter for a Light Sensor.
21. Hook and loop (e.g. Velcro, 3M Dual Lock) fastener may be used. The fastener may not be used as tape.
22. Non-Metallic Cable ties (also known as Zip Ties) up to 11” in length may be used.
23. The packaging, manual binders, Styrofoam, cardboard, plastic bags, etc. from the TETRIX and/or LEGO kits are NOT included and CANNOT be used for Robot construction. Only the TETRIX and LEGO parts themselves are allowed.
d. For the HiTechnic NXT Prototype Board the following constraints apply:
1. All power used in the circuits connected to the NXT Prototype Board must be derived from the power connections provided within the board. No batteries or external power sources are allowed.
2. Circuits may connect only to the named connections provided by the NXT Prototype Board (i.e. A4-A0, B5-B0, 3V, 4V, 9V, 5V, GND)
3. Communication to the NXT Controller may only occur through the included NXT connector.
4. Sensors connected via the NXT Prototype Board may be distributed throughout the Robot, they do not need to be physically attached to the NXT Prototype Board.
5. Additional circuit boards may be connected to the NXT Prototype Board as needed.
6. The processor included in the NXT Prototype Board may not be reprogrammed
7. Circuits included as part of the HiTechnic NXT Prototype Board may not cause interference with any Robot on the Playing Field, any part of the field management system or any game element.
8. Only visible light LEDs may be connected to the Prototype Board. These visible LEDs may only be used as a cueing signal for the team or for decoration. If used, the purpose must be demonstrated during inspection.
e. The Robot must be designed to be controlled by no more than two (2) Logitech Gaming Controllers
f. Teams may add non-functional decorations from parts not on the above list, provided that these parts are non-functional, do not affect the outcome of the match, are not hazardous to themselves or other teams, and are in the spirit of “Gracious Professionalism”.
g. Vex parts of any type are not allowed.
h. No additional components may be used.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
One Month to Scrimmage
OK Guys, we have one month to our first scrimmage date and we need to start making some real progress on the robot in order to get ready. Now that our house is "flu-free", I like to have an optional working session from 12:30 - 3:00 on Friday (10/16) along with our normal team meeting on the following Sunday (10/18) from 6:00 to 8:00pm.
By the end of our Sunday night meeting we need to:
- Have a basic robot built including the rough design of the ball capture device
- Test and confirm the gear driven ball shooting design works
- Decide on the programing language
Please confirm your ability to attend both the friday and sunday sessions via the comment section of this blog entry
Thanks
Mr R
By the end of our Sunday night meeting we need to:
- Have a basic robot built including the rough design of the ball capture device
- Test and confirm the gear driven ball shooting design works
- Decide on the programing language
Please confirm your ability to attend both the friday and sunday sessions via the comment section of this blog entry
Thanks
Mr R
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Meeting on 10/11 Cancelled
It seems we have a bit of the flu rampaging through the household, so I am canceling tonight's session until I get the all clear from our medical advisor (Sean's mom)
Howard County Schools are closed on Friday, 10/16 so I will try to schedule a make up session in the late morning to mid afternoon for those who can make it.
Sean has made some progress on the robot and we were planning to testing the shooting design tonight!
My apologies for the short notice
Mr R
Howard County Schools are closed on Friday, 10/16 so I will try to schedule a make up session in the late morning to mid afternoon for those who can make it.
Sean has made some progress on the robot and we were planning to testing the shooting design tonight!
My apologies for the short notice
Mr R
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Overall Robotics Schedule
10/4: Decide on a design and start construction of the base. Assign teams to work on different parts of the robot. Assign different group members to be in charge of the notebook, allowed material, autonomous program, and other FDIC guidelines.
10/11-11/8: Finish base and construct working arm and base.
11/14: Scrimmage @ Garrison Forrest School
11/15: Discuss Scrimmage and make adjustments.
11/21: Scrimmage @ Archbishop Carroll HS
11/22: Discuss scrimmage and make adjustments.
