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DEW Robotics - User contributions [en]
2024-03-29T07:11:50Z
User contributions
MediaWiki 1.27.1
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=User:Foster&diff=32494
User:Foster
2018-01-09T01:16:09Z
<p>Foster: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:DB7_IRI_Schucker_cupcake_3_110723_csm.jpg|250px|right]]<br />
== Downingtown Area Robotics ==<br />
I've been working with Downingtown Robotics since 2007, I was a co-founder / mentor of the initial FIRST Vex Challenge (FVC) team - 3150. In our first season we had 5 roboteers. In 2010 spent over 1100 hours doing robotic related functions.<br />
<br />
I am the Chief Roboteer for the [[VEX Robot Challenge]] teams at Downingtown. The program has grown from from 1 robot with 5 roboteers to 9 robots and ~45 roboteers for the 2009-2010 season. Most of the roboteers are middle school students. While most of the teams had a great year, two of the teams (80-Pegasus and 81-Longshot) participated at the [[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]]<br />
<br />
I won the '''[[2010 VEX Mentor of the Year]]''' with my friend and co-founder of STEMRobotics, Steve Rhoads, at the [[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]]. The award was for our work as catalyst and mentors growing interest in robotics in the greater Philadelphia area. <br />
<br />
We took 9 teams of the 15 that competed all season to the 2011 World's at Disney World. We won the Excellence and Think Award, two of the top awards given. <br />
<br />
In 2012 VEX grew to 18 teams, three of which were high school teams. We had a great season and sent 5 middle school and 2 high school teams to play Gateway in Anaheim CA Disneyland for the World Championship. <br />
<br />
For a number of years I was a Senior Mentor for FRC team 1640. My role on the team was Program Management, with the primary task of keeping the build moving forward. I started working on the big robot in 2007 as part of the electrical team for [[DEWBOT III]]. With the huge growth in the VEX teams, I've given up FRC and focused on VEX for 2011-12. (There is a limit to the number of hours in a day). <br />
<br />
I worked on the following FRC sub-teams:<br><br />
:;Program Management:coordination of the many things that happen that are not robot build related and helping move the build process forward. <br />
:;Electrical:Layout and design of the electrical subsystem with the students and then supervising the construction.<br />
<br />
:;Programming:<br />
<br />
<source lang="c"><br />
main()<br />
{<br />
int version = 2;<br />
printf("Hello from DEWBot Robot! Version=%i \n", version);<br />
}<br />
</source><br />
<br />
:''(Actually we use LabView, but there is not an easy way to show a LabView VI, so you'll have to do with some C code.)''<br />
<br />
:;Mechanical: (righty tighty, lefty loosey)<br />
::I work mostly on creating jigs, forms and templates used to create the metal parts. Most of these items are made out of wood.<br />
<br />
<br><br />
I'm a former member of the [[Steering Committee]], I was the unofficial secretary for meeting minutes.<br />
<br />
One of my largest accomplishments for Downingtown Area Robotics was in 2010 was to secure ~15,000 sq feet of shop, practice and meeting space for our teams. While we have had super support from the CCIU in the prior 2 years with our access to the DEC space, the new space is amazing. We finally had space for all of our tools (including the mill that has been in the high school unused for 3 years), full time and '''full sized''' practice space and meeting / classroom space. Being able to build and keep up practice space is a huge deal. It takes 1/2 of our evening time to set up and tear down a practice field. It took hours to work out a plan, but it's going to be well worth it.<br />
<br />
But as all good things, it came to an end in 2011. The team was able to get temporary space in a warehouse donated by Waterloo Gardens. <br />
<br />
In 2011 we kept the pace going with 18 VEX teams. For the first time we have three high school teams! We had almost 100 roboteers and 25 parent-mentors. <br />
<br />
==STEMRobotics==<br />
I am one of the leaders of [http://stemrobotics.org STEMRobotics] a non-profit organization with the goal of bringing competition robotics to middle and high school students in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware. STEMRobotics started off as the sponsor or co-sponsor of three VEX events in the area, including the [[2010 Eastern Pennsylvania Regional]] Competition.<br />
<br />
In 2010 we started twelve new teams including a college team ''Knights of the Old Robotic'' (KTOR). KTOR won the Excellence Award at the [[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]].<br />
<br />
For 2011-12 we added more teams to our list. One of the rookie teams won the Excellence Award at the STEM Academy VEX qualifier and went to their first World's championship. In 2012 we helped produce 11 events including the popular Technomage League. <br />
<br />
From April 2014 through May of 2015 I went on a [[http://qvmarine.com 6000 mile boat trip]] around the eastern part of the USA and Canada.<br />
<br />
I moved to Delaware in 2015 and restarted building robot teams. In 2015-16 there were 5 teams, 2016-17 there were 17 teams, in 2017-18 I'm working with 10 VRC teams and 43 VIQ teams, for over 288 roboteers and 52 parents/teachers. Our goal is to have 200 teams for the 2019-20 season. <br />
<br />
==STEM Academy==<br />
During 2009-2010 Downingtown Area School District embarked on a program to build a Science Technology Engineering and Technology Magnet School called the [[http://www.dasd-dec.org/ STEM Academy]]. I was part of the Core Team of educators and community members to oversee the initial design process. <br />
<br />
I was also a member of the Curriculum Committee that mapped out the core curriculum for the school. I focused on getting and keeping engineering as a core component. I also laid the ground work for robotics to be one of core engineering classes in 9th and 10th grades.<br />
<br />
Participation in the STEM Academy with presentations to the board helped heighten School Board, District Administration and Public awareness of Downingtown Area Robotics and our three programs (FLL, VEX, FRC) and the over 100 students we inspire every year.<br />
<br />
==Robot Outreach==<br />
I participate and give a number of seminars and demonstrations every year. In 2009 / 2010 we did 2 adult mentor workshops (7 nights), multiple demos to start new teams in 5 different locations, back to school nights, a Gamers Convention, STEM Defined where 1100 community members got to see robots in action and 3 scout summer camps with about ~120 scouts per group. I have the famous [[VEX Red Wagon]] for taking robots to demos in.<br />
<br />
We were one of the charter presenters at the Ramp Riot '''Girls in Gear''' program. It allow us to showcase our amazing girl roboteers. <br />
<br />
I'm also a VEX Event Partner and volunteer at out of area events like the Mid-Atlantic VEX Championship and the TSA/VEX National Championship. <br />
<br />
Our VEX robot teams do not just participate in VRC competitions. We won a design award at the 2010 PSU Firefight Challenge. We participated in ''Swept Away'' at the 2010 IRI/VEX event, Jack took the event with 15 straight wins. In 2011 five teams went to the PSU Firefight Challenge and every team walked away with an award. In 2012 we have 3 new outside teams (didn't play Gateway, but are doing the Firefight). <br />
<br />
==Sayings==<br />
There are a number of things that I say on a regular basis during build season:<br />
:Hope is not an (engineering, Project Management, design, etc.) strategy.<br />
:I've had fun before, I'm pretty sure this isn't it.<br />
:I don't think that's going to have a happy ending.<br />
:Wow, well that DOES make me happy!<br />
::(and I've overheard roboteers say "Ohhhh, that's not going to make Foster happy.")<br />
:Well we didn't need those physics laws anyway.<br />
:Hey, I'm just the web guy but ...<br />
:You know, it's just easier to do it right the first time.<br />
:It's analysis, design, then build NOT build, rip apart and rebuild.<br />
:There is nothing that can't be built with just a few VEX parts.<br />
:It's not really a robot unless there are VEX parts on it.<br />
and of course<br />
:Singing "''It's the Love Boat''" as I do a quick visit to my [[http://www.schucker.org/Wiki.jsp?page=TripsIn2010 happy place]] during stressful times.<br />
==Contact Information==<br />
<br />
Contact: DEWBOTROBOT at Yahoo dot com, or me directly at Foster dot Schucker at the domain STEMRobotics dot org. ''Confused? So are the spam-mail bots trying to figure out the address. Say it out loud, that helps''<br />
----<br />
[[Category:Mentors]]</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=User:Foster&diff=32493
User:Foster
2018-01-09T01:14:43Z
<p>Foster: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:DB7_IRI_Schucker_cupcake_3_110723_csm.jpg|250px|right]]<br />
== Downingtown Area Robotics ==<br />
I've been working with Downingtown Robotics since 2007, I was a co-founder / mentor of the initial FIRST Vex Challenge (FVC) team - 3150. In our first season we had 5 roboteers. In 2010 spent over 1100 hours doing robotic related functions.<br />
<br />
I am the Chief Roboteer for the [[VEX Robot Challenge]] teams at Downingtown. The program has grown from from 1 robot with 5 roboteers to 9 robots and ~45 roboteers for the 2009-2010 season. Most of the roboteers are middle school students. While most of the teams had a great year, two of the teams (80-Pegasus and 81-Longshot) participated at the [[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]]<br />
<br />
I won the '''[[2010 VEX Mentor of the Year]]''' with my friend and co-founder of STEMRobotics, Steve Rhoads, at the [[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]]. The award was for our work as catalyst and mentors growing interest in robotics in the greater Philadelphia area. <br />
<br />
We took 9 teams of the 15 that competed all season to the 2011 World's at Disney World. We won the Excellence and Think Award, two of the top awards given. <br />
<br />
In 2012 VEX grew to 18 teams, three of which were high school teams. We had a great season and sent 5 middle school and 2 high school teams to play Gateway in Anaheim CA Disneyland for the World Championship. <br />
<br />
For a number of years I was a Senior Mentor for FRC team 1640. My role on the team was Program Management, with the primary task of keeping the build moving forward. I started working on the big robot in 2007 as part of the electrical team for [[DEWBOT III]]. With the huge growth in the VEX teams, I've given up FRC and focused on VEX for 2011-12. (There is a limit to the number of hours in a day). <br />
<br />
I worked on the following FRC sub-teams:<br><br />
:;Program Management:coordination of the many things that happen that are not robot build related and helping move the build process forward. <br />
:;Electrical:Layout and design of the electrical subsystem with the students and then supervising the construction.<br />
<br />
:;Programming:<br />
<br />
<source lang="c"><br />
main()<br />
{<br />
int version = 2;<br />
printf("Hello from DEWBot Robot! Version=%i \n", version);<br />
}<br />
</source><br />
<br />
:''(Actually we use LabView, but there is not an easy way to show a LabView VI, so you'll have to do with some C code.)''<br />
<br />
:;Mechanical: (righty tighty, lefty loosey)<br />
::I work mostly on creating jigs, forms and templates used to create the metal parts. Most of these items are made out of wood.<br />
<br />
<br><br />
I'm a former member of the [[Steering Committee]], I was the unofficial secretary for meeting minutes.<br />
<br />
One of my largest accomplishments for Downingtown Area Robotics was in 2010 was to secure ~15,000 sq feet of shop, practice and meeting space for our teams. While we have had super support from the CCIU in the prior 2 years with our access to the DEC space, the new space is amazing. We finally had space for all of our tools (including the mill that has been in the high school unused for 3 years), full time and '''full sized''' practice space and meeting / classroom space. Being able to build and keep up practice space is a huge deal. It takes 1/2 of our evening time to set up and tear down a practice field. It took hours to work out a plan, but it's going to be well worth it.<br />
<br />
But as all good things, it came to an end in 2011. The team was able to get temporary space in a warehouse donated by Waterloo Gardens. <br />
<br />
In 2011 we kept the pace going with 18 VEX teams. For the first time we have three high school teams! We had almost 100 roboteers and 25 parent-mentors. <br />
<br />
==STEMRobotics==<br />
I am one of the leaders of [http://stemrobotics.org STEMRobotics] a non-profit organization with the goal of bringing competition robotics to middle and high school students in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware. STEMRobotics started off as the sponsor or co-sponsor of three VEX events in the area, including the [[2010 Eastern Pennsylvania Regional]] Competition.<br />
<br />
In 2010 we started twelve new teams including a college team ''Knights of the Old Robotic'' (KTOR). KTOR won the Excellence Award at the [[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]].<br />
<br />
For 2011-12 we added more teams to our list. One of the rookie teams won the Excellence Award at the STEM Academy VEX qualifier and went to their first World's championship. In 2012 we helped produce 11 events including the popular Technomage League. <br />
<br />
From April 2014 through May of 2015 I went on a [[http://qvmarine.com 6000 mile boat trip]] around the eastern part of the USA and Canada.<br />
<br />
I moved to Delaware in 2015 and restarted building robot teams. In 2015-16 there were 5 teams, 2016-17 there were 17 teams, in 2017-18 I'm working with 10 VRC teams and 43 VIQ teams, for over 288 roboteers and 52 parents/teachers. Our goal is to have 200 teams for the 2019-20 season. <br />
<br />
==STEM Academy==<br />
During 2009-2010 Downingtown Area School District embarked on a program to build a Science Technology Engineering and Technology Magnet School called the [[http://www.dasd-dec.org/ STEM Academy]]. I was part of the Core Team of educators and community members to oversee the initial design process. <br />
<br />
I was also a member of the Curriculum Committee that mapped out the core curriculum for the school. I focused on getting and keeping engineering as a core component. I also laid the ground work for robotics to be one of core engineering classes in 9th and 10th grades.<br />
<br />
Participation in the STEM Academy with presentations to the board helped heighten School Board, District Administration and Public awareness of Downingtown Area Robotics and our three programs (FLL, VEX, FRC) and the over 100 students we inspire every year.<br />
<br />
==Robot Outreach==<br />
I participate and give a number of seminars and demonstrations every year. In 2009 / 2010 we did 2 adult mentor workshops (7 nights), multiple demos to start new teams in 5 different locations, back to school nights, a Gamers Convention, STEM Defined where 1100 community members got to see robots in action and 3 scout summer camps with about ~120 scouts per group. I have the famous [[VEX Red Wagon]] for taking robots to demos in.<br />
<br />
We were one of the charter presenters at the Ramp Riot '''Girls in Gear''' program. It allow us to showcase our amazing girl roboteers. <br />
<br />
I'm also a VEX Event Partner and volunteer at out of area events like the Mid-Atlantic VEX Championship and the TSA/VEX National Championship. <br />
<br />
Our VEX robot teams do not just participate in VRC competitions. We won a design award at the 2010 PSU Firefight Challenge. We participated in ''Swept Away'' at the 2010 IRI/VEX event, Jack took the event with 15 straight wins. In 2011 five teams went to the PSU Firefight Challenge and every team walked away with an award. In 2012 we have 3 new outside teams (didn't play Gateway, but are doing the Firefight). <br />
<br />
==Sayings==<br />
There are a number of things that I say on a regular basis during build season:<br />
:Hope is not an (engineering, Project Management, design, etc.) strategy.<br />
:I've had fun before, I'm pretty sure this isn't it.<br />
:I don't think that's going to have a happy ending.<br />
:Wow, well that DOES make me happy!<br />
::(and I've overheard roboteers say "Ohhhh, that's not going to make Foster happy.")<br />
:Well we didn't need those physics laws anyway.<br />
:Hey, I'm just the web guy but ...<br />
:You know, it's just easier to do it right the first time.<br />
:It's analysis, design, then build NOT build, rip apart and rebuild.<br />
:There is nothing that can't be built with just a few VEX parts.<br />
:It's not really a robot unless there are VEX parts on it.<br />
and of course<br />
:Singing "''It's the Love Boat''" as I do a quick visit to my [[http://www.schucker.org/Wiki.jsp?page=TripsIn2010 happy place]] during stressful times.<br />
==Contact Information==<br />
Finally, I'm also the webmaster for this site, contact me about problems.<br />
<br />
Contact: DEWBOTROBOT at Yahoo dot com, or me directly at Foster dot Schucker at the domain STEMRobotics dot org. ''Confused? So are the spam-mail bots trying to figure out the address. Say it out loud, that helps''<br />
----<br />
[[Category:Mentors]]</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=Swerve_Central&diff=17723
Swerve Central
2013-05-08T15:16:39Z
<p>Foster: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:2013_pivot.jpg|right|frameless|upright=1.1|link=DEWBOT IX Drive Train|alt=1640's 2013 pivot module]][[Image:Pivot_module_8.jpg|right|frameless|upright=1.1|link=DEWBOT VIII Drive Train|alt=1640's 2012 pivot module]][[Image:2011_pivot_annotated.jpg|right|frameless|upright=1.1|link=DEWBOT VII Drive Train|alt=1640's 2011 pivot module]][[Image:DB6_Cut-away_csm.jpg|right|frameless|upright=1.1|link=DEWBOT VI Drive Train|alt=1640's 2010 pivot mechanism]]This is a consolidation point for key and current information and engineering concerning swerve drive. It primarily deals with [[FRC Team 1640 | FRC 1640]]'s swerve drive, but references to other systems and sources are included.<br />
<br />
==What is Swerve Drive==<br />
In FRC circles, swerve drive can be used for any drive train in which all drive wheels are steered. For this forum, the definition will be restricted to drive trains where '''all drive wheels are independently driven and steered.'''<br />
<br />
==Benefits of Swerve Drive==<br />
* '''Agility''' - a true 2-d drive train in which drive direction is divorced from chassis orientation<br />
* '''Traction''' - high traction wheels may be employed without negative consequence; furthermore drive force may be vectored in any desired direction<br />
* '''Stealth''' - no need to telegraph intentions via chassis reorientation<br />
* '''Flexibility''' - with the drive direction and power controlled independently to each wheel by software, multiple drive modes, including game-specific drive modes, become possible<br />
* '''Dynamic Steering''' - for most FRC drive trains, driver joystick input maps 1:1 with drive train motor instructions; swerve steering directions to each wheel need not simply reflect driver joystick input, but may also reflect current "t" status in determining "t+δt" motor instructions; from a practical standpoint, this may be used as an agility force-multiplier<br />
* '''Minimal steering hysterisis''' - there is almost no need to overcome static friction in steering<br />
* '''Servicability''' - an independent wheel drive train just ''screams'' modularity; 1640 can swap out a pivot module in < 5 minutes (easy peasy)<br />
<br />
==Drawbacks of Swerve Drive==<br />
* '''Complexity/difficulty''' - This is not an easy drive train to execute; mechanically or programmatically; not for the faint-hearted or impatient; it took us 4 years to realize all of the benefits (maybe, we think)<br />
* '''Mass''' - 1640's reduced the mass of 4 pivot modules to 31.6 lb<sub>m</sub>. Still a lot for a drive train<br />
* '''Time''' - CNC machining takes time; so does the assembly of complex mechanisms; as a result 1640 has finished swerve modules available to mount in chasses only at the start of week 5 <br />
* '''Cost''' - Financial cost of swerve modules is a significant (but fortunately declining) portion of our build budget<br />
* '''Motor budget''' - 4-wheel swerve requires (4) drive motors and (4) steering motors; (8) motor controllers; (4) analog inputs; these leave less for other functions<br />
* '''Difficulty in driving straight''' - Not so surprisingly, an ultra-agile drive train has trouble driving a straight line; drivers compensate in tele-op, but this is a particular issue with autonomous<br />
* '''High use of cRIO resources''' <br />
* '''Driver training''' is not optional with swerve<br />
<br />
==FRC 1640 White papers and CAD Design==<br />
*[[Media:Pivot-Wheel_Drive.pdf|'''Mathematical Analysis of the Pivot-Wheel System''']].<br />
*[[Media:Programming_a_Pivot_Drive_Robot.pdf|'''Programming a Pivot Drive Robot''']].<br />
*[[Media:Pivot_-_Crab_with_a_Twist_edit2.pdf|'''Mathematical analysis - Crab with a Twist''']].<br />
*[[Media:Swerve_1640_2013.zip|'''CAD design of FRC 1640's 2013 swerve module''' - zipped STEP format]]<br />
*[[Media:Swerve_BoM_2013.xls|'''Detailed BoM of FRC 1640's 2013 swerve module''']]<br />
*[[media:1640_pivot_module.zip | '''CAD design of FRC 1640's 2012 swerve module''' - zipped STEP format]]<br />
*[[media:Pivot_Module_BoM_2012.xls | '''Detailed BoM of FRC 1640's 2012 swerve module''']]<br />
<br />
==Ocelot Drive==<br />
{{#ev:youtube|Pej5pkFvFdY|300|right|Ocelot Drive}}The most exciting change in the 2013 drive-train had nothing to do with the pivot mechanism, but rather with the software controlling it. Swerve drive works on software, after all.<br />
<br />
When we first developed pivot drive, we understood that it offered the potential for [[Media:Pivot_-_Crab_with_a_Twist_edit2.pdf|dynamic steering]] in addition to straight-forward crab & snake drives. Up until now, however, we have not been able to realize this potential and have managed with static drive modes (where joystick position maps directly to wheel positions).<br />
<br />
Senior programmer Dhananjay (DJ), with help from mentor Gary Deaver, wrote the LabView vi for Ocelot drive. Programming Lead Mike M integrated the code and streamlined the wheel positioning to be resource practical on the cRIO.<br />
<br />
A great job and great teamwork!<br />
<br />
==Design Considerations==<br />
===Functional Specifications===<br />
:* Maximum drive speed: 9.8 ft/s<br />
:* Provide 130 lb<sub>f</sub> drive thrust at max power<br />
:* 1-2 rev/s steering speed w/ shortest path algorithm<br />
:* Capable of infinite steering rotation<br />
:* Drive direction must be known<br />
:* Pivot module must be replaceable (fully ready for competition) in < 5 minutes<br />
:* Drive wheel static friction coefficient > 1.0 on carpet (as high as practical) - all directions<br />
<br />
===Rotational Steering Support & shear strength===<br />
:Steering rotation axis is a 1" OD x 0.25" wall 6061 Al tube connected to the top of the rotating pivot cage. The wheel contact area is centered on the rotation axis. This steering tube is rotationally supported by two bearing surfaces separated by 1.388" between inner bearing limits; 2.326" between outer bearing limits. The lower bearing is a 1" double sealed, flanged ball bearing race (McMaster-Carr part 6384K373). The upper bearing was switched to a Igus polymer bushing in 2013 (happy so far). The bearings are mounted in the lower and upper pivot module plates. <br />
<br />
:From a shear-load standpoint, the system's traditional weak point is the connection between the 1" OD steering tube and the rotating pivot cage top plate. These are currently groove-welded at the lower face. Hitherto (1 year), none of these welded connections have failed and we have yet to discover the new weak point (no failures due to shear loads/impacts).<br />
<br />
:The 3/8" 4140 steel drive shaft runs coaxially within the 1" OD steering tube. Open needle bearings (McMaster-Carr part 5905K22) have been installed at the top and bottom of the steering tube for this drive shaft (for 4 years without issue). Lubricate needle bearings during initial assembly.<br />
<br />
===Axial loads & thrust bearings===<br />
:There are three key axial loads, and we use thrust bearings for each of these:<br />
:# The junction between the top of the rotating pivot cage and the bottom pivot module plate. This bears the robot weight and takes any shocks from hitting/driving over objects on the field (like Frisbees). We use a 1½" thrust bearing (McMaster-Carr part 6655K25; we bag the top steel washer and let the ball run on the 1" flange bearing's flange.<br />
:# The two miter gears want to get away from each other in the worst way, thereby creating axial loads behind both of these. 3/8" shaft (McMaster-Carr part 6655K15).<br />
:Lubricate all (3) thrust bearings during initial assembly.<br />
<br />
===Rotational Axes===<br />
:We have (5) rotational axes: (3) vertical; (2) horizontal:<br />
:# The CIM motor (drive) axis<br />
:# The steering axis<br />
:# The pivot steering / drive co-axis<br />
:# The transfer axle; driven by miter gear and drives a sprocket (to drive the wheel)<br />
:# The wheel axle (a 3/8" dead axle)<br />
<br />
===Modularity===<br />
:Our pivots are designed for rapid replacement of the entire drive module for service. A pivot can be swapped out and replaced in less than 5 minutes. All pivot modules are identical (no left & rights) and all are [[DEWBOT VIII Drive Train#Pivot Calibration | pre-calibrated]] identically (relative to the pivot module). This is a tremendous competition pit time saver.<br />
<br />
===Set screws===<br />
:We hate 'em. They always come loose. They do not belong on a swerve module. Learn ''(design)'' to live without set screws and you will be happier in competition.<br />
<br />
==Value Engineering==<br />
[[image:Value_Engineering.jpg|300px|right]]1640 has always viewed swerve drive as a strategic investment. While not the best drive train solution for all situations, it is a very attractive drive train for many FRC situations.<br />
<br />
But it's expensive (in many dimensions). 1640 therefore runs a value engineering project each year specifically for the swerve drive.<br />
<br />
Value Engineering seeks to widen the gap between a device's value (to the customer) and its cost by:<br />
*increasing the value (performance, reliability, ease of maintenance,...);<br />
*reducing the cost (normally $s, but also mass, motors, time, driver training,...); or<br />
*both<br />
<br />
Results of value engineering efforts summarized in table at right with links to details below:<br />
*[[media:1640_Pivot_Drive_Value_Engineering_101123.ppt | 2010 - 2011]]<br />
*[[media:1640_Pivot_Drive_Value_Engineering_2012.pdf | 2011 - 2012]]<br />
*[[DEWBOT IX Drive Train#Value Engineering | 2012 - 2013]]<br />
<br />
----<br />
[[Category:Drive-train]][[Category:Pivot Drive]]</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=Downingtown_Area_Robotics&diff=14041
Downingtown Area Robotics
2012-04-22T00:07:26Z
<p>Foster: </p>
<hr />
<div>{|border="4" style="background-color:#e7e7ff;" cellpadding="10"<br />
|Team members: Please look at the '''[[Team Announcement]]''' page to find the latest on the schedule, events, etc. Remember to read about '''[[ DEW_Robotics:Current_events | Current Events]]''' coming your way, and the '''[[News]]''' of what we've done!<br />
<br><br />
'''Congratulations to FRC Team 1640 for their victory at [[DEWBOT VIII Hatsboro-Horsham|Hatboro-Horsham]]!''' <br />
<br><br />
<br><br />
'''Congratulations to FRC Team 1640 for their win at [[DEWBOT VIII Mid-Atlantic Region Championship|Philadelphia]]!'''<br />
<br><br />
<br><br />
'''VEXMen win at VEX world championship and at PSU Abingonton firefight contest. ''' Details here -> [[VEXMen_2012_Awards]].<br />
<br><br />
<br><br />
'''We have moved OUT of the [[Downingtown Robotics Center]] and are temporarily meeting at 427 Creamery Way, Exton, PA.''' If you know of space we could use please contact any of the [[Mentors]] or email us at DEWBOTROBOT at yahoo dot com. [[Special_Steering_Committee_for_Leaving_DRC_2011-3-11 | This page has details about the space we need]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br><br />
<br />
{|<br />
|__TOC__<br />
|<br />
{|<br />
| [[Image:DB8_120221_csm-1.jpg|368px|alt=Team photo on bag night]]|[[Image:DB5_Murphy_2_panels_090216_csm.jpg|319px|alt=Shipping panels]]<br />
|}<br />
|}<br />
==Who we are ==<br />
'''Downingtown Area Robotics''' in Downingtown Pennsylvania, is a group of Students, Mentors and Sponsors, that knows it's important to get students interested in '''STEM''' ('''S'''cience, '''T'''echnology, '''E'''ngineering and '''M'''athematics) based careers. We do this through competition robotics. Our robots work in teams of two or three, working together as team on a common goal (not the robots that try to destroy each other.)<br />
<br />
Driving the robots in Competitions is a small part of what we do. From the beginning we teach each roboteer valuable life skills like communications, planning, getting a group consensus, cooperation and negotiations. We also bring to life STEM skills in areas of electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, programming by planning, designing, building (and sometimes rebuilding), testing and driving our robots.<br />
<br />
Contact us at DEWBOTROBOT at Yahoo dot com for more information.<br />
<br />
==Competitions==<br />
We build robots for three different competitions, [[FIRST Robotics Competition]] the [[VEX Robot Challenge]] and the [[FIRST Lego League]]. <br />
<br />
[[Image:FRC logo.jpg|150px|right|alt="FRC Logo"|link=http://usfirst.org]]<br />
:FIRST Robotics Competition robots are large (120 lb) and complex. A new robot is designed and built each year in 6 weeks using diverse materials and methods to meet the unique challenges of the year’s competition. A commercial industrial controller controls the robot. The team must brainstorm, prototype, design, procure materials, build, program and test the robot within a very limited time and financial horizon. Robots are fully designed in CAD prior to building. Mathematical models are created and used as design aids. A bill-of-materials is generated and utilized to manage procurement, cost and weight (the latter two are constrained) in real time. This is a real engineering project! Building methods utilize a range of power tools (mill, lathe, band saws, drill presses,...), MIG welding, polycarbonate vacuum forming and composite materials. New materials and methods are added each year. Students benefit from mentors' experience in a wide range of technical disciplines. <br />
<br />
::In 2012, '''Team 1640 competed''' at the [[DEWBOT VIII Hatsboro-Horsham|Hatboro-Horsham]] and [[DEWBOT VIII Lenape|Lenape]] Mid-Atlantic Robotics District Events, winning the first, and at the [[DEWBOT VIII Mid-Atlantic Region Championship|Mid-Atlantic Region Championship]] in Philadelphia, '''''winning this as well'''''. The team has received a number of awards highlighting their demonstrated engineering & innovation skills including the [[DEWBOT V's Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award (Chesapeake Regional) | Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award]] at Chesapeak in 2009, the [[DEWBOT VI Creativity Award sponsored by Xerox (Philadelphia Regional) | Xerox Creativity (Philadelphia)]] and (BR)<sup>2</sup> Engineering Excellence Awards in 2010 and the [[DEWBOT VII - Philadelphia - Rockwell Automation's Innovation in Control Award | Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award]] at Philadelphia in 2011. For the second consecutive year, Team 1640 will participate in the [[DEWBOT VIII FRC Championship | FRC Championship]] at St. Louis on 25-28 April-2012.<br />
<br />
<br><br />
[[Image:VEX logo.jpg|right|alt="VEX Logo"|link=http://www.vexrobotics.com/]]<br />
:[[VEX Robots]] must fit into an 18" cube and do not have a weight limit. Parts may only be purchased from [http://vexlabs.com VEX], but they can be cut and shaped any way provided there are no sharp edges. Parts may only be bolted together, no assembly with glue or tape is allowed. There is a limit of ten motors and/or servos. The robot is powered by a single 7.2 volt battery.<br />
<br />
::We have 15 teams that participate in the [[VEX Robot Challenge]]. In 2010 [[VRC_Team_80 | Team 80 - Pegasus]] along with [[VRC_Team_81|Team 81 Longshot]] went to the VEX World Championships. Two of our mentors, Foster Schucker and Steve Rhoads were awarded Mentor of the Year.<br />
<br />
::Our regular season is from September to May, but we do summer activities. Starting in fall of 2010 we compete under the name [[VEX-MEN]] (yes, a play on X-Men).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Image:FLL logo.jpg|150px|right|alt="FLL Logo"|link=http://usfirst.org]]<br />
