Difference between revisions of "News Archive"

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This page is the News Archive.  The main [[news]] page has items for up to a year, after that they are moved to this page.  
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This page is the News Archive.  The main [[news]] page has items for up to a year, after that they are moved to this page for another year.  
  
== S.T.E.M. Defined! 19-May-2010==
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==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==
Downingtown Area Robotics provided a robotics demonstration for all ages at DASD's [[STEM Defined | S.T.E.M. Defined]] night at Downingtown Middle School.  Our room was packed with both robots and humans!  FLL, VEX and FRC robots were all present and busy.  [[DEWBOT VI]] faced off against [[DEWBOT V]] while [[DEWBOT III]] watched the door.  Thanks to all the Roboteers, Mentors and Parents whose hard work made this is great success.
 
  
==[[DEWBOT VI Monty Madness | Monty Madness]] 15-May-2010==
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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>
Sab-BOT-age made a strong showing against a very competitive field, finishing qualifying matches in 10th place out of 42 teams.
 
  
We were the first selection of team 365 ''MOE'', captain of the 6th alliance.  Team 2344 ''Saunders Droid Fatory'' completed our alliance. Alas, we were defeated in the quarterfinals by the 4th alliance (103 ''Cybersonics'', 341 ''Miss Daisy'' and 75 ''RoboRaiders'').
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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>
  
==[[DEWBOT VI PARC XIII | PARC XIII]] 8-May-2009==
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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>
1640 placed 8th seed out of 19 teams and was selected by Team 2753 (Team Overdrive) for the 3rd Alliance (together with Team 339).  We defeated the 6th alliance in two games in the Quarter-Finals, but were ourselves defeated by the 1st Alliance (Teams 25, 341 & 1989) in the Semi-Finals.
 
  
Team 1640 received the Gracious Professionalism Award.
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==FRC [[DEWBOT VII Finger Lakes Regional | Finger Lakes Regional]] - 3-5 March==
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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.
  
[[DEWBOT VI]] experienced a number of mechanical problems at [[DEWBOT VI PARC XIII | PARC XIII]], even missing a qualifying match in the process.
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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.
  
==[[Downingtown Science Fair]] 3-May-2010==
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== [[DC Knights Middle School and High School 2011]] VEX event 26-February-2011 ==
Downingtown Area Robotics FRC, VEX and FLL Teams all participated in the [[Downingtown Science Fair]] at Lionville Elementary School on the evening of 3 May 2010.
 
  
== PSU Firefighting Contest 24-April-2010 ==
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The VEXMEN went to Delaware County Christian School for the [[DC Knights Middle School and High School 2011]] VEX eventWe 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).
Team ''Buzz-bot'' went to the annual [[Penn State Abington Firefight Contest]].  The robot is a basic squarebot with side sensors and two front facing ''fang'' touch switches.  There is also a touch sensor for when the robot drives face into the wall.  Lastly there is a light sensor to see when the robot is near the candle mat. To blow the candle out it has a 1000 RPM motor with a seven inch propeller.  When the sensor sees the white floor it turns the fan on.
 
  
The first run wasn't good (some major wall slams), but the second run was great.  There was a minor problem with the light sensor. It would see the reflection of the overhead lights and trigger the fanThe fast fanThe very loud fast fan.  The crowd was amazed by the noiseThe robot worked its way to the room with the candle but backed up rather than moving forward.
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The big win of the day was having Cheryl Foster recognized as the regional Mentor of the YearShe has been with our program for just over a yearCheryl is one of our many adult mentors that do not have children in the programShe has been a huge inspiration to one of our all girl team, Team 90.
  
The team won a Creativity Award for their design. Congrats to ''Buzz-bots''!  They are already planning next year's robot.
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== It's a Wrap - FRC Build Season is complete! 22-February-2011 ==
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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.
  
==[[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]]==
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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 qualityThe entire team did a phenomenal job on the 2011 robot.
Team 80 Pegasus and Team 81 Longshot are at the VEX Robotics Competition Championship in Dallas TX. They are having a great adventureRead about the details on the [[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]] page.
 
  
==[[Sugartown Elementary Robot Fair | Sugartown Lego Expo]] April 16,2010==
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This year, for the first time, Team 1640 will compete in the Championship Competition in Saint Louis.
  
Downingtown Area Robotics FRC, VEX and FLL Teams all participated in the [[Sugartown_Elementary_Robot_Fair|Sugartown Elementary School's Lego Expo and Robotics Fair]] on the evening of 16 April 2010.  Team 1640 (especially Siri Maley) assisted Sugartown Elementary in setting up its JFLL program in 2008.
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The 2011 build season brought with it a number of first for the team, including:
  
== [[DEWBOT VI Creativity Award sponsored by Xerox (Philadelphia Regional) | DEWBOT VI receives Xerox Creativity Award at Philadelphia]] March 26, 2010 ==
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: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.
  
[[image:DB6_Drexel_team_Xerox_award_100326_csm.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Sab-BOT-age receives the '''Xerox Creativity Award''']]Team 1640 Sab-BOT-age received the '''Creativity Award sponsored by Xerox''' for its [[4-Wheel Pivot Drive | 4-wheel independent pivot drive-train]]. The awarding judges remarked:
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: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.
  
:The '''Creativity Award sponsored by Xerox''' celebrates creative design, use of a component, or a creative or unique strategy of playWhether you want to call it "thinking outside the box" or "pushing the envelope", this winning team demonstrates that it has creatively gone beyond the norm in tackling this year's game challenge.
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:The team has a mill, significantly improving the accuracy and reproducibility of component fabricationMany of the team's students obtained first-hand experience fabricating parts on the mill.
  
:Creativity was illustrated through the coupling of an innovative drive system with a multimode control system.
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: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.
  
:Mechanical design was initiated the [[Team 1640 2009 Summer Program | previous summer]] using modeling and prototyping.
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:Our current home allowed us to set up an almost full-size practice field, which we did.
  
:This led to a robust three mode turning mechanism and it is hard to '''Sabotage''' the unique and creative aspects of their design.
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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.
  
:Congratulations team number '''1640 Sab-BOT-age'''.
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== Downingtown goes to Souderton for the Souderton VEXPeriment 12-Februrary-2011 ==
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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.
  
