2014-2015 FIRST Tech Challenge Kick-Off

Capitol College, Laurel, MD

September 6, 2014

· Workshops: Rookie teams will split into two parts: a construction team and a programming team to build a ranger robot (see the TETRIX Getting Started Guide): http://tetrixrobotics.com/GettingStartedGuide/files/resources/Print_All_TETRIX_GSG.pdf).

o Build a Robot – Veteran team members will work one-on-one with rookie teams to build a ranger robot. Teams must register before kick-off to participate as space is limited. Teams must provide a kit of parts and a laptop.

o Program a Robot – Veteran team members will work one-on-one with rookie teams to demonstrate template usage. A simple program will be developed to drive the ranger robot being built in the “Build a Robot” session. Teams may choose to program in either LabView or RobotC. LabView is provided in the kit of parts, but a team must purchase Robot C before the event. In either case, the programming software should be installed prior to the event.

o Test a Robot – The construction and programming teams will combine. Veteran team members will help rookie teams download the software onto the robot’s computer. Testing of the motors can be done at the desk. Once the motors are properly responding, teams can practice driving on the practice field.

· Seminars: Attendees will be presented with programming, award and strategy information.

o Intermediate Robot C and LabView – Presenters will cover encoders and the IR sensor, dual-operator control, code management, etc.

o Advanced Robot C and LabView – Presenters will cover more advanced topics, such as code re-use and archiving techniques.

o Construction – Learn how to build a sturdy robot. Tips and tricks will be presented that will help your robot stay in one piece during a competition.

o Alliances – Alliances between FTC and FRC teams are powerful tools to create change in your community. Learn how to network and connect with local teams to foster collaboration and promote the growth of FIRST.

o Judging – There are many awards in FTC other than robot performance given on competition day. Learn the updates and changes to the rules and requirements for each award as well as advice on improving team presentation and judging room performance.

o Competition Day – Tournaments can be daunting for rookie and veteran teams alike. Learn what to expect during each part of competition day and how to improve your team's performance and appearance.

o Meets/Leagues – With the number of teams growing quickly a new qualification format might be required in future seasons. The current formats will be presented your input will be appreciated.

o Math is Not a Four Letter Word – How long should a “robot arm” be? Which gears should we use? In what combination? How do I stop burning up motors? How can we figure out what a robot will do without building it? These are some of the questions that will be answered in this session. Often teams take a “trial and error” approach to designing/building FTC robots. This is time intensive and can force teams into poor design solutions because they don’t have time to seek and implement better solutions. A basic understanding of physics and the judicious use of math will allow teams to quickly calculate how a robot will perform rather instead of building it.

o Wiring – “Wiring, Electronics and Managing Electro-Static Discharge – Keys to Building Reliable Robots”: FTC teams often focus on the mechanical aspects of the robot. This is what scores points and takes the most time and effort to perfect. However, one of the keys to a reliable robot is assuring that all the electronics are dependable. This session will provide details on how to wire your robot with an emphasis on reliability and safety. It will teach basic circuit rules, best practices for wiring, what each of the electronic components does. There will be special emphasis on designing robots for an Electro-Static Environment.

o Budgeting – Learn how to fund raise and write grants.

· Forums: Participate in question/answer sessions with a moderator.

o Leadership – A panel of veterans will provide some insight into the inner workings of an FTC robotics team. After a presentation of some key topics (chosen by the panel members), the audience is welcome to ask questions. Maybe you have a small team and are wondering how to do more than just work on the robot. Maybe you have questions about on what your team should concentrate, so it has a better chance to advance to the next level of competition. Maybe you have some interesting team dynamics and were wondering if the panel had been in that situation before and how it was handled? Maybe your biggest question is “Why am I doing this?” These veterans have some inspiring stories that will help answer that question.

o Game 1 & 2 – The game has been revealed and brain storming has begun, but that’s when the real fun begins. There are so many questions: How much was that penalty? How much water can spray on the field personnel before they disable out robot? How can a robot possibly shoot a beach ball that is larger than 18 inches round? Attend this session to have those questions (and other more valid) questions answered.

o Hosting an Event – If you are an event coordinator this season or want to be a future event coordinator or are interested in becoming a volunteer for FTC events, this is the session for you! The presenters will cover practical lessons learned on holding events, an overview of the items provided by MD FIRST, and how to become a volunteer for the FTC, including key certified positions. We will also briefly describe the new screening requirements for FTC and all FIRST event volunteers under the Youth Protection Program (YPP). This session is open to students, parents, mentors and interested community volunteers. If you are a past event coordinator, please come and share your experiences!

09:00 – 3:20	Welcome, Registration and Help (Area outside auditorium)
	Workshop 1	Workshop 2	Seminar 1	Seminar 2	Seminar 3	Forum 1
	Room A*	Room B*	Room 244	Room C	Room 154
09:30 – 10:20	Build a Robot 3113, 4081	Program a Robot 3113 (Robot-C) 4081 (LabView)	Construction 3113	Meets/Leagues Bill Duncan	Intermediate LabView 4318	Leadership Room D 5421 4318
10:30 – 11:20	Build a Robot 3113, 4081	Program a Robot 3113 (Robot-C) 4081 (LabView)	Alliances 5421	Math Is Not a Four Letter Word 4318	Advanced LabView 4318	Hosting an Event Room D 4081 Jenny Beatty
11:30 – 12:20	Season Overview, Game Unveiling and Question/Answer Session (Auditorium)
12:30 – 1:20	Lunch (Student Center)
1:30 – 2:20	Test a Robot 3113, 4081		Judging 5421	Wiring 4318	Intermediate Robot C 5233, 5293	Game 1 Auditorium Kevin Rudd
2:30 – 3:20	Test a Robot 3113, 4081		Competition Day 5421	Budgeting Rose Young 3113	Advanced Robot C 5233, 5293	Game 2 Auditorium Kevin Rudd

The actual room numbers for A, B, C and D will be posted at the registration table near the auditorium on the day of the event.