:[[FIRST Lego League]] are smaller robots that are made out of Lego parts. Teams build robots to perform autonomous missions. These missions may require the robot to do one or more steps. This is a very exiting robot competition allowing students to bring special skills to the competition table.<br />
<br />
::The 2009/2010 FLL competition season is over, but watch this space, we are planning a spring session to do a different set of missions. See us at the May 3 Science Fair<br />
<br><br />
<br />
==Teams==<br />
There are a number of teams that make up Downingtown Area Robotics(FRC, VRC and FLL):<br />
<br />
;:[[FIRST Robotics Competition]] -- [[FRC Team 1640]], Team [[Sab-BOT-age]] - Every year we build a new robot, they are all called DEWBOT (from Downingtown East and West roBOT) and are numbered. The 2011 robot is called DEWBOT VII. Start with the [[DEWBOT VIII | overview of DEWBOT VIII]] to get an idea about this years game ''Rebound Rumble!'' and our robot.<br />
<br />
[[image:Downingtown_Area_Robotics_100317_csm.jpg|400px|right|thumb|Downingtown Area Robotics (FRC & Vex)]]<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 80]] -- our "All girl team" for 2009-2011<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 81]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 82]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 84]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 89]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 90]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 92]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 96]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 98]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 1640]]<br />
<br />
<br />
;: [[FIRST Lego League]] -- [[FIRST Lego League 2009]] Teams 2028 & 7230<br />
<br />
==Meeting Information==<br />
Team Sab-BOT-age, the FRC team and the VRC teams meet year round. Below is the latest information on their meeting times and places.<br />
<br />
'''FRC Team 2011 Season''' -- [[DEWBOT VII]] - Please look at the [[FRC 2011 Calendar]] to see all the work nights in the build season. Team members should also check the [[Team Announcement]] page for the latest updates. Click here for the [[DEWBOT_VII_Build | DEWBOT VII Build Season]] daily activity!<br />
<br />
'''VEX 2010-11 Season''' -- Wednesday 6:30-8:30 [[Downingtown Educational Center]]. Our 2010-11 season playing [[Round Up | Round Up (info and schedule)]] has started.<br />
<br />
:We have started an "All-Girl" VEX Team 80 - Pegasus, come join them<br />
<br />
'''FIRST Lego League''' -- The season for our [[FIRST Lego League 2009 | FIRST Lego League team]] is over. Watch for news of our spring missions. <br />
<br />
'''Come to one of our team meetings''' or contact us: Dewbotrobot at Yahoo dot com<br />
<br />
== Other committee meetings ==<br />
The [[Steering Committee]] meets on the last Friday of the month at 6:15PM With build season going on and there being a large number of the Steering Committee at the build sessions, there are no formal meeting until the last Friday in April. If you have an item for the Steering Team contact them at the build session.<br />
<br />
== People ==<br />
[[Image:Namewordle.jpg|300px|right|alt="People Names""|link=:Category:Students]]<br />
'''Thank you very much to all of our [[Sponsor | sponsors]]!'''<br />
<br />
'''We would like to express our appreciation to all of our [[Mentors]] that work with the roboteers on a day to day basis.'''<br />
<br />
Each [[:Category:Students | student]] that worked on a robot is listed with that[[:Category:Robot | robot]]. Across the years we have graduated some very impressive students, you may be or soon will be working for our [[Alumni]].<br />
<br />
And a final thank you to all the [[parents]] that help us out.<br />
<br />
==[[Engineering]]==<br />
<br />
We do a lot of engineering. There are a lot of details and information that go into making a robot right. For example if you are going to drill a hole for an 8-32 screw you use a #16 drill, but if you want to tap the hole (thread it) you use a #29 drill. Most of us can't remember all that, so we've created a series of pages that holds all that information.<br />
<br />
Click here for [[Engineering]] references and links.<br />
<br />
== Safety ==<br />
We are very safety oriented, we have a safety captain to monitor all aspects of our build process. <br />
<br />
All of our middle school students are trained on hand tools before they are allowed to use them. They use hacksaws and files while wearing safety glasses. Middle schoolers are supervised by either a mentor or one of our senior FRC students while they cut and form metal parts.<br />
<br />
All of our high school students are trained on the power tool before they use it. Safety eyeware is worn at all times in the shop. First year FRC roboteers may only use power tools under the supervision of a mentor or one of our senior FRC students.<br />
<br />
We hold regular safety meetings to reinforce our safety policy.<br />
== Website Info ==<br />
As of 1 April 2012 there were over 385 pages of content, 4300 pictures (with captions) and 420 documents that described the robots. It's steady growth from May 2011 when there were over 330 pages of content, 3500 pictures (with captions and 310 documents. Our first annual snap shot was in April 2010 there were over 280 pages of content, 2500 pictures (with captions) and 280 documents. You can see how much the site has grown! <br />
<br />
If you have problems finding a specific page, try the search box in the left hand menu. Just type a few words about what you are searching for, it works just like Google. <br />
<br />
We often get the question, ''Why a Wiki?'' and the answer is '''collaboration!''' All of the members of Downingtown Area Robotics can update the site. This allows each individual group (like the mechanical or programming teams) to keep information current. While other websites have sizzle, we think its more important to have lots of relevant content. For example all the details of our award winning [[4-Wheel_Pivot_Drive | Pivot Drive]] are online, from the first early prototypes to the most current drawings. <br />
<br />
Our team members use the pages to describe and track build information, strategy, ToDo items for build sessions, parts orders, etc. Many other teams have internal wiki's they use for the same purpose, ours is on the web so you can see the inner workings of our team. <br />
<br />
If you have other questions or comments please contact us at DEWBOTROBOT at yahoo dot com.<br />
<br />
The Downingtown Area Robotics website is made with valid [http://validator.w3.org/check/referer XHTML] and [http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator CSS] and complies with <br />
[http://www.contentquality.com/mynewtester/cynthia.exe?Url1=http://www.team1640.com Section 508 accessibility guidelines.] This site is powered by [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/MediaWiki MediaWiki], the same software that powers [http://www.wikipedia.org/ Wikipedia].</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=User:Foster&diff=13891
User:Foster
2012-03-31T20:30:24Z
<p>Foster: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:DB7_IRI_Schucker_cupcake_3_110723_csm.jpg|250px|right]]<br />
== Downingtown Area Robotics ==<br />
I've been working with Downingtown Robotics since 2007, I was a co-founder / mentor of the initial FIRST Vex Challenge (FVC) team - 3150. In our first season we had 5 roboteers. In 2010 spent over 1100 hours doing robotic related functions.<br />
<br />
I am the Chief Roboteer for the [[VEX Robot Challenge]] teams at Downingtown. The program has grown from from 1 robot with 5 roboteers to 9 robots and ~45 roboteers for the 2009-2010 season. Most of the roboteers are middle school students. While most of the teams had a great year, two of the teams (80-Pegasus and 81-Longshot) participated at the [[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]]<br />
<br />
I won the '''[[2010 VEX Mentor of the Year]]''' with my friend and co-founder of STEMRobotics, Steve Rhoads, at the [[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]]. The award was for our work as catalyst and mentors growing interest in robotics in the greater Philadelphia area. <br />
<br />
We took 9 teams of the 15 that competed all season to the 2011 World's at Disney World. We won the Excellence and Think Award, two of the top awards given. <br />
<br />
In 2012 VEX grew to 18 teams, three of which were high school teams. We had a great season and sent 5 middle school and 2 high school teams to play Gateway in Anaheim CA Disneyland for the World Championship. <br />
<br />
For a number of years I was a Senior Mentor for FRC team 1640. My role on the team was Program Management, with the primary task of keeping the build moving forward. I started working on the big robot in 2007 as part of the electrical team for [[DEWBOT III]]. With the huge growth in the VEX teams, I've given up FRC and focused on VEX for 2011-12. (There is a limit to the number of hours in a day). <br />
<br />
I worked on the following FRC sub-teams:<br><br />
:;Program Management:coordination of the many things that happen that are not robot build related and helping move the build process forward. <br />
:;Electrical:Layout and design of the electrical subsystem with the students and then supervising the construction.<br />
<br />
:;Programming:<br />
<br />
<source lang="c"><br />
main()<br />
{<br />
int version = 2;<br />
printf("Hello from DEWBot Robot! Version=%i \n", version);<br />
}<br />
</source><br />
<br />
:''(Actually we use LabView, but there is not an easy way to show a LabView VI, so you'll have to do with some C code.)''<br />
<br />
:;Mechanical: (righty tighty, lefty loosey)<br />
::I work mostly on creating jigs, forms and templates used to create the metal parts. Most of these items are made out of wood.<br />
<br />
<br><br />
I'm a member of the [[Steering Committee]], I'm the unofficial secretary for meeting minutes.<br />
<br />
One of my largest accomplishments for Downingtown Area Robotics was in 2010 was to secure ~15,000 sq feet of shop, practice and meeting space for our teams. While we have had super support from the CCIU in the prior 2 years with our access to the DEC space, the new space is amazing. We finally had space for all of our tools (including the mill that has been in the high school unused for 3 years), full time and '''full sized''' practice space and meeting / classroom space. Being able to build and keep up practice space is a huge deal. It takes 1/2 of our evening time to set up and tear down a practice field. It took hours to work out a plan, but it's going to be well worth it.<br />
<br />
But as all good things, it came to an end in 2011. The team was able to get temporary space in a warehouse donated by Waterloo Gardens. <br />
<br />
In 2011 we kept the pace going with 18 VEX teams. For the first time we have three high school teams! We had almost 100 roboteers and 25 parent-mentors. <br />
<br />
==STEMRobotics==<br />
I am one of the leaders of [http://stemrobotics.org STEMRobotics] a non-profit organization with the goal of bringing competition robotics to middle and high school students in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware. STEMRobotics started off as the sponsor or co-sponsor of three VEX events in the area, including the [[2010 Eastern Pennsylvania Regional]] Competition.<br />
<br />
In 2010 we started twelve new teams including a college team ''Knights of the Old Robotic'' (KTOR). KTOR won the Excellence Award at the [[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]].<br />
<br />
For 2011-12 we added more teams to our list. One of the rookie teams won the Excellence Award at the STEM Academy VEX qualifier and went to their first World's championship. In 2012 we helped produce 11 events including the popular Technomage League. <br />
<br />
==STEM Academy==<br />
During 2009-2010 Downingtown Area School District embarked on a program to build a Science Technology Engineering and Technology Magnet School called the [[http://www.dasd-dec.org/ STEM Academy]]. I was part of the Core Team of educators and community members to oversee the initial design process. <br />
<br />
I was also a member of the Curriculum Committee that mapped out the core curriculum for the school. I focused on getting and keeping engineering as a core component. I also laid the ground work for robotics to be one of core engineering classes in 9th and 10th grades.<br />
<br />
Participation in the STEM Academy with presentations to the board helped heighten School Board, District Administration and Public awareness of Downingtown Area Robotics and our three programs (FLL, VEX, FRC) and the over 100 students we inspire every year.<br />
<br />
==Robot Outreach==<br />
I participate and give a number of seminars and demonstrations every year. In 2009 / 2010 we did 2 adult mentor workshops (7 nights), multiple demos to start new teams in 5 different locations, back to school nights, a Gamers Convention, STEM Defined where 1100 community members got to see robots in action and 3 scout summer camps with about ~120 scouts per group. I have the famous [[VEX Red Wagon]] for taking robots to demos in.<br />
<br />
We were one of the charter presenters at the Ramp Riot '''Girls in Gear''' program. It allow us to showcase our amazing girl roboteers. <br />
<br />
I'm also a VEX Event Partner and volunteer at out of area events like the Mid-Atlantic VEX Championship and the TSA/VEX National Championship. <br />
<br />
Our VEX robot teams do not just participate in VRC competitions. We won a design award at the 2010 PSU Firefight Challenge. We participated in ''Swept Away'' at the 2010 IRI/VEX event, Jack took the event with 15 straight wins. In 2011 five teams went to the PSU Firefight Challenge and every team walked away with an award. In 2012 we have 3 new outside teams (didn't play Gateway, but are doing the Firefight). <br />
<br />
==Sayings==<br />
There are a number of things that I say on a regular basis during build season:<br />
:Hope is not an (engineering, Project Management, design, etc.) strategy.<br />
:I've had fun before, I'm pretty sure this isn't it.<br />
:I don't think that's going to have a happy ending.<br />
:Wow, well that DOES make me happy!<br />
::(and I've overheard roboteers say "Ohhhh, that's not going to make Foster happy.")<br />
:Well we didn't need those physics laws anyway.<br />
:Hey, I'm just the web guy but ...<br />
:You know, it's just easier to do it right the first time.<br />
:It's analysis, design, then build NOT build, rip apart and rebuild.<br />
:There is nothing that can't be built with just a few VEX parts.<br />
:It's not really a robot unless there are VEX parts on it.<br />
and of course<br />
:Singing "''It's the Love Boat''" as I do a quick visit to my [[http://www.schucker.org/Wiki.jsp?page=TripsIn2010 happy place]] during stressful times.<br />
==Contact Information==<br />
Finally, I'm also the webmaster for this site, contact me about problems.<br />
<br />
Contact: DEWBOTROBOT at Yahoo dot com, or me directly at Foster dot Schucker at the domain STEMRobotics dot org. ''Confused? So are the spam-mail bots trying to figure out the address. Say it out loud, that helps''<br />
----<br />
[[Category:Mentors]]</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=Downingtown_Area_Robotics&diff=13890
Downingtown Area Robotics
2012-03-31T20:01:51Z
<p>Foster: </p>
<hr />
<div>{|border="4" style="background-color:#e7e7ff;" cellpadding="10"<br />
|Team members: Please look at the '''[[Team Announcement]]''' page to find the latest on the schedule, events, etc. Remember to read about '''[[ DEW_Robotics:Current_events | Current Events]]''' coming your way, and the '''[[News]]''' of what we've done!<br />
<br><br />
'''Congratulations to FRC Team 1640 for their victory at [[DEWBOT VIII Hatsboro-Horsham|Hatboro-Horsham]]!''' <br />
<br />
<br><br />
'''We have moved OUT of the [[Downingtown Robotics Center]] and are temporarily meeting at 427 Creamery Way, Exton, PA.''' If you know of space we could use please contact any of the [[Mentors]] or email us at DEWBOTROBOT at yahoo dot com. [[Special_Steering_Committee_for_Leaving_DRC_2011-3-11 | This page has details about the space we need]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br><br />
<br />
{|<br />
|__TOC__<br />
|<br />
{|<br />
| [[Image:DB8_120221_csm-1.jpg|368px|alt=Team photo on bag night]]|[[Image:DB5_Murphy_2_panels_090216_csm.jpg|319px|alt=Shipping panels]]<br />
|}<br />
|}<br />
==Who we are ==<br />
'''Downingtown Area Robotics''' in Downingtown Pennsylvania, is a group of Students, Mentors and Sponsors, that knows it's important to get students interested in '''STEM''' ('''S'''cience, '''T'''echnology, '''E'''ngineering and '''M'''athematics) based careers. We do this through competition robotics. Our robots work in teams of two or three, working together as team on a common goal (not the robots that try to destroy each other.)<br />
<br />
Driving the robots in Competitions is a small part of what we do. From the beginning we teach each roboteer valuable life skills like communications, planning, getting a group consensus, cooperation and negotiations. We also bring to life STEM skills in areas of electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, programming by planning, designing, building (and sometimes rebuilding), testing and driving our robots.<br />
<br />
Contact us at DEWBOTROBOT at Yahoo dot com for more information.<br />
<br />
==Competitions==<br />
We build robots for three different competitions, [[FIRST Robotics Competition]] the [[VEX Robot Challenge]] and the [[FIRST Lego League]]. <br />
<br />
[[Image:FRC logo.jpg|150px|right|alt="FRC Logo"|link=http://usfirst.org]]<br />
:FIRST Robotics Competition robots are large (120 lb) and complex. A new robot is designed and built each year in 6 weeks using diverse materials and methods to meet the unique challenges of the year’s competition. A commercial industrial controller controls the robot. The team must brainstorm, prototype, design, procure materials, build, program and test the robot within a very limited time and financial horizon. Robots are fully designed in CAD prior to building. Mathematical models are created and used as design aids. A bill-of-materials is generated and utilized to manage procurement, cost and weight (the latter two are constrained) in real time. This is a real engineering project! Building methods utilize a range of power tools (mill, lathe, band saws, drill presses,...), MIG welding, polycarbonate vacuum forming and composite materials. New materials and methods are added each year. Students benefit from mentors' experience in a wide range of technical disciplines. <br />
<br />
::'''Team 1640 competed''' at the [[DEWBOT VII Finger Lakes Regional | Finger Lakes (RIT, Rochester NY 3-5 March-2011)]] and [[DEWBOT VII Philadelphia Regional |Philadelphia (Temple University, Philadelphia PA 7-9 Apr-2011)]] Regional Competitions, '''''winning the latter as alliance captain'''''. The team has received a number of awards highlighting their demonstrated engineering & innovation skills including the [[DEWBOT V's Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award (Chesapeake Regional) | Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award]] at Chesapeak in 2009, the [[DEWBOT VI Creativity Award sponsored by Xerox (Philadelphia Regional) | Xerox Creativity (Philadelphia)]] and (BR)<sup>2</sup> Engineering Excellence Awards in 2010 and the [[DEWBOT VII - Philadelphia - Rockwell Automation's Innovation in Control Award | Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award]] at Philadelphia in 2011. This year, for the first time, Team 1640 attended the [[DEWBOT VII FRC Championship | FRC Championship]] at St. Louis on 27-30 April-2011.<br />
<br />
<br><br />
[[Image:VEX logo.jpg|right|alt="VEX Logo"|link=http://www.vexrobotics.com/]]<br />
:[[VEX Robots]] must fit into an 18" cube and do not have a weight limit. Parts may only be purchased from [http://vexlabs.com VEX], but they can be cut and shaped any way provided there are no sharp edges. Parts may only be bolted together, no assembly with glue or tape is allowed. There is a limit of ten motors and/or servos. The robot is powered by a single 7.2 volt battery.<br />
<br />
::We have 15 teams that participate in the [[VEX Robot Challenge]]. In 2010 [[VRC_Team_80 | Team 80 - Pegasus]] along with [[VRC_Team_81|Team 81 Longshot]] went to the VEX World Championships. Two of our mentors, Foster Schucker and Steve Rhoads were awarded Mentor of the Year.<br />
<br />
::Our regular season is from September to May, but we do summer activities. Starting in fall of 2010 we compete under the name [[VEX-MEN]] (yes, a play on X-Men).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Image:FLL logo.jpg|150px|right|alt="FLL Logo"|link=http://usfirst.org]]<br />
:[[FIRST Lego League]] are smaller robots that are made out of Lego parts. Teams build robots to perform autonomous missions. These missions may require the robot to do one or more steps. This is a very exiting robot competition allowing students to bring special skills to the competition table.<br />
<br />
::The 2009/2010 FLL competition season is over, but watch this space, we are planning a spring session to do a different set of missions. See us at the May 3 Science Fair<br />
<br><br />
<br />
==Teams==<br />
There are a number of teams that make up Downingtown Area Robotics(FRC, VRC and FLL):<br />
<br />
;:[[FIRST Robotics Competition]] -- [[FRC Team 1640]], Team [[Sab-BOT-age]] - Every year we build a new robot, they are all called DEWBOT (from Downingtown East and West roBOT) and are numbered. The 2011 robot is called DEWBOT VII. Start with the [[DEWBOT VIII | overview of DEWBOT VIII]] to get an idea about this years game ''Rebound Rumble!'' and our robot.<br />
<br />
[[image:Downingtown_Area_Robotics_100317_csm.jpg|400px|right|thumb|Downingtown Area Robotics (FRC & Vex)]]<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 80]] -- our "All girl team" for 2009-2011<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 81]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 82]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 84]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 89]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 90]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 92]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 96]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 98]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 1640]]<br />
<br />
<br />
;: [[FIRST Lego League]] -- [[FIRST Lego League 2009]] Teams 2028 & 7230<br />
<br />
==Meeting Information==<br />
Team Sab-BOT-age, the FRC team and the VRC teams meet year round. Below is the latest information on their meeting times and places.<br />
<br />
'''FRC Team 2011 Season''' -- [[DEWBOT VII]] - Please look at the [[FRC 2011 Calendar]] to see all the work nights in the build season. Team members should also check the [[Team Announcement]] page for the latest updates. Click here for the [[DEWBOT_VII_Build | DEWBOT VII Build Season]] daily activity!<br />
<br />
'''VEX 2010-11 Season''' -- Wednesday 6:30-8:30 [[Downingtown Educational Center]]. Our 2010-11 season playing [[Round Up | Round Up (info and schedule)]] has started.<br />
<br />
:We have started an "All-Girl" VEX Team 80 - Pegasus, come join them<br />
<br />
'''FIRST Lego League''' -- The season for our [[FIRST Lego League 2009 | FIRST Lego League team]] is over. Watch for news of our spring missions. <br />
<br />
'''Come to one of our team meetings''' or contact us: Dewbotrobot at Yahoo dot com<br />
<br />
== Other committee meetings ==<br />
The [[Steering Committee]] meets on the last Friday of the month at 6:15PM With build season going on and there being a large number of the Steering Committee at the build sessions, there are no formal meeting until the last Friday in April. If you have an item for the Steering Team contact them at the build session.<br />
<br />
== People ==<br />
[[Image:Namewordle.jpg|300px|right|alt="People Names""|link=:Category:Students]]<br />
'''Thank you very much to all of our [[Sponsor | sponsors]]!'''<br />
<br />
'''We would like to express our appreciation to all of our [[Mentors]] that work with the roboteers on a day to day basis.'''<br />
<br />
Each [[:Category:Students | student]] that worked on a robot is listed with that[[:Category:Robot | robot]]. Across the years we have graduated some very impressive students, you may be or soon will be working for our [[Alumni]].<br />
<br />
And a final thank you to all the [[parents]] that help us out.<br />
<br />
==[[Engineering]]==<br />
<br />
We do a lot of engineering. There are a lot of details and information that go into making a robot right. For example if you are going to drill a hole for an 8-32 screw you use a #16 drill, but if you want to tap the hole (thread it) you use a #29 drill. Most of us can't remember all that, so we've created a series of pages that holds all that information.<br />
<br />
Click here for [[Engineering]] references and links.<br />
<br />
== Safety ==<br />
We are very safety oriented, we have a safety captain to monitor all aspects of our build process. <br />
<br />
All of our middle school students are trained on hand tools before they are allowed to use them. They use hacksaws and files while wearing safety glasses. Middle schoolers are supervised by either a mentor or one of our senior FRC students while they cut and form metal parts.<br />
<br />
All of our high school students are trained on the power tool before they use it. Safety eyeware is worn at all times in the shop. First year FRC roboteers may only use power tools under the supervision of a mentor or one of our senior FRC students.<br />
<br />
We hold regular safety meetings to reinforce our safety policy.<br />
== Website Info ==<br />
As of 1 April 2012 there were over 385 pages of content, 4300 pictures (with captions) and 420 documents that described the robots. It's steady growth from May 2011 when there were over 330 pages of content, 3500 pictures (with captions and 310 documents. Our first annual snap shot was in April 2010 there were over 280 pages of content, 2500 pictures (with captions) and 280 documents. You can see how much the site has grown! <br />
<br />
If you have problems finding a specific page, try the search box in the left hand menu. Just type a few words about what you are searching for, it works just like Google. <br />
<br />
We often get the question, ''Why a Wiki?'' and the answer is '''collaboration!''' All of the members of Downingtown Area Robotics can update the site. This allows each individual group (like the mechanical or programming teams) to keep information current. While other websites have sizzle, we think its more important to have lots of relevant content. For example all the details of our award winning [[4-Wheel_Pivot_Drive | Pivot Drive]] are online, from the first early prototypes to the most current drawings. <br />
<br />
Our team members use the pages to describe and track build information, strategy, ToDo items for build sessions, parts orders, etc. Many other teams have internal wiki's they use for the same purpose, ours is on the web so you can see the inner workings of our team. <br />
<br />
If you have other questions or comments please contact us at DEWBOTROBOT at yahoo dot com.<br />
<br />
The Downingtown Area Robotics website is made with valid [http://validator.w3.org/check/referer XHTML] and [http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator CSS] and complies with <br />
[http://www.contentquality.com/mynewtester/cynthia.exe?Url1=http://www.team1640.com Section 508 accessibility guidelines.] This site is powered by [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/MediaWiki MediaWiki], the same software that powers [http://www.wikipedia.org/ Wikipedia].</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=Downingtown_Area_Robotics&diff=13889
Downingtown Area Robotics
2012-03-31T20:00:06Z
<p>Foster: /* Teams */</p>
<hr />
<div>{|border="4" style="background-color:#e7e7ff;" cellpadding="10"<br />
|Team members: Please look at the '''[[Team Announcement]]''' page to find the latest on the schedule, events, etc. Remember to read about '''[[ DEW_Robotics:Current_events | Current Events]]''' coming your way, and the '''[[News]]''' of what we've done!<br />
<br><br />
'''Congradulations to FRC Team 1640 for their victory at [[DEWBOT VIII Hatsboro-Horsham|Hatboro-Horsham]]!''' <br />
<br />
<br><br />
'''We have moved OUT of the [[Downingtown Robotics Center]] and are temporarily meeting at 427 Creamery Way, Exton, PA.''' If you know of space we could use please contact any of the [[Mentors]] or email us at DEWBOTROBOT at yahoo dot com. [[Special_Steering_Committee_for_Leaving_DRC_2011-3-11 | This page has details about the space we need]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br><br />
<br />
{|<br />
|__TOC__<br />
|<br />
{|<br />
| [[Image:DB8_120221_csm-1.jpg|368px|alt=Team photo on bag night]]|[[Image:DB5_Murphy_2_panels_090216_csm.jpg|319px|alt=Shipping panels]]<br />
|}<br />
|}<br />
==Who we are ==<br />
'''Downingtown Area Robotics''' in Downingtown Pennsylvania, is a group of Students, Mentors and Sponsors, that knows it's important to get students interested in '''STEM''' ('''S'''cience, '''T'''echnology, '''E'''ngineering and '''M'''athematics) based careers. We do this through competition robotics. Our robots work in teams of two or three, working together as team on a common goal (not the robots that try to destroy each other.)<br />
<br />
Driving the robots in Competitions is a small part of what we do. From the beginning we teach each roboteer valuable life skills like communications, planning, getting a group consensus, cooperation and negotiations. We also bring to life STEM skills in areas of electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, programming by planning, designing, building (and sometimes rebuilding), testing and driving our robots.<br />
<br />
Contact us at DEWBOTROBOT at Yahoo dot com for more information.<br />
<br />
==Competitions==<br />
We build robots for three different competitions, [[FIRST Robotics Competition]] the [[VEX Robot Challenge]] and the [[FIRST Lego League]]. <br />
<br />
[[Image:FRC logo.jpg|150px|right|alt="FRC Logo"|link=http://usfirst.org]]<br />
:FIRST Robotics Competition robots are large (120 lb) and complex. A new robot is designed and built each year in 6 weeks using diverse materials and methods to meet the unique challenges of the year’s competition. A commercial industrial controller controls the robot. The team must brainstorm, prototype, design, procure materials, build, program and test the robot within a very limited time and financial horizon. Robots are fully designed in CAD prior to building. Mathematical models are created and used as design aids. A bill-of-materials is generated and utilized to manage procurement, cost and weight (the latter two are constrained) in real time. This is a real engineering project! Building methods utilize a range of power tools (mill, lathe, band saws, drill presses,...), MIG welding, polycarbonate vacuum forming and composite materials. New materials and methods are added each year. Students benefit from mentors' experience in a wide range of technical disciplines. <br />
<br />
::'''Team 1640 competed''' at the [[DEWBOT VII Finger Lakes Regional | Finger Lakes (RIT, Rochester NY 3-5 March-2011)]] and [[DEWBOT VII Philadelphia Regional |Philadelphia (Temple University, Philadelphia PA 7-9 Apr-2011)]] Regional Competitions, '''''winning the latter as alliance captain'''''. The team has received a number of awards highlighting their demonstrated engineering & innovation skills including the [[DEWBOT V's Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award (Chesapeake Regional) | Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award]] at Chesapeak in 2009, the [[DEWBOT VI Creativity Award sponsored by Xerox (Philadelphia Regional) | Xerox Creativity (Philadelphia)]] and (BR)<sup>2</sup> Engineering Excellence Awards in 2010 and the [[DEWBOT VII - Philadelphia - Rockwell Automation's Innovation in Control Award | Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award]] at Philadelphia in 2011. This year, for the first time, Team 1640 attended the [[DEWBOT VII FRC Championship | FRC Championship]] at St. Louis on 27-30 April-2011.<br />
<br />
<br><br />
[[Image:VEX logo.jpg|right|alt="VEX Logo"|link=http://www.vexrobotics.com/]]<br />
:[[VEX Robots]] must fit into an 18" cube and do not have a weight limit. Parts may only be purchased from [http://vexlabs.com VEX], but they can be cut and shaped any way provided there are no sharp edges. Parts may only be bolted together, no assembly with glue or tape is allowed. There is a limit of ten motors and/or servos. The robot is powered by a single 7.2 volt battery.<br />
<br />