On Saturday the team was chosen to be on the fifth seeded alliance during the Philadelphia Regional FIRST Robotics Competition. Downingtown  made it to the semifinals, where they were eliminated by the top seed, who went on to win the competition.
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== Dockbots'11 22-January-2011 ==
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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.
  
Read all the details about the[[DEWBOT_VI_Philadelphia_Regional | 2010 Philadelphia Regional]]
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== Downingtown FLL Team Rocks Oxford FLL Qualifier 8-January-2010 ==
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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. 
  
== Eastern Pennsylvania VEX Regional - March 13, 2010 ==
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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 themeThis 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.
The second annual Eastern Pennsylvania VEX Regional was held at the Downingtown Education Center from 9AM to 4PMOur VEX team competed with roboteers from 3 states! 
 
  
This is major VEX fundraising event, thanks to everyone that came out and supported the teams.
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Team 1001 - BioBots   
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* 3rd place Champions Award (overall competition award)
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* 3rd place Robot Performance (score of 320)
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*Selected for the Regional Championships
  
Details of the event can be found at [[2010_Eastern Pennsylvania Regional]] with [[2010_Eastern_Pennsylvania_Regional_Gallery | lots of pictures]]
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Team 1003 - Robot Wizards
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* 1st place Robot Performance (top score of 325)
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* 1st place Programming Award
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* Selected for the Regional Championships
  
== [[DEWBOT VI Finger Lakes Regional]] March 4-6, 2010 ==
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Team 1005 -
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* 5th place Robot Performance (score of 275)
  
Twenty-five roboteers, mentors and parents made the 6 hour drive on to Rochester NY to watch Sab-BOT-age compete at the [[http://www.firstrochester.org/ 2010 Finger Lakes Regional]].  After getting off to a great start of being the first robot inspected, we set off to the practice field. 
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Team 1004 - Nerve Connections
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* 10th place Robot Performance
  
During practice we uncovered some code problems that we worked on, but never quite got 100% fixed.  In a first for us we made all of our practice matches.  Our new "design before building" practice has created robots that are mechanically sound.  The only work on the robot on Thursday was to replace some bolts on the front of the robot that was interfering with the ball.  This work was planned before we left and Clem's step by step instructions made the work go fast.
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Congratulations to all of our Downingtown Area Robotics teams as they did a great job and represented Downingtown to the best of their ability.
  
Thursday team dinner was at Dinosaur BBQ a downtown Rochester Landmark.  
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Their next event will be the FLL Regional Competition on 22 January 2010 at the Bob Carpenter Center at the University of Delaware.
  
The [[DEWBOT VI Chairmans Award]] presentation team did a final practice run and then did their "Ignite Sab-BOT-age" presentation for the judges.  It went well and we got lots of great comments back.  Only 11 teams out of 44 made the effort to compete for FIRST's highest award.  We did not win, the winning team was a two time Chairman's winner.
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Congratulations to all the teams, it's a very impressive showing for a program that is in it's second year!
  
Friday morning also saw the installation of a new chain tension device, a PVC cap from Home <del>Robot</del> Depot. Friday qualifications saw us move up and down many times in the rankingsControl system problems were an annoyance and the team worked on them non-stop.
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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 GearTwo of the members of Minds in Gear are Downingtown Robotics members Sasha and Nicole Wall. Great Job!
  
Friday night we celebrated Jen's 18th birthday with cake and pizza in the hotel.
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== Mill brought on-line 5-January-2011 ==
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'''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.
  
Saturday was a repeat of Friday on the fieldWe were not chosen for the final alliances, but we did use the time to allow the programming team to work on the robot.
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Having a mill will make many of the machining operations that were impossible to do in house now a real possibilityWhile 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.
  
This was not such a great performance for us. We finished the competition ranked 37 of 44, winning only 2 matches, losing 7, and getting a tie (zero-zero) in 1. We found several control bugs that we're addressing, though we ran into very few major mechanical problems. We hope to fix many of these by the [[DEWBOT VI Philadelphia Regional | Philadelphia Regional]] at Drexel University on March 25-27, 2010.
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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)
  
On a positive note our pivot drive got lots of attention. Another team had a very similar setup and was impressed with ours.  We also received kudos from the Safety Judges for our constant use of gloves to move the robot around, safety glasses always being worn, keeping our pit (and the one next to us) cleaned and all loose material picked up.  By Saturday we had received 35 Safety Tokens a new team record.
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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.
  
More details can be found on the [[DEWBOT VI Finger Lakes Regional]] page.
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==CPR Training 18-December-2010 ==
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[[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.
  
== Downingtown VEX Roboteers win Awards at Mid-Atlantic Championships - 27 February 2010==
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==Downingtown Area Robotics Open House - 15-Dec-2010==
On Saturday 18 roboteers headed down to the Mi-Atlantic VEX Championships in Westminster MD.  We met up with teams from MA,NJ,PA,MD,VA,NC to compete in the middle school division.  A total of 23 teams participated.
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DAR hosted an [[2010 Open House | Open House]] on the evening of 15-December.
  
Our teams did very well.  Team 80 struggled with driving early in the day but came back to place #3 in the rankingsAfter their great showing at DockBot'10 Team 81 had a great day, placed 5th and was chosen by the second place allianceThe Pterodactyls, Team 82 was one of the Cinderella stories of the day.  The mechanical team did not come, but Taylor the team programmer did.  He and mentor Dan made some minor hardware changes and some major programming changes to post an impressive record. Using borrowed arm operators Taylor made it into the semi-finals. 
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==Practice FRC Kick-off - 11 & 12 Dec-2010==
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Team 1640 conducted a [[2010 Practice Kick-off | Practice Kick-off]] on 11 & 12-December 2010 in preparation of the real dealA formal [[2010_Practice_Kick-off#The_Design_Process | Design Process]] was introduced and tested during this exercise2006 [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.
  
The Iron Taco's, Team 94, came ready to play and posted some upsets against much higher ranked teams. Team 89 Govonador, also had a good day.  They made adjustments and programming changes and ranked in the top teams.  Team 90 posted some solid results as did Team 92.  These two robots went through some early mechanical changes but towards the end were solid performers.
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Game simulation using students as robots proved very effective and provided very good insights into the game play and requirements for winning matches.
  
