Tasks:
Inspect the Madd Robot
Field Test Madd Robot
Changes Made:
Added Flag Holder
Secured Wires
Created Bill of Materials
Reflection:
Although the robot meets many of the inspection requirements, a Samantha Module needs to be mounted and the Bill of Materials needs to be printed. Also, the autonomous mode program is still being worked on and will need to be tested upon completion.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Team 4725
Today, our programmer is creating the new program for the front servo. This will be one of the last tasks for our robot. The front servo will hook up to the new basket that we added.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Team 4725
Today we finished mounting the new motor and configure the motor. We also attempting to mount the basket. Program we are trying to configure the new motor.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
4729 E Notebook 19 April 2011
Tasks:
Field Test Madd Robot
Improve Program
Changes Made:
Various modifications were made to the program to ensure compatibility
Secured motors with zip ties
Reflections:
The team members need to become more accustomed to the controls in order to be more successful with the Madd Robot.
Field Test Madd Robot
Improve Program
Changes Made:
Various modifications were made to the program to ensure compatibility
Secured motors with zip ties
Reflections:
The team members need to become more accustomed to the controls in order to be more successful with the Madd Robot.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Team 4725
Today we are attatching the new double motor drive arm to the robot. And we are adding a fourth motor to the teleop program. After we have accomplished these tasks then we will finished with our robot and be ready to put it on the field.
The picture of the robot is not loading.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Team 4725
Today we learned about the Robot C programming and are debating on if we should or should not use it because he have finished all of the programming on labview and all we have to do is finish our basket grabber. We also are finishnig up the arm to get it to hold the basket good and sturdy.
4724 Blog Post
DATE: 4/14/11 TIME: 9:30-10:30 WRITTEN BY: Aaron Hartwell
TASKS:
1. Go to Mr. Sperry's room to drill holes in the rolling goal grabber to mount it to the rest of the arm.
2. Continue working on the autonomous program for our robot.
TASK DETAILS:
Details: Our transition to "Robot C" will allow programming to be an easier task. After downloading it, our work on the autonomous program will continue.
DATE: 4/14/11 TIME: 9:30-10:30 WRITTEN BY: Aaron Hartwell
TASKS:
1. Go to Mr. Sperry's room to drill holes in the rolling goal grabber to mount it to the rest of the arm.
2. Continue working on the autonomous program for our robot.
TASK DETAILS:
1.While our rolling goal grabbing loop is built, we have to drill holes in it so it will fit on the tetrix parts. After this is completed, our arm will be completed.
Details: Our transition to "Robot C" will allow programming to be an easier task. After downloading it, our work on the autonomous program will continue.
4724 Blog Post
DATE: 40/08/11 TIME: 9:30-10:30 WRITTEN BY: John McDonald
TASKS:
1. we measured out lexan into thin strips and will use the band-saw to cut them out. after the strips have been cut out, we will use a piece of PVC pipe and a heat-gun to mold the strips into cylinders that are the right diameter to fit inside of the rolling goal. When we finish molding the strips into cylinders we will line them with tank tread that will provide traction and secure it with many zip ties.
Details: when the rolling goal grabber is completed we can attach it to our existing arm and begin troubleshooting our arm programming.
TASKS:
1. Go to Mr. Sperry's room to cut and mold lexan to the grabber size necessary for our rolling goal grabber.
2. Toss around plastic donut shaped things among multiple people to build team spirit.
1. we measured out lexan into thin strips and will use the band-saw to cut them out. after the strips have been cut out, we will use a piece of PVC pipe and a heat-gun to mold the strips into cylinders that are the right diameter to fit inside of the rolling goal. When we finish molding the strips into cylinders we will line them with tank tread that will provide traction and secure it with many zip ties.
Details: when the rolling goal grabber is completed we can attach it to our existing arm and begin troubleshooting our arm programming.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
4729 E Notebook 13 April 2011
Tasks:
Improve the Madd Robot
Changes Made:
Field tested robot
Replaced servo with motor
Altered program to use motor
Reflections:
The robot needs to be field tested to determine proper motor speed.
Improve the Madd Robot
Changes Made:
Field tested robot
Replaced servo with motor
Altered program to use motor
Reflections:
The robot needs to be field tested to determine proper motor speed.