::We have 15 teams that participate in the [[VEX Robot Challenge]]. In 2010 [[VRC_Team_80 | Team 80 - Pegasus]] along with [[VRC_Team_81|Team 81 Longshot]] went to the VEX World Championships. Two of our mentors, Foster Schucker and Steve Rhoads were awarded Mentor of the Year.<br />
<br />
::Our regular season is from September to May, but we do summer activities. Starting in fall of 2010 we compete under the name [[VEX-MEN]] (yes, a play on X-Men).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Image:FLL logo.jpg|150px|right|alt="FLL Logo"|link=http://usfirst.org]]<br />
:[[FIRST Lego League]] are smaller robots that are made out of Lego parts. Teams build robots to perform autonomous missions. These missions may require the robot to do one or more steps. This is a very exiting robot competition allowing students to bring special skills to the competition table.<br />
<br />
::The 2009/2010 FLL competition season is over, but watch this space, we are planning a spring session to do a different set of missions. See us at the May 3 Science Fair<br />
<br><br />
<br />
==Teams==<br />
There are a number of teams that make up Downingtown Area Robotics(FRC, VRC and FLL):<br />
<br />
;:[[FIRST Robotics Competition]] -- [[FRC Team 1640]], Team [[Sab-BOT-age]] - Every year we build a new robot, they are all called DEWBOT (from Downingtown East and West roBOT) and are numbered. The 2011 robot is called DEWBOT VII. Start with the [[DEWBOT VIII | overview of DEWBOT VIII]] to get an idea about this years game ''Rebound Rumble!'' and our robot.<br />
<br />
[[image:Downingtown_Area_Robotics_100317_csm.jpg|400px|right|thumb|Downingtown Area Robotics (FRC & Vex)]]<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 80]] -- our "All girl team" for 2009-2011<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 81]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 82]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 84]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 89]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 90]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 92]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 96]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 98]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 1640]]<br />
<br />
<br />
;: [[FIRST Lego League]] -- [[FIRST Lego League 2009]] Teams 2028 & 7230<br />
<br />
==Meeting Information==<br />
Team Sab-BOT-age, the FRC team and the VRC teams meet year round. Below is the latest information on their meeting times and places.<br />
<br />
'''FRC Team 2011 Season''' -- [[DEWBOT VII]] - Please look at the [[FRC 2011 Calendar]] to see all the work nights in the build season. Team members should also check the [[Team Announcement]] page for the latest updates. Click here for the [[DEWBOT_VII_Build | DEWBOT VII Build Season]] daily activity!<br />
<br />
'''VEX 2010-11 Season''' -- Wednesday 6:30-8:30 [[Downingtown Educational Center]]. Our 2010-11 season playing [[Round Up | Round Up (info and schedule)]] has started.<br />
<br />
:We have started an "All-Girl" VEX Team 80 - Pegasus, come join them<br />
<br />
'''FIRST Lego League''' -- The season for our [[FIRST Lego League 2009 | FIRST Lego League team]] is over. Watch for news of our spring missions. <br />
<br />
'''Come to one of our team meetings''' or contact us: Dewbotrobot at Yahoo dot com<br />
<br />
== Other committee meetings ==<br />
The [[Steering Committee]] meets on the last Friday of the month at 6:15PM With build season going on and there being a large number of the Steering Committee at the build sessions, there are no formal meeting until the last Friday in April. If you have an item for the Steering Team contact them at the build session.<br />
<br />
== People ==<br />
[[Image:Namewordle.jpg|300px|right|alt="People Names""|link=:Category:Students]]<br />
'''Thank you very much to all of our [[Sponsor | sponsors]]!'''<br />
<br />
'''We would like to express our appreciation to all of our [[Mentors]] that work with the roboteers on a day to day basis.'''<br />
<br />
Each [[:Category:Students | student]] that worked on a robot is listed with that[[:Category:Robot | robot]]. Across the years we have graduated some very impressive students, you may be or soon will be working for our [[Alumni]].<br />
<br />
And a final thank you to all the [[parents]] that help us out.<br />
<br />
==[[Engineering]]==<br />
<br />
We do a lot of engineering. There are a lot of details and information that go into making a robot right. For example if you are going to drill a hole for an 8-32 screw you use a #16 drill, but if you want to tap the hole (thread it) you use a #29 drill. Most of us can't remember all that, so we've created a series of pages that holds all that information.<br />
<br />
Click here for [[Engineering]] references and links.<br />
<br />
== Safety ==<br />
We are very safety oriented, we have a safety captain to monitor all aspects of our build process. <br />
<br />
All of our middle school students are trained on hand tools before they are allowed to use them. They use hacksaws and files while wearing safety glasses. Middle schoolers are supervised by either a mentor or one of our senior FRC students while they cut and form metal parts.<br />
<br />
All of our high school students are trained on the power tool before they use it. Safety eyeware is worn at all times in the shop. First year FRC roboteers may only use power tools under the supervision of a mentor or one of our senior FRC students.<br />
<br />
We hold regular safety meetings to reinforce our safety policy.<br />
== Website Info ==<br />
As of 1 April 2012 there were over 385 pages of content, 4300 pictures (with captions) and 420 documents that described the robots. It's steady growth from May 2011 when there were over 330 pages of content, 3500 pictures (with captions and 310 documents. Our first annual snap shot was in April 2010 there were over 280 pages of content, 2500 pictures (with captions) and 280 documents. You can see how much the site has grown! <br />
<br />
If you have problems finding a specific page, try the search box in the left hand menu. Just type a few words about what you are searching for, it works just like Google. <br />
<br />
We often get the question, ''Why a Wiki?'' and the answer is '''collaboration!''' All of the members of Downingtown Area Robotics can update the site. This allows each individual group (like the mechanical or programming teams) to keep information current. While other websites have sizzle, we think its more important to have lots of relevant content. For example all the details of our award winning [[4-Wheel_Pivot_Drive | Pivot Drive]] are online, from the first early prototypes to the most current drawings. <br />
<br />
Our team members use the pages to describe and track build information, strategy, ToDo items for build sessions, parts orders, etc. Many other teams have internal wiki's they use for the same purpose, ours is on the web so you can see the inner workings of our team. <br />
<br />
If you have other questions or comments please contact us at DEWBOTROBOT at yahoo dot com.<br />
<br />
The Downingtown Area Robotics website is made with valid [http://validator.w3.org/check/referer XHTML] and [http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator CSS] and complies with <br />
[http://www.contentquality.com/mynewtester/cynthia.exe?Url1=http://www.team1640.com Section 508 accessibility guidelines.] This site is powered by [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/MediaWiki MediaWiki], the same software that powers [http://www.wikipedia.org/ Wikipedia].</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=Downingtown_Area_Robotics&diff=13888
Downingtown Area Robotics
2012-03-31T19:57:54Z
<p>Foster: /* Website Info */</p>
<hr />
<div>{|border="4" style="background-color:#e7e7ff;" cellpadding="10"<br />
|Team members: Please look at the '''[[Team Announcement]]''' page to find the latest on the schedule, events, etc. Remember to read about '''[[ DEW_Robotics:Current_events | Current Events]]''' coming your way, and the '''[[News]]''' of what we've done!<br />
<br><br />
'''Congradulations to FRC Team 1640 for their victory at [[DEWBOT VIII Hatsboro-Horsham|Hatboro-Horsham]]!''' <br />
<br />
<br><br />
'''We have moved OUT of the [[Downingtown Robotics Center]] and are temporarily meeting at 427 Creamery Way, Exton, PA.''' If you know of space we could use please contact any of the [[Mentors]] or email us at DEWBOTROBOT at yahoo dot com. [[Special_Steering_Committee_for_Leaving_DRC_2011-3-11 | This page has details about the space we need]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br><br />
<br />
{|<br />
|__TOC__<br />
|<br />
{|<br />
| [[Image:DB8_120221_csm-1.jpg|368px|alt=Team photo on bag night]]|[[Image:DB5_Murphy_2_panels_090216_csm.jpg|319px|alt=Shipping panels]]<br />
|}<br />
|}<br />
==Who we are ==<br />
'''Downingtown Area Robotics''' in Downingtown Pennsylvania, is a group of Students, Mentors and Sponsors, that knows it's important to get students interested in '''STEM''' ('''S'''cience, '''T'''echnology, '''E'''ngineering and '''M'''athematics) based careers. We do this through competition robotics. Our robots work in teams of two or three, working together as team on a common goal (not the robots that try to destroy each other.)<br />
<br />
Driving the robots in Competitions is a small part of what we do. From the beginning we teach each roboteer valuable life skills like communications, planning, getting a group consensus, cooperation and negotiations. We also bring to life STEM skills in areas of electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, programming by planning, designing, building (and sometimes rebuilding), testing and driving our robots.<br />
<br />
Contact us at DEWBOTROBOT at Yahoo dot com for more information.<br />
<br />
==Competitions==<br />
We build robots for three different competitions, [[FIRST Robotics Competition]] the [[VEX Robot Challenge]] and the [[FIRST Lego League]]. <br />
<br />
[[Image:FRC logo.jpg|150px|right|alt="FRC Logo"|link=http://usfirst.org]]<br />
:FIRST Robotics Competition robots are large (120 lb) and complex. A new robot is designed and built each year in 6 weeks using diverse materials and methods to meet the unique challenges of the year’s competition. A commercial industrial controller controls the robot. The team must brainstorm, prototype, design, procure materials, build, program and test the robot within a very limited time and financial horizon. Robots are fully designed in CAD prior to building. Mathematical models are created and used as design aids. A bill-of-materials is generated and utilized to manage procurement, cost and weight (the latter two are constrained) in real time. This is a real engineering project! Building methods utilize a range of power tools (mill, lathe, band saws, drill presses,...), MIG welding, polycarbonate vacuum forming and composite materials. New materials and methods are added each year. Students benefit from mentors' experience in a wide range of technical disciplines. <br />
<br />
::'''Team 1640 competed''' at the [[DEWBOT VII Finger Lakes Regional | Finger Lakes (RIT, Rochester NY 3-5 March-2011)]] and [[DEWBOT VII Philadelphia Regional |Philadelphia (Temple University, Philadelphia PA 7-9 Apr-2011)]] Regional Competitions, '''''winning the latter as alliance captain'''''. The team has received a number of awards highlighting their demonstrated engineering & innovation skills including the [[DEWBOT V's Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award (Chesapeake Regional) | Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award]] at Chesapeak in 2009, the [[DEWBOT VI Creativity Award sponsored by Xerox (Philadelphia Regional) | Xerox Creativity (Philadelphia)]] and (BR)<sup>2</sup> Engineering Excellence Awards in 2010 and the [[DEWBOT VII - Philadelphia - Rockwell Automation's Innovation in Control Award | Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award]] at Philadelphia in 2011. This year, for the first time, Team 1640 attended the [[DEWBOT VII FRC Championship | FRC Championship]] at St. Louis on 27-30 April-2011.<br />
<br />
<br><br />
[[Image:VEX logo.jpg|right|alt="VEX Logo"|link=http://www.vexrobotics.com/]]<br />
:[[VEX Robots]] must fit into an 18" cube and do not have a weight limit. Parts may only be purchased from [http://vexlabs.com VEX], but they can be cut and shaped any way provided there are no sharp edges. Parts may only be bolted together, no assembly with glue or tape is allowed. There is a limit of ten motors and/or servos. The robot is powered by a single 7.2 volt battery.<br />
<br />
::We have 15 teams that participate in the [[VEX Robot Challenge]]. In 2010 [[VRC_Team_80 | Team 80 - Pegasus]] along with [[VRC_Team_81|Team 81 Longshot]] went to the VEX World Championships. Two of our mentors, Foster Schucker and Steve Rhoads were awarded Mentor of the Year.<br />
<br />
::Our regular season is from September to May, but we do summer activities. Starting in fall of 2010 we compete under the name [[VEX-MEN]] (yes, a play on X-Men).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Image:FLL logo.jpg|150px|right|alt="FLL Logo"|link=http://usfirst.org]]<br />
:[[FIRST Lego League]] are smaller robots that are made out of Lego parts. Teams build robots to perform autonomous missions. These missions may require the robot to do one or more steps. This is a very exiting robot competition allowing students to bring special skills to the competition table.<br />
<br />
::The 2009/2010 FLL competition season is over, but watch this space, we are planning a spring session to do a different set of missions. See us at the May 3 Science Fair<br />
<br><br />
<br />
==Teams==<br />
There are a number of teams that make up Downingtown Area Robotics(FRC, VRC and FLL):<br />
<br />
;:[[FIRST Robotics Competition]] -- [[FRC Team 1640]], Team [[Sab-BOT-age]] - Every year we build a new robot, they are all called DEWBOT (from Downingtown East and West roBOT) and are numbered. The 2011 robot is called DEWBOT VII. Start with the [[DEWBOT VII | overview of DEWBOT VII]] to get an idea about this years game ''Logomotion'' and our robot.<br />
<br />
[[image:Downingtown_Area_Robotics_100317_csm.jpg|400px|right|thumb|Downingtown Area Robotics (FRC & Vex)]]<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 80]] -- our "All girl team" for 2009-2010<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 81]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 82]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 84]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 89]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 90]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 92]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 96]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 98]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 1640]]<br />
<br />
<br />
;: [[FIRST Lego League]] -- [[FIRST Lego League 2009]] Teams 2028 & 7230<br />
<br />
==Meeting Information==<br />
Team Sab-BOT-age, the FRC team and the VRC teams meet year round. Below is the latest information on their meeting times and places.<br />
<br />
'''FRC Team 2011 Season''' -- [[DEWBOT VII]] - Please look at the [[FRC 2011 Calendar]] to see all the work nights in the build season. Team members should also check the [[Team Announcement]] page for the latest updates. Click here for the [[DEWBOT_VII_Build | DEWBOT VII Build Season]] daily activity!<br />
<br />
'''VEX 2010-11 Season''' -- Wednesday 6:30-8:30 [[Downingtown Educational Center]]. Our 2010-11 season playing [[Round Up | Round Up (info and schedule)]] has started.<br />
<br />
:We have started an "All-Girl" VEX Team 80 - Pegasus, come join them<br />
<br />
'''FIRST Lego League''' -- The season for our [[FIRST Lego League 2009 | FIRST Lego League team]] is over. Watch for news of our spring missions. <br />
<br />
'''Come to one of our team meetings''' or contact us: Dewbotrobot at Yahoo dot com<br />
<br />
== Other committee meetings ==<br />
The [[Steering Committee]] meets on the last Friday of the month at 6:15PM With build season going on and there being a large number of the Steering Committee at the build sessions, there are no formal meeting until the last Friday in April. If you have an item for the Steering Team contact them at the build session.<br />
<br />
== People ==<br />
[[Image:Namewordle.jpg|300px|right|alt="People Names""|link=:Category:Students]]<br />
'''Thank you very much to all of our [[Sponsor | sponsors]]!'''<br />
<br />
'''We would like to express our appreciation to all of our [[Mentors]] that work with the roboteers on a day to day basis.'''<br />
<br />
Each [[:Category:Students | student]] that worked on a robot is listed with that[[:Category:Robot | robot]]. Across the years we have graduated some very impressive students, you may be or soon will be working for our [[Alumni]].<br />
<br />
And a final thank you to all the [[parents]] that help us out.<br />
<br />
==[[Engineering]]==<br />
<br />
We do a lot of engineering. There are a lot of details and information that go into making a robot right. For example if you are going to drill a hole for an 8-32 screw you use a #16 drill, but if you want to tap the hole (thread it) you use a #29 drill. Most of us can't remember all that, so we've created a series of pages that holds all that information.<br />
<br />
Click here for [[Engineering]] references and links.<br />
<br />
== Safety ==<br />
We are very safety oriented, we have a safety captain to monitor all aspects of our build process. <br />
<br />
All of our middle school students are trained on hand tools before they are allowed to use them. They use hacksaws and files while wearing safety glasses. Middle schoolers are supervised by either a mentor or one of our senior FRC students while they cut and form metal parts.<br />
<br />
All of our high school students are trained on the power tool before they use it. Safety eyeware is worn at all times in the shop. First year FRC roboteers may only use power tools under the supervision of a mentor or one of our senior FRC students.<br />
<br />
We hold regular safety meetings to reinforce our safety policy.<br />
== Website Info ==<br />
As of 1 April 2012 there were over 385 pages of content, 4300 pictures (with captions) and 420 documents that described the robots. It's steady growth from May 2011 when there were over 330 pages of content, 3500 pictures (with captions and 310 documents. Our first annual snap shot was in April 2010 there were over 280 pages of content, 2500 pictures (with captions) and 280 documents. You can see how much the site has grown! <br />
<br />
If you have problems finding a specific page, try the search box in the left hand menu. Just type a few words about what you are searching for, it works just like Google. <br />
<br />
We often get the question, ''Why a Wiki?'' and the answer is '''collaboration!''' All of the members of Downingtown Area Robotics can update the site. This allows each individual group (like the mechanical or programming teams) to keep information current. While other websites have sizzle, we think its more important to have lots of relevant content. For example all the details of our award winning [[4-Wheel_Pivot_Drive | Pivot Drive]] are online, from the first early prototypes to the most current drawings. <br />
<br />
Our team members use the pages to describe and track build information, strategy, ToDo items for build sessions, parts orders, etc. Many other teams have internal wiki's they use for the same purpose, ours is on the web so you can see the inner workings of our team. <br />
<br />
If you have other questions or comments please contact us at DEWBOTROBOT at yahoo dot com.<br />
<br />
The Downingtown Area Robotics website is made with valid [http://validator.w3.org/check/referer XHTML] and [http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator CSS] and complies with <br />
[http://www.contentquality.com/mynewtester/cynthia.exe?Url1=http://www.team1640.com Section 508 accessibility guidelines.] This site is powered by [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/MediaWiki MediaWiki], the same software that powers [http://www.wikipedia.org/ Wikipedia].</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=DEWBOT_VIII_Chairmans_Award&diff=13887
DEWBOT VIII Chairmans Award
2012-03-31T19:31:12Z
<p>Foster: minor format edits, some day I'll learn the wiki codes....</p>
<hr />
<div>== The FIRST Chairman's Award ==<br />
FIRST writes about the award <br />
:"The FIRST Robotics Competition is about much more than the mechanics of building a robot or winning a competitive event. It is about the partnership among people who are part of the FIRST community and the impact on those who participate in FIRST programs with a united goal of achieving FIRST’s mission. The FIRST mission is to change the way young people regard science and technology and to inspire an appreciation for the real-life rewards and career opportunities in these fields."<br />
<br />
:"The Chairman’s Award was created to keep the focus of the FIRST Robotics Competition on our ultimate goal to transform the culture in ways that will inspire greater levels of respect and honor for science and technology, as well as encourage more of today’s youth to become scientists, engineers, and technologists."<br />
<br />
:"The Chairman’s Award represents the spirit of FIRST. It honors the team that, in the judges’ estimation, best represents a model for other teams to emulate, and which embodies the goals and purpose of FIRST. It remains FIRST’s most prestigious award."<br />
<br />
''(Note, submissions are limited to 10,000 characters in the submission. That is why you'll find numbers as digits, not words, we try to cram as much robotic goodness into our limited space. Likewise with the Summary Answers, space is very limited. So put down your red marking pen!) ''<br />
<br />
Also see our [[Chairmans Award Creation | general Chairman's Award page]], and compare this year eight-year submission to first year [[DEWBOT I | DEWBOT I]].<br />
<br />
== 2012 Award Summary ==<br />
''Briefly describe the impact of the FIRST program on team participants with special emphasis on the 2011/2012 year and the preceding two years'' <br><br />
<br />
Several students were accepted by colleges for higher programs due their experience with FIRST. A student, initially rejected from Penn State’s Honors, was later accepted after discussing her involvement with FRC. In addition, many students applied their knowledge with FIRST in their research in college. An autistic student first joined Team 1640 as a programmer. Over time, the programmer learned to communicate his ideas effectively, as well as lead the software development team as a senior. <br />
<br />
''Examples of role model characteristics for other teams to emulate'' <br />
<br />
Team 1640 strives for excellence in providing STEM education and open sourcing novel ideas for the benefit of society. The Pivot Drive Train, pioneered by students and mentors, found success not only in competition, but also in education. By releasing documentation, students from an Ohio High School were able to utilize the information in their physics class. Team 1640’s open source efforts allowed further improvements through open forum discussions that supports the ideal of Coopertition. <br />
<br />
''Describe the impact of the FIRST program on your team and community with special emphasis on the 2011/2012 year and the preceding two years'' <br />
<br />
Six members were privileged to serve on the committee for the construction of a STEM Academy. The new STEM Academy features a robotics class thanks to support from FIRST members. The STEM Academy fosters the philosophy of collaborative pedagogy and hands on learning, both tenets of FIRST’s mission. Before, students interested in STEM simply learned but did not experience. Now, with the establishment of STEM and Team 1640’s initiative to promote STEM education for all, aspiring students rejoice.<br />
<br />
''Team's innovative methods to spread the FIRST message'' <br />
<br />
Team 1640 collaborates with schools and local municipalities to spread FIRST’s philosophy. The district participates in a monthly radio show that broadcasts all over the county. Team 1640 had the privilege of sharing recent activities twice. Furthermore, Team 1640 attends community events to spark interest in kids about FIRST and STEM. Team 1640 excited visitors at the Franklin Institute. Team 1640 also attended a science fair to spread the ideals of gracious professionalism and teamwork. <br />
<br />
''Describe the strength of your partnership with special emphasis on the 2011/2012 year and the preceding two years'' <br />
<br />
Growth in the partnership between Team 1640 and businesses, schools, and the neighborhood help support STEM education. The school district continues to sponsor robotics through promotion. Boeing, a key sponsor, provided the team with funds as well as opportunities to share the products of hard work at seminars and symposiums. Through Bentley, Team 1640 presented our robot and program at FIATECH’s (a technology panel) annual meeting, emphasizing the importance of business, education, and STEM. <br />
<br />
''Team's communication methods and results''<br />
<br />
Team 1640 is known for its information and media rich website. Educators all over the world access the information. In addition, Team 1640 leverages the vast social networks to bring in experienced scientists and technicians. Team 1640 actively participates at Chief Delphi and markets itself through the eye catching blue and yellow tshirts as well as the large screw driver, a replica of our mascot. Statistics show that the messages has been spread: a net gain of over 70 students and mentors. <br />
<br />
''Other matters of interest to the FIRST judges, if any'' <br />
<br />
Nietzsche once said, “Whatever doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”. Team 1640 started as a humble team of handful students who loved their work. The team was forced to move many times. Yet, Team 1640 looked forward and found temporary spots to continue on. The team expanded beyond one high school to many school districts. Now, Team 1640 draws students from the entire county. Despite lesser resources and lack of funds, the FIRST mission persists. <br />
We don’t give up, we just get stronger.<br />
<br />
== 2012 Chairmans Award Essay ==<br />
No one expected a student-managed club to spearhead an educational revolution – one of science and technology. No one expected the student minority to preach the gospel of a great scientific awakening that would spur the rise of STEM initiatives across the region. The significance of a robotics team can be, at times, undermined by economic and political problems; but the story, which generations will continue to pass down, is legendary. Team 1640 was the shift to the paradigm. <br />
<br />
The last two years marked key milestones in Team 1640’s history. First, the team produced a vital creation through an innovative engineering cycle and robust documentation that would help solidify Team 1640’s role as a leading open source force. Second, team members participated in the construction of a new local high school based on the principles of STEM and collaboration. Finally, Team 1640 also presented at various seminars and symposiums to spread the robotics and FIRST message. Throughout the process, STEM education was a key facet of the message spread. However, Team 1640 also wanted to uphold the philosophies of FIRST – gracious professionalism and coopertition. Students and mentors shared their experiences and instilled FIRST mission along the way. For 1640, science and technology education is the body that does the work, FIRST’s philosophy is the soul that breathes life into it. Without one another, the message would fall apart and the process would be meaningless. But together, Team 1640 strives to increase interest in STEM and open doors for many.<br />
<br />
Through the FIRST program, Team 1640 unlocked the doors of opportunity for many alumnis. Penn State is a dream school for many, but there are those who strive for acceptance at the prestigious Stryer’s Honors College within Penn State. The requirements are strict and the acceptance rate is low. Students make then separate themselves from their cohorts and demonstrate their factors that make them unique. FIRST was, and still is, a factor that drew the difference. FIRST was the factor that propelled Siri into the prestigious Honors College. She was accept to Penn State but couldn’t enter the Honors College; however, when Siri told the acceptance officer about her experience with FRC, Penn State accepted her. Siri was captain of the robotics team and sought to get more girls interested in STEM fields. She’s commitment to robotics brought her back year after year as an alumni mentor. At Styer’s Honor, Siri traveled to Africa as part of an exchange program. And FIRST was the factor that got her in. <br />
<br />
Another student, Ben, started out as an anti-social programmer. Ben was autistic and had trouble communicating his ideas with fellow programmers. His irritability at times caused conflict between members who did not understand the internal problems Ben faced. One year later, Ben would overcome his problems and stand out as the head programmer who led his subteam towards victory. He learned to socialize with other members and students. By teaching new programmers how to program, Ben gained experience in mentoring as well as patience. On competition day, Ben learned to manage the stress load and worked with the programming team to resolve code bugs promptly. He developed his leadership as effectively as he developed his code. Through robotics, Ben became interested in RIT and applied there. He was accepted. <br />
<br />
Knowing the benefits of FIRST, Team 1640 realized that education was the best method to spread FIRST’s initiatives. At the time, the school district researched and considered building a third high school, one based on STEM. The school district sought for local scientists, engineers, and educators with a background in STEM to help ensure the new style of education would meet the future’s demands. Team 1640 had seven members apply to the committee and all were accepted. Most interestingly, two of the members were students. DASD formed a committee of teachers, administrators, businesses, residents, politicians, and students to discuss the development of the school. Team 1640 encouraged a robotics program at the school and promoted the Engineering by Design program. In addition, Team 1640 encouraged closer integration of education and the robotics program. To ensure students were truly prepared, Team 1640 supported implementing an International Baccalaureate program with STEM because future students needed communication and world knowledge to penetrate the future world market. The new STEM Academy incorporated the philosophy of FIRST: teamwork, mentorship, collaboration, and professionalism. Unlike the traditional way of teaching, students at the STEM Academy worked together to solve a common problem, similar to FRC. Juniors and seniors could apply for internships where through mentorship will gain hand-on experience. The guidance and career center department listed STEM opportunities such as jobs, college visits, and more. When STEM was off the ground, the connection between education and robotics has never been greater.<br />
<br />
Team 1640 is well known for many things: that giant screwdriver, a photo-filled wiki with more documentation than most companies, and an innovative Pivot Drive system. What makes Team 1640 a role model, however, is not materialistic, on paper, or even tangible. Rather, it is a remarkable methodology developed and remastered over the years to continuously innovate and create. It is a methodology that upholds the ideals of gracious professionalism, mixed with the ideals of democracy and fueled by the open-source platform. The radical Pivot Drive came from years of testing, input, design, and construction from many people. And when Team 1640 made a breakthrough with the Drive, Team 1640 continued to innovative and improve. Knowing well that others may have ideas, Team 1640 published documentation for the system online. Schools around the world have used the documentation to teach students about design and robotics. Forums on the public net have talked about ways to make the Pivot better and more reliable. Team 1640 embodies the idea that great things come from collaboration and open knowledge. It provides opportunities for students to interact and put their minds to work. It builds leadership and communication skills that stay with students for life. <br />
<br />
Not only does the FIRST philosophy spread, it is incorporated through the various activities of the club. Because of the deep integration, the message sticks and continues to spread. People start to notice the uniqueness of Team 1640 and sponsors love to invite the team for public presentations.<br />
<br />