Team 96 suffered from missing team members, but Corey kept the code flying and the robot rolling and placed 8th in the qualifications.
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== Lansdale Catholic FIRST Lego League - 20-November-2010 ==
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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.
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*Team 1003, Robot Wizards: Best Programming, Top Finalist and 3rd Place Robot
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*Team 1001, BioBots: 7th Place Robot
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*Team 1004, Nerve Connections: 24th Place Robot
  
Because of the large number of teams it was easy to say "Downingtown Wins" at the end since we were in most matchesTwo of the matches of the day were all Downingtown teams.
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== VEX Fall Classics - 20-November-2010 ==
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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!
  
Alliance selections went well with three of our teams being alliance captains. We had good alliance partners during the eliminations.  Team 89 had the upset of the day beating the #1 alliance in their first match.
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== Ramp Riot and Girls In Gear Demo - 13-Nov-2010 ==
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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.
  
While we had a number of teams that made it as far as the semifinals, we didn't make it into the final rounds.  But we did win some major awards:
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DEWBOT VI did pretty well during the day and we were picked for the 5th allianceQuarterfinals didn't go well with a mechanical failure taking us out of the competition.
* Team 80 - '''Design Award''' - The Pegasus Engineering notebook took this award.  The team had documented the steps (and mis-steps) in building their robot.
 
* Team 80 - '''Innovate Award''' for the sensor package on the robotThere are potentiometers at each joint, a button on the front to tell when they are at the wall and a switch to tell when the arm is in position.  The judges were impressed with the innovative design.
 
* Team 80 - '''Programming Challenge''' - Mike L was able to program the robot autonomous functions to score 21 points, beating Team 82's Taylor by 1 point.  Both programmers did a super job and vowed to be back in two weeks with even more points.
 
  
<big>By winning the Programming Challenge, Team 80 is eligible to go to the World Championships in April! </big>
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The demo went very well, over 70 Scouts got a chance to drive our VEX robots.
  
Thanks to all the roboteers that went and to the parents that not only drove but then mentored for the long day.
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For details see [[DEWBOT VI Ramp Riot]] and the [[Girls In Gear]] pages.
  
==DEWBOT VI Ships - 23-February, 2010==
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== VEX Adult Mentor Workshop - 7-Nov-2010 ==
We crated up [[DEWBOT VI]] securely last night and into the wee hours of this morning to send him on his way to RIT for our first Regional Competition.
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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.
  
Thanks to all students, mentors, parents and sponsors for making this a successful build season.
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==FRC [[Pancake Breakfast 2010 | Pancake Breakfast]] - 23-Oct-2010==
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Our 2<sup>nd</sup> annual All-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast at Applebee's in Exton.  Special guest appearance of Capt'n Rizzo & company.
  
== VEX Demo at Philadelphia FLL Tournament - January 31,2010 ==
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==FRC [[DEWBOT VI Car Wash | Car Wash]] - 17-Oct-2010==
[[Image:VEX Philly FLL Demo 2 100129 FS.jpg|320px|right|text-top|Playing Cross Ball]]As part of Downingtown Area Robotics outreach and our partner [http://stemrobotics.org STEMRobotics] mission is to get new roboteers involved with robots.  On Saturday Foster and Mike M took five robots to the 4th Annual Philadelphia FIRST Lego League Tournament.  They set up a field to play ''Cross Ball'' and ran a number of matches with the Lego Roboteers.  Across the next six hours over 100 students and some parents drove the robots.
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[[FRC Team 1640]] washed cars to raise funds at the Lionville Chick-fil-A.
  
Mike spent most of his time keeping the field going and the robots in running order.  The combination of Super-protobots and square bots performed well.
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== Chester County Council Boy Scout Camporee - 16-Oct-2010 ==
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[http://STEMRobotics.org STEMRobotics] and the [http://vexmen.com VEX-MEN] demonstrated the fun and excitement of competition to 1200 Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts from Chester County.  They were very busy keeping 6 robots moving and managing the crowds.  The Scouts were thrilled at the chance to drive and a few even took a crack at playing ''Round Up''.
  
There was lots of interest in starting new team in Philadelphia.  Foster spent time talking to teachers that have existing VEX hardware on restarting teams.  He talked about how to upgrade the starter kits to competition level.
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== Duel On the Delaware - 16-Oct-2010 ==
  
The Lego Roboteers were excited about driving the robots, a number said that being able to drive was very exciting.
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Sab-BOT-age's 4<sup>th</sup> time participating at [[DEWBOT VI Duel on the Delaware | Duel on the Delaware]].  All new FRC students participated as Human Players.
  
== VEX Competition at Christopher Dock - January 23,2010 ==
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We finished 10<sup>th</sup> out of 28 teams in the qualifying matchesTeam 007, the 8<sup>th</sup> alliance captain, invited us and team 433 (Firebirds) to join their allianceAlas, we did not make it to the semi-finals.
We took eight VEX robot teams to Christopher Dock High School in Lansdale for Dockbots'10This is the largest VEX event in Pennsylvania, it is sponsored by Christopher Dock Mennonite High School and STEMRoboticsThere were 36 teams from three states, with 11 middle school teams and the rest from high schools.  About 250 people were at the event.  This is the second year that Downingtown has attended Dockbots.
 
  
Our teams did very well.  During the qualification rounds we played very well, with only a few robot malfunctions.  At the end we had two teams in the top ten.  Team 81, Longshot placed fourth with a 5-1 record.  Our all girls team, Pegasus, Team 80 also had a 5-1 record.
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The Team Screwdriver won an award.
  
In the tournament, the top 8 teams create alliancesTeam 80 was chosen by the number 3 seed, Lower Merion's Harriton High School, to be on their alliance.  Team 81 created an alliance with some very strong partners from Radnor High School and Downingtown Team 84, the Iron Tacos.  Team 89, Govonador, was chosen by the seventh seed team. Due to the way the draws worked out, The Pterodactyls, Team 82 from Downingtown was able to create the 8th alliance with a team from Christopher Dock and another Downingtown team, Deceptions, Team 90.
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== VEX-MEN break 100 - 13-Oct-2010 ==
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In 2009 we hit a milestone with 50 roboteersA year later we hit a new milestone of over 100 roboteers! It is pretty exciting that there is that much interest in competition robotics in Downingtown, 25 '''times''' growth in only 5 years! Congrats VEX-MEN!
  