Team 4578 4/13/11
Team #4578
DATE 4/13/11 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:26
TOPIC:
Tasks Reflections
Perfect conveyer belt
Add grabbers to conveyer belt to grab the batons perfectly
Make it the perfect level
Adjust the height to perfectly fit the dispensers
TASK DETAILS: Adding 90 degree hooks to the conveyer belt that will affectively grab the batons
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Must grab the batons
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): This has been extremely hard to get functional but we are so close
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
DATE 4/13/11 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:26
TOPIC:
Tasks Reflections
Perfect conveyer belt
Add grabbers to conveyer belt to grab the batons perfectly
Make it the perfect level
Adjust the height to perfectly fit the dispensers
TASK DETAILS: Adding 90 degree hooks to the conveyer belt that will affectively grab the batons
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Must grab the batons
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): This has been extremely hard to get functional but we are so close
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Team 4725 4-12-11
Yesturday we finished our autonomous period and got our robot to balance on the middle mountain on its own. We have also finished building our new grabber and turned it into a bucket to hold ore batons at the beggining of the game. Now we are just trying to get a progra to dump off the battons into a goal so we can get more points then balance.
Monday, April 11, 2011
4729 E Notebook 11 Apr 2011
Tasks:
Prototype advanced baton sorting system on Robox
Perfect the Madd Robot
Prototype autonomous program for Madd Robot
Changes Made:
Added complete funnel system to Robox
Adjusted angles of servos on Madd Robot
Finished Autonomous Program
Reflections:
The autonomous program still needs to be field tested, which can be done on 13 April. Aside from adding zip ties to Robox instead of masking tape, the funnel system is in place.
The Complete Funnel System - Sans Zip Ties
Prototype advanced baton sorting system on Robox
Perfect the Madd Robot
Prototype autonomous program for Madd Robot
Changes Made:
Added complete funnel system to Robox
Adjusted angles of servos on Madd Robot
Finished Autonomous Program
Reflections:
The autonomous program still needs to be field tested, which can be done on 13 April. Aside from adding zip ties to Robox instead of masking tape, the funnel system is in place.
The Complete Funnel System - Sans Zip Ties
Friday, April 8, 2011
Team 4724 sixth post
DATE: 40/08/11 TIME: 9:30-10:30 WRITTEN BY: Coral Loockerman
TASKS:
1. Fix issues with arm.
2. Decide on if we should keep the arm we're
using right now or replace it with a piece up,
of aluminum tubing cut to a specific length.
TASK DETAILS:
1. The axle of the arm was slipping through the shaft
locks, so the arm was too loose and had to be tightened.
2. Pros of keeping the arm: we've already got it set and we've been working on it for a while. also, we can cut it to a specified length if we need to, and it already has the correct size and alignment for the holes.
Cons of keeping the arm: the aluminum piece we built is already the exact size that we want it, and we can cut holes in it. It will also be more showy for the competition if we use pieces that we made, and it will be lighter than the Tetrix piece we're using.
Details: We fixed the problems with the arm by replacing several parts, including all of the shaft locks- we need to stop moving the arm from the end of it and wait until we have a program that moves the arm, because pulling the arm causes the shaft locks to come loose.
TASKS:
1. Fix issues with arm.
2. Decide on if we should keep the arm we're
using right now or replace it with a piece up,
of aluminum tubing cut to a specific length.
TASK DETAILS:
1. The axle of the arm was slipping through the shaft
locks, so the arm was too loose and had to be tightened.
2. Pros of keeping the arm: we've already got it set and we've been working on it for a while. also, we can cut it to a specified length if we need to, and it already has the correct size and alignment for the holes.
Cons of keeping the arm: the aluminum piece we built is already the exact size that we want it, and we can cut holes in it. It will also be more showy for the competition if we use pieces that we made, and it will be lighter than the Tetrix piece we're using.
Details: We fixed the problems with the arm by replacing several parts, including all of the shaft locks- we need to stop moving the arm from the end of it and wait until we have a program that moves the arm, because pulling the arm causes the shaft locks to come loose.
