US FIRST announces partnership with Coca-Cola and 3DSystems to provide 1600 EKOCYCLE Printers to teams across the US.  See the following link for the announcement, and find out how recycling can be economic and stylish at the same time.  http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ekocycle-cube-3d-printer-program  Team 9246 has applied and we invite you to see how Recycled part printing can become an Essential part of your FIRST Team.

For an in-depth review of the Ekocycle Printer look here: http://cubify.com/en/Ekocycle

9/30/2014 - TimberBotz Unite

9/30/2014

During today's meeting we discussed how to describe a Robot's function, and how to drive those functions with specific commands.

At the end of the meeting everyone has the task of drawing something they would like to advocate for the robot (new drive system, different manipulator, change in how the arm moves, etc.) and return to the next meeting ready to promote that idea to the team.  At the end of the next meeting we will have the basics of what we want the robot to do.

We are also working to define any new parts we may need (a Samantha module is key) so we can get the robots to interact through the field control system.  Other items include a base kit, resrouce kit, rack and pinion kit, and some wheels.  Once the order is done and parts en route we can begin to work on the frame/chassis for the robot.

What do we want to robot to do?  The same as every robot, take over the world...one scoring element at a time.  :-)

Allen wrenches 2 -3 key sizes in bulk and zip ties are also needed.

9/30/2014 - Helpful Info for Rookie Teams from USFirst.org

Welcome Rookie Teams!

We are looking forward to seeing your first season with FTC unfold. To help, we have compiled a list of resources that we think you will find useful and where to find them. Good luck!

     Helpful Info for Rookie Teams

·         There’s a lot to know and do! FTC provides lots of

o   Resources for Teams: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/team-resources

o   Resources for Mentors: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/mentors

·         Sign up to receive Team Email Blasts and stay on top of all things relevant to FTC Teams and see past email blasts: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/emailblastarchive.aspx

·         The FTC Resource DVD is available through download only. Get your copy here: http://goo.gl/n75gOK

·         There are useful FTC Tutorials on a variety of topics on the FTC YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/FIRSTTechChallenge

·         Ask an Expert resources hosted by FIRST, with presentations from community experts: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/askanexpert

·         The Game Manual has two parts! Become an expert here:

o   Part I released July 1: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/game

o   Part II released at Kickoff, Sept 6: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/game

·         Question about a Game rule? Grab your unique ID & password for the Game Forum in TIMS. Sign into the Game Forum starting September 15 (when it opens): http://ftcforum.usfirst.org/forum.php and ask the Game makers a question. The answers and rule clarifications are posted in the forum.

·        

Download LabVIEW for LEGO MINDSTORMS Competition Toolkit before programming and watch Team email blasts for info on updates: https://decibel.ni.com/content/docs/DOC-18080

·         ROBOTC resources: http://www.robotc.net/ftc/

·         PTC gives free CAD software to all FIRST Teams!  Download and learn their software here:
http://www.ptc.com/company/community/first/

·         Get your TETRIX / MATRIX kit of parts and Game field CAD drawings (available Sept 15) here: http://www.catalogds.com/db/service?d=first&c=browse

·         What other teams are in your area?: http://www.usfirst.org/whatsgoingon

·         What do I do? When? The season schedule is available here: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/seasontimeline

·         Sign up for Events soon! Learn all about FTC Events: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/events  and then find Events happening in your area here: http://www.usfirst.org/whats-going-on-

·         Teams need to register and parents need to give consent online in the Youth Team Member Registration System: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/team-member-registration-process-overview. For information on completing registration on paper, check out: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/team-member-registration-faq .

·         What are Awards? Read about them in the Game Manual and here: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/ftcawards

·         Game graphics and marketing tools (available after Kickoff in Sept.): http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/marketing-tools/ftc

·         Scholarships for upperclassmen:  http://www.usfirst.org/aboutus/scholarships

·           Become a part of the community:

o   Game Forum (opens Sept. 15): http://ftcforum.usfirst.org/forum.php

o   FTC blog: http://firsttechchallenge.blogspot.com/

o   on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FTCTeams

o   on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FTCTeams

o   on Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/100910548536794889930/posts

o   on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/firsttechchallenge

·        Questions? Help is close at hand:

o   Contact your local FTC Representative: http://www.usfirst.org/regional-contacts

o   Email FTC Headquarters: ftcteams@usfirst.org

Go Teams!

FTC Team Support

FIRST® is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit Organization

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