So we had six of our eight teams in the eliminations! Longshot and the Iron Tacos made it into the semi-finals but lost to teams that had won the Summit, New Jersey event two weeks ago.
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==[[Franklin Institute Robot Conflict]] Demonstration - 9-Oct-2010 ==
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FRC Team 1640 (Sab-BOT-age) was invited to demonstrate [[DEWBOT VI]] at [http://www.nerc.us Northeast Robot Club's] (NERC) [[Franklin Institute Robot Conflict]].  DEWBOT wisely stayed out of the arena. FTC Team 3489 (Minds in Gear) also represented [http://www.usfirst.org FIRST] at this combat event.
  
This was the best showing by the team this season.
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==Presentation & Demonstration at FIATECH - 5-Oct-2010==
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[[image:DB6_Fiatech_101005_csm.jpg|115px|right|thumb|Carly, Sasha & Kenneth at FIATECH]]Kenneth, Sasha and Carly of Team 1640 presented and demonstrated [[DEWBOT VI]] to [http://fiatech.org/ FIATECH] during their annual meeting on 5-Oct at the Sofitel, Philadelphia.  The three presenters did a great job and generated a lot of interest.  Thanks also to Matt and Nicole for their assistance.
  
Team 81 won an Excellence Award, they were pitted against the 11 middle school teams that attended. They got the award based on their robot design, being able to explain their design process by showing drawings of other ideas that they had tested and discarded and for their great teamwork. They have qualified to go to the World Championships in Dallas Texas in April.
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:[http://fiatech.org/about-us/fiatech-consortium.html '''About FIATECH: ''']''FIATECH is a consortium of industries and companies from the industrial, power, and retail markets that, of necessity, build large assets such as refineries, power plants, large commercial buildings, or manufacturing facilities. In addition, it includes the leading providers of engineering, design, and construction services...''
  
Not only did the roboteers do a great job, but we also had a super turnout by our parents. Many continued acting as mentors for the teams, others pitched in and helped queue the robots for matches, perform match scoring, doing crystal management and helping with the inspection process.  Without their efforts the event would not have been so successful.
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We thank our long-term sponsor, [http://www.bentley.com/en-US/ Bentley], for the gracious invitation to make this presentation.
  
Our next match is Saturday, 27 February in Maryland followed by our home event on 13 March at DEC.
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==Julie Bachmann / Rich Kulik Wedding - 14-August-2010==
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[[image:Bachmann-Kulick_100814_csm.jpg|100px|right|thumb|Julie & Rich]]Congratulations to Team 1640 mentor Julie Bachmann and Rich Kulik on their wedding day!  Best wishes for a long and joyous future together.
  
== [[Pancake Breakfast 2009 | All you can eat Pancake Breakfast]] - December 6,2009 ==
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Julie has been a Team 1640 Mechanical Mentor starting with the 2006 (Aim High) season.
  
Downingtown Area Robotics All-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast at Exton Applebee's was a great successBoth the 8 AM and 9AM seatings were almost full.  We had great service from our robotic waitstaff (students not robots)Applebee's donated the full cost of the food.  With the gift basket raffle we collected over $1000Everyone had a great time and we look forward to doing it next year!
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==[[2010 Team Picnic at Warwick Park | Team Picnic at Warwick Park]] - 1-August-2010==
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The Team's annual [[2010 Team Picnic at Warwick Park | picnic]] was helt at Warwick Park, 2-duskFRC Medallions and Team Certificates were presented to the 2010 team members and new members had the opportunity to meet everyoneIt rained a little, but who's afraid of a little rain?  Temperature was mild.  Turn-out great!  Great food.  Great company.  Great conversationSome horseplay & a small dog as well.
  
== Vex scrimmage PSU Abington - December 5,2009 ==
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== DEWBOT VI travels to Indiana - July 2010 ==
VEX scrimmage at PSU Abington was a success, congratulations to Team 80! Team 80 - Pegasus - won an award for the most number of matches playedThere were 23 robots that saw action representing 10 different schools or club teamsAbington Bank supplied 50 pizzas that were gobbled down at lunch time.  Thanks to all the parents that drove and braved the first snowfall of the year. Click the link to read more about the [[Penn State Abington VEX Clean Sweep Scrimmage]].
+
Eighteen members of Downingtown Robotics headed to the [[DEWBOT VI Indiana Robotics Invitational | Indiana Robotics Invitational]]The robot did very well, placing 31st out of 78 robots.  Jack, one of our VEX roboteers won the VEX Swept Away tournament.
  
== Expanded Space at DEC ==
+
== Summer Cub Scout Demos ==
 +
Across the summer we are doing [[VEX Cub Scout Demos]] at scout summer camps in the area.  Over 400 scouts will drive tumbler bots during the summer.
  
We moved into our second bay in the [[Downingtown Educational Center]] Shop on 24-November-2009.  Siri and Murph, back from University for the Holiday, joined us for the expansionThe second bay will be used for FRC and VRC storage, thereby freeing up the original bay as a work areaSee the [[DEC Second Bay Gallery | photo gallery]].
+
== Upper Uwchlan Block Party ==
 +
[[DEWBOT VI]] and VEX robots provided the community with a hands-on demonstration at at the [[Upper Uwchlan Block Party]] on 19-JuneDEWBOT VI kicked soccer balls all afternoon.  [[DEWBOT III]] was also on-hand, but didn't actively participate in the festivities.
  
== Lansdale Catholic FLL Tune-up - November 21, 2009 ==
+
== Seniors Graduate in June 2010==
 +
'''Congratulations to our graduating Seniors - Paul, Brianna, Amanda, Jen and Cole!!!'''
  
Today was the Lansdale Catholic FLL Tune-up competition.  We were registered as team 2028, the Lionville After School Robotics ClubThe team that competed was the Maglev Movers, one of our two FLL teams.  The kids had a GREAT time and got to experience their FIRST competitionThe education was irreplaceable as they got to experience all of the ups and downs that come along with this type of eventMost of the things that could go wrong did; robot lockups, cables not plugged in, parts coming off, missed mission pieces, knocking down unexpected field pieces, etc.  What an incredible experience they had.  They all worked well as a team and did an awesome job.
+
==Bridgewater Raritan Battle Royale - 29-May-2010==
 +
[[DEWBOT VI]] participated in the [[DEWBOT VI Bridgewater Battle | 2<sup>nd</sup> Bridgewater Raritan Battle Royale]] (BR)<sup>2</sup>Team 1640 received the competition's Engineering Excellence Award for DEWBOT's unique, multi-mode pivot drive-train and the mirror mounted to find balls hidden behind the bumps1640 placed 12th out of 21 teams in the qualifying matches and was selected by the 2<sup>nd</sup> Alliance (2753 ''Overdrive'' & 1279 ''Cold Fusion'')We were eliminated in the semifinals.
  