Bentley Systems invited Team 1640 to the prestigious FIATECH conference in Philadelphia to share the latest creations as well as explain the concept of FIRST. The audience was intrigued and astonished that most schools did not share the same style of pedagogy and mission. They were thrilled that the robotics program existed to help many students succeed. Team 1640 also attended the science fair at the Franklin Institute, where the team presented to families and young children. In addition, Team 1640 excited the elementary students of Sugartown Academy. Team 1640’s presence expanded from a single high school in one school district to many high schools in many school districts. Throughout the expansion, the message of FIRST continued to seep into new territories. The team helped spark several FTC and FLL teams around the region and hosted many robotics events. <br />
<br />
As Nietzsche once said, “Whatever doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”. Team 1640 started as a humble team of handful students who loved their work. The district, through poor judgment, kicked the team out at times in the economic depression. However, the school respected the FIRST philosophy to the point of incorporating parts into the STEM Academy’s mission. Team 1640 looked forward and found temporary spots to continue on, knowing that the message must be spread. Future generations will need a productive workforce of scientists and engineers to solve the problems they will face. The team realized the importance of education and breathing life into it through collaboration. The team expanded beyond one high school into two high schools, and then one district to many districts. Schools around the world study the open source documentation on the website and perpetuate the idea of gracious professionalism. Businesses love the work of the robotics team and help encourage others to adopt the powerful mission of FIRST. They work closely with the team to inspire. There may be a larger family, lesser resources, lack of funds, and lack of a home. At times, the shop may get ice cold with little heating available. The team may have to move twice in a year. Still, the FIRST mission persists. <br />
We don’t give up, we just get stronger.</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=DEWBOT_VIII&diff=13886
DEWBOT VIII
2012-03-31T19:28:44Z
<p>Foster: /* Chairman's Award */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[image:DB8_120221_csm-1.jpg|450px|right|thumb|Team "ship night" photo]]DEWBOT VIII is Team 1640's answer to the challenge of FIRST's 2012 game, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_Rumble Rebound Rumble].<br />
<br />
No doubt about it, [[DEWBOT VII]] will be a very tough act to follow. Still, we've set our sights high and built the most complex robot ever for Team 1640. Let's hope this is reflected in performance.<br />
<br />
The 2012 build season was the team's first without Downingtown Area School District's (DASD) support. A bit lonely out here. The team is hopeful for a renewed school affiliation.<br />
<br />
Like last year, we are building two robots (''Prime'' and ''Deux'' again) and have a full-sized practice field. ''Deux'' lagged a bit.[[image:DB8_Lenepe_120324_csm-1.jpg|450px|right|thumb|DEWBOT VIII ''Prime'' at [[DEWBOT VIII Lenape|Lenape]]]]<br />
<br />
Accomplishments:<br />
:* WINNER at the [[DEWBOT VIII Hatsboro-Horsham | Hatboro Horsham]] [http://www.midatlanticrobotics MAR] District Regional Event<br />
<br />
==[[DEWBOT VIII Build]]==<br />
Thanks to the gracious generosity of [http://www.waterloogardens.com Waterloo Gardens], the Team had a wonderful space in which to build and test DEWBOT VIII. <br />
<br />
What can I say about build season? Too short; too long; too intense; too cold; too little sleep; too much work; and a great deal of fun and a keen sense of accomplishment. This is the very heart of the robotics year. The time we both live for and approach with a little dread.<br />
<br />
Build season opens with [[DEWBOT_VIII_Week_One_Build_Season_Photo_Gallery#Saturday_January_7.2C_2012|Kickoff]], where we learn the details of the new game, and runs for 45 days, at which time the robot is [[DEWBOT_VIII_Final_Daze_Build_Season_Photo_Gallery#Tuesday_February_21.2C_2012|sealed]] for competition. <br />
<br />
Click on the [[DEWBOT VIII Build]] link to learn more about the team's build season and to access the Build Season photo galleries.<br />
<br />
==Design Details==<br />
===Strategic Objectives===<br />
===[[DEWBOT VIII Drive Train | Drive Train]]===<br />
:The [[image:DB8_120215_csm-21.jpg|400px|right|thumb|Hybrid Drive-train]] key drive-train requirements for Rebound Rumble were:<br />
::* Ability to cross the mid-field line via either the Bridge or going over the Barrier (Need)<br />
::* The ability to drive in the wide orientation in order to fit three robots on a Bridge (Need)<br />
::* The ability to drive in the wide orientation to facilitate ball pick-up from the playing field (Need)<br />
::* Avoid blocking robots, especially between Key & Bridge (Desired)<br />
::* Ability to lock wheels on the Bridge to avoid rolling off when power is cut (Desired)<br />
<br />
:While not a specific strategic requirement, it was perceived that the ability to drive in the narrow orientation would make crossing over the Barrier safer & easier.<br />
<br />
:Furthermore, if pivot drive was used, it was decided that the shooter would be aimed my rotating the robot, rather than via a rotating turret (not applicable if tank drive was selected). The logic was that pivot driva enabled the entire robot to become a turret, so we should exploit this and avoid a redundant turret.<br />
<br />
:While not a strategic objective, it is understood that 1640's pivot drive provides extraordinary defensive performance is necessary.<br />
<br />
:To meet these needs, it was decided to design DEWBOT VIII with a '''Hybrid drive-train''' comprising (4) Pivot Modules for general mobility and (2) driven 8" Pneumatic Wheels specifically for crossing over the barrier. While driving on a flat surface, the Pneumatic Wheels are 5/8" off the field surface.<br />
<br />
:Through [[2011 Pivot Value Engineering | value engineering]], the Team made significant improvements to the Pivot drive design, reducing mass, cost and eliminating separate left and right modules.<br />
<br />
:Specific drive modes were developed for Rebound Rumble. These are:<br />
::# Fat Snake - Primary drive mode - snake drive with a wide chassis orientation. <br />
::# Skinny Snake - Used primarily for crossing the Barrier - Pneumatic wheels are automatically driven in the direction of travel.<br />
::# Aiming mode - Orients wheels on a circle and rotates chassis about center. For shooting and chassis reorientation. Unlike previous DEWBOTS, this mode remains on until specifically turned off.<br />
::# Crab mode - Primarily for evasion<br />
<br />
===Ball Collection & Lift===<br />
===Shooter===<br />
===Bridge Manipulation===<br />
===Control===<br />
===Field===<br />
<br />
==Design Process==<br />
<br />
==Events==<br />
<br />
===Move into 427 Creamery Way===<br />
:[[Image:WG_LOGO_3.gif|150px|right|link=http://www.waterloogardens.com]]On 13-August-2011, Downingtown Area Robotics moved into the warehouse at 427 Creamery Way, Exton. Waterloo Gardens is generously and graciously allowing the team to use this facility. Another great space for robotics, allowing a full-scale practice field. We are very grateful to Waterloo Gardens for the use of this building. Again, no sense of permanence. Our 7<sup>th</sup> home to-date.<br />
<br />
:All training is shifted immediatly to the new site. ''This is a fine place to build a robot!''<br />
<gallery widths=100 heights=100 perrow=6><br />
Image:DB8_Training_110817_csm-1.jpg|Siri Maley leading design class<br />
Image:DB8_Training_110817_csm-2.jpg|Clem McKown - Drive Train basics<br />
Image:DB8_Training_110831_csm-1.jpg|Douglas & Gary Deaver<br />
Image:DB8_Training_110907_csm-1.jpg|Ben Kellom leads SolidWorks Training<br />
Image:DB8_Training_110914_csm-1.jpg|Ian & Mike B driving<br />
Image:DB8_Training_110914_csm-2.jpg|Lucy & Ben Kellom working on SolidWorks<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
===Fall Project - [[Fall 2011 Robot Design Project | Robot design]]===<br />
:[[Image:DB7_Practice_Kickoff_110917_csm-1.jpg|300px|right|thumb|Team discussing ideas around field mock-up table during [[Team 1640 2011 Fall Practice Kickoff | Practice Kickoff]]]]Team 1640's Fall Project is the complete design of a robot for an old FRC game (outside the team's memory). We selected the 2003 game, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stack_Attack Stack Attack] for this exercise.<br />
<br />
:The Project started with a well-attended [[Team 1640 2011 Fall Practice Kickoff | Practice Kickoff]] on 17-September.<br />
<br />
===Fall Project - [[2011 Pivot Value Engineering | Pivot Drive Value Engineering]]===<br />
:The design of the 2011 Pivot Drive System will be reviewed with the intent of:<br />
::* Reducing mass<br />
::* Reducing cost<br />
::* Reducing mill time<br />
::* Improving reliability<br />
::* Improving performance<br />
<br />
===[[2011 Pancake Breakfast | Pancake Breakfast]]===<br />
:Our AppleBee's Pancake Breakfast on 16-October-2011 raised nearly $1,500 for the team.<br />
<br />
===Boeing Ridley Park Plant Tour - 5-November-2011===<br />
[[Image:Boeing.gif|200px|right|link=http://www.boeing.com/]][[Image:Team_1640_Boeing_gate.jpg|140px|left]]The team toured Boeing's Ridley Park helicopter plant, together with teams 341, 365 & 486. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-22_Osprey V-22 Osprey] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinook_helicopter CH-47 Chinook] assembly lines were visited, as well as Boeing's Wind Tunnel and Flight Simulation facilities.<br />
<br />
===STEM Academy & DEHS Robot Demonstrations - 18-Nov-2011===<br />
:Team Sab-BOT-age and recently retired [[DEWBOT VII]] demonstrated the benefits of FRC to Downingtown STEM Academy and East Students in back-to-back demos.<br />
<br />
===Win at [[DEWBOT VIII Hatsboro-Horsham | Hatboro-Horsham]] - 2 & 3-March-2012===<br />
:[[image:DB8_HH_120303_csm-34.jpg|350px|right|thumb|Alliance victory photograph]]Together with Alliance partners Teams 341 ([http://www.team341.com Miss Daisy], Alliance Captain) and 1218 ([http://www.team1218.org/ Vulcan Robotics]), Team 1640 won the [http://wwww.midatlanticrobotics.com/ Mid-Atlantic Robotics] (MAR) qualifier at Hatboro-Horsham Senior High School. Great work by the whole team and a great start to the 2012 competition season!<br />
<br />
===[[DEWBOT VIII Lenape | Lenape]] District Event - 24 & 25 March-2012===<br />
:Team 1640 played well at the Lenape competition, placing 11<sup>th</sup> in qualifications out of 38 teams. We were selected by the 5<sup>th</sup> alliance, but were eliminated in the quarterfinals.<br />
<br />
==Teams==<br />
:[[DEWBOT VIII Design Team Page | Design Team]]<br />
:[[DEWBOT VIII Integration Team Page | Integration Team]]<br />
:[[DEWBOT VIII Control Team Page | Control Team]]<br />
:[[DEWBOT VIII Drive-train Team Page | Drive-train Team]]<br />
:[[DEWBOT VIII Scoring Team Page | Scoring Team]]<br />
:[[DEWBOT VIII Bridge Team Page | Bridge Team]]<br />
:[[DEWBOT VIII Flex Team Page | Flex Team]]<br />
:[[DEWBOT VIII Media Team Page | Media Team]]<br />
<br />
== People ==<br />
Team Sab-BOT-age is what it is only due to the efforts of the people involved. DEWBOT VIII's success will be in the hands of the students, mentors and parents engaged. The team's very existence is possible only through the gracious generosity of our sponsors. <br />
;:[[DEWBOT VIII Students]]<br />
;:[[DEWBOT VIII Mentors]]<br />
;:[[Sponsors 2012]]<br />
== Chairman's Award ==<br />
The highest non-robot award is the Chairman's Award. You can read this years submission created by Kenneth at [[DEWBOT VIII Chairmans Award]].<br />
----<br />
See our other robots at [[FRC Team 1640]]<br />
[[Category:Robot]][[Category:DEWBOT VIII]]</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=Chairmans_Award_Creation&diff=13885
Chairmans Award Creation
2012-03-31T19:27:44Z
<p>Foster: </p>
<hr />
<div>2010 is the first year since 2005 that we submitted a Chairman's Award Essay and Video. In 2005, we presented our application at the Chesapeake Regional. In 2010, we applied at the [[DEWBOT VI Finger Lakes Regional | Finger Lakes Regional]].<br><br />
<br />
See our DEWBOT I (2005) submission [[DEWBOT I Chairman's Award | here]].<br><br />
See our DEWBOT VI (2010) submission [[DEWBOT VI Chairmans Award | here]].<br><br />
The DEWBOT VII (2011) process is here [[DEWBOT VII Chairmans Award]].<br><br />
The submission around DEWBOT VIII is here [[DEWBOT VIII Chairmans Award]].<br />
<br />
== Essay Helps ==<br />
There are a number of good ideas on Chief Delphi and a number of teams have published their winning submissions. <br />
<br />
== DVD help == <br />
<br />
http://www.pptmagic.com/articles/pptvideo.htm - how to go from power point to a video, lots of tips<br />
<br />
<br />
==Creating the Chairman's award 2011==<br />
We on the presentational team learned some very important facts of life while spending hours preparing before the regional.<br><br />
1) POPCORN makes the world go round. All hail POPCORN, the supreme ruler!<br><br />
2) The couches we sat on were very sinkable into, causing us to become lethargic.<br><br />
3) Cats that sleep upside down are the ultimate entertainment, better than TV.<br><br />
4) The Coca Cola company will one day rule the world, after popcorn of course.<br><br />
5) Always write on walls with sharpies, of course there just happens to be a piece of paper between the two.<br><br />
6) King sized sharpies are very potent, THEY WILL KNOCK YOU OUT!<br><br />
7) Having to look through website first leads to fixing mistakes, then causing mayhem.<br><br />
8) HIDE YOUR POPCORN AND CHIPS FROM THE CAT!!!!<br><br />
9) Use any excuse to get ice cream, including that is it the 119th Anniversary of the first documented ice cream sundae<br><br />
10) Making a presentation is work, making a presentation and then finding out you have to teach someone else to present it is a lot more work.</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=DEWBOT_VIII&diff=13884
DEWBOT VIII
2012-03-31T19:25:28Z
<p>Foster: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[image:DB8_120221_csm-1.jpg|450px|right|thumb|Team "ship night" photo]]DEWBOT VIII is Team 1640's answer to the challenge of FIRST's 2012 game, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_Rumble Rebound Rumble].<br />
<br />
No doubt about it, [[DEWBOT VII]] will be a very tough act to follow. Still, we've set our sights high and built the most complex robot ever for Team 1640. Let's hope this is reflected in performance.<br />
<br />
The 2012 build season was the team's first without Downingtown Area School District's (DASD) support. A bit lonely out here. The team is hopeful for a renewed school affiliation.<br />
<br />
Like last year, we are building two robots (''Prime'' and ''Deux'' again) and have a full-sized practice field. ''Deux'' lagged a bit.[[image:DB8_Lenepe_120324_csm-1.jpg|450px|right|thumb|DEWBOT VIII ''Prime'' at [[DEWBOT VIII Lenape|Lenape]]]]<br />
<br />
Accomplishments:<br />
:* WINNER at the [[DEWBOT VIII Hatsboro-Horsham | Hatboro Horsham]] [http://www.midatlanticrobotics MAR] District Regional Event<br />
<br />
==[[DEWBOT VIII Build]]==<br />
Thanks to the gracious generosity of [http://www.waterloogardens.com Waterloo Gardens], the Team had a wonderful space in which to build and test DEWBOT VIII. <br />
<br />
What can I say about build season? Too short; too long; too intense; too cold; too little sleep; too much work; and a great deal of fun and a keen sense of accomplishment. This is the very heart of the robotics year. The time we both live for and approach with a little dread.<br />
<br />
Build season opens with [[DEWBOT_VIII_Week_One_Build_Season_Photo_Gallery#Saturday_January_7.2C_2012|Kickoff]], where we learn the details of the new game, and runs for 45 days, at which time the robot is [[DEWBOT_VIII_Final_Daze_Build_Season_Photo_Gallery#Tuesday_February_21.2C_2012|sealed]] for competition. <br />
<br />
Click on the [[DEWBOT VIII Build]] link to learn more about the team's build season and to access the Build Season photo galleries.<br />
<br />
==Design Details==<br />
===Strategic Objectives===<br />
===[[DEWBOT VIII Drive Train | Drive Train]]===<br />
:The [[image:DB8_120215_csm-21.jpg|400px|right|thumb|Hybrid Drive-train]] key drive-train requirements for Rebound Rumble were:<br />
::* Ability to cross the mid-field line via either the Bridge or going over the Barrier (Need)<br />
::* The ability to drive in the wide orientation in order to fit three robots on a Bridge (Need)<br />
::* The ability to drive in the wide orientation to facilitate ball pick-up from the playing field (Need)<br />
::* Avoid blocking robots, especially between Key & Bridge (Desired)<br />
::* Ability to lock wheels on the Bridge to avoid rolling off when power is cut (Desired)<br />
<br />
:While not a specific strategic requirement, it was perceived that the ability to drive in the narrow orientation would make crossing over the Barrier safer & easier.<br />
<br />
:Furthermore, if pivot drive was used, it was decided that the shooter would be aimed my rotating the robot, rather than via a rotating turret (not applicable if tank drive was selected). The logic was that pivot driva enabled the entire robot to become a turret, so we should exploit this and avoid a redundant turret.<br />
<br />
:While not a strategic objective, it is understood that 1640's pivot drive provides extraordinary defensive performance is necessary.<br />
<br />
:To meet these needs, it was decided to design DEWBOT VIII with a '''Hybrid drive-train''' comprising (4) Pivot Modules for general mobility and (2) driven 8" Pneumatic Wheels specifically for crossing over the barrier. While driving on a flat surface, the Pneumatic Wheels are 5/8" off the field surface.<br />
<br />
:Through [[2011 Pivot Value Engineering | value engineering]], the Team made significant improvements to the Pivot drive design, reducing mass, cost and eliminating separate left and right modules.<br />
<br />
:Specific drive modes were developed for Rebound Rumble. These are:<br />
::# Fat Snake - Primary drive mode - snake drive with a wide chassis orientation. <br />
::# Skinny Snake - Used primarily for crossing the Barrier - Pneumatic wheels are automatically driven in the direction of travel.<br />
::# Aiming mode - Orients wheels on a circle and rotates chassis about center. For shooting and chassis reorientation. Unlike previous DEWBOTS, this mode remains on until specifically turned off.<br />
::# Crab mode - Primarily for evasion<br />
<br />
===Ball Collection & Lift===<br />
===Shooter===<br />
===Bridge Manipulation===<br />
===Control===<br />
===Field===<br />
<br />
==Design Process==<br />
<br />
==Events==<br />
<br />
===Move into 427 Creamery Way===<br />
:[[Image:WG_LOGO_3.gif|150px|right|link=http://www.waterloogardens.com]]On 13-August-2011, Downingtown Area Robotics moved into the warehouse at 427 Creamery Way, Exton. Waterloo Gardens is generously and graciously allowing the team to use this facility. Another great space for robotics, allowing a full-scale practice field. We are very grateful to Waterloo Gardens for the use of this building. Again, no sense of permanence. Our 7<sup>th</sup> home to-date.<br />
<br />
:All training is shifted immediatly to the new site. ''This is a fine place to build a robot!''<br />
<gallery widths=100 heights=100 perrow=6><br />
Image:DB8_Training_110817_csm-1.jpg|Siri Maley leading design class<br />
Image:DB8_Training_110817_csm-2.jpg|Clem McKown - Drive Train basics<br />
Image:DB8_Training_110831_csm-1.jpg|Douglas & Gary Deaver<br />
Image:DB8_Training_110907_csm-1.jpg|Ben Kellom leads SolidWorks Training<br />
Image:DB8_Training_110914_csm-1.jpg|Ian & Mike B driving<br />
Image:DB8_Training_110914_csm-2.jpg|Lucy & Ben Kellom working on SolidWorks<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
===Fall Project - [[Fall 2011 Robot Design Project | Robot design]]===<br />
:[[Image:DB7_Practice_Kickoff_110917_csm-1.jpg|300px|right|thumb|Team discussing ideas around field mock-up table during [[Team 1640 2011 Fall Practice Kickoff | Practice Kickoff]]]]Team 1640's Fall Project is the complete design of a robot for an old FRC game (outside the team's memory). We selected the 2003 game, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stack_Attack Stack Attack] for this exercise.<br />
<br />
:The Project started with a well-attended [[Team 1640 2011 Fall Practice Kickoff | Practice Kickoff]] on 17-September.<br />
<br />
===Fall Project - [[2011 Pivot Value Engineering | Pivot Drive Value Engineering]]===<br />
:The design of the 2011 Pivot Drive System will be reviewed with the intent of:<br />
::* Reducing mass<br />
::* Reducing cost<br />
::* Reducing mill time<br />
::* Improving reliability<br />
::* Improving performance<br />
<br />
===[[2011 Pancake Breakfast | Pancake Breakfast]]===<br />
:Our AppleBee's Pancake Breakfast on 16-October-2011 raised nearly $1,500 for the team.<br />
<br />
===Boeing Ridley Park Plant Tour - 5-November-2011===<br />
[[Image:Boeing.gif|200px|right|link=http://www.boeing.com/]][[Image:Team_1640_Boeing_gate.jpg|140px|left]]The team toured Boeing's Ridley Park helicopter plant, together with teams 341, 365 & 486. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-22_Osprey V-22 Osprey] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinook_helicopter CH-47 Chinook] assembly lines were visited, as well as Boeing's Wind Tunnel and Flight Simulation facilities.<br />
<br />
===STEM Academy & DEHS Robot Demonstrations - 18-Nov-2011===<br />
:Team Sab-BOT-age and recently retired [[DEWBOT VII]] demonstrated the benefits of FRC to Downingtown STEM Academy and East Students in back-to-back demos.<br />
<br />
===Win at [[DEWBOT VIII Hatsboro-Horsham | Hatboro-Horsham]] - 2 & 3-March-2012===<br />
:[[image:DB8_HH_120303_csm-34.jpg|350px|right|thumb|Alliance victory photograph]]Together with Alliance partners Teams 341 ([http://www.team341.com Miss Daisy], Alliance Captain) and 1218 ([http://www.team1218.org/ Vulcan Robotics]), Team 1640 won the [http://wwww.midatlanticrobotics.com/ Mid-Atlantic Robotics] (MAR) qualifier at Hatboro-Horsham Senior High School. Great work by the whole team and a great start to the 2012 competition season!<br />
<br />
===[[DEWBOT VIII Lenape | Lenape]] District Event - 24 & 25 March-2012===<br />
:Team 1640 played well at the Lenape competition, placing 11<sup>th</sup> in qualifications out of 38 teams. We were selected by the 5<sup>th</sup> alliance, but were eliminated in the quarterfinals.<br />
<br />
==Teams==<br />
:[[DEWBOT VIII Design Team Page | Design Team]]<br />
:[[DEWBOT VIII Integration Team Page | Integration Team]]<br />
:[[DEWBOT VIII Control Team Page | Control Team]]<br />
:[[DEWBOT VIII Drive-train Team Page | Drive-train Team]]<br />
:[[DEWBOT VIII Scoring Team Page | Scoring Team]]<br />
:[[DEWBOT VIII Bridge Team Page | Bridge Team]]<br />
:[[DEWBOT VIII Flex Team Page | Flex Team]]<br />
:[[DEWBOT VIII Media Team Page | Media Team]]<br />
<br />
== People ==<br />
Team Sab-BOT-age is what it is only due to the efforts of the people involved. DEWBOT VIII's success will be in the hands of the students, mentors and parents engaged. The team's very existence is possible only through the gracious generosity of our sponsors. <br />
;:[[DEWBOT VIII Students]]<br />
;:[[DEWBOT VIII Mentors]]<br />
;:[[Sponsors 2012]]<br />
== Chairman's Award ==<br />
The highest non-robot award is the Chairman's Award. You can read this years submission created by Kenneth at [DEWBOT VIII Chairmans Award].<br />
----<br />
See our other robots at [[FRC Team 1640]]<br />
[[Category:Robot]][[Category:DEWBOT VIII]]</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=DEWBOT_VIII_Chairmans_Award&diff=13883
DEWBOT VIII Chairmans Award
2012-03-31T19:18:59Z
<p>Foster: Created page with '== The FIRST Chairman's Award == FIRST writes about the award :"The FIRST Robotics Competition is about much more than the mechanics of building a robot or winning a competitive...'</p>
<hr />
<div>== The FIRST Chairman's Award ==<br />
FIRST writes about the award <br />
:"The FIRST Robotics Competition is about much more than the mechanics of building a robot or winning a competitive event. It is about the partnership among people who are part of the FIRST community and the impact on those who participate in FIRST programs with a united goal of achieving FIRST’s mission. The FIRST mission is to change the way young people regard science and technology and to inspire an appreciation for the real-life rewards and career opportunities in these fields."<br />
<br />
:"The Chairman’s Award was created to keep the focus of the FIRST Robotics Competition on our ultimate goal to transform the culture in ways that will inspire greater levels of respect and honor for science and technology, as well as encourage more of today’s youth to become scientists, engineers, and technologists."<br />
<br />
:"The Chairman’s Award represents the spirit of FIRST. It honors the team that, in the judges’ estimation, best represents a model for other teams to emulate, and which embodies the goals and purpose of FIRST. It remains FIRST’s most prestigious award."<br />
<br />
''(Note, submissions are limited to 10,000 characters in the submission. That is why you'll find numbers as digits, not words, we try to cram as much robotic goodness into our limited space. Likewise with the Summary Answers, space is very limited. So put down your red marking pen!) ''<br />
<br />
Also see our [[Chairmans Award Creation | general Chairman's Award page]], and compare this year eight-year submission to first year [[DEWBOT I | DEWBOT I]].<br />
<br />
== 2012 Award Summary ==<br />
''Briefly describe the impact of the FIRST program on team participants with special emphasis on the 2011/2012 year and the preceding two years'' <br />
<br />
Several students were accepted by colleges for higher programs due their experience with FIRST. A student, initially rejected from Penn State’s Honors, was later accepted after discussing her involvement with FRC. In addition, many students applied their knowledge with FIRST in their research in college. An autistic student first joined Team 1640 as a programmer. Over time, the programmer learned to communicate his ideas effectively, as well as lead the software development team as a senior. <br />
<br />
''Examples of role model characteristics for other teams to emulate'' <br />
Team 1640 strives for excellence in providing STEM education and open sourcing novel ideas for the benefit of society. The Pivot Drive Train, pioneered by students and mentors, found success not only in competition, but also in education. By releasing documentation, students from an Ohio High School were able to utilize the information in their physics class. Team 1640’s open source efforts allowed further improvements through open forum discussions that supports the ideal of Coopertition. <br />
<br />
''Describe the impact of the FIRST program on your team and community with special emphasis on the 2011/2012 year and the preceding two years'' <br />
Six members were privileged to serve on the committee for the construction of a STEM Academy. The new STEM Academy features a robotics class thanks to support from FIRST members. The STEM Academy fosters the philosophy of collaborative pedagogy and hands on learning, both tenets of FIRST’s mission. Before, students interested in STEM simply learned but did not experience. Now, with the establishment of STEM and Team 1640’s initiative to promote STEM education for all, aspiring students rejoice.<br />
<br />
''Team's innovative methods to spread the FIRST message'' <br />
Team 1640 collaborates with schools and local municipalities to spread FIRST’s philosophy. The district participates in a monthly radio show that broadcasts all over the county. Team 1640 had the privilege of sharing recent activities twice. Furthermore, Team 1640 attends community events to spark interest in kids about FIRST and STEM. Team 1640 excited visitors at the Franklin Institute. Team 1640 also attended a science fair to spread the ideals of gracious professionalism and teamwork. <br />
<br />
''Describe the strength of your partnership with special emphasis on the 2011/2012 year and the preceding two years'' <br />
Growth in the partnership between Team 1640 and businesses, schools, and the neighborhood help support STEM education. The school district continues to sponsor robotics through promotion. Boeing, a key sponsor, provided the team with funds as well as opportunities to share the products of hard work at seminars and symposiums. Through Bentley, Team 1640 presented our robot and program at FIATECH’s (a technology panel) annual meeting, emphasizing the importance of business, education, and STEM. <br />
<br />
''Team's communication methods and results''<br />
Team 1640 is known for its information and media rich website. Educators all over the world access the information. In addition, Team 1640 leverages the vast social networks to bring in experienced scientists and technicians. Team 1640 actively participates at Chief Delphi and markets itself through the eye catching blue and yellow tshirts as well as the large screw driver, a replica of our mascot. Statistics show that the messages has been spread: a net gain of over 70 students and mentors. <br />
<br />
''Other matters of interest to the FIRST judges, if any'' <br />
Nietzsche once said, “Whatever doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”. Team 1640 started as a humble team of handful students who loved their work. The team was forced to move many times. Yet, Team 1640 looked forward and found temporary spots to continue on. The team expanded beyond one high school to many school districts. Now, Team 1640 draws students from the entire county. Despite lesser resources and lack of funds, the FIRST mission persists. <br />
We don’t give up, we just get stronger.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
== 2012 Chairmans Award Essay ==<br />
No one expected a student-managed club to spearhead an educational revolution – one of science and technology. No one expected the student minority to preach the gospel of a great scientific awakening that would spur the rise of STEM initiatives across the region. The significance of a robotics team can be, at times, undermined by economic and political problems; but the story, which generations will continue to pass down, is legendary. Team 1640 was the shift to the paradigm. <br />
<br />
The last two years marked key milestones in Team 1640’s history. First, the team produced a vital creation through an innovative engineering cycle and robust documentation that would help solidify Team 1640’s role as a leading open source force. Second, team members participated in the construction of a new local high school based on the principles of STEM and collaboration. Finally, Team 1640 also presented at various seminars and symposiums to spread the robotics and FIRST message. Throughout the process, STEM education was a key facet of the message spread. However, Team 1640 also wanted to uphold the philosophies of FIRST – gracious professionalism and coopertition. Students and mentors shared their experiences and instilled FIRST mission along the way. For 1640, science and technology education is the body that does the work, FIRST’s philosophy is the soul that breathes life into it. Without one another, the message would fall apart and the process would be meaningless. But together, Team 1640 strives to increase interest in STEM and open doors for many.<br />
<br />
Through the FIRST program, Team 1640 unlocked the doors of opportunity for many alumnis. Penn State is a dream school for many, but there are those who strive for acceptance at the prestigious Stryer’s Honors College within Penn State. The requirements are strict and the acceptance rate is low. Students make then separate themselves from their cohorts and demonstrate their factors that make them unique. FIRST was, and still is, a factor that drew the difference. FIRST was the factor that propelled Siri into the prestigious Honors College. She was accept to Penn State but couldn’t enter the Honors College; however, when Siri told the acceptance officer about her experience with FRC, Penn State accepted her. Siri was captain of the robotics team and sought to get more girls interested in STEM fields. She’s commitment to robotics brought her back year after year as an alumni mentor. At Styer’s Honor, Siri traveled to Africa as part of an exchange program. And FIRST was the factor that got her in. <br />
<br />
Another student, Ben, started out as an anti-social programmer. Ben was autistic and had trouble communicating his ideas with fellow programmers. His irritability at times caused conflict between members who did not understand the internal problems Ben faced. One year later, Ben would overcome his problems and stand out as the head programmer who led his subteam towards victory. He learned to socialize with other members and students. By teaching new programmers how to program, Ben gained experience in mentoring as well as patience. On competition day, Ben learned to manage the stress load and worked with the programming team to resolve code bugs promptly. He developed his leadership as effectively as he developed his code. Through robotics, Ben became interested in RIT and applied there. He was accepted. <br />
