On the eve of the Delaware and Arlington Texas events I just wanted to send everyone in the FTC community a reminder that the entire Field Management System (FMS) is now available to teams.
We did this to give teams a tool to ensure that their code is correct and will work with the FMS. You can get it at www.ftctraining.com. Click on the link for the software you're using and you'll see the download.
Last weekend's events in Ohio and Montana went well. We're set for another competitive, fun, and exciting series of events this weekend.
See you out there,
Ken
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
CAD Tools for FTC Teams
Most of you know PTC is our CAD and Collaboration Sponsor. A great benefit of this relationship is access to PTC's products for FTC teams.
PTC has posted the complete TETRIX kit of parts on-line for easy download at www.catalogds.com/db/service?d=first&c=browse
Why use these? The combination of Pro-Engineer and the FTC CAD library allows teams to prototype multiple options for their robot. Mathcad can be used to document calculations and could be used in developing the design notebook. ProductView is a tool to help visualize the design.
Windchill is a collaboration tool. Using it teams can connect on-line to design the robot. They can bring together team members, mentors, coaches, and others as needed.
To get access to these products you need to register with PTC as an FTC team at www.ptc.com/go/frcregistration.
PTC has getting started information at www.ptc.com/appserver/mkt/educational/program.jsp?&im_dbkey=76335&icg_dbkey=851.
If you need more information you can also email PTC at firstsupport@ptc.com.
Have fun with the new tools!
PTC has posted the complete TETRIX kit of parts on-line for easy download at www.catalogds.com/db/service?d=first&c=browse
Why use these? The combination of Pro-Engineer and the FTC CAD library allows teams to prototype multiple options for their robot. Mathcad can be used to document calculations and could be used in developing the design notebook. ProductView is a tool to help visualize the design.
Windchill is a collaboration tool. Using it teams can connect on-line to design the robot. They can bring together team members, mentors, coaches, and others as needed.
To get access to these products you need to register with PTC as an FTC team at www.ptc.com/go/frcregistration.
PTC has getting started information at www.ptc.com/appserver/mkt/educational/program.jsp?&im_dbkey=76335&icg_dbkey=851.
If you need more information you can also email PTC at firstsupport@ptc.com.
Have fun with the new tools!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Correction - Vancouver BC Event
I mistakenly noted in my last post that the team traveling all the way to Vancouver from Virginia won the Inspire Award. While that team's journey was certainly inspiring, they actually won the Connect Award.
This weekend we have events in Montana, Cincinnati, and a qualifying event in Florida.
Good luck to all teams.
Ken
This weekend we have events in Montana, Cincinnati, and a qualifying event in Florida.
Good luck to all teams.
Ken
Friday, January 16, 2009
FTC Improvements
With 6 FTC tournaments complete and 34 to go we've learned a lot. We've made improvements to ensure team success. Two that will be available today and tomorrow are programming templates and the full version of the field management system (FMS).
We've found that teams who may have great code may not have the right flags in their code to work with the FMS. When this has happened we've been able to fix it at events - not an optimal solution when teams are frantically trying to get through inspection and prepare to compete.
Using the templates is going to be REQUIRED. They can be downloaded at www.ftctraining.com. By dropping your code into the appropriate template you'll know your programs will work at the events.
I've also decided to make the full FMS available to teams. You'll be able to test your robots using the same software used at competitions. You can also the use the FMS to hold scrimmages and other events to tune up for your local championship.
Templates, the FMS, and instructions are located at the link above, hosted by Carnegie Melon University. There you will find the tools and tutorials that show you exactly how to use them.
See you out there,
Ken
We've found that teams who may have great code may not have the right flags in their code to work with the FMS. When this has happened we've been able to fix it at events - not an optimal solution when teams are frantically trying to get through inspection and prepare to compete.
Using the templates is going to be REQUIRED. They can be downloaded at www.ftctraining.com. By dropping your code into the appropriate template you'll know your programs will work at the events.
I've also decided to make the full FMS available to teams. You'll be able to test your robots using the same software used at competitions. You can also the use the FMS to hold scrimmages and other events to tune up for your local championship.
Templates, the FMS, and instructions are located at the link above, hosted by Carnegie Melon University. There you will find the tools and tutorials that show you exactly how to use them.
See you out there,
Ken
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
How To - Help events run on-time
We're well into the FTC season and we've seen some really impressive robots, programming, and GP all around the country. The event last weekend in Vancouver included a team that traveled all the way from Maryland - and won the Inspire Award.
The new Field Management System worked well with the only exception coming when the USB hubs failed. Hardware issues are easier (in my opinion) to deal with than software. The USB hubs used were not the recommended type. When we switched in new hubs we ran fine.
So, how can events run faster? The two most important things are teams' understanding of software (see my earlier post). The CMU website is really great and is required "training" for any FTC team. What's the second? Running the event itself.
Queuing, counting the score, connecting and disconnecting teams at the field, are all really important. It sounds pretty basic - but we've seen it at every event. If teams are not hustling to the field (or at least being hustled) everyone waits.
Some people call it "tough love." I like to call it respecting the other teams. Regardless of what you call it getting teams to the field, ready to compete is a skill. Part drill sergeant, part teacher, part older brother.
Thanks for the great event and the help. Below are Kevin Ross and Faith Garriock. Two great FTC'ers who made the event a success - thank you!
Happy New Year,
Ken
The new Field Management System worked well with the only exception coming when the USB hubs failed. Hardware issues are easier (in my opinion) to deal with than software. The USB hubs used were not the recommended type. When we switched in new hubs we ran fine.
So, how can events run faster? The two most important things are teams' understanding of software (see my earlier post). The CMU website is really great and is required "training" for any FTC team. What's the second? Running the event itself.
Queuing, counting the score, connecting and disconnecting teams at the field, are all really important. It sounds pretty basic - but we've seen it at every event. If teams are not hustling to the field (or at least being hustled) everyone waits.
Some people call it "tough love." I like to call it respecting the other teams. Regardless of what you call it getting teams to the field, ready to compete is a skill. Part drill sergeant, part teacher, part older brother.
Thanks for the great event and the help. Below are Kevin Ross and Faith Garriock. Two great FTC'ers who made the event a success - thank you!
Happy New Year,
Ken
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