The team placed 14th out of 48 registered teams!  Not too bad for rookies. Go Maglev Movers!!!
+
There was also a large VEX event held concurrently at this location...
  
Thanks go out to Lansdale Catholic and the event staff who hosted this event.
+
==Foster Schucker & Steve Rhoads named VEX Mentors of the year==
 +
Steve and [[User:Foster|Foster]] won the [[2010 VEX Mentor of the Year]] at the [[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]].  This is the highest mentor award presented by VEX.
  
==[[DEWBOT V Ramp Riot | Ramp Riot]] - November 14, 2009 ==
+
== S.T.E.M. Defined! 19-May-2010==
[[Image:DB5_R²_phanatic_091114_csm.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Dewbot & Phanatic at Ramp Riot]]
+
Downingtown Area Robotics provided a robotics demonstration for all ages at DASD's [[STEM Defined | S.T.E.M. Defined]] night at Downingtown Middle School.  Our room was packed with both robots and humans! FLL, VEX and FRC robots were all present and busy[[DEWBOT VI]] faced off against [[DEWBOT V]] while [[DEWBOT III]] watched the doorThanks to all the Roboteers, Mentors and Parents whose hard work made this is great success.
[[DEWBOT V]]'s last competition.  Our robot scoring performance (hitherto not a strong point for us) was significantly improved over earlier competitions. Carly drove very aggressively, and has become adept at pinning between the robot and trailer, so that we can scoreKen and Paul took turns as OperatorCole, Matt & Vamshi were our Payload Specialists and did a great job.  Ken and Ben R took the lead on scouting.  We won 3 of 5 qualifying matches, placing 17th of 36.
 
  
While Sab-BOT-age was playing with the Phillie Phanatic, the VEX team was holding a mini-contest for the Girl Scout "[[Girls In Gear]]" program.  We took robots, cubes and balls and played a game on an 8*8 field.  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.
+
==[[DEWBOT VI Monty Madness | Monty Madness]] 15-May-2010==
 +
Sab-BOT-age made a strong showing against a very competitive field, finishing qualifying matches in 10th place out of 42 teams.
  
== STEMRobotics demos VEX at GameExpo - October 24/25, 2009 ==
+
We were the first selection of team 365 ''MOE'', captain of the 6th alliance. Team 2344 ''Saunders Droid Fatory'' completed our alliance. Alas, we were defeated in the quarterfinals by the 4th alliance (103 ''Cybersonics'', 341 ''Miss Daisy'' and 75 ''RoboRaiders'').
[ http://www.gamexpo.us/expo/robotics/images/roboshowlogo.png]
 
  
Our VEX partner and sponsor STEMROBOTICS.org is doing demos of Clean Sweep, the new VEX game at the 2009 GameX event at the Oaks Convention center.  They will be there Saturday 9AM -6PM and Sunday 10AM 5PM.  Come play Clean Sweep with them and help introduce new roboteers to competition robotics.  They have 14 passes, contact them and get in as our guest. This is being billed as a premiere game industry event.  There will be lots of games, music and of course Robots!
+
==[[DEWBOT VI PARC XIII | PARC XIII]] 8-May-2010==
 +
1640 placed 8th seed out of 19 teams and was selected by Team 2753 (Team Overdrive) for the 3rd Alliance (together with Team 339). We defeated the 6th alliance in two games in the Quarter-Finals, but were ourselves defeated by the 1st Alliance (Teams 25, 341 & 1989) in the Semi-Finals.
  
Foster reported back "Saturday was tons of fun, we ran over 60 matches during the day. To allow more people to play we created three robot alliances.  We had help from Scott and Jarred along with Andrew and Joe from our prior mentor classes. 
+
Team 1640 received the Gracious Professionalism Award.
  
We were there again on Sunday, doing another 60 matches.  Towards the end of the day we had matches between Miss Daisy (341) and our support staff.
+
[[DEWBOT VI]] experienced a number of mechanical problems at [[DEWBOT VI PARC XIII | PARC XIII]], even missing a qualifying match in the process.
  
== [[DEWBOT V Duel on the Delaware|Duel on the Delaware]] - October 10, 2009 ==
+
==[[Downingtown Science Fair]] 3-May-2010==
[[FRC Team 1640]] and [[DEWBOT V]] gave a good performance at Duel on the Delaware.  We won 3 of 5 qualifying matches, placing 14th of 24.  Selected for the 1st Alliance (1218 ''Vulcan Robotics'' - alliance captain, 433 ''Firebirds'' and 1640), we won the won the quarterfinals, moving up to the semi's.  Lost the first semi-final, won the second, but lost the third.  Kenneth (Operator) and Praveen ([[DEWBOT V Payload Specialist|Payload Specialist]]) joined the New Field Team.  Thanks goes to Corey for an excellent scouting job.
+
Downingtown Area Robotics FRC, VEX and FLL Teams all participated in the [[Downingtown Science Fair]] at Lionville Elementary School on the evening of 3 May 2010.
  
== Robot repairs successful - October 4, 2009 ==
+
== PSU Firefighting Contest 24-April-2010 ==
Returning from an extensive tour of the high school and middle schools in the area, DEWBOT V was found to have a damaged compressorSurgery was performed by Carly and Clem McKown, with Matt & Gary Deaver helping out. Matt & Faith McKown rebuilt our spare game piece trailer getting it ready for practice for our up-coming off season competitionsDEWBOT V is ready to go to Duel on the Delaware on October 10th.
+
Team ''Buzz-bot'' went to the annual [[Penn State Abington Firefight Contest]]The robot is a basic squarebot with side sensors and two front facing ''fang'' touch switches. There is also a touch sensor for when the robot drives face into the wallLastly there is a light sensor to see when the robot is near the candle mat. To blow the candle out it has a 1000 RPM motor with a seven inch propeller.  When the sensor sees the white floor it turns the fan on.
  