11/29-12/4: Make final adjustments
12/5: Maryland Competition
12/6: Discuss competition. Celebrate with pizza.
12/13-1/29: Change any aspect of the robot that needs work. Keep making robot better; robot will never be “perfect”. Finalize notebook and autonomous program.
1/30- Delaware Competition.
1/31- Celebrate year’s success.
please comment if you have any comments, suggestions, or questions.
10/11-11/8: Finish base and construct working arm and base.
11/14: Scrimmage @ Garrison Forrest School
11/15: Discuss Scrimmage and make adjustments.
11/21: Scrimmage @ Archbishop Carroll HS
11/22: Discuss scrimmage and make adjustments.
11/29-12/4: Make final adjustments
12/5: Maryland Competition
12/6: Discuss competition. Celebrate with pizza.
12/13-1/29: Change any aspect of the robot that needs work. Keep making robot better; robot will never be “perfect”. Finalize notebook and autonomous program.
1/30- Delaware Competition.
1/31- Celebrate year’s success.
please comment if you have any comments, suggestions, or questions.
Meeting Notes-10/4
Meeting:10/4. "6"-8:30
Attended by: Scott, Matt, Sean, Jordy, Joe, Colin, Brad, Mr. T, Mr. G, and Mr. R
Today we physically worked on the robot. Scott, Brad, and Conner worked on builing a prototype of the arm. They expanded the idea of a shooting arm, and they made progress on making a working model.
While they were working on the arm, Matt, Joe, Sean, Jordy worked on the base of the robot. We decided to basically keep the same gearing of the wheels, as that design proved sucessful last year. We decided however to change the width of the robot and worked on making the base bigger.
Sean, Joe, and Scott also worked a small amount on the programming, mostly going over the program and explaining how it works.
All in all tonight was a somewhat sucessful, productive meeting.
Attended by: Scott, Matt, Sean, Jordy, Joe, Colin, Brad, Mr. T, Mr. G, and Mr. R
Today we physically worked on the robot. Scott, Brad, and Conner worked on builing a prototype of the arm. They expanded the idea of a shooting arm, and they made progress on making a working model.
While they were working on the arm, Matt, Joe, Sean, Jordy worked on the base of the robot. We decided to basically keep the same gearing of the wheels, as that design proved sucessful last year. We decided however to change the width of the robot and worked on making the base bigger.
Sean, Joe, and Scott also worked a small amount on the programming, mostly going over the program and explaining how it works.
All in all tonight was a somewhat sucessful, productive meeting.
Robot Basics
The following is something that we should always take into account during programing and building.
# of motors
Drive Motor 1/a
Drive Motor 2/b
Corkscrew Motor (Lego)
Ball Shooter Motor 1/a
Ball Shooter Motor 2/b
# of servos
Draw Bridge Servo 1/a
Draw Bridge Servo 2/b
Arm Servo 1/a
Arm Servo 1/b
Other components
NXT (brain)
Battery
Motor controller 1/a
Motor controller 2/b
Servo controller
Cables
total #of Motors=5
total # of Servos=4
# of motors
Drive Motor 1/a
Drive Motor 2/b
Corkscrew Motor (Lego)
Ball Shooter Motor 1/a
Ball Shooter Motor 2/b
# of servos
Draw Bridge Servo 1/a
Draw Bridge Servo 2/b
Arm Servo 1/a
Arm Servo 1/b
Other components
NXT (brain)
Battery
Motor controller 1/a
Motor controller 2/b
Servo controller
Cables
total #of Motors=5
total # of Servos=4
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Potential Scrimmage Dates
There are 2 scrimmages being planned in the MD area:
11/14 Garrison Forrest School (Owings Mills)
11/21 Archbishop Carroll High School (we went there last year)
I think we should plan on attending and offer our help in either setting up or taking taking down the fields for the events
11/14 Garrison Forrest School (Owings Mills)
11/21 Archbishop Carroll High School (we went there last year)
I think we should plan on attending and offer our help in either setting up or taking taking down the fields for the events
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