I thought that I'd add some reference links here for use by our team and the teams we are helping:
Brainstorming and strategy:
Here are two articles on effective brainstorming. Setting the guidelines for brainstorm can go a long way toward keeping esteem high and the problem in focus. The Robotic Team experience benefits from good leadership, brainstorming and teamwork as there is a lot to accomplish in a short period of time.
#1: http://www.fastcodesign.com/1668930/the-brainstorming-process-is-bs-but-can-we-rework-it
#2 http://www.fastcodesign.com/1669329/dont-brainstorm-argue
Programming:
RobotC is used by most teams. It is a text based IDE with a great set of debugging tools. It can be downloaded from this site:
http://www.robotc.net/download/nxt/ The permanent license is around $80
3D drafting software:
FTC will include a license for Autodesk Inventor in the packet issued in September. Many teams elect to use CREO by PTC (http://creo.ptc.com) for their 3D software. It is a free download. Both of these packages have an available library of Tetrix and Lego parts so they are both useful tools for FTC teams: You can download a free trial from this address: http://www.ptc.com/product/creo/free-trial/download.htm
To find a workshop near you, please visit the Illinois FIRST web site. Maps, contact information and web sites are all listed here:
http://www.ilfirst.org/ftc/ftc-calendar.html
Our Illinois Senior Mentor. A good guy to know:
Keith Hall
FIRST ® Senior Mentor Illinois / NW Indiana
V (219) 381-4116
E [email protected]
W www.usfirst.org
Team Registration:
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/registration
Rookie Team Grants: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/grow
The FTC Game:
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/game
You can download the Robot build rules now, the game definition will be available on September 7th.
Shopping List:
RobotC
Anderson Power Poles from http://www.powerwerx.com/powerpole-power-distribution/ for distributing power on the robots
Samatha module (order after you are registered... the FIRST store will direct you to the proper forms)
NXT Module (don't forget your credit)
Extra motors, motor control module
Rechargeable battery and spare
NXT rechargeable battery
Tetrix kits
Brainstorming and strategy:
Here are two articles on effective brainstorming. Setting the guidelines for brainstorm can go a long way toward keeping esteem high and the problem in focus. The Robotic Team experience benefits from good leadership, brainstorming and teamwork as there is a lot to accomplish in a short period of time.
#1: http://www.fastcodesign.com/1668930/the-brainstorming-process-is-bs-but-can-we-rework-it
#2 http://www.fastcodesign.com/1669329/dont-brainstorm-argue
Programming:
RobotC is used by most teams. It is a text based IDE with a great set of debugging tools. It can be downloaded from this site:
http://www.robotc.net/download/nxt/ The permanent license is around $80
3D drafting software:
FTC will include a license for Autodesk Inventor in the packet issued in September. Many teams elect to use CREO by PTC (http://creo.ptc.com) for their 3D software. It is a free download. Both of these packages have an available library of Tetrix and Lego parts so they are both useful tools for FTC teams: You can download a free trial from this address: http://www.ptc.com/product/creo/free-trial/download.htm
To find a workshop near you, please visit the Illinois FIRST web site. Maps, contact information and web sites are all listed here:
http://www.ilfirst.org/ftc/ftc-calendar.html
Our Illinois Senior Mentor. A good guy to know:
Keith Hall
FIRST ® Senior Mentor Illinois / NW Indiana
V (219) 381-4116
E [email protected]
W www.usfirst.org
Team Registration:
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/registration
Rookie Team Grants: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/grow
The FTC Game:
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/game
You can download the Robot build rules now, the game definition will be available on September 7th.
Shopping List:
RobotC
Anderson Power Poles from http://www.powerwerx.com/powerpole-power-distribution/ for distributing power on the robots
Samatha module (order after you are registered... the FIRST store will direct you to the proper forms)
NXT Module (don't forget your credit)
Extra motors, motor control module
Rechargeable battery and spare
NXT rechargeable battery
Tetrix kits