== Parents' Sessions at Back to School nights wrap up - October 1, 2009 ==
+
The first run wasn't good (some major wall slams), but the second run was greatThere was a minor problem with the light sensor. It would see the reflection of the overhead lights and trigger the fanThe fast fan.  The very loud fast fanThe crowd was amazed by the noiseThe robot worked its way to the room with the candle but backed up rather than moving forward.   
The last back to school night was completedWe had done two sessions at each middle school (one for 6th graders, the other for 7th and 8th gradersWe also did sessions at the high schoolsWe had a lot of interest by parents and it explains the recent increase in both VEX (44 roboteers, 11 parents) and FRC (22 students, 6 parents) participation in the last few weeksWe expect record turnout at the October 7th meeting.   
 
  
== STEMRobotics.org and Downingtown Area Robotics travel to Reading - September 24, 2009 ==
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The team won a Creativity Award for their design. Congrats to ''Buzz-bots''! They are already planning next year's robot.
Foster Schucker of STEMRobotics.org and Faith McKown of Downingtown Area Robotics traveled to Reading to inaugurate the Reading Red Riders Robotics Program. Foster gave two presentations to over 400 students while Faith kept 10 VEX demo bots running and and answered 100's of questions.  Both Faith and Foster spent time with 12 middle school students from a nearby science magnet school.
 
  
STEMRobotics and Downingtown Area Robotics will continue to work with the Reading school district in getting their program up and running.
+
==[[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]]==
 
+
Team 80 Pegasus and Team 81 Longshot are at the VEX Robotics Competition Championship in Dallas TXThey are having a great adventureRead about the details on the [[Clean Sweep VEX World Championship]] page.
== Parents' Meeting Presentations - Sept 16,2009 ==
+
----
We held the 2009-2010 Parent Meeting at DEC.  We had over 40 parents and 50 students!  We also had guests from Coatesville and Reading that were here to look at our program. 
+
Also see:<br>
*[[Media:FRC_Parents_Meeting_Slides.pdf|FRC Presentation]]
+
[[News Archive 2011]]<br>
*[[Media:VRC_Parents_Meeting_Slides.ppt|VRC Presentation]]
+
[[News Archive 2010]]<br>
Remember that our first student night is Wednesday 23 September.  Interested parents are still welcome at our Adult VEX Mentor Workshops on Tuesday nights.  Both sessions are from 6:30 - 8:30.
+
[[News Archive 2009]]
 
 
== Downingtown West Faculty Meeting Robotics Demo - Sept. 2, 2009 ==
 
The FRC Team introduced the robotics programs and the robots to the faculty of Downingtown West to kick off our 2010 Season Recruiting Effort.
 
 
 
== FIRST Lego League new for 2009-2010 ==
 
As part of the Downingtown Robotics program, we are starting a FIRST Lego League team.  See [[FIRST Lego League 2009]] for more details and the schedule.
 
 
 
== FRC Summer 2009 Build Sessions ==
 
It was a busy summer for the FRC team building a swerve drive prototype, tuning up DEWBOT V and doing a major cleanup of the shop.  You can see pictures and a description of the summer here [[Team 1640 2009 Summer Program]]
 
 
 
== VEX Summer 2009 Build Sessions ==
 
We held the last VEX Summer 2009 Build session on August 19th.  We spent the evening sorting,organizing and taking apart unused robot parts.
 
 
 
Across the summer we worked on robots for [[Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde 2009]] and spent time building the game pieces.  We also had four new roboteers and their parents build and race squarebots. 
 
 
 
== Upper Uwchlan Block Party - July 18, 2009 ==
 
Our third and last community event of the summer.  DEW Robotics demonstrated [[DEWBOT V]] and Vex robots at the [[Upper Uwchlan Block Party#2009 | Upper Uwchlan Block Party]].  DEWBOT is reconverted to a shooter.  Thanks to Steve Rhoads & Jack for the excellent Vex action (with Matt & Praveen in the pit keeping the robots running)Thanks to all who helped with a special thanks to those who worked the garage clean out in the morning and the Block Party in the evening.
 
 
 
== Garage Clean Out - July 18, 2009 ==
 
18 months after our emergency move out of Downingtown East High School (with the start of the Teacher's Strike), we finally moved the last of our equipment out out the Maley garage.  Three trailer loads.  Thanks, Leslie, for all of your patience.
 
 
 
== Pool Party - July 12, 2009 ==
 
We ate.  We drank.  We swam.  We shot paint balls (but not at each other).  Awards were presented for conspicuous excellence among graduating seniors.  The [[2009 Pool Party|Pool Party]] was a great draw.
 
 
 
== Uwchlan Day - July 11, 2009 ==
 
[[Uwchlan Day]] was our second summer community eventDEWBOT V and Vex robots worked the crowd all day.  Steve Rhoads & Jack make a solid vex team.  Paul reprogrammed DEWBOT on the fly.  Alex turns out to be a solid shooter.
 
 
 
== Good Neighbor Day - July 4, 2009 ==
 
DEW Robotics demonstrated DEWBOT V and Vex robots at the July 4th, 2009 [[Downingtown Good Neighbor Day|Good Neighbor Day]] in Downingtown, PA.
 
 
 
== Bartholomew - June 24, 2009 ==
 
'''[[Bartholomew]]''' the stair climbing robot came to Downingtown on 24 June. His builder and driver  Petra Hartman, came from Lower Marion High School to talk and present the robot.  Click on the link for more details of her Senior project. 
 
 
 
== Seniors Graduate in June 2009==
 
'''Congratulations to our graduating Seniors - Siri, Beth, Alex, Anna, James, Ashley, Hans, and Heather!!!'''
 
 
 
;:Beth received the DEWBOT Builder award
 
;:Heather received the DEWBOT Machinist award
 
;:Hans won the VEX Builder award
 
;:Siri received the All Around Roboteer Award
 
The award ceremony was part of the pool party in July
 
 
 
==Bridgewater-Raritan Battle Royale (BR)<sup>2</sup> - June 6, 2009==
 
[[DEWBOT V]] and team competed in [[DEWBOT V Bridgewater Battle| (BR)<sup>2</sup>]] placing 3<sup>rd</sup> out of 18 teams.
 
 
 
==Monty Madness - May 16, 2009==
 
[[DEWBOT V]] and team competed at [[DEWBOT V Monty Madness | Monty Madness]] placing 21<sup>st</sup> out of 42 teams.
 