<br />
Knowing the benefits of FIRST, Team 1640 realized that education was the best method to spread FIRST’s initiatives. At the time, the school district researched and considered building a third high school, one based on STEM. The school district sought for local scientists, engineers, and educators with a background in STEM to help ensure the new style of education would meet the future’s demands. Team 1640 had seven members apply to the committee and all were accepted. Most interestingly, two of the members were students. DASD formed a committee of teachers, administrators, businesses, residents, politicians, and students to discuss the development of the school. Team 1640 encouraged a robotics program at the school and promoted the Engineering by Design program. In addition, Team 1640 encouraged closer integration of education and the robotics program. To ensure students were truly prepared, Team 1640 supported implementing an International Baccalaureate program with STEM because future students needed communication and world knowledge to penetrate the future world market. The new STEM Academy incorporated the philosophy of FIRST: teamwork, mentorship, collaboration, and professionalism. Unlike the traditional way of teaching, students at the STEM Academy worked together to solve a common problem, similar to FRC. Juniors and seniors could apply for internships where through mentorship will gain hand-on experience. The guidance and career center department listed STEM opportunities such as jobs, college visits, and more. When STEM was off the ground, the connection between education and robotics has never been greater.<br />
<br />
Team 1640 is well known for many things: that giant screwdriver, a photo-filled wiki with more documentation than most companies, and an innovative Pivot Drive system. What makes Team 1640 a role model, however, is not materialistic, on paper, or even tangible. Rather, it is a remarkable methodology developed and remastered over the years to continuously innovate and create. It is a methodology that upholds the ideals of gracious professionalism, mixed with the ideals of democracy and fueled by the open-source platform. The radical Pivot Drive came from years of testing, input, design, and construction from many people. And when Team 1640 made a breakthrough with the Drive, Team 1640 continued to innovative and improve. Knowing well that others may have ideas, Team 1640 published documentation for the system online. Schools around the world have used the documentation to teach students about design and robotics. Forums on the public net have talked about ways to make the Pivot better and more reliable. Team 1640 embodies the idea that great things come from collaboration and open knowledge. It provides opportunities for students to interact and put their minds to work. It builds leadership and communication skills that stay with students for life. <br />
<br />
Not only does the FIRST philosophy spread, it is incorporated through the various activities of the club. Because of the deep integration, the message sticks and continues to spread. People start to notice the uniqueness of Team 1640 and sponsors love to invite the team for public presentations.<br />
<br />
Bentley Systems invited Team 1640 to the prestigious FIATECH conference in Philadelphia to share the latest creations as well as explain the concept of FIRST. The audience was intrigued and astonished that most schools did not share the same style of pedagogy and mission. They were thrilled that the robotics program existed to help many students succeed. Team 1640 also attended the science fair at the Franklin Institute, where the team presented to families and young children. In addition, Team 1640 excited the elementary students of Sugartown Academy. Team 1640’s presence expanded from a single high school in one school district to many high schools in many school districts. Throughout the expansion, the message of FIRST continued to seep into new territories. The team helped spark several FTC and FLL teams around the region and hosted many robotics events. <br />
<br />
As Nietzsche once said, “Whatever doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”. Team 1640 started as a humble team of handful students who loved their work. The district, through poor judgment, kicked the team out at times in the economic depression. However, the school respected the FIRST philosophy to the point of incorporating parts into the STEM Academy’s mission. Team 1640 looked forward and found temporary spots to continue on, knowing that the message must be spread. Future generations will need a productive workforce of scientists and engineers to solve the problems they will face. The team realized the importance of education and breathing life into it through collaboration. The team expanded beyond one high school into two high schools, and then one district to many districts. Schools around the world study the open source documentation on the website and perpetuate the idea of gracious professionalism. Businesses love the work of the robotics team and help encourage others to adopt the powerful mission of FIRST. They work closely with the team to inspire. There may be a larger family, lesser resources, lack of funds, and lack of a home. At times, the shop may get ice cold with little heating available. The team may have to move twice in a year. Still, the FIRST mission persists. <br />
We don’t give up, we just get stronger.</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=Downingtown_Area_Robotics&diff=13203
Downingtown Area Robotics
2012-02-03T02:26:02Z
<p>Foster: </p>
<hr />
<div>{|border="4" style="background-color:#e7e7ff;" cellpadding="10"<br />
|Team members: Please look at the '''[[Team Announcement]]''' page to find the latest on the schedule, events, etc. Remember to read about '''[[ DEW_Robotics:Current_events | Current Events]]''' coming your way, and the '''[[News]]''' of what we've done!<br />
<br />
<br><br />
This is Phil to remind team Sab-bot-age that there is only 20 days of build season left and that the 18 VEX teams only have 31 more days (in 4 events) to secure their berth to Worlds. Time to work hard, winter is wasting away<br />
<br />
[[Image:Phil_2012.jpg]]<br />
Phil is on the left, with an unknown male groupie.<br />
<br />
<br><br />
'''We have moved OUT of the [[Downingtown Robotics Center]] and are temporarily meeting at 427 Creamery Way, Exton, PA.''' If you know of space we could use please contact any of the [[Mentors]] or email us at DEWBOTROBOT at yahoo dot com. [[Special_Steering_Committee_for_Leaving_DRC_2011-3-11 | This page has details about the space we need]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br><br />
<br />
{|<br />
|__TOC__<br />
|<br />
{|<br />
| [[Image:DB7_Team_photo_110221_csm.jpg|315px|alt=Team photo at Finger Lakes Regional]]|[[Image:DB5_Murphy_2_panels_090216_csm.jpg|319px|alt=Shipping panels]]<br />
|}<br />
|}<br />
==Who we are ==<br />
'''Downingtown Area Robotics''' in Downingtown Pennsylvania, is a group of Students, Mentors and Sponsors, that knows it's important to get students interested in '''STEM''' ('''S'''cience, '''T'''echnology, '''E'''ngineering and '''M'''athematics) based careers. We do this through competition robotics. Our robots work in teams of two or three, working together as team on a common goal (not the robots that try to destroy each other.)<br />
<br />
Driving the robots in Competitions is a small part of what we do. From the beginning we teach each roboteer valuable life skills like communications, planning, getting a group consensus, cooperation and negotiations. We also bring to life STEM skills in areas of electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, programming by planning, designing, building (and sometimes rebuilding), testing and driving our robots.<br />
<br />
Contact us at DEWBOTROBOT at Yahoo dot com for more information.<br />
<br />
==Competitions==<br />
We build robots for three different competitions, [[FIRST Robotics Competition]] the [[VEX Robot Challenge]] and the [[FIRST Lego League]]. <br />
<br />
[[Image:FRC logo.jpg|150px|right|alt="FRC Logo"|link=http://usfirst.org]]<br />
:FIRST Robotics Competition robots are large (120 lb) and complex. A new robot is designed and built each year in 6 weeks using diverse materials and methods to meet the unique challenges of the year’s competition. A commercial industrial controller controls the robot. The team must brainstorm, prototype, design, procure materials, build, program and test the robot within a very limited time and financial horizon. Robots are fully designed in CAD prior to building. Mathematical models are created and used as design aids. A bill-of-materials is generated and utilized to manage procurement, cost and weight (the latter two are constrained) in real time. This is a real engineering project! Building methods utilize a range of power tools (mill, lathe, band saws, drill presses,...), MIG welding, polycarbonate vacuum forming and composite materials. New materials and methods are added each year. Students benefit from mentors' experience in a wide range of technical disciplines. <br />
<br />
::'''Team 1640 competed''' at the [[DEWBOT VII Finger Lakes Regional | Finger Lakes (RIT, Rochester NY 3-5 March-2011)]] and [[DEWBOT VII Philadelphia Regional |Philadelphia (Temple University, Philadelphia PA 7-9 Apr-2011)]] Regional Competitions, '''''winning the latter as alliance captain'''''. The team has received a number of awards highlighting their demonstrated engineering & innovation skills including the [[DEWBOT V's Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award (Chesapeake Regional) | Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award]] at Chesapeak in 2009, the [[DEWBOT VI Creativity Award sponsored by Xerox (Philadelphia Regional) | Xerox Creativity (Philadelphia)]] and (BR)<sup>2</sup> Engineering Excellence Awards in 2010 and the [[DEWBOT VII - Philadelphia - Rockwell Automation's Innovation in Control Award | Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award]] at Philadelphia in 2011. This year, for the first time, Team 1640 attended the [[DEWBOT VII FRC Championship | FRC Championship]] at St. Louis on 27-30 April-2011.<br />
<br />
<br><br />
[[Image:VEX logo.jpg|right|alt="VEX Logo"|link=http://www.vexrobotics.com/]]<br />
:[[VEX Robots]] must fit into an 18" cube and do not have a weight limit. Parts may only be purchased from [http://vexlabs.com VEX], but they can be cut and shaped any way provided there are no sharp edges. Parts may only be bolted together, no assembly with glue or tape is allowed. There is a limit of ten motors and/or servos. The robot is powered by a single 7.2 volt battery.<br />
<br />
::We have 15 teams that participate in the [[VEX Robot Challenge]]. In 2010 [[VRC_Team_80 | Team 80 - Pegasus]] along with [[VRC_Team_81|Team 81 Longshot]] went to the VEX World Championships. Two of our mentors, Foster Schucker and Steve Rhoads were awarded Mentor of the Year.<br />
<br />
::Our regular season is from September to May, but we do summer activities. Starting in fall of 2010 we compete under the name [[VEX-MEN]] (yes, a play on X-Men).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Image:FLL logo.jpg|150px|right|alt="FLL Logo"|link=http://usfirst.org]]<br />
:[[FIRST Lego League]] are smaller robots that are made out of Lego parts. Teams build robots to perform autonomous missions. These missions may require the robot to do one or more steps. This is a very exiting robot competition allowing students to bring special skills to the competition table.<br />
<br />
::The 2009/2010 FLL competition season is over, but watch this space, we are planning a spring session to do a different set of missions. See us at the May 3 Science Fair<br />
<br><br />
<br />
==Teams==<br />
There are a number of teams that make up Downingtown Area Robotics(FRC, VRC and FLL):<br />
<br />
;:[[FIRST Robotics Competition]] -- [[FRC Team 1640]], Team [[Sab-BOT-age]] - Every year we build a new robot, they are all called DEWBOT (from Downingtown East and West roBOT) and are numbered. The 2011 robot is called DEWBOT VII. Start with the [[DEWBOT VII | overview of DEWBOT VII]] to get an idea about this years game ''Logomotion'' and our robot.<br />
<br />
[[image:Downingtown_Area_Robotics_100317_csm.jpg|400px|right|thumb|Downingtown Area Robotics (FRC & Vex)]]<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 80]] -- our "All girl team" for 2009-2010<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 81]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 82]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 84]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 89]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 90]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 92]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 96]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 98]]<br />
<br />
;:[[VEX Robot Challenge]] -- [[VRC Team 1640]]<br />
<br />
<br />
;: [[FIRST Lego League]] -- [[FIRST Lego League 2009]] Teams 2028 & 7230<br />
<br />
==Meeting Information==<br />
Team Sab-BOT-age, the FRC team and the VRC teams meet year round. Below is the latest information on their meeting times and places.<br />
<br />
'''FRC Team 2011 Season''' -- [[DEWBOT VII]] - Please look at the [[FRC 2011 Calendar]] to see all the work nights in the build season. Team members should also check the [[Team Announcement]] page for the latest updates. Click here for the [[DEWBOT_VII_Build | DEWBOT VII Build Season]] daily activity!<br />
<br />
'''VEX 2010-11 Season''' -- Wednesday 6:30-8:30 [[Downingtown Educational Center]]. Our 2010-11 season playing [[Round Up | Round Up (info and schedule)]] has started.<br />
<br />
:We have started an "All-Girl" VEX Team 80 - Pegasus, come join them<br />
<br />
'''FIRST Lego League''' -- The season for our [[FIRST Lego League 2009 | FIRST Lego League team]] is over. Watch for news of our spring missions. <br />
<br />
'''Come to one of our team meetings''' or contact us: Dewbotrobot at Yahoo dot com<br />
<br />
== Other committee meetings ==<br />
The [[Steering Committee]] meets on the last Friday of the month at 6:15PM With build season going on and there being a large number of the Steering Committee at the build sessions, there are no formal meeting until the last Friday in April. If you have an item for the Steering Team contact them at the build session.<br />
<br />
== People ==<br />
[[Image:Namewordle.jpg|300px|right|alt="People Names""|link=:Category:Students]]<br />
'''Thank you very much to all of our [[Sponsor | sponsors]]!'''<br />
<br />
'''We would like to express our appreciation to all of our [[Mentors]] that work with the roboteers on a day to day basis.'''<br />
<br />
Each [[:Category:Students | student]] that worked on a robot is listed with that[[:Category:Robot | robot]]. Across the years we have graduated some very impressive students, you may be or soon will be working for our [[Alumni]].<br />
<br />
And a final thank you to all the [[parents]] that help us out.<br />
<br />
==[[Engineering]]==<br />
<br />
We do a lot of engineering. There are a lot of details and information that go into making a robot right. For example if you are going to drill a hole for an 8-32 screw you use a #16 drill, but if you want to tap the hole (thread it) you use a #29 drill. Most of us can't remember all that, so we've created a series of pages that holds all that information.<br />
<br />
Click here for [[Engineering]] references and links.<br />
<br />
== Safety ==<br />
We are very safety oriented, we have a safety captain to monitor all aspects of our build process. <br />
<br />
All of our middle school students are trained on hand tools before they are allowed to use them. They use hacksaws and files while wearing safety glasses. Middle schoolers are supervised by either a mentor or one of our senior FRC students while they cut and form metal parts.<br />
<br />
All of our high school students are trained on the power tool before they use it. Safety eyeware is worn at all times in the shop. First year FRC roboteers may only use power tools under the supervision of a mentor or one of our senior FRC students.<br />
<br />
We hold regular safety meetings to reinforce our safety policy.<br />
== Website Info ==<br />
As of 1 May 2011 there were over 330 pages of content, 3500 pictures (with captions and 310 documents that describe our robots. If you have problems finding a specific page, try the search box at the left. <br />
<br />
In August 2010 there were over 280 pages of content, 2500 pictures (with captions) and 280 documents. You can see how much the site has grown! <br />
<br />
We often get the question, ''Why a Wiki?'' and the answer is '''collaboration!''' All of the members of Downingtown Area Robotics can update the site. This allows each individual group (like the mechanical or programming teams) to keep information current. While other websites have sizzle, we think its more important to have lots of relevant content. For example all the details of our award winning [[4-Wheel_Pivot_Drive | Pivot Drive]] are online, from the first early prototypes to the most current drawings. <br />
<br />
If you have other questions or comments please contact us at DEWBOTROBOT at yahoo dot com.<br />
<br />
The Downingtown Area Robotics website is made with valid [http://validator.w3.org/check/referer XHTML] and [http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator CSS] and complies with <br />
[http://www.contentquality.com/mynewtester/cynthia.exe?Url1=http://www.team1640.com Section 508 accessibility guidelines.] This site is powered by [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/MediaWiki MediaWiki], the same software that powers [http://www.wikipedia.org/ Wikipedia].</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=File:Phil_2012.jpg&diff=13202
File:Phil 2012.jpg
2012-02-03T02:20:27Z
<p>Foster: Phil (on the left) predicting 20 more days of build season</p>
<hr />
<div>Phil (on the left) predicting 20 more days of build season</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=DEWBOT_VIII_Build&diff=12777
DEWBOT VIII Build
2012-01-08T22:36:58Z
<p>Foster: /* Kickoff */</p>
<hr />
<div>Build season is the heart of the FRC year. It is the 45 days during which the team's students and mentors put their hearts, minds and hands into designing and building a great robot. Paradoxically, the time seems both far too short and much too long. <br />
<br />
This page contains a day by day breakdown of what we did. Dates hyper-links go to the corresponding photo gallery.<br />
<br />
===[[DEWBOT_VIII_Week_One_Build_Season_Photo_Gallery#Saturday_January_7.2C_2012|Kickoff]]===<br />
:*On Saturday, January 7<sup>th</sup>, team 1640 students, parents and mentors drove to Upper Darby High School on to watch the events from Dean Kamen’s home in New Hampshire, see the objectives of the 2012 game revealed, examine a mock-up of this year’s play pieces up close, and pick up our kit of parts.<br />
:*We attended seminars immediately following the Rebound Rumble Kickoff.<br />
:*The Team returned to Creamery Way following Kickoff for a read-through of Rebound Rumble's rules.<br />
:*Set up the field and ran Student-bot simulations<br />
<br />
===Week One (1/8-1/14)===<br />
[[DEWBOT_VIII_Week_One_Build_Season_Photo_Gallery#Sunday_January_8.2C_2012|'''Sunday 8-January''']] - '''Brainstorming'''<br />
<br />
;[[DEWBOT VIII Week One Build Season Photo Gallery]]</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=MediaWiki:Sidebar&diff=12776
MediaWiki:Sidebar
2012-01-08T22:35:46Z
<p>Foster: </p>
<hr />
<div>* navigation<br />
** Downingtown Area Robotics|Main Page<br />
** News|News (past events)<br />
** currentevents-url|currentevents<br />
** Sponsor|Sponsor Info<br />
** :Category:Photo_Galleries | Photo Galleries<br />
** Special:RecentChanges|Recent changes<br />
** DEW_Robotics:Help|Site Map & Help<br />
*2011-12 Season<br />
** FRC_2011_Calendar|FRC Calendar<br />
** DEWBOT_VIII | DEWBOT VIII Rebound Rumble!<br />
** Gateway | VEXMEN - Gateway!<br />
** VEX_2011_2012_Calendar | VEX Calendar<br />
*Robots<br />
** FRC_Team_1640 |FRC Team 1640<br />
** VEX_Robot_Challenge|VEX Robot Challenge<br />
** Downingtown_Robotics_Center|Robotics Center<br />
** Engineering|Engineering<br />
* SEARCH<br />
* TOOLBOX<br />
** Special:MultipleUpload|multiupload-toolbox ("Upload multiple files")<br />
* LANGUAGES</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=MediaWiki:Sidebar&diff=12727
MediaWiki:Sidebar
2012-01-01T23:42:36Z
<p>Foster: </p>
<hr />
<div>* navigation<br />
** Downingtown Area Robotics|Main Page<br />
** News|News (past events)<br />
** currentevents-url|currentevents<br />
** Sponsor|Sponsor Info<br />
** :Category:Photo_Galleries | Photo Galleries<br />
** Special:RecentChanges|Recent changes<br />
** DEW_Robotics:Help|Site Map & Help<br />
*2011-12 Season<br />
** FRC_2011_Calendar|FRC Calendar<br />
** DEWBOT_VIII | DEWBOT VIII Aquaventure!<br />
** Gateway | VEXMEN - Gateway!<br />
** VEX_2011_2012_Calendar | VEX Calendar<br />
*Robots<br />
** FRC_Team_1640 |FRC Team 1640<br />
** VEX_Robot_Challenge|VEX Robot Challenge<br />
** Downingtown_Robotics_Center|Robotics Center<br />
** Engineering|Engineering<br />
* SEARCH<br />
* TOOLBOX<br />
** Special:MultipleUpload|multiupload-toolbox ("Upload multiple files")<br />
* LANGUAGES</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=MediaWiki:Sidebar&diff=12726
MediaWiki:Sidebar
2012-01-01T23:42:10Z
<p>Foster: </p>
<hr />
<div>* navigation<br />
** Downingtown Area Robotics|Main Page<br />
** News|News (past events)<br />
** currentevents-url|currentevents<br />
** Sponsor|Sponsor Info<br />
** :Category:Photo_Galleries | Photo Galleries<br />
** Special:RecentChanges|Recent changes<br />
** DEW_Robotics:Help|Site Map & Help<br />
*2011-12 Season<br />
** FRC_2011_Calendar|FRC Calendar<br />
** DEWBOT_VIII | DEWBOT VII Aquaventure!<br />
** Gateway | VEXMEN - Gateway!<br />
** VEX_2011_2012_Calendar | VEX Calendar<br />
*Robots<br />
** FRC_Team_1640 |FRC Team 1640<br />
** VEX_Robot_Challenge|VEX Robot Challenge<br />
** Downingtown_Robotics_Center|Robotics Center<br />
** Engineering|Engineering<br />
* SEARCH<br />
* TOOLBOX<br />
** Special:MultipleUpload|multiupload-toolbox ("Upload multiple files")<br />
* LANGUAGES</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=Steering_Committee_2011-11-17&diff=12485
Steering Committee 2011-11-17
2011-11-18T02:21:54Z
<p>Foster: </p>
<hr />
<div>17-November-2011 - 6:15 - 8:00 pm - Creamery Way warehouse<br><br><br />
<br />
Attendance: C. McKown, F. McKown, F. Schucker, S. Featherman, G. Deaver, M. Rizzo, S. Maley (notes)<br />
<br><br><br />
Last Minutes approved<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
*Can’t buy originals anymore<br />
*Will buy 1 case of TNGs<br />
<br />
Space<br />
*Creamery still up in the air<br />
*If current contract falls through (likely but not certain), we’ll likely be here<br />
*Only have the 30 days officially<br />
<br />
Moving<br />
*Get stuff out of Ben’s warehouse<br />
*Clem talking with Fiore on Friday 18 Nov 2011<br />
*STEM is aware of build season deadline<br />
*CCIU will not have space until summer<br />
*Julie’s letter is out, but no response yet (not expected at this point)<br />
*Very early possibility of space from Sikorsky via Rita<br />
*Clem writing letter to the editor<br />
<br />
<br />
FLL<br />
*5-6 at Springton Manner<br />
*~40 total<br />
<br />
<br />
FRC Schedule<br />
*2 demos (STEM & East) 18 Nov 11<br />
*2 regular meetings left<br />
*14 Dec: Parent + Student meeting, then Mentor meeting<br />
<br />
FRC Non-Technical Projects<br />
*Award preparation: behind in safety video (low focus), Dean’s List in the works, Chairman’s behind, WFA needs some work<br />
*Media meeting plan: need to encourage full concept (mentors conflict of interest)<br />
*We need more diverse recruiting – via students<br />
*Let’s not waste time or force students – let the kids do what they’re interested in (find out)<br />
*Chairman’s is currently dead for the year – may be revived by someone passionate<br />
*Same for animation, possibly revived for second video<br />
<br />
<br />
VEX Schedule<br />
*Event 10 Dec<br />
*Last meeting 14 Dec<br />
*Scrimmage @ PSU Abington on 3 Dec – need judges mentors of veteran FRC students<br />
*Need to plan trip to Disney: 1 “team” pre-qualified<br />
*Late start progress: 5 drive + manipulator runningish, 7 almost working drives + planned manipulators, 4 behind<br />
*FLL also running behind – all due to space issues. Need to start Labor Day Tuesday.</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=Steering_Committee_2011-11-17&diff=12478
Steering Committee 2011-11-17
2011-11-17T19:35:48Z
<p>Foster: /* Agenda */</p>
<hr />
<div>17-November-2011 - 6:00 - 8:00 pm - Creamery Way warehouse<br />
<br />
==Agenda==<br />
<br />
:1 Review of [[Steering Committee 2011-10-20 | October]] Meeting Minutes<br />
:2 Financial Reports<br />
::* FRC<br />
:::* Light Bulb Results<br />
:::* Sponsorship Update<br />
::* VEX<br />
:::* Sponsors<br />
:3 Website Problems<br />
:4 Space Update<br />
::* Availability of 427 Creamery Way<br />
::* STEM Academy<br />
::* CCIU<br />
::* Other Options?<br />
:5 FRC Schedule<br />
::* Demos, Year-end meetings & Kick-off<br />
::* Award Preparations<br />
::* Media Plans<br />
::* Fund Raising<br />
:6 VEX Schedule<br />
::* Haverford on 19 November<br />
::* PennState Abington on 3 December- need judges for robot construction and design - FRC?<br />
::* Chichester on 10 December<br />
::* Need to start planning for trip to Disney / Worlds - one team is already eligible<br />
:7 FLL Schedule<br />
::* First event (Oxford?) on 19 November<br />
<br />
----<br />
[[Category:Steering Committee]]</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=Girls_In_Gear&diff=12401
Girls In Gear
2011-11-14T11:03:46Z
<p>Foster: /* November 12, 2011 */</p>
<hr />
<div>Girls in Gear is a Girl Scout program to introduce scouts to engineering. In our area Team 341 is one of the big supporters. <br />
<br />
== November 12, 2011 ==<br />
Team 341 held the fourth annual Girls in Gear©, a Girl Scout STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education program, at Ramp Riot. There were six stations set up at Girls in Gear©, including FRC robot driving, FRC robot parts, observing the FRC and FTC competitions, a hands on driving demonstration by the VEXMEN and STEMRobotics, and an area where girls had the chance to talk to women in STEM careers.<br />
<br />
The driving demonstration had four robots moving small soccer balls into scoring zones by the Girl Scout drivers. Each driver got to participate in the 4 minute matches on the 8' x 8' field. Most of the scouts were Daisy's (K-3) they drove with the skill and intensity of the bigger FRC drivers.<br />
<br />
Our second station was a look at different drive trains, and the scouts got to drive a very cool X shaped omni drive, and a legged walking robot. <br />
<br />
The final station was a demo of a robotic head "Gir" from the cartoon Invader Zim. The head has multicolor eyes that change with what Gir says. Clips from the show were recorded and put on a storage card. The entire setup is driven by a small microprocessor, similar to what is used in the VEX competitions.<br />
<br />
A great day for both the scouts and the VEXMEN, looking forward to seeing these girls in a few years building their own robots.<br />
<gallery widths=250 heights=250 perrow=3><br />
Image:2011 GirlsNGear1.jpg|<br />
Image:2011 GirlsNGear2.jpg|<br />
Image:2011 GirlsNGear3.jpg|<br />
Image:2011 GirlsNGear4.jpg|<br />
Image:2011 GirlsNGear5.jpg|<br />
Image:2011 GirlsNGear6.jpg|<br />
Image:2011 GirlsNGear7.jpg|<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== November 12, 2011 == <br />
<br />
On November 13, 2010 the VEXMEN (actually the VEXMEN girls) did a demo for the second year. About 70 scouts played Clean Sweep on a reduced sized field. We had created 4 squarebots with claws to move the green balls around. Those and two bigger robots from STEMRobotics were our players.<br />
<br />
As with last year the Daisy groups were the most excited to be able to drive. <br />
<br />
Volunteers: Nicole, Christina, Emma, Adrienne Drexel, Bob Whalen, Foster Schucker, Steve Rhoads along with Andrew and Patrick from KTOR<br />
<br />
On November 18, 2009 the Downingtown Area Robotics VEX team took 6 robots to play a modified version of Elevation. We had 45 scouts ranging from Daisy's (1st and 2nd graders) through Cadets. There were some pretty fierce contests! A number of the scouts said that our driving event was the best part of that days program.<br />
<br />
For more information about Girls In Gear contact Girls.in.Gear at gmail.com. Our thanks to Miss Daisy for inviting us to hold the demo for two years in a row.</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=Girls_In_Gear&diff=12400
Girls In Gear
2011-11-14T11:02:38Z
<p>Foster: /* November 12, 2011 */</p>
<hr />
<div>Girls in Gear is a Girl Scout program to introduce scouts to engineering. In our area Team 341 is one of the big supporters. <br />
<br />
== November 12, 2011 ==<br />
Team 341 held the fourth annual Girls in Gear©, a Girl Scout STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education program, at Ramp Riot. There were six stations set up at Girls in Gear©, including FRC robot driving, FRC robot parts, observing the FRC and FTC competitions, a hands on driving demonstration by the VEXMEN and STEMRobotics, and an area where girls had the chance to talk to women in STEM careers.<br />
<br />
The driving demonstration had four robots moving small soccer balls into scoring zones by the Girl Scout drivers. Each driver got to participate in the 4 minute matches on the 8' x 8' field. Most of the scouts were Daisy's (K-3) they drove with the skill and intensity of the bigger FRC drivers.<br />
<br />
Our second station was a look at different drive trains, and the scouts got to drive a very cool X shaped omni drive, and a legged walking robot. <br />
<br />
The final station was a demo of a robotic head "Gir" from the cartoon Invader Zim. The head has multicolor eyes that change with what Gir says. Clips from the show were recorded and put on a storage card. The entire setup is driven by a small microprocessor, similar to what is used in the VEX competitions.<br />
<br />
A great day for both the scouts and the VEXMEN, looking forward to seeing these girls in a few years building their own robots.<br />
<gallery widths=250 heights=250 perrow=3><br />
File:2011 GirlsNGear1.jpg|<br />
Image:2011 GirlsNGear2.jpg|<br />
Image:2011 GirlsNGear3.jpg|<br />
Image:2011 GirlsNGear4.jpg|<br />
Image:2011 GirlsNGear5.jpg|<br />
Image:2011 GirlsNGear6.jpg|<br />
Image:2011 GirlsNGear7.jpg|<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== November 12, 2011 == <br />
<br />
On November 13, 2010 the VEXMEN (actually the VEXMEN girls) did a demo for the second year. About 70 scouts played Clean Sweep on a reduced sized field. We had created 4 squarebots with claws to move the green balls around. Those and two bigger robots from STEMRobotics were our players.<br />
<br />
As with last year the Daisy groups were the most excited to be able to drive. <br />
<br />
Volunteers: Nicole, Christina, Emma, Adrienne Drexel, Bob Whalen, Foster Schucker, Steve Rhoads along with Andrew and Patrick from KTOR<br />
<br />
On November 18, 2009 the Downingtown Area Robotics VEX team took 6 robots to play a modified version of Elevation. We had 45 scouts ranging from Daisy's (1st and 2nd graders) through Cadets. There were some pretty fierce contests! A number of the scouts said that our driving event was the best part of that days program.<br />
<br />
For more information about Girls In Gear contact Girls.in.Gear at gmail.com. Our thanks to Miss Daisy for inviting us to hold the demo for two years in a row.</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=Girls_In_Gear&diff=12399
Girls In Gear
2011-11-14T11:01:52Z
<p>Foster: /* November 12, 2011 */</p>
<hr />
<div>Girls in Gear is a Girl Scout program to introduce scouts to engineering. In our area Team 341 is one of the big supporters. <br />
<br />
== November 12, 2011 ==<br />
Team 341 held the fourth annual Girls in Gear©, a Girl Scout STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education program, at Ramp Riot. There were six stations set up at Girls in Gear©, including FRC robot driving, FRC robot parts, observing the FRC and FTC competitions, a hands on driving demonstration by the VEXMEN and STEMRobotics, and an area where girls had the chance to talk to women in STEM careers.<br />
<br />