Team 4725 4/8/11
Written by Ross Dougal TOPIC: Autonomous period. TASK DETAILS: Today, we worked hard on updating the autonomous period, so that our robot would balance. At first, we were trying to make the robot climb onto the mountain and on to the balancing bridge and balance. We soon found out that balancing the robot on the bridge would be too hard, so we decided to park it on the mountain. REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Must be able to park on the mountain. THOUGHTS (IF ANY): Parking on the bridge and balancing was too challanging for our robot, so we decided to park it on the mountain. PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Team 4724- Fifth Post
DATE: 04/04/2011 TIME: 9:30- 10:30 CONTRIBUTED BY: John McDonald
Task Task Details
Order FTC-legal components for Robot We need to order components to construct
including sheet and bar metal our "homebrew" arm, including sheet, and
bar aluminum.
Work on the robot-arm mount we need to create a robot arm mount that
can attach to the center of our robot.
DETAILS: Today, we completed work on the mount connection so that we can begin building the robot arm with rolling goal grabbing connection. We also made headway on our autonomous program built inside of the FTC program template.
PICTURES, ETC:
Task Task Details
Order FTC-legal components for Robot We need to order components to construct
including sheet and bar metal our "homebrew" arm, including sheet, and
bar aluminum.
Work on the robot-arm mount we need to create a robot arm mount that
can attach to the center of our robot.
DETAILS: Today, we completed work on the mount connection so that we can begin building the robot arm with rolling goal grabbing connection. We also made headway on our autonomous program built inside of the FTC program template.
PICTURES, ETC:
Team 4724
DATE: 04/04/2011 TIME: 9:05-10:28 Written by: John McDonald
Tasks Notes
Complete Arm and finalize design Arm must be versatile so that the arm materials can be modified when the new shipment of ftc-legal parts arrive
Continue work on autonomous program Program must move the robot forward and across the bridge, and then take a turn , putting it in optimal defensive position
DETAILS:
-Jack is going to try and attach the arm base to the center of the robot frame utilizing a modified piece of metal made by Adam. Jack and Julian are also working to stabilize the motor in its mount so that the most surface of the gears will mesh.
-Alexander and Coral are working collaboratively on developing the autonomous period, so far the program has the ability to maneuver across the bridge but needs more field-testing to perfect.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Team 4728 Blog 4/7/11
Team # 4728
DATE 4/7/11 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:33
TOPIC: Conveyer Belt
Tasks Reflections
Drilling more holes and zip tying the belt together to function better
Zip ties are much more stable than the string we were originally using
Added a baton catcher to catch the batons once they are picked up by the conveyer belt
We’ll be able to collect multiple batons at once so therefore we can score much higher in a shorter period of time
TASK DETAILS: Perfect the conveyer belt by adding zip ties and a baton collector
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Has to be able to pickup and collect batons
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): This is pretty challenging and is taking effort from a lot of different people. Once we complete it our robot will be an offensive beast
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
DATE 4/7/11 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:33
TOPIC: Conveyer Belt
Tasks Reflections
Drilling more holes and zip tying the belt together to function better
Zip ties are much more stable than the string we were originally using
Added a baton catcher to catch the batons once they are picked up by the conveyer belt
We’ll be able to collect multiple batons at once so therefore we can score much higher in a shorter period of time
TASK DETAILS: Perfect the conveyer belt by adding zip ties and a baton collector
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Has to be able to pickup and collect batons
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): This is pretty challenging and is taking effort from a lot of different people. Once we complete it our robot will be an offensive beast
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
4729 E Notebook - 7 April 2011
Tasks:
Experiment with Button Control in Program
Adjust Robot for Better Scoring
Changes Made:
Experimented with Program
Added top to collection unit on Mad Robot
Added two plates for funnels on Robox
Reflections:
We still need funnels for Robox. However, the scoring mechanisms are improving and should be able to score many times more efficiently. As a result, we should be at a better advantage at competition.
Top of Scoring Mechanism for Mad Robot (Clear Plastic - Somewhat Hard to See)
Funnel Plates on Robox, Still Awaiting Actual Funnels
Experiment with Button Control in Program
Adjust Robot for Better Scoring
Changes Made:
Experimented with Program
Added top to collection unit on Mad Robot
Added two plates for funnels on Robox
Reflections:
We still need funnels for Robox. However, the scoring mechanisms are improving and should be able to score many times more efficiently. As a result, we should be at a better advantage at competition.