 
 
==DASD School Board recognition of Robotics team - May 13, 2009==
 
 
 
[[File:DASD_recognition_090513_csm.jpg|500px|right|text-top|DASD School Board recognises Team 1640]]
 
Members of the team received Certificates of Achievement in recognition of their success as members of 2009 FRC FIRST Robotics Team 1640 "Team Sab-BOT-age" Season with [[DEWBOT V]].  The certificate noted that "The entire district applauds you achievements and success in this years competitions."
 
 
==Team Sab-BOT-age wins at PARC XII - May 9, 2009==
 
[[File:PARC_winning_alliance_090509.jpg|right|400px|text-top|PARC XII Winning Alliance - L>R Teams 1640, 222 & 2753]]
 
We WON!  Team Sab-BOT-age won at [[DEWBOT V PARC XII | PARC XII]].  We were chosen by the first place alliance and with them won the next six matches to take the win.
 
 
This was our fifth year at PARC and our best showing ever
 
 
 
==[[DEWBOT V's Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award (Chesapeake Regional)]] 21-March-2009==
 
 
 
==Eastern Pennsylvania Regional Event - February 28, 2009 ==
 
The finals of the [[2009 Eastern Pennsylvania Regional]] Tournament for Roboteers took place on Saturday at Downingtown Educational Center.
 
 
 
==Team 81 wins Chairmans Award at Christoper Dock Scrimmage - January 24, 2009==
 
Downingtown’s Team 81 received the Chairman’s Award for Best Young Robotics Team, with their robot with an extendable claw on top, he said. Team 1640 was a finalist at the competition.
 
[http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2009/02/04/news/doc4989b0323068d264490800.txt Article and pictures from the Daily Local News on February 4, 2009]
 

Latest revision as of 22:45, 20 April 2012

This page is the News Archive. The main news page has items for up to a year, after that they are moved to this page for another year.

Contents

FRC Team 1640 Winner of Philadelphia Regional & recipient of Rockwell Automation's Innovation in Control Award - 7-9 April

Team 1640 led the 2nd 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.

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.

In addition to winning the competition, Team 1640 received Rockwell Automation's Innovation in Control Award for our cutting-edge modular pivot drive-train with its integrated sensor array and control software.

FRC Finger Lakes Regional - 3-5 March

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 4th alliance and made it to the semifinals. We were defeated by the 1st alliance, who went on to win the Regional.

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.

DC Knights Middle School and High School 2011 VEX event 26-February-2011

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).

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.

It's a Wrap - FRC Build Season is complete! 22-February-2011

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.

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.

This year, for the first time, Team 1640 will compete in the Championship Competition in Saint Louis.

The 2011 build season brought with it a number of first for the team, including:

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.
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.
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.
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.
Our current home allowed us to set up an almost full-size practice field, which we did.

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.

Downingtown goes to Souderton for the Souderton VEXPeriment 12-Februrary-2011

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.

Dockbots'11 22-January-2011

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.

Downingtown FLL Team Rocks Oxford FLL Qualifier 8-January-2010

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.

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.

Team 1001 - BioBots

  • 3rd place Champions Award (overall competition award)
  • 3rd place Robot Performance (score of 320)
  • Selected for the Regional Championships

Team 1003 - Robot Wizards

  • 1st place Robot Performance (top score of 325)
  • 1st place Programming Award
  • Selected for the Regional Championships

Team 1005 -

  • 5th place Robot Performance (score of 275)

Team 1004 - Nerve Connections

  • 10th place Robot Performance

Congratulations to all of our Downingtown Area Robotics teams as they did a great job and represented Downingtown to the best of their ability.

Their next event will be the FLL Regional Competition on 22 January 2010 at the Bob Carpenter Center at the University of Delaware.

Congratulations to all the teams, it's a very impressive showing for a program that is in it's second year!

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!

Mill brought on-line 5-January-2011

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.

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.

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)

A special thanks to Ed Tremblay from East Coast EDM who was gracious enough to donate his time, truck and expenses to move the mill for us.

CPR Training 18-December-2010

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.

Downingtown Area Robotics Open House - 15-Dec-2010

DAR hosted an Open House on the evening of 15-December.

Practice FRC Kick-off - 11 & 12 Dec-2010

Team 1640 conducted a Practice Kick-off on 11 & 12-December 2010 in preparation of the real deal. A formal Design Process was introduced and tested during this exercise. 2006 Aim High game rules were employed for the robot basis, with the exception of the control system, which utilized 2010 standards.

Game simulation using students as robots proved very effective and provided very good insights into the game play and requirements for winning matches.

Lansdale Catholic FIRST Lego League - 20-November-2010

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.

  • Team 1003, Robot Wizards: Best Programming, Top Finalist and 3rd Place Robot
  • Team 1001, BioBots: 7th Place Robot
  • Team 1004, Nerve Connections: 24th Place Robot

VEX Fall Classics - 20-November-2010

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!

Ramp Riot and Girls In Gear Demo - 13-Nov-2010

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.

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.

The demo went very well, over 70 Scouts got a chance to drive our VEX robots.

For details see DEWBOT VI Ramp Riot and the Girls In Gear pages.

VEX Adult Mentor Workshop - 7-Nov-2010

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.

FRC Pancake Breakfast - 23-Oct-2010

Our 2nd annual All-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast at Applebee's in Exton. Special guest appearance of Capt'n Rizzo & company.

FRC Car Wash - 17-Oct-2010

FRC Team 1640 washed cars to raise funds at the Lionville Chick-fil-A.

Chester County Council Boy Scout Camporee - 16-Oct-2010

STEMRobotics and the VEX-MEN demonstrated the fun and excitement of competition to 1200 Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts from Chester County. They were very busy keeping 6 robots moving and managing the crowds. The Scouts were thrilled at the chance to drive and a few even took a crack at playing Round Up.

Duel On the Delaware - 16-Oct-2010

Sab-BOT-age's 4th time participating at Duel on the Delaware. All new FRC students participated as Human Players.

We finished 10th out of 28 teams in the qualifying matches. Team 007, the 8th alliance captain, invited us and team 433 (Firebirds) to join their alliance. Alas, we did not make it to the semi-finals.

The Team Screwdriver won an award.