The driving demonstration had four robots moving small soccer balls into scoring zones by the Girl Scout drivers. Each driver got to participate in the 4 minute matches on the 8' x 8' field. Most of the scouts were Daisy's (K-3) they drove with the skill and intensity of the bigger FRC drivers.<br />
<br />
Our second station was a look at different drive trains, and the scouts got to drive a very cool X shaped omni drive, and a legged walking robot. <br />
<br />
The final station was a demo of a robotic head "Gir" from the cartoon Invader Zim. The head has multicolor eyes that change with what Gir says. Clips from the show were recorded and put on a storage card. The entire setup is driven by a small microprocessor, similar to what is used in the VEX competitions.<br />
<br />
A great day for both the scouts and the VEXMEN, looking forward to seeing these girls in a few years building their own robots.<br />
<gallery widths=250 heights=250 perrow=3><br />
Image:2011 GirlsNGear1.jpg|<br />
Image:2011 GirlsNGear2.jpg|<br />
Image:2011 GirlsNGear3.jpg|<br />
Image:2011 GirlsNGear4.jpg|<br />
Image:2011 GirlsNGear5.jpg|<br />
Image:2011 GirlsNGear6.jpg|<br />
Image:2011 GirlsNGear7.jpg|<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== November 12, 2011 == <br />
<br />
On November 13, 2010 the VEXMEN (actually the VEXMEN girls) did a demo for the second year. About 70 scouts played Clean Sweep on a reduced sized field. We had created 4 squarebots with claws to move the green balls around. Those and two bigger robots from STEMRobotics were our players.<br />
<br />
As with last year the Daisy groups were the most excited to be able to drive. <br />
<br />
Volunteers: Nicole, Christina, Emma, Adrienne Drexel, Bob Whalen, Foster Schucker, Steve Rhoads along with Andrew and Patrick from KTOR<br />
<br />
On November 18, 2009 the Downingtown Area Robotics VEX team took 6 robots to play a modified version of Elevation. We had 45 scouts ranging from Daisy's (1st and 2nd graders) through Cadets. There were some pretty fierce contests! A number of the scouts said that our driving event was the best part of that days program.<br />
<br />
For more information about Girls In Gear contact Girls.in.Gear at gmail.com. Our thanks to Miss Daisy for inviting us to hold the demo for two years in a row.</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=File:2011_GirlsNGear7.jpg&diff=12398
File:2011 GirlsNGear7.jpg
2011-11-14T10:55:46Z
<p>Foster: 2011 Girls in Gear Drive Demo</p>
<hr />
<div>2011 Girls in Gear Drive Demo</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=File:2011_GirlsNGear2.jpg&diff=12393
File:2011 GirlsNGear2.jpg
2011-11-14T10:55:45Z
<p>Foster: 2011 Girls in Gear Drive Demo</p>
<hr />
<div>2011 Girls in Gear Drive Demo</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=File:2011_GirlsNGear3.jpg&diff=12394
File:2011 GirlsNGear3.jpg
2011-11-14T10:55:45Z
<p>Foster: 2011 Girls in Gear Drive Demo</p>
<hr />
<div>2011 Girls in Gear Drive Demo</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=File:2011_GirlsNGear4.jpg&diff=12395
File:2011 GirlsNGear4.jpg
2011-11-14T10:55:45Z
<p>Foster: 2011 Girls in Gear Drive Demo</p>
<hr />
<div>2011 Girls in Gear Drive Demo</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=File:2011_GirlsNGear5.jpg&diff=12396
File:2011 GirlsNGear5.jpg
2011-11-14T10:55:45Z
<p>Foster: 2011 Girls in Gear Drive Demo</p>
<hr />
<div>2011 Girls in Gear Drive Demo</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=File:2011_GirlsNGear6.jpg&diff=12397
File:2011 GirlsNGear6.jpg
2011-11-14T10:55:45Z
<p>Foster: 2011 Girls in Gear Drive Demo</p>
<hr />
<div>2011 Girls in Gear Drive Demo</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=File:2011_GirlsNGear1.jpg&diff=12392
File:2011 GirlsNGear1.jpg
2011-11-14T10:55:44Z
<p>Foster: 2011 Girls in Gear Drive Demo</p>
<hr />
<div>2011 Girls in Gear Drive Demo</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=Girls_In_Gear&diff=12367
Girls In Gear
2011-11-13T16:12:58Z
<p>Foster: </p>
<hr />
<div>Girls in Gear is a Girl Scout program to introduce scouts to engineering. In our area Team 341 is one of the big supporters. <br />
<br />
== November 12, 2011 ==<br />
Team 341 held the fourth annual Girls in Gear©, a Girl Scout STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education program, at Ramp Riot. There were six stations set up at Girls in Gear©, including FRC robot driving, FRC robot parts, observing the FRC and FTC competitions, a hands on driving demonstration by the VEXMEN and STEMRobotics, and an area where girls had the chance to talk to women in STEM careers.<br />
<br />
The driving demonstration had four robots moving small soccer balls into scoring zones by the Girl Scout drivers. Each driver got to participate in the 4 minute matches on the 8' x 8' field. Most of the scouts were Daisy's (K-3) they drove with the skill and intensity of the bigger FRC drivers.<br />
<br />
Our second station was a look at different drive trains, and the scouts got to drive a very cool X shaped omni drive, and a legged walking robot. <br />
<br />
The final station was a demo of a robotic head "Gir" from the cartoon Invader Zim. The head has multicolor eyes that change with what Gir says. Clips from the show were recorded and put on a storage card. The entire setup is driven by a small microprocessor, similar to what is used in the VEX competitions.<br />
<br />
A great day for both the scouts and the VEXMEN, looking forward to seeing these girls in a few years building their own robots. <br />
<br />
== November 12, 2011 == <br />
<br />
On November 13, 2010 the VEXMEN (actually the VEXMEN girls) did a demo for the second year. About 70 scouts played Clean Sweep on a reduced sized field. We had created 4 squarebots with claws to move the green balls around. Those and two bigger robots from STEMRobotics were our players.<br />
<br />
As with last year the Daisy groups were the most excited to be able to drive. <br />
<br />
Volunteers: Nicole, Christina, Emma, Adrienne Drexel, Bob Whalen, Foster Schucker, Steve Rhoads along with Andrew and Patrick from KTOR<br />
<br />
On November 18, 2009 the Downingtown Area Robotics VEX team took 6 robots to play a modified version of Elevation. We had 45 scouts ranging from Daisy's (1st and 2nd graders) through Cadets. There were some pretty fierce contests! A number of the scouts said that our driving event was the best part of that days program.<br />
<br />
For more information about Girls In Gear contact Girls.in.Gear at gmail.com. Our thanks to Miss Daisy for inviting us to hold the demo for two years in a row.</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=News&diff=12366
News
2011-11-13T16:01:07Z
<p>Foster: /* Girls in Gear at Ramp Riot 12-November-2011 */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{HotTopic}}<br />
<br />
'''This is the current news items about Downingtown Robotics, all the teams:FIRST, VEX and FLL. '''<br />
<br />
'''Remember to read about [[ DEW_Robotics:Current_events | Current Events]] coming your way.'''<br />
==[[DEWBOT VII Ramp Riot | Ramp Riot]] 12-November-2011==<br />
Due to a late drop-out, FRC Team 1640 had the opportunity to field two robots at Ramp Riot. [[DEWBOT VII]] ''Prime'', our competition robot was fielded under the 1640 number by our first drive team. ''Deux'' entered the competition under the ''nom de guerre'' 1641 was operated by drive-team trainees, giving them invaluable competition driving experience. We also ran two pits, providing additional training in this area as well. <br />
<br />
This is the first time Sab-BOT-age had ever run two robots in a competition and thanks go out to all those who worked so hard to bring ''Deux'' from arm-less engineering test bed up to competition condition in the space of one short week.<br />
<br />
1640 was selected by the 3<sup>rd</sup> alliance, comprising teams 103 ([http://www.cybersonics.org Cybersonics]) and 365 ([http://moe365.org/ Miracle Workerz]). A terrific alliance. We won the quarterfinals and our first semifinal match. Alas, 103 broke down in the 2<sup>nd</sup> semifinal match and our alliance was defeated by the 1<sup>st</sup> alliance (1218, 222 & ?), who went on to become champions. <br />
<br />
By a bizzare twist, 1641 was brought into the finals as a replacement robot for 2607. We lost, but ended up as Ramp Riot Finalist.<br />
<br />
1640 has participated in Ramp Riot every year since the team's inception, making this our 7<sup>th</sup> Ramp Riot.<br />
<br />
== Girls in Gear at Ramp Riot 12-November-2011 ==<br />
Team 341 held the fourth annual Girls in Gear©, a Girl Scout STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education program, at Ramp Riot. There were six stations set up at Girls in Gear©, including FRC robot driving, FRC robot parts, observing the FRC and FTC competitions, a hands on driving demonstration by the VEXMEN and STEMRobotics, and an area where girls had the chance to talk to women in STEM careers.<br />
<br />
The driving demonstration had four robots moving small soccer balls into scoring zones by the Girl Scout drivers. Each driver got to participate in the 4 minute matches on the 8' x 8' field. Most of the scouts were Daisy's (K-3) they drove with the skill and intensity of the bigger FRC drivers.<br />
<br />
Our second station was a look at different drive trains, and the scouts got to drive a very cool X shaped omni drive, and a legged walking robot. <br />
<br />
The final station was a demo of a robotic head "Gir" from the cartoon Invader Zim. The head has multicolor eyes that change with what Gir says. Clips from the show were recorded and put on a storage card. The entire setup is driven by a small microprocessor, similar to what is used in the VEX competitions.<br />
<br />
A great day for both the scouts and the VEXMEN, looking forward to seeing these girls in a few years building their own robots.<br />
<br />
==Julie Bachmann Kulik receives ASME Old Guard Early Career Award==<br />
Julie Bachmann Kulik, mechanical engineer, WorleyParsons Group (Reading, Pa.), recieves this award for inspiring talented students to create innovative solutions to complex problems as a FIRST Robotics Competition mentor; for founding ASME’s Philadelphia Young Engineers, which encourages aspiring engineers to return to ASME through networking; and for service to ASME through numerous local and national positions.<br />
<br />
Julie has served as a Team 1640 mentor since 2006. Congradulations!<br />
<br />
==Boeing Ridley Park Plant Tour - 5-November-2011==<br />
FRC Team 1640 toured Boeing's Ridley Park helicopter plant, together with teams 341, 365 & 486. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-22_Osprey V-22 Osprey] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinook_helicopter CH-47 Chinook] assembly lines were visited, as well as Boeing's Wind Tunnel and Flight Simulation facilities.<br />
<br />
==Carly McKown receives Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's (RPI's) Medalist Award - 29-October-2011==<br />
In RPI's Honors Convocation, FRC 1640's 2010 & 2011 Co-Captain, Carly McKown, received Rensselaer's Medalist Award. This award brings a $60k scholarship to RPI. Also, congratulations to senior FRC 1640 team member Michael B, who has been selected to receive the 2012 RPI Medalist Award.<br />
<br />
==[[DEWBOT VII Duel on the Delaware | Duel on the Delaware]] - 22-October-2011==<br />
[[image:Duel_on_the_Delaware_revised.jpg|210px|right|thumb]]22-October-2011. Sab-BOT-age's 5<sup>th</sup> time participating at Duel on the Delaware. Also the first FRC competition for 6 new students. <br />
<br />
Despite finishing qualifications at 19<sup>th</sup> out of 28 teams, 4<sup>th</sup>-ranked team 365 ([http://moe365.org/ Miracle Workerz]) selected us as their first alliance partner, filling out the alliance with team 87. Our alliance went on to win Duel on the Delaware this year.<br />
<br />
Our robot, DEWBOT VII, performed well and reliably though the competition, with a tread replacement being the only significant repair necessary. We were a solid scorer. Our mini-bot (Mighty Mouse) system generally won the end game. On the two occasions when we played defense, we were the defending robot you just couldn't get around. Our scouting is really showing the benefit of the focus we've put on it. Autonomous remains our weak point.<br />
<br />
New driver Andrew and Human Player Douglas both put in excellent performances throughout the day.<br />
<br />
==[[DEWBOT VII]] demo at Downingtown East High School - 17 & 18 May-2011==<br />
Carly and Paul Klufas demonstrated [[DEWBOT VII]] during Downingtown East physics classes.<br />
<br />
==[[DEWBOT VII FRC Championship|FRC Championship]], St. Louis MO - 27-29 April-2011== <br />
FRC Team 1640 (team Sab-BOT-age) competed for its first time in [[DEWBOT VII FRC Championship|FRC's Championship]], held in the Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis MO. 27 students, mentors and family members made the trip.<br />
<br />
352 FRC teams from 5 countries were divided into 4 divisions (Archimedes, Curie, Galileo & Newton) of 88 teams each. Winning alliances from each division met on the Einstein Field for playoffs, with Galileo's alliance taking the day.<br />
<br />
Team 1640 did well, winning 6 and losing 4 of our qualifying matches to place 27<sup>th</sup> out of the 88 teams in Archimedes division. Our drive team was able to score a solid 4 tubes during teleoperated play (except for during the losing matches) and our minibot ([[DEWBOT VII Minibot#Mighty Mouse|Mighty Mouse]]) was 100% reliable and always placed either 1<sup>st</sup> or 2<sup>nd</sup> in the critical end-game (when deployed). Autonomous performance, alas, remained unreliable with <50% success. We were not selected for an eliminations alliance.<br />
<br />
==FRC Team 1640 Winner of [[DEWBOT VII Philadelphia Regional | Philadelphia Regional]] & recipient of [[DEWBOT VII - Philadelphia - Rockwell Automation's Innovation in Control Award | Rockwell Automation's Innovation in Control Award]] - 7-9 April==<br />
<br />
Team 1640 led the 2<sup>nd</sup> alliance to victory in the Philadelphia Regional Competition. This was 1640 first Regional victory. In fact, this was also our first experience as an Alliance Captain at a Regional Competition.<br><br />
<br />
We had a great Alliance! Our Alliance Partners Teams 365 (Miracle Workerz), 303 (Panther Robotics) and 2607 (Robovikings, who substituted for 365 after their robot died in the Finals) performed superbly throughout the playoffs.<br><br />
<br />
In addition to winning the competition, Team 1640 received [[DEWBOT VII - Philadelphia - Rockwell Automation's Innovation in Control Award | Rockwell Automation's Innovation in Control Award]] for our cutting-edge modular pivot drive-train with its integrated sensor array and control software.<br><br />
<br />
==FRC [[DEWBOT VII Finger Lakes Regional | Finger Lakes Regional]] - 3-5 March==<br />
The team had a rough start, with some cRIO problems which took a while to resolve. In the end, however, we were selected for the 4<sup>th</sup> alliance and made it to the semifinals. We were defeated by the 1<sup>st</sup> alliance, who went on to win the Regional.<br />
<br />
We scored reasonably well in teleop, up to 4 logo pieces per match and always in the desired positions, but clearly could use more practice. There are mechanical and programming issues to resolve prior to the Philadelphia Regional as well.<br />
<br />
== [[DC Knights Middle School and High School 2011]] VEX event 26-February-2011 ==<br />
<br />
The VEXMEN went to Delaware County Christian School for the [[DC Knights Middle School and High School 2011]] VEX event. We qualified 3 more teams for Worlds, won a total of 9 awards and were both the middle school tournament winners and finalists (all six teams were from Downingtown).<br />
<br />
The big win of the day was having Cheryl Foster recognized as the regional Mentor of the Year. She has been with our program for just over a year. Cheryl is one of our many adult mentors that do not have children in the program. She has been a huge inspiration to one of our all girl team, Team 90.<br />
<br />
== It's a Wrap - FRC Build Season is complete! 22-February-2011 ==<br />
Just shy of 1 AM this morning, FIRST Robotics Team 1640 sealed its completed 2011 robot, DEWBOT VII, into a bag for competition. The robot will be unsealed at the team's first competition at Rochester Institute of Technology on 3-March. This sealing brings a conclusion to the team's safe and successful 6-week build season.<br />
<br />
The robot achieves all of the strategic objectives set by the team at the start of the build season. In practice, it scored reliably in autonomous, teleoperated, and end-game bonus play. The drive-train is a significantly improved version of last year's pivot drive, combining extraordinary agility with excellent traction and speed. Colored lights on the robot are used to signal for specific game pieces to be added to the field. Team 1640 has never before produced a robot possessing this level of performance and quality. The entire team did a phenomenal job on the 2011 robot.<br />
<br />
This year, for the first time, Team 1640 will compete in the Championship Competition in Saint Louis.<br />
<br />
The 2011 build season brought with it a number of first for the team, including:<br />
<br />
:A structured front-end process was initiated for idea generation, strategic goal setting, and development of clear game-focused (customer-focused) performance specifications. These specifications guided the team's detailed design effort.<br />
<br />
:1640 built a 2nd robot (deux). While increasing the overall work load, the 2nd robot improved work-flow by facilitating parallel [programming & driving] and [mechanical & electrical] work. The real benefit of the 2nd robot. however, will come now that the first has been sealed for competition. The 2nd robot remains available for driver/operator practice and as a development platform for tactics and software/hardware improvements.<br />
<br />
:The team has a mill, significantly improving the accuracy and reproducibility of component fabrication. Many of the team's students obtained first-hand experience fabricating parts on the mill.<br />
<br />
:A range of new materials were introduced to the 2011 robot, ranging from the ordinary (polypropylene and fiberglass pultrusion) to carbon-fiber composite. We learned about the benefits and drawbacks of these materials, why to use them, and how.<br />
<br />
:Our current home allowed us to set up an almost full-size practice field, which we did.<br />
<br />
The team thanks the Downingtown Area School District, our generous Sponsors, our dedicated Mentors and Parents, without whose support and assistance none of this would have been possible.<br />
<br />
== Downingtown goes to Souderton for the Souderton VEXPeriment 12-Februrary-2011 ==<br />
We had a great time at the [[Souderton VEXperiment 2011]]. Lots of great action, the VEXMEM won a number of awards and Team 92 qualified for worlds.<br />
<br />
== Dockbots'11 22-January-2011 ==<br />
Our VEXMEN winter season kicked off with a trip to Lansdale for [[DockBots'11]] We won a number of small awards, and had a great time.<br />
<br />
== Downingtown FLL Team Rocks Oxford FLL Qualifier 8-January-2010 ==<br />
The Downingtown FLL teams had a great day at the Oxford FLL Qualifier. The Oxford Qualifier for FLL was held yesterday at Oxford High School. <br />
<br />
The competition was comprised of 40 teams from the area, six of which were from Downingtown Area Robotics FLL program. This competition differs a bit from our VEX and FRC programs in that the kids not only compete with their robot but they are also required to do a research project relating to the annual theme. This year the theme was Body Forward which pertains to Biomedical. They are also judged on how they work as a team, their core values pertaining to the program and the quality of their robot design and programming. They really push these elementary level kids to excel while having a good time. When the competition is over only nine of the teams are selected to move on to the Region Championships at the Bob Carpenter Center at the University of Delaware.<br />
<br />
Team 1001 - BioBots <br />
* 3rd place Champions Award (overall competition award)<br />
* 3rd place Robot Performance (score of 320)<br />
*Selected for the Regional Championships<br />
<br />
Team 1003 - Robot Wizards<br />
* 1st place Robot Performance (top score of 325)<br />
* 1st place Programming Award<br />
* Selected for the Regional Championships<br />
<br />
Team 1005 -<br />
* 5th place Robot Performance (score of 275)<br />
<br />
Team 1004 - Nerve Connections<br />
* 10th place Robot Performance<br />
<br />
Congratulations to all of our Downingtown Area Robotics teams as they did a great job and represented Downingtown to the best of their ability.<br />
<br />
Their next event will be the FLL Regional Competition on 22 January 2010 at the Bob Carpenter Center at the University of Delaware.<br />
<br />
Congratulations to all the teams, it's a very impressive showing for a program that is in it's second year!<br />
<br />
The first place team was Team 1215, Minds In MOEtion, from Coatesville, PA. They are sponsored, funded, coached, and mentored by FIRST Tech Challenge Team 3489 - Minds In Gear. Two of the members of Minds in Gear are Downingtown Robotics members Sasha and Nicole Wall. Great Job!<br />
<br />
== Mill brought on-line 5-January-2011 ==<br />
'''It's ALIVE! Mill comes to life on 5 January 2011 at 6:15 PM!''' After four years of silently hanging around the halls of Downingtown East High School, the Jet Milling Machine was moved to the Downingtown Robotics Center. After some cleanup it was plugged into the power and gulped down it's first taste of sweet 208 volts at 6:15 PM. The mill was soon set to it's first task of creating a protective base for future milling operations. Thanks to Scott, Gary and Ben along with the DASD electrical crew for getting the mill up and running and to Ben on getting our first part made.<br />
<br />
Having a mill will make many of the machining operations that were impossible to do in house now a real possibility. While we will still use Wamac (one of our Sponsors) for complex parts, the mill will allow us to create things like transmissions and our award winning pivot drive in-house. <br />
<br />
This is also another example of how the expanded space at the Downingtown Robotics Center has help boost our capability. In the mill's prior home in the physics hallway of Downingtown East, it was not usable due to safety issues around flying hot metal chips. In it's new home we can let the chips fall where they may! (Well not really, we have protective screens to keep the chips flying too far)<br />
<br />
A special thanks to Ed Tremblay from [http://www.eastcoastedmmachine.com/ East Coast EDM] who was gracious enough to donate his time, truck and expenses to move the mill for us.<br />
<br />
==CPR Training 18-December-2010 ==<br />
[[image:DB6_CPR_101218_csm-3.jpg|right|300px|thumb|CPR Training]]Nine students, mentors and parents from Team 1640 received CPR training and 2-year ASHI certification on 18-Dec at the Uwchlan Ambulance Corps.<br />
<br />
==Downingtown Area Robotics Open House - 15-Dec-2010==<br />
DAR hosted an [[2010 Open House | Open House]] on the evening of 15-December.<br />
<br />
==Practice FRC Kick-off - 11 & 12 Dec-2010==<br />
Team 1640 conducted a [[2010 Practice Kick-off | Practice Kick-off]] on 11 & 12-December 2010 in preparation of the real deal. A formal [[2010_Practice_Kick-off#The_Design_Process | Design Process]] was introduced and tested during this exercise. 2006 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aim_High Aim High] game rules were employed for the robot basis, with the exception of the control system, which utilized 2010 standards.<br />
<br />
Game simulation using students as robots proved very effective and provided very good insights into the game play and requirements for winning matches.<br />
<br />
== Lansdale Catholic FIRST Lego League - 20-November-2010 ==<br />
There were 48 teams competing in the first Lego event of the season. The Lansdale event is one of the largest events in our area. The Downingtown teams did very well.<br />
*Team 1003, Robot Wizards: Best Programming, Top Finalist and 3rd Place Robot<br />
*Team 1001, BioBots: 7th Place Robot<br />
*Team 1004, Nerve Connections: 24th Place Robot<br />
<br />
== VEX Fall Classics - 20-November-2010 ==<br />
On Saturday 20 November we had 42 teams from 4 states came play Round Up. There were two events in one, the Junior Fall Classic for 18 middle school teams and the Fall Classic for 24 High School teams. Over 350 people crowded into the Downingtown Middle School for a day of fast and fun robotics action. Read all the details in the [[Round Up Fall Classic]]. Our thanks for QVC for being the sponsor of this event!<br />
<br />
== Ramp Riot and Girls In Gear Demo - 13-Nov-2010 ==<br />
The FRC and VEX teams went to Ambler PA to participate in Ramp Riot and to do a demo for the Girl Scouts Girls in Gear program.<br />
<br />
DEWBOT VI did pretty well during the day and we were picked for the 5th alliance. Quarterfinals didn't go well with a mechanical failure taking us out of the competition.<br />
<br />
The demo went very well, over 70 Scouts got a chance to drive our VEX robots.<br />
<br />
For details see [[DEWBOT VI Ramp Riot]] and the [[Girls In Gear]] pages.<br />
<br />
== VEX Adult Mentor Workshop - 7-Nov-2010 ==<br />
On Sunday 15 VEX adult mentors met at the [[Downingtown Robotics Center]]. Sessions by Steve Rhoads, Bob Whalen covered mechanical construction of bases, grippers, grabbers, arms, game rules, match play, and software. All 15 mentors reached the Technomage Software Apprentice Level.<br />
<br />
----<br />
Older news items can be found in the [[News Archive]]</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=News&diff=12365
News
2011-11-13T15:54:27Z
<p>Foster: /* Girls in Gear at Ramp Riot 12-November-2011 */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{HotTopic}}<br />
<br />
'''This is the current news items about Downingtown Robotics, all the teams:FIRST, VEX and FLL. '''<br />
<br />
'''Remember to read about [[ DEW_Robotics:Current_events | Current Events]] coming your way.'''<br />
==[[DEWBOT VII Ramp Riot | Ramp Riot]] 12-November-2011==<br />
Due to a late drop-out, FRC Team 1640 had the opportunity to field two robots at Ramp Riot. [[DEWBOT VII]] ''Prime'', our competition robot was fielded under the 1640 number by our first drive team. ''Deux'' entered the competition under the ''nom de guerre'' 1641 was operated by drive-team trainees, giving them invaluable competition driving experience. We also ran two pits, providing additional training in this area as well. <br />
<br />
This is the first time Sab-BOT-age had ever run two robots in a competition and thanks go out to all those who worked so hard to bring ''Deux'' from arm-less engineering test bed up to competition condition in the space of one short week.<br />
<br />
1640 was selected by the 3<sup>rd</sup> alliance, comprising teams 103 ([http://www.cybersonics.org Cybersonics]) and 365 ([http://moe365.org/ Miracle Workerz]). A terrific alliance. We won the quarterfinals and our first semifinal match. Alas, 103 broke down in the 2<sup>nd</sup> semifinal match and our alliance was defeated by the 1<sup>st</sup> alliance (1218, 222 & ?), who went on to become champions. <br />
<br />
By a bizzare twist, 1641 was brought into the finals as a replacement robot for 2607. We lost, but ended up as Ramp Riot Finalist.<br />
<br />
1640 has participated in Ramp Riot every year since the team's inception, making this our 7<sup>th</sup> Ramp Riot.<br />
<br />
== Girls in Gear at Ramp Riot 12-November-2011 ==<br />
Team 341 held the second annual Girls in Gear©, a Girl Scout STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education program, at Ramp Riot. There were six stations set up at Girls in Gear©, including FRC robot driving, FRC robot parts, observing the FRC and FTC competitions, a hands on driving demonstration by the VEXMEN and STEMRobotics, and an area where girls had the chance to talk to women in STEM careers.<br />
<br />
The driving demonstration had four robots moving small soccer balls into scoring zones by the Girl Scout drivers. Each driver got to participate in the 4 minute matches on the 8' x 8' field. Most of the scouts were Daisy's (K-3) they drove with the skill and intensity of the bigger FRC drivers.<br />
<br />
Our second station was a look at different drive trains, and the scouts got to drive a very cool X shaped omni drive, and a legged walking robot. <br />
<br />
The final station was a demo of a robotic head "Gir" from the cartoon Invader Zim. The head has multicolor eyes that change with what Gir says. Clips from the show were recorded and put on a storage card. The entire setup is driven by a small microprocessor, similar to what is used in the VEX competitions.<br />
<br />
A great day for both the scouts and the VEXMEN, looking forward to seeing these girls in a few years building their own robots.<br />
<br />
==Julie Bachmann Kulik receives ASME Old Guard Early Career Award==<br />
Julie Bachmann Kulik, mechanical engineer, WorleyParsons Group (Reading, Pa.), recieves this award for inspiring talented students to create innovative solutions to complex problems as a FIRST Robotics Competition mentor; for founding ASME’s Philadelphia Young Engineers, which encourages aspiring engineers to return to ASME through networking; and for service to ASME through numerous local and national positions.<br />
<br />
Julie has served as a Team 1640 mentor since 2006. Congradulations!<br />
<br />
==Boeing Ridley Park Plant Tour - 5-November-2011==<br />
FRC Team 1640 toured Boeing's Ridley Park helicopter plant, together with teams 341, 365 & 486. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-22_Osprey V-22 Osprey] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinook_helicopter CH-47 Chinook] assembly lines were visited, as well as Boeing's Wind Tunnel and Flight Simulation facilities.<br />
<br />
==Carly McKown receives Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's (RPI's) Medalist Award - 29-October-2011==<br />
In RPI's Honors Convocation, FRC 1640's 2010 & 2011 Co-Captain, Carly McKown, received Rensselaer's Medalist Award. This award brings a $60k scholarship to RPI. Also, congratulations to senior FRC 1640 team member Michael B, who has been selected to receive the 2012 RPI Medalist Award.<br />
<br />
==[[DEWBOT VII Duel on the Delaware | Duel on the Delaware]] - 22-October-2011==<br />
[[image:Duel_on_the_Delaware_revised.jpg|210px|right|thumb]]22-October-2011. Sab-BOT-age's 5<sup>th</sup> time participating at Duel on the Delaware. Also the first FRC competition for 6 new students. <br />
<br />
Despite finishing qualifications at 19<sup>th</sup> out of 28 teams, 4<sup>th</sup>-ranked team 365 ([http://moe365.org/ Miracle Workerz]) selected us as their first alliance partner, filling out the alliance with team 87. Our alliance went on to win Duel on the Delaware this year.<br />
<br />
Our robot, DEWBOT VII, performed well and reliably though the competition, with a tread replacement being the only significant repair necessary. We were a solid scorer. Our mini-bot (Mighty Mouse) system generally won the end game. On the two occasions when we played defense, we were the defending robot you just couldn't get around. Our scouting is really showing the benefit of the focus we've put on it. Autonomous remains our weak point.<br />
<br />
New driver Andrew and Human Player Douglas both put in excellent performances throughout the day.<br />
<br />
==[[DEWBOT VII]] demo at Downingtown East High School - 17 & 18 May-2011==<br />
Carly and Paul Klufas demonstrated [[DEWBOT VII]] during Downingtown East physics classes.<br />
<br />
==[[DEWBOT VII FRC Championship|FRC Championship]], St. Louis MO - 27-29 April-2011== <br />
FRC Team 1640 (team Sab-BOT-age) competed for its first time in [[DEWBOT VII FRC Championship|FRC's Championship]], held in the Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis MO. 27 students, mentors and family members made the trip.<br />
<br />
352 FRC teams from 5 countries were divided into 4 divisions (Archimedes, Curie, Galileo & Newton) of 88 teams each. Winning alliances from each division met on the Einstein Field for playoffs, with Galileo's alliance taking the day.<br />
<br />
Team 1640 did well, winning 6 and losing 4 of our qualifying matches to place 27<sup>th</sup> out of the 88 teams in Archimedes division. Our drive team was able to score a solid 4 tubes during teleoperated play (except for during the losing matches) and our minibot ([[DEWBOT VII Minibot#Mighty Mouse|Mighty Mouse]]) was 100% reliable and always placed either 1<sup>st</sup> or 2<sup>nd</sup> in the critical end-game (when deployed). Autonomous performance, alas, remained unreliable with <50% success. We were not selected for an eliminations alliance.<br />
<br />