Top of Scoring Mechanism for Mad Robot (Clear Plastic - Somewhat Hard to See)
Funnel Plates on Robox, Still Awaiting Actual Funnels
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
#4725
Our group has desided to split up the group responsibilities into a building team, (Bryan, Kevin, Brandon, and finley) blogging team, (Nick, Scott, and ross)and programming team (Sid and Chinmay).
Building- Today we added a double motter to the arm.
Programming- Sid and Chinmay are trying to finish up the autonomous period.
Blogging- We have created more than one account to get more people blogging and more blog posts posted by out group.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Robotics Blog 4/5/11 Team 4728
Team # 4728
DATE 4/5/11 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:33
TOPIC: Conveyer Belt
Tasks Reflections
Cut and bend pieces of plastic in 90 degree angels to fit in our conveyer belt to affectively grab the batons
This took about an hour for 3 people to do in the shop but it will be well worth it in the end
Measure and drill appropriate holes in the practice so we can tie them together
This was easy to do but required precision
TASK DETAILS: Cutting and measuring plastic and then bending it at 90 degree angels. Next we had to measure and drill holes precisely
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Holes had to be evenly spaced and the angel had to be right. Plastic couldn’t snap
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): We got a lot of experience in the workshop by doing this by using belt saws, power drills, sanders, and heat guns.
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
DATE 4/5/11 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:33
TOPIC: Conveyer Belt
Tasks Reflections
Cut and bend pieces of plastic in 90 degree angels to fit in our conveyer belt to affectively grab the batons
This took about an hour for 3 people to do in the shop but it will be well worth it in the end
Measure and drill appropriate holes in the practice so we can tie them together
This was easy to do but required precision
TASK DETAILS: Cutting and measuring plastic and then bending it at 90 degree angels. Next we had to measure and drill holes precisely
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Holes had to be evenly spaced and the angel had to be right. Plastic couldn’t snap
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): We got a lot of experience in the workshop by doing this by using belt saws, power drills, sanders, and heat guns.
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Monday, April 4, 2011
update 4/4/11
The internet didn't work properly which presented a problem in updating the blog.
We worked on our grabber somemore, and basically took it apart from the robot and bettered the way it was attached and tightened a few screws.
Update on 3/31/11
- We got the new non-slip material.
We are going to put it on our grabber.
We made a few minor changes to the grabber, and overall we basically just tightened the design as in made it more sturdier.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Engineering notebook 3/30/11 Team #4728
Team # 4728
DATE 3/30/11 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:26
TOPIC: Conveyer belt and safety
Tasks Reflections
Go to the workshop and learn about safety/new parts we can add to our arsenal and equip to our robot
This opens up many new possibilities and additions to make to our robot
Make plans for a functional conveyer belt used to harvest batons
We’ve come up with 2 separate plans to do this and found parts we can order from Tetrix that match what we need almost exactly
TASK DETAILS: Design and plan a functional conveyer belt that can successfully collect and dispense batons
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Only use parts that are authorized by FTC rules
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): We’re running out of time but this idea seems pretty cool
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
DATE 3/30/11 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:26
TOPIC: Conveyer belt and safety
Tasks Reflections
Go to the workshop and learn about safety/new parts we can add to our arsenal and equip to our robot
This opens up many new possibilities and additions to make to our robot
Make plans for a functional conveyer belt used to harvest batons
We’ve come up with 2 separate plans to do this and found parts we can order from Tetrix that match what we need almost exactly
TASK DETAILS: Design and plan a functional conveyer belt that can successfully collect and dispense batons
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Only use parts that are authorized by FTC rules
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): We’re running out of time but this idea seems pretty cool
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Team 4724
DATE:03/29/11 TOPIC: Arm attachment
Ideas: Use "dump" mechanism and combine it with the wider based robot. Change servo on "dump" mechanism to a motor (stronger but slower). Arm will be a motor that is geared up from a smaller gear to a larger one. This will function as the arm for the rolling goal.
Plan: Robot will have a geared arm with a circle arm (like a ring) that will attach to the rolling goal making it easier to get the rolling goal on the balancing bridge.
