FTC Software Update

By now you may have heard about a slight change in the way teams can renew their RobotC license. In the past a patch was provided to teams that wanted to use RobotC through the summer. Those teams could then formally renew their license in the fall when the new FTC kits shipped.

As FTC teams and volunteers have grown so have the number of "off season" FTC events. To avoid tying up teams we've decided to decouple RobotC purchase and renewal from the formal FTC kit. LabVIEW will continue to be offered in the kit.

FTC teams interested in using RobotC can now directly purchase the software though the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy here: http://www.robotc.net/ftc.

The best option is probably the $49 ten seat license of version 2.26. Version 3.0 is set to be released this summer, however those opting for the $49 license will be able to apply that to version 3.0 when released.

A new version of LabVIEW will be included in the kit for the 2011/2012 season. This version is specifically designed for Mindstorms and promises improved features over previous versions. National Instruments has donated the LabVIEW software for FTC for the upcoming season.

As a result of these changes the cost of the FTC kit will decrease by $70.

Ken

Team Registration Idea

By know most of you have heard about the FIRST light bulb fundraising project. In short Dean and FIRST worked out a deal with Google so FIRST teams can purchase high efficiency LED light bulbs at a fraction of their retail price. The idea is FIRST teams can sell these to local businesses and individuals - at a discount off retail - and use the difference to fund their team.

A tech based, green initiative that also raises money, a win-win-win for FIRST teams who need cash.

Just in the last week or so the program was made even more accessible. Now, teams who have registered for the next season but not paid (and have received their temporary team number) can take advantage of the light bulb project. In addition the minimum order of light bulbs has decreased from 30 to 10 bulbs.

FTC teams can get started selling the bulbs with just a $65 outlay ($6.50 per bulb sold in 10 packs) and use the money raised to pay their registration fees and/or kit costs. A great option for teams who want to make an early registration push.

The link to get started is here: http://www.usfirst.org/e-wattresources

Good luck,
Ken

National Afterschool Champion

Dean just received the "Afterschool Alliance" National Afterschool Champion Award being recognized for the impact FIRST has had over the last 20 years. We're getting some great national attention from CNN to Washington DC.

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The Party's Over

Like any good party we're left with great memories, some funny stories, and a wider circle of friends. World Championships were exhausting and re-charging at the same time.

So many people put so much into FIRST it is truly uplifting. Seeing the teams triumph and celebrate, and watching the raw emotion of those teams who came close but did not reach their goals is powerful stuff.

So again, thanks to all who make this possible in FTC Nation. You're making a huge difference.

Ken

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