==FRC Team 1640 Winner of [[DEWBOT VII Philadelphia Regional | Philadelphia Regional]] & recipient of [[DEWBOT VII - Philadelphia - Rockwell Automation's Innovation in Control Award | Rockwell Automation's Innovation in Control Award]] - 7-9 April==<br />
<br />
Team 1640 led the 2<sup>nd</sup> alliance to victory in the Philadelphia Regional Competition. This was 1640 first Regional victory. In fact, this was also our first experience as an Alliance Captain at a Regional Competition.<br><br />
<br />
We had a great Alliance! Our Alliance Partners Teams 365 (Miracle Workerz), 303 (Panther Robotics) and 2607 (Robovikings, who substituted for 365 after their robot died in the Finals) performed superbly throughout the playoffs.<br><br />
<br />
In addition to winning the competition, Team 1640 received [[DEWBOT VII - Philadelphia - Rockwell Automation's Innovation in Control Award | Rockwell Automation's Innovation in Control Award]] for our cutting-edge modular pivot drive-train with its integrated sensor array and control software.<br><br />
<br />
==FRC [[DEWBOT VII Finger Lakes Regional | Finger Lakes Regional]] - 3-5 March==<br />
The team had a rough start, with some cRIO problems which took a while to resolve. In the end, however, we were selected for the 4<sup>th</sup> alliance and made it to the semifinals. We were defeated by the 1<sup>st</sup> alliance, who went on to win the Regional.<br />
<br />
We scored reasonably well in teleop, up to 4 logo pieces per match and always in the desired positions, but clearly could use more practice. There are mechanical and programming issues to resolve prior to the Philadelphia Regional as well.<br />
<br />
== [[DC Knights Middle School and High School 2011]] VEX event 26-February-2011 ==<br />
<br />
The VEXMEN went to Delaware County Christian School for the [[DC Knights Middle School and High School 2011]] VEX event. We qualified 3 more teams for Worlds, won a total of 9 awards and were both the middle school tournament winners and finalists (all six teams were from Downingtown).<br />
<br />
The big win of the day was having Cheryl Foster recognized as the regional Mentor of the Year. She has been with our program for just over a year. Cheryl is one of our many adult mentors that do not have children in the program. She has been a huge inspiration to one of our all girl team, Team 90.<br />
<br />
== It's a Wrap - FRC Build Season is complete! 22-February-2011 ==<br />
Just shy of 1 AM this morning, FIRST Robotics Team 1640 sealed its completed 2011 robot, DEWBOT VII, into a bag for competition. The robot will be unsealed at the team's first competition at Rochester Institute of Technology on 3-March. This sealing brings a conclusion to the team's safe and successful 6-week build season.<br />
<br />
The robot achieves all of the strategic objectives set by the team at the start of the build season. In practice, it scored reliably in autonomous, teleoperated, and end-game bonus play. The drive-train is a significantly improved version of last year's pivot drive, combining extraordinary agility with excellent traction and speed. Colored lights on the robot are used to signal for specific game pieces to be added to the field. Team 1640 has never before produced a robot possessing this level of performance and quality. The entire team did a phenomenal job on the 2011 robot.<br />
<br />
This year, for the first time, Team 1640 will compete in the Championship Competition in Saint Louis.<br />
<br />
The 2011 build season brought with it a number of first for the team, including:<br />
<br />
:A structured front-end process was initiated for idea generation, strategic goal setting, and development of clear game-focused (customer-focused) performance specifications. These specifications guided the team's detailed design effort.<br />
<br />
:1640 built a 2nd robot (deux). While increasing the overall work load, the 2nd robot improved work-flow by facilitating parallel [programming & driving] and [mechanical & electrical] work. The real benefit of the 2nd robot. however, will come now that the first has been sealed for competition. The 2nd robot remains available for driver/operator practice and as a development platform for tactics and software/hardware improvements.<br />
<br />
:The team has a mill, significantly improving the accuracy and reproducibility of component fabrication. Many of the team's students obtained first-hand experience fabricating parts on the mill.<br />
<br />
:A range of new materials were introduced to the 2011 robot, ranging from the ordinary (polypropylene and fiberglass pultrusion) to carbon-fiber composite. We learned about the benefits and drawbacks of these materials, why to use them, and how.<br />
<br />
:Our current home allowed us to set up an almost full-size practice field, which we did.<br />
<br />
The team thanks the Downingtown Area School District, our generous Sponsors, our dedicated Mentors and Parents, without whose support and assistance none of this would have been possible.<br />
<br />
== Downingtown goes to Souderton for the Souderton VEXPeriment 12-Februrary-2011 ==<br />
We had a great time at the [[Souderton VEXperiment 2011]]. Lots of great action, the VEXMEM won a number of awards and Team 92 qualified for worlds.<br />
<br />
== Dockbots'11 22-January-2011 ==<br />
Our VEXMEN winter season kicked off with a trip to Lansdale for [[DockBots'11]] We won a number of small awards, and had a great time.<br />
<br />
== Downingtown FLL Team Rocks Oxford FLL Qualifier 8-January-2010 ==<br />
The Downingtown FLL teams had a great day at the Oxford FLL Qualifier. The Oxford Qualifier for FLL was held yesterday at Oxford High School. <br />
<br />
The competition was comprised of 40 teams from the area, six of which were from Downingtown Area Robotics FLL program. This competition differs a bit from our VEX and FRC programs in that the kids not only compete with their robot but they are also required to do a research project relating to the annual theme. This year the theme was Body Forward which pertains to Biomedical. They are also judged on how they work as a team, their core values pertaining to the program and the quality of their robot design and programming. They really push these elementary level kids to excel while having a good time. When the competition is over only nine of the teams are selected to move on to the Region Championships at the Bob Carpenter Center at the University of Delaware.<br />
<br />
Team 1001 - BioBots <br />
* 3rd place Champions Award (overall competition award)<br />
* 3rd place Robot Performance (score of 320)<br />
*Selected for the Regional Championships<br />
<br />
Team 1003 - Robot Wizards<br />
* 1st place Robot Performance (top score of 325)<br />
* 1st place Programming Award<br />
* Selected for the Regional Championships<br />
<br />
Team 1005 -<br />
* 5th place Robot Performance (score of 275)<br />
<br />
Team 1004 - Nerve Connections<br />
* 10th place Robot Performance<br />
<br />
Congratulations to all of our Downingtown Area Robotics teams as they did a great job and represented Downingtown to the best of their ability.<br />
<br />
Their next event will be the FLL Regional Competition on 22 January 2010 at the Bob Carpenter Center at the University of Delaware.<br />
<br />
Congratulations to all the teams, it's a very impressive showing for a program that is in it's second year!<br />
<br />
The first place team was Team 1215, Minds In MOEtion, from Coatesville, PA. They are sponsored, funded, coached, and mentored by FIRST Tech Challenge Team 3489 - Minds In Gear. Two of the members of Minds in Gear are Downingtown Robotics members Sasha and Nicole Wall. Great Job!<br />
<br />
== Mill brought on-line 5-January-2011 ==<br />
'''It's ALIVE! Mill comes to life on 5 January 2011 at 6:15 PM!''' After four years of silently hanging around the halls of Downingtown East High School, the Jet Milling Machine was moved to the Downingtown Robotics Center. After some cleanup it was plugged into the power and gulped down it's first taste of sweet 208 volts at 6:15 PM. The mill was soon set to it's first task of creating a protective base for future milling operations. Thanks to Scott, Gary and Ben along with the DASD electrical crew for getting the mill up and running and to Ben on getting our first part made.<br />
<br />
Having a mill will make many of the machining operations that were impossible to do in house now a real possibility. While we will still use Wamac (one of our Sponsors) for complex parts, the mill will allow us to create things like transmissions and our award winning pivot drive in-house. <br />
<br />
This is also another example of how the expanded space at the Downingtown Robotics Center has help boost our capability. In the mill's prior home in the physics hallway of Downingtown East, it was not usable due to safety issues around flying hot metal chips. In it's new home we can let the chips fall where they may! (Well not really, we have protective screens to keep the chips flying too far)<br />
<br />
A special thanks to Ed Tremblay from [http://www.eastcoastedmmachine.com/ East Coast EDM] who was gracious enough to donate his time, truck and expenses to move the mill for us.<br />
<br />
==CPR Training 18-December-2010 ==<br />
[[image:DB6_CPR_101218_csm-3.jpg|right|300px|thumb|CPR Training]]Nine students, mentors and parents from Team 1640 received CPR training and 2-year ASHI certification on 18-Dec at the Uwchlan Ambulance Corps.<br />
<br />
==Downingtown Area Robotics Open House - 15-Dec-2010==<br />
DAR hosted an [[2010 Open House | Open House]] on the evening of 15-December.<br />
<br />
==Practice FRC Kick-off - 11 & 12 Dec-2010==<br />
Team 1640 conducted a [[2010 Practice Kick-off | Practice Kick-off]] on 11 & 12-December 2010 in preparation of the real deal. A formal [[2010_Practice_Kick-off#The_Design_Process | Design Process]] was introduced and tested during this exercise. 2006 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aim_High Aim High] game rules were employed for the robot basis, with the exception of the control system, which utilized 2010 standards.<br />
<br />
Game simulation using students as robots proved very effective and provided very good insights into the game play and requirements for winning matches.<br />
<br />
== Lansdale Catholic FIRST Lego League - 20-November-2010 ==<br />
There were 48 teams competing in the first Lego event of the season. The Lansdale event is one of the largest events in our area. The Downingtown teams did very well.<br />
*Team 1003, Robot Wizards: Best Programming, Top Finalist and 3rd Place Robot<br />
*Team 1001, BioBots: 7th Place Robot<br />
*Team 1004, Nerve Connections: 24th Place Robot<br />
<br />
== VEX Fall Classics - 20-November-2010 ==<br />
On Saturday 20 November we had 42 teams from 4 states came play Round Up. There were two events in one, the Junior Fall Classic for 18 middle school teams and the Fall Classic for 24 High School teams. Over 350 people crowded into the Downingtown Middle School for a day of fast and fun robotics action. Read all the details in the [[Round Up Fall Classic]]. Our thanks for QVC for being the sponsor of this event!<br />
<br />
== Ramp Riot and Girls In Gear Demo - 13-Nov-2010 ==<br />
The FRC and VEX teams went to Ambler PA to participate in Ramp Riot and to do a demo for the Girl Scouts Girls in Gear program.<br />
<br />
DEWBOT VI did pretty well during the day and we were picked for the 5th alliance. Quarterfinals didn't go well with a mechanical failure taking us out of the competition.<br />
<br />
The demo went very well, over 70 Scouts got a chance to drive our VEX robots.<br />
<br />
For details see [[DEWBOT VI Ramp Riot]] and the [[Girls In Gear]] pages.<br />
<br />
== VEX Adult Mentor Workshop - 7-Nov-2010 ==<br />
On Sunday 15 VEX adult mentors met at the [[Downingtown Robotics Center]]. Sessions by Steve Rhoads, Bob Whalen covered mechanical construction of bases, grippers, grabbers, arms, game rules, match play, and software. All 15 mentors reached the Technomage Software Apprentice Level.<br />
<br />
----<br />
Older news items can be found in the [[News Archive]]</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=News&diff=12364
News
2011-11-13T15:39:34Z
<p>Foster: /* Ramp Riot 12-November-2011 */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{HotTopic}}<br />
<br />
'''This is the current news items about Downingtown Robotics, all the teams:FIRST, VEX and FLL. '''<br />
<br />
'''Remember to read about [[ DEW_Robotics:Current_events | Current Events]] coming your way.'''<br />
==[[DEWBOT VII Ramp Riot | Ramp Riot]] 12-November-2011==<br />
Due to a late drop-out, FRC Team 1640 had the opportunity to field two robots at Ramp Riot. [[DEWBOT VII]] ''Prime'', our competition robot was fielded under the 1640 number by our first drive team. ''Deux'' entered the competition under the ''nom de guerre'' 1641 was operated by drive-team trainees, giving them invaluable competition driving experience. We also ran two pits, providing additional training in this area as well. <br />
<br />
This is the first time Sab-BOT-age had ever run two robots in a competition and thanks go out to all those who worked so hard to bring ''Deux'' from arm-less engineering test bed up to competition condition in the space of one short week.<br />
<br />
1640 was selected by the 3<sup>rd</sup> alliance, comprising teams 103 ([http://www.cybersonics.org Cybersonics]) and 365 ([http://moe365.org/ Miracle Workerz]). A terrific alliance. We won the quarterfinals and our first semifinal match. Alas, 103 broke down in the 2<sup>nd</sup> semifinal match and our alliance was defeated by the 1<sup>st</sup> alliance (1218, 222 & ?), who went on to become champions. <br />
<br />
By a bizzare twist, 1641 was brought into the finals as a replacement robot for 2607. We lost, but ended up as Ramp Riot Finalist.<br />
<br />
1640 has participated in Ramp Riot every year since the team's inception, making this our 7<sup>th</sup> Ramp Riot.<br />
<br />
== Girls in Gear at Ramp Riot 12-November-2011 ==<br />
xxxx<br />
<br />
==Julie Bachmann Kulik receives ASME Old Guard Early Career Award==<br />
Julie Bachmann Kulik, mechanical engineer, WorleyParsons Group (Reading, Pa.), recieves this award for inspiring talented students to create innovative solutions to complex problems as a FIRST Robotics Competition mentor; for founding ASME’s Philadelphia Young Engineers, which encourages aspiring engineers to return to ASME through networking; and for service to ASME through numerous local and national positions.<br />
<br />
Julie has served as a Team 1640 mentor since 2006. Congradulations!<br />
<br />
==Boeing Ridley Park Plant Tour - 5-November-2011==<br />
FRC Team 1640 toured Boeing's Ridley Park helicopter plant, together with teams 341, 365 & 486. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-22_Osprey V-22 Osprey] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinook_helicopter CH-47 Chinook] assembly lines were visited, as well as Boeing's Wind Tunnel and Flight Simulation facilities.<br />
<br />
==Carly McKown receives Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's (RPI's) Medalist Award - 29-October-2011==<br />
In RPI's Honors Convocation, FRC 1640's 2010 & 2011 Co-Captain, Carly McKown, received Rensselaer's Medalist Award. This award brings a $60k scholarship to RPI. Also, congratulations to senior FRC 1640 team member Michael B, who has been selected to receive the 2012 RPI Medalist Award.<br />
<br />
==[[DEWBOT VII Duel on the Delaware | Duel on the Delaware]] - 22-October-2011==<br />
[[image:Duel_on_the_Delaware_revised.jpg|210px|right|thumb]]22-October-2011. Sab-BOT-age's 5<sup>th</sup> time participating at Duel on the Delaware. Also the first FRC competition for 6 new students. <br />
<br />
Despite finishing qualifications at 19<sup>th</sup> out of 28 teams, 4<sup>th</sup>-ranked team 365 ([http://moe365.org/ Miracle Workerz]) selected us as their first alliance partner, filling out the alliance with team 87. Our alliance went on to win Duel on the Delaware this year.<br />
<br />
Our robot, DEWBOT VII, performed well and reliably though the competition, with a tread replacement being the only significant repair necessary. We were a solid scorer. Our mini-bot (Mighty Mouse) system generally won the end game. On the two occasions when we played defense, we were the defending robot you just couldn't get around. Our scouting is really showing the benefit of the focus we've put on it. Autonomous remains our weak point.<br />
<br />
New driver Andrew and Human Player Douglas both put in excellent performances throughout the day.<br />
<br />
==[[DEWBOT VII]] demo at Downingtown East High School - 17 & 18 May-2011==<br />
Carly and Paul Klufas demonstrated [[DEWBOT VII]] during Downingtown East physics classes.<br />
<br />
==[[DEWBOT VII FRC Championship|FRC Championship]], St. Louis MO - 27-29 April-2011== <br />
FRC Team 1640 (team Sab-BOT-age) competed for its first time in [[DEWBOT VII FRC Championship|FRC's Championship]], held in the Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis MO. 27 students, mentors and family members made the trip.<br />
<br />
352 FRC teams from 5 countries were divided into 4 divisions (Archimedes, Curie, Galileo & Newton) of 88 teams each. Winning alliances from each division met on the Einstein Field for playoffs, with Galileo's alliance taking the day.<br />
<br />
Team 1640 did well, winning 6 and losing 4 of our qualifying matches to place 27<sup>th</sup> out of the 88 teams in Archimedes division. Our drive team was able to score a solid 4 tubes during teleoperated play (except for during the losing matches) and our minibot ([[DEWBOT VII Minibot#Mighty Mouse|Mighty Mouse]]) was 100% reliable and always placed either 1<sup>st</sup> or 2<sup>nd</sup> in the critical end-game (when deployed). Autonomous performance, alas, remained unreliable with <50% success. We were not selected for an eliminations alliance.<br />
<br />
==FRC Team 1640 Winner of [[DEWBOT VII Philadelphia Regional | Philadelphia Regional]] & recipient of [[DEWBOT VII - Philadelphia - Rockwell Automation's Innovation in Control Award | Rockwell Automation's Innovation in Control Award]] - 7-9 April==<br />
<br />
Team 1640 led the 2<sup>nd</sup> alliance to victory in the Philadelphia Regional Competition. This was 1640 first Regional victory. In fact, this was also our first experience as an Alliance Captain at a Regional Competition.<br><br />
<br />
We had a great Alliance! Our Alliance Partners Teams 365 (Miracle Workerz), 303 (Panther Robotics) and 2607 (Robovikings, who substituted for 365 after their robot died in the Finals) performed superbly throughout the playoffs.<br><br />
<br />
In addition to winning the competition, Team 1640 received [[DEWBOT VII - Philadelphia - Rockwell Automation's Innovation in Control Award | Rockwell Automation's Innovation in Control Award]] for our cutting-edge modular pivot drive-train with its integrated sensor array and control software.<br><br />
<br />
==FRC [[DEWBOT VII Finger Lakes Regional | Finger Lakes Regional]] - 3-5 March==<br />
The team had a rough start, with some cRIO problems which took a while to resolve. In the end, however, we were selected for the 4<sup>th</sup> alliance and made it to the semifinals. We were defeated by the 1<sup>st</sup> alliance, who went on to win the Regional.<br />
<br />
We scored reasonably well in teleop, up to 4 logo pieces per match and always in the desired positions, but clearly could use more practice. There are mechanical and programming issues to resolve prior to the Philadelphia Regional as well.<br />
<br />
== [[DC Knights Middle School and High School 2011]] VEX event 26-February-2011 ==<br />
<br />
The VEXMEN went to Delaware County Christian School for the [[DC Knights Middle School and High School 2011]] VEX event. We qualified 3 more teams for Worlds, won a total of 9 awards and were both the middle school tournament winners and finalists (all six teams were from Downingtown).<br />
<br />
The big win of the day was having Cheryl Foster recognized as the regional Mentor of the Year. She has been with our program for just over a year. Cheryl is one of our many adult mentors that do not have children in the program. She has been a huge inspiration to one of our all girl team, Team 90.<br />
<br />
== It's a Wrap - FRC Build Season is complete! 22-February-2011 ==<br />
Just shy of 1 AM this morning, FIRST Robotics Team 1640 sealed its completed 2011 robot, DEWBOT VII, into a bag for competition. The robot will be unsealed at the team's first competition at Rochester Institute of Technology on 3-March. This sealing brings a conclusion to the team's safe and successful 6-week build season.<br />
<br />
The robot achieves all of the strategic objectives set by the team at the start of the build season. In practice, it scored reliably in autonomous, teleoperated, and end-game bonus play. The drive-train is a significantly improved version of last year's pivot drive, combining extraordinary agility with excellent traction and speed. Colored lights on the robot are used to signal for specific game pieces to be added to the field. Team 1640 has never before produced a robot possessing this level of performance and quality. The entire team did a phenomenal job on the 2011 robot.<br />
<br />
This year, for the first time, Team 1640 will compete in the Championship Competition in Saint Louis.<br />
<br />
The 2011 build season brought with it a number of first for the team, including:<br />
<br />
:A structured front-end process was initiated for idea generation, strategic goal setting, and development of clear game-focused (customer-focused) performance specifications. These specifications guided the team's detailed design effort.<br />
<br />
:1640 built a 2nd robot (deux). While increasing the overall work load, the 2nd robot improved work-flow by facilitating parallel [programming & driving] and [mechanical & electrical] work. The real benefit of the 2nd robot. however, will come now that the first has been sealed for competition. The 2nd robot remains available for driver/operator practice and as a development platform for tactics and software/hardware improvements.<br />
<br />
:The team has a mill, significantly improving the accuracy and reproducibility of component fabrication. Many of the team's students obtained first-hand experience fabricating parts on the mill.<br />
<br />
:A range of new materials were introduced to the 2011 robot, ranging from the ordinary (polypropylene and fiberglass pultrusion) to carbon-fiber composite. We learned about the benefits and drawbacks of these materials, why to use them, and how.<br />
<br />
:Our current home allowed us to set up an almost full-size practice field, which we did.<br />
<br />
The team thanks the Downingtown Area School District, our generous Sponsors, our dedicated Mentors and Parents, without whose support and assistance none of this would have been possible.<br />
<br />
== Downingtown goes to Souderton for the Souderton VEXPeriment 12-Februrary-2011 ==<br />
We had a great time at the [[Souderton VEXperiment 2011]]. Lots of great action, the VEXMEM won a number of awards and Team 92 qualified for worlds.<br />
<br />
== Dockbots'11 22-January-2011 ==<br />
Our VEXMEN winter season kicked off with a trip to Lansdale for [[DockBots'11]] We won a number of small awards, and had a great time.<br />
<br />
== Downingtown FLL Team Rocks Oxford FLL Qualifier 8-January-2010 ==<br />
The Downingtown FLL teams had a great day at the Oxford FLL Qualifier. The Oxford Qualifier for FLL was held yesterday at Oxford High School. <br />
<br />
The competition was comprised of 40 teams from the area, six of which were from Downingtown Area Robotics FLL program. This competition differs a bit from our VEX and FRC programs in that the kids not only compete with their robot but they are also required to do a research project relating to the annual theme. This year the theme was Body Forward which pertains to Biomedical. They are also judged on how they work as a team, their core values pertaining to the program and the quality of their robot design and programming. They really push these elementary level kids to excel while having a good time. When the competition is over only nine of the teams are selected to move on to the Region Championships at the Bob Carpenter Center at the University of Delaware.<br />
<br />
Team 1001 - BioBots <br />
* 3rd place Champions Award (overall competition award)<br />
* 3rd place Robot Performance (score of 320)<br />
*Selected for the Regional Championships<br />
<br />
Team 1003 - Robot Wizards<br />
* 1st place Robot Performance (top score of 325)<br />
* 1st place Programming Award<br />
* Selected for the Regional Championships<br />
<br />
Team 1005 -<br />
* 5th place Robot Performance (score of 275)<br />
<br />
Team 1004 - Nerve Connections<br />
* 10th place Robot Performance<br />
<br />
Congratulations to all of our Downingtown Area Robotics teams as they did a great job and represented Downingtown to the best of their ability.<br />
<br />
Their next event will be the FLL Regional Competition on 22 January 2010 at the Bob Carpenter Center at the University of Delaware.<br />
<br />
Congratulations to all the teams, it's a very impressive showing for a program that is in it's second year!<br />
<br />
The first place team was Team 1215, Minds In MOEtion, from Coatesville, PA. They are sponsored, funded, coached, and mentored by FIRST Tech Challenge Team 3489 - Minds In Gear. Two of the members of Minds in Gear are Downingtown Robotics members Sasha and Nicole Wall. Great Job!<br />
<br />
== Mill brought on-line 5-January-2011 ==<br />
'''It's ALIVE! Mill comes to life on 5 January 2011 at 6:15 PM!''' After four years of silently hanging around the halls of Downingtown East High School, the Jet Milling Machine was moved to the Downingtown Robotics Center. After some cleanup it was plugged into the power and gulped down it's first taste of sweet 208 volts at 6:15 PM. The mill was soon set to it's first task of creating a protective base for future milling operations. Thanks to Scott, Gary and Ben along with the DASD electrical crew for getting the mill up and running and to Ben on getting our first part made.<br />
<br />
Having a mill will make many of the machining operations that were impossible to do in house now a real possibility. While we will still use Wamac (one of our Sponsors) for complex parts, the mill will allow us to create things like transmissions and our award winning pivot drive in-house. <br />
<br />
This is also another example of how the expanded space at the Downingtown Robotics Center has help boost our capability. In the mill's prior home in the physics hallway of Downingtown East, it was not usable due to safety issues around flying hot metal chips. In it's new home we can let the chips fall where they may! (Well not really, we have protective screens to keep the chips flying too far)<br />
<br />
A special thanks to Ed Tremblay from [http://www.eastcoastedmmachine.com/ East Coast EDM] who was gracious enough to donate his time, truck and expenses to move the mill for us.<br />
<br />
==CPR Training 18-December-2010 ==<br />
[[image:DB6_CPR_101218_csm-3.jpg|right|300px|thumb|CPR Training]]Nine students, mentors and parents from Team 1640 received CPR training and 2-year ASHI certification on 18-Dec at the Uwchlan Ambulance Corps.<br />
<br />
==Downingtown Area Robotics Open House - 15-Dec-2010==<br />
DAR hosted an [[2010 Open House | Open House]] on the evening of 15-December.<br />
<br />
==Practice FRC Kick-off - 11 & 12 Dec-2010==<br />
Team 1640 conducted a [[2010 Practice Kick-off | Practice Kick-off]] on 11 & 12-December 2010 in preparation of the real deal. A formal [[2010_Practice_Kick-off#The_Design_Process | Design Process]] was introduced and tested during this exercise. 2006 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aim_High Aim High] game rules were employed for the robot basis, with the exception of the control system, which utilized 2010 standards.<br />
<br />
Game simulation using students as robots proved very effective and provided very good insights into the game play and requirements for winning matches.<br />
<br />
== Lansdale Catholic FIRST Lego League - 20-November-2010 ==<br />
There were 48 teams competing in the first Lego event of the season. The Lansdale event is one of the largest events in our area. The Downingtown teams did very well.<br />
*Team 1003, Robot Wizards: Best Programming, Top Finalist and 3rd Place Robot<br />
*Team 1001, BioBots: 7th Place Robot<br />
*Team 1004, Nerve Connections: 24th Place Robot<br />
<br />
== VEX Fall Classics - 20-November-2010 ==<br />
On Saturday 20 November we had 42 teams from 4 states came play Round Up. There were two events in one, the Junior Fall Classic for 18 middle school teams and the Fall Classic for 24 High School teams. Over 350 people crowded into the Downingtown Middle School for a day of fast and fun robotics action. Read all the details in the [[Round Up Fall Classic]]. Our thanks for QVC for being the sponsor of this event!<br />
<br />
== Ramp Riot and Girls In Gear Demo - 13-Nov-2010 ==<br />
The FRC and VEX teams went to Ambler PA to participate in Ramp Riot and to do a demo for the Girl Scouts Girls in Gear program.<br />
<br />
DEWBOT VI did pretty well during the day and we were picked for the 5th alliance. Quarterfinals didn't go well with a mechanical failure taking us out of the competition.<br />
<br />
The demo went very well, over 70 Scouts got a chance to drive our VEX robots.<br />
<br />
For details see [[DEWBOT VI Ramp Riot]] and the [[Girls In Gear]] pages.<br />
<br />
== VEX Adult Mentor Workshop - 7-Nov-2010 ==<br />
On Sunday 15 VEX adult mentors met at the [[Downingtown Robotics Center]]. Sessions by Steve Rhoads, Bob Whalen covered mechanical construction of bases, grippers, grabbers, arms, game rules, match play, and software. All 15 mentors reached the Technomage Software Apprentice Level.<br />
<br />
----<br />
Older news items can be found in the [[News Archive]]</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=User:Foster&diff=12345
User:Foster
2011-11-09T16:24:19Z
<p>Foster: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:DB7_IRI_Schucker_cupcake_3_110723_csm.jpg|250px|right]]<br />
== Downingtown Area Robotics ==<br />
I've been working with Downingtown Robotics since 2007, I was a co-founder / mentor of the initial FIRST Vex Challenge (FVC) team - 3150. In our first season we had 5 roboteers. In 2010 spent over 1100 hours doing robotic related functions.<br />
<br />
I am the Chief Roboteer for the [[VEX Robot Challenge]] teams at Downingtown. The program has grown from from 1 robot with 5 roboteers to 9 robots and ~45 roboteers for the 2009-2010 season. Most of the roboteers are middle school students. While most of the teams had a great year, two of the teams (80-Pegasus and 81-Longshot) participated at the [[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]]<br />
<br />
I won the '''[[2010 VEX Mentor of the Year]]''' with my friend and co-founder of STEMRobotics, Steve Rhoads, at the [[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]]. The award was for our work as catalyst and mentors growing interest in robotics in the greater Philadelphia area. <br />
<br />
We took 9 teams of the 15 that competed all season to the 2011 World's at Disney World. We won the Excellence and Think Award, two of the top awards given. <br />
<br />
For a number of years I was a Senior Mentor for FRC team 1640. My role on the team is Program Management, with the primary task of keeping the build moving forward. I started working on the big robot in 2007 as part of the electrical team for [[DEWBOT III]]. With the huge growth in the VEX teams, I've given up FRC and focused on VEX<br />
<br />
I worked on the following FRC sub-teams:<br />
:;Electrical:Layout and design of the electrical subsystem with the students and then supervising the construction.<br />
<br />
:;Programming:<br />
<br />
<source lang="c"><br />
main()<br />
{<br />
int version = 2;<br />
printf("Hello from DEWBot Robot! Version=%i \n", version);<br />
}<br />
</source><br />
<br />
:''(Actually we use LabView, but there is not an easy way to show a LabView VI, so you'll have to do with some C code.)''<br />
<br />
:;Mechanical: (righty tighty, lefty loosey)<br />
::I work mostly on creating jigs, forms and templates used to create the metal parts. Most of these items are made out of wood.<br />
<br />
<br><br />
I'm a member of the [[Steering Committee]], I'm the unofficial secretary for meeting minutes.<br />
<br />
One of my largest accomplishments for Downingtown Area Robotics in 2010 was to secure ~15,000 sq feet of shop, practice and meeting space for our teams. While we have had super support from the CCIU in the last 2 years with our access to the DEC space, the new space is amazing. We will finally have space for all of our tools (including the mill that has been in the high school unused for 3 years), full time and '''full sized''' practice space and meeting / classroom space. Being able to build and keep up practice space is a huge deal. Presently it takes 1/2 of our evening time to set up and tear down a practice field. It took hours to work out a plan, but it's going to be well worth it.<br />