Changes made: we took the gripper arm from the offensive robot we're not using and removed the wrist and grabber. We then replaced the short var for the arm for a longer one.
| TASK | REFLECTIONS |
| Attach the arm with a rolling goal holder to the robot | Today we are working on our arm with a drilled out wheel to hold the rolling goal and balance with it. We will also come up with a team and robot name, as well as post a picture of the robot. |
Ideas: Use "dump" mechanism and combine it with the wider based robot. Change servo on "dump" mechanism to a motor (stronger but slower). Arm will be a motor that is geared up from a smaller gear to a larger one. This will function as the arm for the rolling goal.
Plan: Robot will have a geared arm with a circle arm (like a ring) that will attach to the rolling goal making it easier to get the rolling goal on the balancing bridge.
Changes made: we took the gripper arm from the offensive robot we're not using and removed the wrist and grabber. We then replaced the short var for the arm for a longer one.
Visible Changes to the Robot Team #4725
- Try to make a seperate basket so it can hold more batons. 
-Fix up the program to where we can use the tub instead of the old grabber. -Check wheels to make sure they are good or if we need to change them. -Started on the Autonomous Period. - Put on another motor hub
-Fix up the program to where we can use the tub instead of the old grabber. -Check wheels to make sure they are good or if we need to change them. -Started on the Autonomous Period. - Put on another motor hub
Team 4724 Second Post
DATE:03/29/11 TOPIC: Robot Arm Mechanism
TASKS details: John will draw out sketches of the final robot design to submit to Mr. O'Dell.
THOUGHTS: photographs and sketches will be uploaded to the blog.
Today, there were no changes in the robots basic design, the robot drives practiced navigating the field, climbing the mountain and balancing on the bridge.
| TASK | REFLECTIONS |
| Create detailed sketches of our robots capabilities and take photographs | Today we will illustrate our ideas for our final robot design in the form |
TASKS details: John will draw out sketches of the final robot design to submit to Mr. O'Dell.
THOUGHTS: photographs and sketches will be uploaded to the blog.
Today, there were no changes in the robots basic design, the robot drives practiced navigating the field, climbing the mountain and balancing on the bridge.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Visible Changes team 4728
Moved parts of the frame forward a few inches. Added a servo too the top Removed all wires so we can rewire next class in an orgranized and neat fashion
4729 E Notebook 28 Mar 2011
Changes made to robot include:
- Modifications made to the program
- Batteries replaced from NXT
- Rewired the motors
- Connections made to Robox via BlueTooth
Engineering Notebook Team 4728 3/28/11
Team # 4728 DATE 3/28/11 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:33 TOPIC: Strengths and Weaknesses Tasks Reflections Combine our two robots to benefit from the strengths of both of them We used the base of one robot and the top of another and combined them. We combined our ideas for a device to collect the batons Connect servos and motors to be able to lift the bed of our robot so that it can dump batons Wiring this is kind of tricky but I’m sure our builders can figure it out TASK DETAILS: Combining the two robots and wiring servos and motors too properly lift the bed of our robot at a certain speed and angle REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Be able too get batons in the dispensers and as always stay in the 18”18”18” restrictions THOUGHTS (IF ANY): I think our new combined robot is going to be kick ass and do really well PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Friday, March 25, 2011
Team 4724 first post
DATE:03/26/11 TOPIC: Arm attachment
| TASK | REFLECTIONS |
| Attach the arm with a rolling goal holder to the robot | Today we are working on our arm with a drilled out wheel to hold the rolling goal and balance with it. We will also come up with a team and robot name, as well as post a picture of the robot. |
TASKS details: We have taken out the insides of a wheel to where it is just the plastic frame. this fits perfectly around the center of the rolling goal, allowing us to balance with it in the end game.
THOUGHTS: For the team and robot name, we will all agree on one name for the team and robot and use it. For the rolling goal grabber, even with it, we have discovered that the small wheels on the rolling goals are very difficult to get up onto the bridge.