VEX-MEN break 100 - 13-Oct-2010

In 2009 we hit a milestone with 50 roboteers. A year later we hit a new milestone of over 100 roboteers! It is pretty exciting that there is that much interest in competition robotics in Downingtown, 25 times growth in only 5 years! Congrats VEX-MEN!

Franklin Institute Robot Conflict Demonstration - 9-Oct-2010

FRC Team 1640 (Sab-BOT-age) was invited to demonstrate DEWBOT VI at Northeast Robot Club's (NERC) Franklin Institute Robot Conflict. DEWBOT wisely stayed out of the arena. FTC Team 3489 (Minds in Gear) also represented FIRST at this combat event.

Presentation & Demonstration at FIATECH - 5-Oct-2010

Carly, Sasha & Kenneth at FIATECH
Kenneth, Sasha and Carly of Team 1640 presented and demonstrated DEWBOT VI to FIATECH during their annual meeting on 5-Oct at the Sofitel, Philadelphia. The three presenters did a great job and generated a lot of interest. Thanks also to Matt and Nicole for their assistance.
About FIATECH: FIATECH is a consortium of industries and companies from the industrial, power, and retail markets that, of necessity, build large assets such as refineries, power plants, large commercial buildings, or manufacturing facilities. In addition, it includes the leading providers of engineering, design, and construction services...

We thank our long-term sponsor, Bentley, for the gracious invitation to make this presentation.

Julie Bachmann / Rich Kulik Wedding - 14-August-2010

Julie & Rich
Congratulations to Team 1640 mentor Julie Bachmann and Rich Kulik on their wedding day! Best wishes for a long and joyous future together.

Julie has been a Team 1640 Mechanical Mentor starting with the 2006 (Aim High) season.

Team Picnic at Warwick Park - 1-August-2010

The Team's annual picnic was helt at Warwick Park, 2-dusk. FRC Medallions and Team Certificates were presented to the 2010 team members and new members had the opportunity to meet everyone. It rained a little, but who's afraid of a little rain? Temperature was mild. Turn-out great! Great food. Great company. Great conversation. Some horseplay & a small dog as well.

DEWBOT VI travels to Indiana - July 2010

Eighteen members of Downingtown Robotics headed to the Indiana Robotics Invitational. The robot did very well, placing 31st out of 78 robots. Jack, one of our VEX roboteers won the VEX Swept Away tournament.

Summer Cub Scout Demos

Across the summer we are doing VEX Cub Scout Demos at scout summer camps in the area. Over 400 scouts will drive tumbler bots during the summer.

Upper Uwchlan Block Party

DEWBOT VI and VEX robots provided the community with a hands-on demonstration at at the Upper Uwchlan Block Party on 19-June. DEWBOT VI kicked soccer balls all afternoon. DEWBOT III was also on-hand, but didn't actively participate in the festivities.

Seniors Graduate in June 2010

Congratulations to our graduating Seniors - Paul, Brianna, Amanda, Jen and Cole!!!

Bridgewater Raritan Battle Royale - 29-May-2010

DEWBOT VI participated in the 2nd Bridgewater Raritan Battle Royale (BR)2. Team 1640 received the competition's Engineering Excellence Award for DEWBOT's unique, multi-mode pivot drive-train and the mirror mounted to find balls hidden behind the bumps. 1640 placed 12th out of 21 teams in the qualifying matches and was selected by the 2nd Alliance (2753 Overdrive & 1279 Cold Fusion). We were eliminated in the semifinals.

There was also a large VEX event held concurrently at this location...

Foster Schucker & Steve Rhoads named VEX Mentors of the year

Steve and Foster won the 2010 VEX Mentor of the Year at the Clean Sweep VEX World Championship. This is the highest mentor award presented by VEX.

S.T.E.M. Defined! 19-May-2010

Downingtown Area Robotics provided a robotics demonstration for all ages at DASD's S.T.E.M. Defined night at Downingtown Middle School. Our room was packed with both robots and humans! FLL, VEX and FRC robots were all present and busy. DEWBOT VI faced off against DEWBOT V while DEWBOT III watched the door. Thanks to all the Roboteers, Mentors and Parents whose hard work made this is great success.

Monty Madness 15-May-2010

Sab-BOT-age made a strong showing against a very competitive field, finishing qualifying matches in 10th place out of 42 teams.

We were the first selection of team 365 MOE, captain of the 6th alliance. Team 2344 Saunders Droid Fatory completed our alliance. Alas, we were defeated in the quarterfinals by the 4th alliance (103 Cybersonics, 341 Miss Daisy and 75 RoboRaiders).

PARC XIII 8-May-2010

1640 placed 8th seed out of 19 teams and was selected by Team 2753 (Team Overdrive) for the 3rd Alliance (together with Team 339). We defeated the 6th alliance in two games in the Quarter-Finals, but were ourselves defeated by the 1st Alliance (Teams 25, 341 & 1989) in the Semi-Finals.

Team 1640 received the Gracious Professionalism Award.

DEWBOT VI experienced a number of mechanical problems at PARC XIII, even missing a qualifying match in the process.

Downingtown Science Fair 3-May-2010

Downingtown Area Robotics FRC, VEX and FLL Teams all participated in the Downingtown Science Fair at Lionville Elementary School on the evening of 3 May 2010.

PSU Firefighting Contest 24-April-2010

Team Buzz-bot went to the annual Penn State Abington Firefight Contest. The robot is a basic squarebot with side sensors and two front facing fang touch switches. There is also a touch sensor for when the robot drives face into the wall. Lastly there is a light sensor to see when the robot is near the candle mat. To blow the candle out it has a 1000 RPM motor with a seven inch propeller. When the sensor sees the white floor it turns the fan on.

The first run wasn't good (some major wall slams), but the second run was great. There was a minor problem with the light sensor. It would see the reflection of the overhead lights and trigger the fan. The fast fan. The very loud fast fan. The crowd was amazed by the noise. The robot worked its way to the room with the candle but backed up rather than moving forward.

The team won a Creativity Award for their design. Congrats to Buzz-bots! They are already planning next year's robot.

Clean Sweep VEX World Championship

Team 80 Pegasus and Team 81 Longshot are at the VEX Robotics Competition Championship in Dallas TX. They are having a great adventure. Read about the details on the Clean Sweep VEX World Championship page.


Also see:
News Archive 2011
News Archive 2010
News Archive 2009