<br />
In 2011 we kept the pace going with 18 VEX teams. For the first time we have three high school teams!<br />
<br />
==STEMRobotics==<br />
I am one of the leaders of [http://stemrobotics.org STEMRobotics] a non-profit organization with the goal of bringing competition robotics to middle and high school students in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware. STEMRobotics is the sponsor or co-sponsor of three VEX events in the area, including the [[2010 Eastern Pennsylvania Regional]] Competition.<br />
<br />
In 2010 we started twelve new teams including a college team ''Knights of the Old Robotic'' (KTOR). KTOR won the Excellence Award at the [[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]].<br />
<br />
==STEM Academy==<br />
During 2009-2010 Downingtown Area School District embarked on a program to build a Science Technology Engineering and Technology Magnet School called the [[http://www.dasd-dec.org/ STEM Academy]]. I was part of the Core Team of educators and community members to oversee the initial design process. <br />
<br />
I was also a member of the Curriculum Committee that mapped out the core curriculum for the school. I focused on getting and keeping engineering as a core component. I also laid the ground work for robotics to be one of core engineering classes in 9th and 10th grades.<br />
<br />
Participation in the STEM Academy with presentations to the board helped heighten School Board, District Administration and Public awareness of Downingtown Area Robotics and our three programs (FLL, VEX, FRC) and the over 100 students we inspire every year.<br />
<br />
==Robot Outreach==<br />
I participate and give a number of seminars and demonstrations every year. In 2009 / 2010 we did 2 adult mentor workshops (7 nights), multiple demos to start new teams in 5 different locations, back to school nights, a Gamers Convention, STEM Defined where 1100 community members got to see robots in action and 3 scout summer camps with about ~120 scouts per group. I have the famous [[VEX Red Wagon]] for taking robots to demos in.<br />
<br />
I'm also a VEX Event Partner and volunteer at out of area events like the Mid-Atlantic VEX Championship and the TSA/VEX National Championship. <br />
<br />
Our VEX robot teams do not just participate in VRC competitions. We won a design award at the 2010 PSU Firefight Challenge. We will be participating in ''Swept Away'' at the 2010 IRI/VEX event.<br />
<br />
==Sayings==<br />
There are a number of things that I say on a regular basis during build season:<br />
:Hope is not an (engineering, Project Management, design, etc.) strategy.<br />
:I've had fun before, I'm pretty sure this isn't it.<br />
:I don't think that's going to have a happy ending.<br />
:Wow, well that DOES make me happy!<br />
::(and I've overheard roboteers say "Ohhhh, that's not going to make Foster happy.")<br />
:Well we didn't need those physics laws anyway.<br />
:Hey, I'm just the web guy but ...<br />
:You know, it's just easier to do it right the first time.<br />
:It's analysis, design, then build NOT build, rip apart and rebuild.<br />
:There is nothing that can't be built with just a few VEX parts.<br />
:It's not really a robot unless there are VEX parts on it.<br />
and of course<br />
:Singing "''It's the Love Boat''" as I do a quick visit to my [[http://www.schucker.org/Wiki.jsp?page=TripsIn2010 happy place]] during stressful times.<br />
==Contact Information==<br />
Finally, I'm also the webmaster for this site, contact me about problems.<br />
<br />
Contact: DEWBOTROBOT at Yahoo dot com, or me directly at Foster dot Schucker at the domain STEMRobotics dot org. ''Confused? So are the spam-mail bots trying to figure out the address. Say it out loud, that helps''<br />
----<br />
[[Category:Mentors]]</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=User:Foster&diff=12344
User:Foster
2011-11-09T16:22:51Z
<p>Foster: /* Downingtown Area Robotics */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Downingtown Area Robotics ==<br />
[[File:DB7_IRI_Schucker_cupcake_3_110723_csm.jpg|250px|right]]<br />
I've been working with Downingtown Robotics since 2007, I was a co-founder / mentor of the initial FIRST Vex Challenge (FVC) team - 3150. In our first season we had 5 roboteers. In 2010 spent over 1100 hours doing robotic related functions.<br />
<br />
I am the Chief Roboteer for the [[VEX Robot Challenge]] teams at Downingtown. The program has grown from from 1 robot with 5 roboteers to 9 robots and ~45 roboteers for the 2009-2010 season. Most of the roboteers are middle school students. While most of the teams had a great year, two of the teams (80-Pegasus and 81-Longshot) participated at the [[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]]<br />
<br />
I won the '''[[2010 VEX Mentor of the Year]]''' with my friend and co-founder of STEMRobotics, Steve Rhoads, at the [[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]]. The award was for our work as catalyst and mentors growing interest in robotics in the greater Philadelphia area. <br />
<br />
We took 9 teams of the 15 that competed all season to the 2011 World's at Disney World. We won the Excellence and Think Award, two of the top awards given. <br />
<br />
For a number of years I was a Senior Mentor for FRC team 1640. My role on the team is Program Management, with the primary task of keeping the build moving forward. I started working on the big robot in 2007 as part of the electrical team for [[DEWBOT III]]. With the huge growth in the VEX teams, I've given up FRC and focused on VEX<br />
<br />
I worked on the following FRC sub-teams:<br />
:;Electrical:Layout and design of the electrical subsystem with the students and then supervising the construction.<br />
<br />
:;Programming:<br />
<br />
<source lang="c"><br />
main()<br />
{<br />
int version = 2;<br />
printf("Hello from DEWBot Robot! Version=%i \n", version);<br />
}<br />
</source><br />
<br />
:''(Actually we use LabView, but there is not an easy way to show a LabView VI, so you'll have to do with some C code.)''<br />
<br />
:;Mechanical: (righty tighty, lefty loosey)<br />
::I work mostly on creating jigs, forms and templates used to create the metal parts. Most of these items are made out of wood.<br />
<br />
<br><br />
I'm a member of the [[Steering Committee]], I'm the unofficial secretary for meeting minutes.<br />
<br />
One of my largest accomplishments for Downingtown Area Robotics in 2010 was to secure ~15,000 sq feet of shop, practice and meeting space for our teams. While we have had super support from the CCIU in the last 2 years with our access to the DEC space, the new space is amazing. We will finally have space for all of our tools (including the mill that has been in the high school unused for 3 years), full time and '''full sized''' practice space and meeting / classroom space. Being able to build and keep up practice space is a huge deal. Presently it takes 1/2 of our evening time to set up and tear down a practice field. It took hours to work out a plan, but it's going to be well worth it.<br />
<br />
In 2011 we kept the pace going with 18 VEX teams. For the first time we have three high school teams!<br />
<br />
==STEMRobotics==<br />
I am one of the leaders of [http://stemrobotics.org STEMRobotics] a non-profit organization with the goal of bringing competition robotics to middle and high school students in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware. STEMRobotics is the sponsor or co-sponsor of three VEX events in the area, including the [[2010 Eastern Pennsylvania Regional]] Competition.<br />
<br />
In 2010 we started twelve new teams including a college team ''Knights of the Old Robotic'' (KTOR). KTOR won the Excellence Award at the [[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]].<br />
<br />
==STEM Academy==<br />
During 2009-2010 Downingtown Area School District embarked on a program to build a Science Technology Engineering and Technology Magnet School called the [[http://www.dasd-dec.org/ STEM Academy]]. I was part of the Core Team of educators and community members to oversee the initial design process. <br />
<br />
I was also a member of the Curriculum Committee that mapped out the core curriculum for the school. I focused on getting and keeping engineering as a core component. I also laid the ground work for robotics to be one of core engineering classes in 9th and 10th grades.<br />
<br />
Participation in the STEM Academy with presentations to the board helped heighten School Board, District Administration and Public awareness of Downingtown Area Robotics and our three programs (FLL, VEX, FRC) and the over 100 students we inspire every year.<br />
<br />
==Robot Outreach==<br />
I participate and give a number of seminars and demonstrations every year. In 2009 / 2010 we did 2 adult mentor workshops (7 nights), multiple demos to start new teams in 5 different locations, back to school nights, a Gamers Convention, STEM Defined where 1100 community members got to see robots in action and 3 scout summer camps with about ~120 scouts per group. I have the famous [[VEX Red Wagon]] for taking robots to demos in.<br />
<br />
I'm also a VEX Event Partner and volunteer at out of area events like the Mid-Atlantic VEX Championship and the TSA/VEX National Championship. <br />
<br />
Our VEX robot teams do not just participate in VRC competitions. We won a design award at the 2010 PSU Firefight Challenge. We will be participating in ''Swept Away'' at the 2010 IRI/VEX event.<br />
<br />
==Sayings==<br />
There are a number of things that I say on a regular basis during build season:<br />
:Hope is not an (engineering, Project Management, design, etc.) strategy.<br />
:I've had fun before, I'm pretty sure this isn't it.<br />
:I don't think that's going to have a happy ending.<br />
:Wow, well that DOES make me happy!<br />
::(and I've overheard roboteers say "Ohhhh, that's not going to make Foster happy.")<br />
:Well we didn't need those physics laws anyway.<br />
:Hey, I'm just the web guy but ...<br />
:You know, it's just easier to do it right the first time.<br />
:It's analysis, design, then build NOT build, rip apart and rebuild.<br />
:There is nothing that can't be built with just a few VEX parts.<br />
:It's not really a robot unless there are VEX parts on it.<br />
and of course<br />
:Singing "''It's the Love Boat''" as I do a quick visit to my [[http://www.schucker.org/Wiki.jsp?page=TripsIn2010 happy place]] during stressful times.<br />
==Contact Information==<br />
Finally, I'm also the webmaster for this site, contact me about problems.<br />
<br />
Contact: DEWBOTROBOT at Yahoo dot com, or me directly at Foster dot Schucker at the domain STEMRobotics dot org. ''Confused? So are the spam-mail bots trying to figure out the address. Say it out loud, that helps''<br />
----<br />
[[Category:Mentors]]</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=User:Foster&diff=12343
User:Foster
2011-11-09T16:19:53Z
<p>Foster: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Downingtown Area Robotics ==<br />
I've been working with Downingtown Robotics since 2007, I was a co-founder / mentor of the initial FIRST Vex Challenge (FVC) team - 3150. In our first season we had 5 roboteers. In 2010 spent over 1100 hours doing robotic related functions.<br />
<br />
I am the Chief Roboteer for the [[VEX Robot Challenge]] teams at Downingtown. The program has grown from from 1 robot with 5 roboteers to 9 robots and ~45 roboteers for the 2009-2010 season. Most of the roboteers are middle school students. While most of the teams had a great year, two of the teams (80-Pegasus and 81-Longshot) participated at the [[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]]<br />
<br />
I won the '''[[2010 VEX Mentor of the Year]]''' with my friend and co-founder of STEMRobotics, Steve Rhoads, at the [[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]]. The award was for our work as catalyst and mentors growing interest in robotics in the greater Philadelphia area. <br />
<br />
We took 9 teams of the 15 that competed all season to the 2011 World's at Disney World. We won the Excellence and Think Award, two of the top awards given. <br />
<br />
For a number of years I was a Senior Mentor for FRC team 1640. My role on the team is Program Management, with the primary task of keeping the build moving forward. I started working on the big robot in 2007 as part of the electrical team for [[DEWBOT III]]. With the huge growth in the VEX teams, I've given up FRC and focused on VEX<br />
<br />
I worked on the following FRC sub-teams:<br />
:;Electrical:Layout and design of the electrical subsystem with the students and then supervising the construction.<br />
<br />
:;Programming:<br />
<br />
<source lang="c"><br />
main()<br />
{<br />
int version = 2;<br />
printf("Hello from DEWBot Robot! Version=%i \n", version);<br />
}<br />
</source><br />
<br />
:''(Actually we use LabView, but there is not an easy way to show a LabView VI, so you'll have to do with some C code.)''<br />
<br />
:;Mechanical: (righty tighty, lefty loosey)<br />
::I work mostly on creating jigs, forms and templates used to create the metal parts. Most of these items are made out of wood.<br />
<br />
<br><br />
I'm a member of the [[Steering Committee]], I'm the unofficial secretary for meeting minutes.<br />
<br />
One of my largest accomplishments for Downingtown Area Robotics in 2010 was to secure ~15,000 sq feet of shop, practice and meeting space for our teams. While we have had super support from the CCIU in the last 2 years with our access to the DEC space, the new space is amazing. We will finally have space for all of our tools (including the mill that has been in the high school unused for 3 years), full time and '''full sized''' practice space and meeting / classroom space. Being able to build and keep up practice space is a huge deal. Presently it takes 1/2 of our evening time to set up and tear down a practice field. It took hours to work out a plan, but it's going to be well worth it.<br />
<br />
In 2011 we kept the pace going with 18 VEX teams. For the first time we have three high school teams! <br />
<br />
==STEMRobotics==<br />
I am one of the leaders of [http://stemrobotics.org STEMRobotics] a non-profit organization with the goal of bringing competition robotics to middle and high school students in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware. STEMRobotics is the sponsor or co-sponsor of three VEX events in the area, including the [[2010 Eastern Pennsylvania Regional]] Competition.<br />
<br />
In 2010 we started twelve new teams including a college team ''Knights of the Old Robotic'' (KTOR). KTOR won the Excellence Award at the [[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]].<br />
<br />
==STEM Academy==<br />
During 2009-2010 Downingtown Area School District embarked on a program to build a Science Technology Engineering and Technology Magnet School called the [[http://www.dasd-dec.org/ STEM Academy]]. I was part of the Core Team of educators and community members to oversee the initial design process. <br />
<br />
I was also a member of the Curriculum Committee that mapped out the core curriculum for the school. I focused on getting and keeping engineering as a core component. I also laid the ground work for robotics to be one of core engineering classes in 9th and 10th grades.<br />
<br />
Participation in the STEM Academy with presentations to the board helped heighten School Board, District Administration and Public awareness of Downingtown Area Robotics and our three programs (FLL, VEX, FRC) and the over 100 students we inspire every year.<br />
<br />
==Robot Outreach==<br />
I participate and give a number of seminars and demonstrations every year. In 2009 / 2010 we did 2 adult mentor workshops (7 nights), multiple demos to start new teams in 5 different locations, back to school nights, a Gamers Convention, STEM Defined where 1100 community members got to see robots in action and 3 scout summer camps with about ~120 scouts per group. I have the famous [[VEX Red Wagon]] for taking robots to demos in.<br />
<br />
I'm also a VEX Event Partner and volunteer at out of area events like the Mid-Atlantic VEX Championship and the TSA/VEX National Championship. <br />
<br />
Our VEX robot teams do not just participate in VRC competitions. We won a design award at the 2010 PSU Firefight Challenge. We will be participating in ''Swept Away'' at the 2010 IRI/VEX event.<br />
<br />
==Sayings==<br />
There are a number of things that I say on a regular basis during build season:<br />
:Hope is not an (engineering, Project Management, design, etc.) strategy.<br />
:I've had fun before, I'm pretty sure this isn't it.<br />
:I don't think that's going to have a happy ending.<br />
:Wow, well that DOES make me happy!<br />
::(and I've overheard roboteers say "Ohhhh, that's not going to make Foster happy.")<br />
:Well we didn't need those physics laws anyway.<br />
:Hey, I'm just the web guy but ...<br />
:You know, it's just easier to do it right the first time.<br />
:It's analysis, design, then build NOT build, rip apart and rebuild.<br />
:There is nothing that can't be built with just a few VEX parts.<br />
:It's not really a robot unless there are VEX parts on it.<br />
and of course<br />
:Singing "''It's the Love Boat''" as I do a quick visit to my [[http://www.schucker.org/Wiki.jsp?page=TripsIn2010 happy place]] during stressful times.<br />
==Contact Information==<br />
Finally, I'm also the webmaster for this site, contact me about problems.<br />
<br />
Contact: DEWBOTROBOT at Yahoo dot com, or me directly at Foster dot Schucker at the domain STEMRobotics dot org. ''Confused? So are the spam-mail bots trying to figure out the address. Say it out loud, that helps''<br />
----<br />
[[Category:Mentors]]</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=User_talk:Foster&diff=12328
User talk:Foster
2011-11-08T22:26:15Z
<p>Foster: </p>
<hr />
<div>*[[MediaWiki:Sidebar]]<br />
*[[DEW_Robotics:Community_Portal]]<br />
*[[http://wiki.team1640.com/index.php?title=Special:UserLogin&type=signup Create a new account]]<br />
<br />
[[http://wiki.team1640.com/index.php?title=Help:Contents Help:Contents]]<br />
<br />
This website is made with valid [http://validator.w3.org/check/referer XHTML] and [http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/check/referer CSS] It complies with <br />
[http://www.contentquality.com/mynewtester/cynthia.exe?Url1=http://www.team1640.com Section 508 accessability guidelines.]<br />
<br />
MediaWiki:Noarticletextanon set to {{int:noarticletext}}<br />
<br />
From the Left Nav Bar<br />
*2010 Season<br />
** FRC_2010_Calendar|FRC Calendar<br />
** DEWBOT_VI | DEWBOT VI Overview<br />
** Robot sub-teams<br />
** DEWBOT VI Drive Train | Drive Train<br />
** DEWBOT VI Mechanical | Mechanical / Scoring<br />
** DEWBOT VI Programming | Programming<br />
** DEWBOT VI Electrical | Electrical<br />
** DEWBOT VI Tactical | Tactical<br />
** DEWBOT VI Scouting | Scouting<br />
** DEWBOT VI Field Components | Field Components<br />
** DEWBOT VI Media | Media <br />
<br />
default picture block<br />
<br />
<gallery widths=250 heights=250 perrow=3><br />
Image:STEM__100519_csm.jpg|<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
{{Special:WhatLinksHere/User:Foster}}<br />
<br />
This page last edited on 8 November 2011</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=Food_Factor_NEMO_Metors&diff=12321
Food Factor NEMO Metors
2011-10-24T15:00:21Z
<p>Foster: Created page with 'Some of our coaches also do NEMO tasks: *Holly Koblish is a team coach/mentor who is also a biomedical research engineer. She is handling the T-shirt design and ordering for all...'</p>
<hr />
<div>Some of our coaches also do NEMO tasks:<br />
*Holly Koblish is a team coach/mentor who is also a biomedical research engineer. She is handling the T-shirt design and ordering for all of the teams in addition to coaching a team.<br />
<br />
*Burke LaShell made our FLL tables this year and did a great job! He is also one of the team coaches.<br />
<br />
[[Downingtown Area Robotics NEMO]]</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=Round_Up_NEMO_Mentors&diff=12280
Round Up NEMO Mentors
2011-10-23T22:25:45Z
<p>Foster: </p>
<hr />
<div>* Glenn McMillen - our [http://www/ VEXMEN.COM] web master, fundraiser and media design person<br />
* Jenn Casazza - T-Shirt design, team branding<br />
* Mike Casazza - All thing printed on paper happen because of Mike<br />
* Foster Schucker - parts, parts and more parts - he orders everything<br />
Click here for the other [[Downingtown Area Robotics NEMO]] mentor's</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=Round_Up_NEMO_Mentors&diff=12279
Round Up NEMO Mentors
2011-10-23T22:24:46Z
<p>Foster: Created page with '* Glenn McMillen - our [http://www/ VEXMEN.COM] web master, fundraiser and media design person * Jenn Casazza - T-Shirt design, team branding * Mike Casazza - All thing printed o...'</p>
<hr />
<div>* Glenn McMillen - our [http://www/ VEXMEN.COM] web master, fundraiser and media design person<br />
* Jenn Casazza - T-Shirt design, team branding<br />
* Mike Casazza - All thing printed on paper happen because of Mike<br />
* Foster Schucker - parts, parts and more parts - he orders everything</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=Gateway_NEMO_Mentors&diff=12278
Gateway NEMO Mentors
2011-10-23T22:23:38Z
<p>Foster: </p>
<hr />
<div>* Glenn McMillen - our [[VEXMEN.COM]] web master, fundraiser and media design person<br />
* Jenn Casazza - T-Shirt design, team branding<br />
* Mike Casazza - All thing printed on paper happen because of Mike<br />
* Foster Schucker - parts, parts and more parts - he orders everything<br />
See out other NEMO members at the [[Downingtown Area Robotics NEMO]] page</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=Gateway_NEMO_Mentors&diff=12277
Gateway NEMO Mentors
2011-10-23T22:22:46Z
<p>Foster: Created page with '* Glenn McMillen - our VEXMEN.COM web master, fundraiser and media design person * Jenn Casazza - T-Shirt design, team branding * Mike Casazza - All thing printed on paper ha...'</p>
<hr />
<div>* Glenn McMillen - our [[VEXMEN.COM]] web master, fundraiser and media design person<br />
* Jenn Casazza - T-Shirt design, team branding<br />
* Mike Casazza - All thing printed on paper happen because of Mike<br />
* Foster Schucker - parts, parts and more parts - he orders everything</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=DEWBOT_VII_Duel_on_the_Delaware&diff=12276
DEWBOT VII Duel on the Delaware
2011-10-23T22:16:19Z
<p>Foster: /* Who was there */</p>
<hr />
<div>22-October-2010. Sab-BOT-age's 5<sup>th</sup> time participating at Duel on the Delaware. Also the first FRC competition for 6 new students. <br />
<br />
In spite finishing qualifications at 19<sup>th</sup> out of 28 teams, 4<sup>th</sup>-ranked team 365 ([http://moe365.org/ Miracle Workerz]) selected us as their first alliance partner (thanks, MOE!), filling out the alliance with team 87 (Diablo). Our alliance went on to win Duel on the Delaware this year.<br />
<br />
New driver Andrew and Human Player Douglas both put in excellent performances thoughout the day. Quinn assisted the field team with the robot.<br />
<br />
Check out the [http://moe365.org/duel2011/index.php Event Website].<br />
<br />
==Who was there==<br />
Students: Sasha, Andrew, Douglas, Michael, Ian, Nicole, Molly, Kira, Yahya, Ben, DJ, Lucy, Patrick C, Quinn, Sarah, Patrick D, Varun<br><br />
<br />
Mentors: Clem & Faith McKown, Julie Christopher, Siri Maley, Ben Kellom, Rita Wall<br><br />
<br />
Parent: Joe Morganto, Eric Stuehrmann, <br><br />
<br />
Fan Club: [[User:Foster | Foster]] <br><br />
<br><br />
:Driver: Andrew<br><br />
:Operator: Sasha<br><br />
:Human Players: Douglas<br><br />
:Coach: Siri Maley<br><br />
:Scouts: Nicole<br />
:Pit Crew: Molly, Lucy, Kira,<br />
:[[DEWBOT_VII_NEMO_Mentors|NEMO Representatives]]: Faith McKown, Joe Morganto<br />
<br />
==Problems Encountered==<br />
# <br />
==Lessons Learned==<br />
# <br />
<br />
==Post-Mortem==<br />
<br />
==Duel on the Delaware Photo Gallery==<br />
<gallery widths=250 heights=250 perrow=3><br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-1.jpg|Tread work in pit - Kira, Patrick C, Lucy & Molly<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-2.jpg|Pit - Faith Mckown, Molly, Lucy, Siri Maley, Sasha & Patrick D<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-3.jpg|Practice Match with Lucy on the Arm (also Andrew and Siri Malay)<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-4.jpg|Scoring a blue square<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-5.jpg|Nicole in the dance line<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-6.jpg|Big Ben - the name says it all<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-7.jpg|Play-off field set-up<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-8.jpg|[[DEWBOT VII | DEWBOT]] grabs a square tube...<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-9.jpg|...and hangs it as PandeMOEnium completes a logo<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-10.jpg|[[DEWBOT VII Minibot#Mighty Mouse|Mighty Mouse]] deployed and starting up the pole<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-11.jpg|The moment of contact - [[DEWBOT VII Minibot#Mighty Mouse|Mighty Mouse]] wins another minibot race!<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-12.jpg|If the robot doesn't break,... <br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-13.jpg|...the pit (and field) crew has time to dance!<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-14.jpg|<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-15.jpg|<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-16.jpg|<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-17.jpg|<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-18.jpg|<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-19.jpg|<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-20.jpg|<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-21.jpg|<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-22.jpg|<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-23.jpg|<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-24.jpg|<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-25.jpg|<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-26.jpg|<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-27.jpg|<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-28.jpg|<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-29.jpg|<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-30.jpg|<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-31.jpg|<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-32.jpg|<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-33.jpg|<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-34.jpg|<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-35.jpg|Team after victory<br />
Image:DB7_DD_111022_csm-36.jpg|Winner's Award<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
[[Category:Events]][[Category:DEWBOT VII]][[Category:Photo Galleries]][[Category:Duel on the Delaware]]</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=DEWBOT_VII_NEMO_Mentors&diff=12275
DEWBOT VII NEMO Mentors
2011-10-23T22:15:30Z
<p>Foster: </p>
<hr />
<div>Logomotion NEMO mentors:<br />
<br />
* Rita Wall - one of our leading fund raiser. Our pancake breakfast's wouldn't happen without her.<br />
* Faith McKown - Our Queen of Logistics, Sab-bot-tage moves because of Faith. Move 20+ people and a robot to 9 events a year? No problem, Faith has it covered. <br />
* Joe Morganto - puts the cash in ''cash and prizes''<br />
<br />
See our other [[Downingtown Area Robotics NEMO]] mentors! Come join us!</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=Downingtown_Area_Robotics_NEMO&diff=12274
Downingtown Area Robotics NEMO
2011-10-23T22:15:00Z
<p>Foster: Created page with 'NEMO stands for our Non-Engineering Mentor Organization, and their motto is ''We do EVERYTHING that's not rocket science.'' On a robotics team, the NEMO's are 50% of the effort....'</p>
<hr />
<div>NEMO stands for our Non-Engineering Mentor Organization, and their motto is ''We do EVERYTHING that's not rocket science.'' On a robotics team, the NEMO's are 50% of the effort. Building a robot in six weeks is hard, there is all that design, metal, electronics, programming, playing elements and field construction and practice. On the other hand the NEMOs work on fund raising, food and water during meetings, robot shipping, team event logistics, creation of team media material, more fund raising, Chairmans, Safety, Community and Excellence Awards, outreach, advertising, bill paying, etc (and etc!)<br />
<br />
One of the undercurrents in both FRC, VEX and FLL that a team could win some of the top awards at the World Championships ''without'' building a robot. FRC, VEX and FLL really push the ''you are a robotics company'' what is your marketing, sales and business plans? What is your connection to the community around you? What are you doing as a company to make the world a better place? <br />
<br />
The bottom line is that if you work in a non-engineering job, we '''NEED''' you. Your day job is something that we need to do as part of of our robotics team. Your company needs your function, we have the same need. <br />
<br />
If you are a '''stay at home''' person we want you the most! You can do a multitude of jobs and you are a proven multi-tasker. Call us NOW!<br />
<br />
The links below take you to our NEMO's. Please come join us, we can use your skills! <br />
<br />
== FRC NEMO ==<br />
[[DEWBOT VII NEMO Mentors]]- Logomotion made possible by this team of mentors<br />
<br />
== VEX NEMO ==<br />
[[Gateway NEMO Mentors]] - 2011-2012 Mentors that made Gateway! possible<br />
<br />
[[Round Up NEMO Mentors]] - Round Up! Our world award winning NEMO mentors that made it possible to go to the World Championship for the second year.<br />
<br />
== FLL NEMO ==<br />
[[Food Factor NEMO Metors]] - 2011-2012 Mentors that made our Lego's so much fun to eat.</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=DEWBOT_VII_NEMO_Mentors&diff=12273
DEWBOT VII NEMO Mentors
2011-10-23T22:12:52Z
<p>Foster: Created page with 'Logomotion NEMO mentors: * Rita Wall - one of our leading fund raiser. Our pancake breakfast's wouldn't happen without her. * Faith McKown - Our Queen of Logistics, Sab-bot-tag...'</p>
<hr />
<div>Logomotion NEMO mentors:<br />
<br />
* Rita Wall - one of our leading fund raiser. Our pancake breakfast's wouldn't happen without her.<br />
* Faith McKown - Our Queen of Logistics, Sab-bot-tage moves because of Faith. Move 20+ people and a robot to 9 events a year? No problem, Faith has it covered. <br />
* Joe Morganto - puts the cash in ''cash and prizes''</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=DEWBOT_VII_Duel_on_the_Delaware&diff=12245
DEWBOT VII Duel on the Delaware
2011-10-23T15:57:51Z
<p>Foster: /* Who was there */</p>
<hr />
<div>22-October-2010. Sab-BOT-age's 5<sup>th</sup> time participating at Duel on the Delaware. Also the first FRC competition for 6 new students. <br />
<br />
In spite finishing qualifications at 19<sup>th</sup> out of 28 teams, 4<sup>th</sup>-ranked team 365 ([http://moe365.org/ Miracle Workerz]) selected us as their first alliance partner (thanks, MOE!), filling out the alliance with team 87 (Diablo). Our alliance went on to win Duel on the Delaware this year.<br />
<br />
New driver Andrew and Human Player Douglas both put in excellent performances thoughout the day. Quinn assisted the field team with the robot.<br />
<br />
Check out the [http://moe365.org/duel2011/index.php Event Website].<br />
<br />
==Who was there==<br />
Students: Sasha, Andrew, Douglas, Michael, Ian, Nicole, Molly, Kira, Yahya, Ben, DJ, Lucy, Patrick C, Quinn, Sarah, Patrick D, Varun<br><br />
<br />
Mentors: Clem & Faith McKown, Julie Christopher, Siri Maley, Ben Kellom, Rita Wall<br><br />
<br />
Parent: Joe Morganto, Eric Stuehrmann, <br><br />
<br />
Fan Club: [[User:Foster | Foster]] <br><br />
<br><br />
:Driver: Andrew<br><br />
:Operator: Sasha<br><br />
:Human Players: Douglas<br><br />
:Coach: Siri Maley<br><br />
:Scouts: Nicole<br />
:Pit Crew: Molly, Lucy, Kira,<br />
:NEMO Representative: Faith McKown, Joe Morganto<br />
<br />
==Problems Encountered==<br />
# <br />
==Lessons Learned==<br />
# <br />
<br />
==Post-Mortem==<br />
<br />
==Duel on the Delaware Photo Gallery==<br />
<gallery widths=250 heights=250 perrow=3><br />
Image:DB7_DD__111022_csm.jpg|<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
[[Category:Events]][[Category:DEWBOT VII]][[Category:Photo Galleries]][[Category:Duel on the Delaware]]</div>
Foster
https://team1640.com/wiki/index.php?title=2012_Robot_Name_Suggestion_Box&diff=12158
2012 Robot Name Suggestion Box
2011-10-03T12:21:58Z
<p>Foster: </p>
<hr />
<div>SabBot<br><br />
Firefly<br><br />
+1 - DEWBOT (Downingtown, Exton & Westchester roBOT)<br><br />
Loki<br><br />
Red Queen (From Resident Evil)<br><br />
----<br />
[[Category:DEWBOT VIII]]</div>
Foster