Team # 4725, page 3/25/11
Tasks:
Decide upon a name for your team
Decide upon a name for your robot
Change the NXT BRICK name to your team #
Check for any Samantha power cables
Place 1 photo onto your blog
Draw 1 sketch with labels of functions your new robot
Turn in sketch, O'Dell will scan and email to you
Place sketch in your blog
Task details:
Team name: Gods
Robot name: Titan
Brick name changed
the sketch is done:
here is the Photo:
Decide upon a name for your team
Decide upon a name for your robot
Change the NXT BRICK name to your team #
Check for any Samantha power cables
Place 1 photo onto your blog
Draw 1 sketch with labels of functions your new robot
Turn in sketch, O'Dell will scan and email to you
Place sketch in your blog
Task details:
Team name: Gods
Robot name: Titan
Brick name changed
the sketch is done:
here is the Photo:
Thursday, March 24, 2011
4729 E. Notebook - 24 Mar 2011
Tasks:
Create Team Name
Create Name for Robot
Change Brick Name to 4729
1 Picture on Blog
1 Sketch of Robot with Functions Labeled
Changes Made:
Renamed Brick to 4729
Named team Team Robox
Named Robot Robox
Sketched the Robox
Mounted baton gathering / propelling system onto Robox
Reflections:
Robox should be considerably more functional following the upgrade. We are planning on adding Lexan funnels to the Robox. These will be fabricated by Jahanbox.
The Advanced Baton Gathering System
Create Team Name
Create Name for Robot
Change Brick Name to 4729
1 Picture on Blog
1 Sketch of Robot with Functions Labeled
Changes Made:
Renamed Brick to 4729
Named team Team Robox
Named Robot Robox
Sketched the Robox
Mounted baton gathering / propelling system onto Robox
Reflections:
Robox should be considerably more functional following the upgrade. We are planning on adding Lexan funnels to the Robox. These will be fabricated by Jahanbox.
The Advanced Baton Gathering System
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Group # 4725, date: 3/22/11
Our new group includes our original group: Chinmay, Finley, Scott, Ross, and Sid and the new group: Bryan, Nick, Brandon, and Kevin. Our group has collectively decided to use the design of the original groups robot. The weaknesses of our robot include the inability to pick up the batons, and the difficulty of driving the robot. The strengths of our robot is balancing, and great driving sensitivity and fast maneuverability. Today is basically a day we brainstormed ideas.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
4729 E. Notebook - 22 March 2011
Problems:
One robot had poor rate of success at collecting the batons
It also had no way of retrieving the batons (it can only stow them)
The other robot's scoring mechanism does not fit this robot
Changes Made:
Added a C beam to increase maneuverability with the rolling goal
This mechanism only works when a baton is in the center post, so the goal is not technically in --possession
Added an L profile bar to guide the batons into the rolling goal
Reflections:
The robots still need to be merged to maximize functionality. As we work on adding the scoring mechanism, we must also ensure that the robot does not exceed size limits. We also need to check how the robot performs on the field.
The Advanced Baton Sorting System
The Rolling Goal Stop Mechanism
One robot had poor rate of success at collecting the batons
It also had no way of retrieving the batons (it can only stow them)
The other robot's scoring mechanism does not fit this robot
Changes Made:
Added a C beam to increase maneuverability with the rolling goal
This mechanism only works when a baton is in the center post, so the goal is not technically in --possession
Added an L profile bar to guide the batons into the rolling goal
Reflections:
The robots still need to be merged to maximize functionality. As we work on adding the scoring mechanism, we must also ensure that the robot does not exceed size limits. We also need to check how the robot performs on the field.
The Advanced Baton Sorting System
The Rolling Goal Stop Mechanism
Teacher Blog - DO NOT EDIT PLZ
Today we combined teams.
Previously we had two classes of around 25 students each, forming 6 teams per class of 4 to 5 students. Now that we have a field we have opted to combine teams to give us more parts, more brains and more solutions to problems faced on the field. Teams are now from 6 to 9 students, 3 teams per class for a total of 6 FTC teams in the high school at this moment.
Team combination procedure was thought out ahead of time and was not democratic. I assigned teams to each other based on current robot status, age / class rank and team ability.
Students were shown the following ppt slides on how to 'get an A':
Previously we had two classes of around 25 students each, forming 6 teams per class of 4 to 5 students. Now that we have a field we have opted to combine teams to give us more parts, more brains and more solutions to problems faced on the field. Teams are now from 6 to 9 students, 3 teams per class for a total of 6 FTC teams in the high school at this moment.
Team combination procedure was thought out ahead of time and was not democratic. I assigned teams to each other based on current robot status, age / class rank and team ability.
Students were shown the following ppt slides on how to 'get an A':
•Write down the individual problems you face
•Brainstorm together for multiple solutions
•Plan your changes on paper
•Document all changes to your design in your blog even if they don’t mean success:
–Andersonrobotics.blogspot.com
•Include photos in blog (mandatory!)
•Scan all drawings, put in blog (mandatory!)
The students' first assignment of the day was:
•Meet with your new teammates
•Assign one scribe to record on paper the strengths and weaknesses of your robots
•Put the robots on the field and walk through some of the problems you face with each robot.
•Decide which engineering notebook you will use and TELL me so I know which one to grade.
•Create a new post detailing your new group AND the results of your meeting with strengths and weaknesses.
above - team 4729 discussing a robot that cages a rolling goal
above - team 4727 discussing various combinations to their two robots
team 4728 - going over their robots
2ND DAY - Sorry did not have time to update on the actual day, this is what I remember from that day. We had an abbreviated "late day" schedule of 76 minute classes, so, the teams continued on their build, but I asked them to draw a sketch of the intended robot and label what functions the bot might have. Most teams got this to me. I scanned them in and emailed them to the teams, asking them to take the sketches and include them in their blog. I also asked the teams to take 1 digital photo with their cell phone camera (someone in the group to use their phone for this express purpose) and include it in their blog as well. One of the best sketches is below:
3RD DAY - Today, I reiterated the importance of documenting their changes. Today I assigned them to turn in a paper copy of their changes (great or small), take another photo of the actual changes they made, and include all information in their blog. So, we're trying to establish a pattern and hopefully in the limited time we have (about 10 more class periods before the competition) they will be able to do this automatically.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
March 8th, 2011
Our main task today was to determine the purpose of our robot. We concluded after practicing on the field, that we are mainly going to be an offensive robot. Our robot was able to successfully balance on board. Our main challange was that our robot was not able to effectively grab batons, which is what we spent the remaining of our time remodeling.
Monday, February 14, 2011
2nd period group 6
Team # 6 Ryan Fanguy Bihn Pham Mathew Boyles Aaron Flanagin
DATE: 11/2/10 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:33 TOPIC: Balance Challenge
| Tasks | Reflections |
Autonomously balance on a makeshift balance bridge | The bridge is very unstable because it is not a real balance bridge and balancing is a challenge |
TASK DETAILS: Autonomously balance on the center of a board that is designed like a see-saw
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Has to be all autonomous
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): This is really challenging because we can’t even make the robot balance by placing it dead in the center so making a program that will do it seems almost impossible.
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Team # 6
DATE 11/4/10 TIME SPAN 9:00 A.M. – 9:33 A.M.
TOPIC: Balancing and adding a tri wheel
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Autonomously balancing on a balance bridge | This is semi difficult but with our awesome programmer Bien it should be no problem. We’re going to make a program that, when the light sensor senses black will move for a few seconds so it should end up somewhere in the center of the bridge. |
| Redesigning our robot so it has 3 wheels instead of 4 | Boyles took apart our entire robot and is rebuilding it to where we have 2 wheels in the back and one omni-wheel in the front |
TASK DETAILS: Programming our robot so it climbs the bridge and stops near the center. Redesigning our robot so that it has 3 wheels instead of 4
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Robot must balance autonomously, no human control
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): I feel the wheels is kind of pointless and a waste of time. I don’t really see how we are going to benefit 3 wheels as opposed to 4 wheels
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY): We’ll add pictures of our redesigned robot when it’s complete
Team # 6 Ryan Fanguy Bihn Pham Mathew Boyles Aaron Flanagin
DATE 11/11/10 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:33TOPIC: Programming the servo to work with the controller
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Re assemble our robot after we modified it to run with only 3 wheels | This decision, while seeming to waste time now, will pay off in the future. We will be more agile and be able to maneuver better with superior turning ability |
| Program our servos so they will be activated by the controller | We ran into some problems with this task because our programmer was doing homework and it wouldn’t let us open the program file because access was denied for some reason. |
TASK DETAILS: Re-wiring and assembling our robot after we designed it. Getting it to balance properly so our front single wheel is tilted at the right angle. Making our programmer work because he wanted to do his homework instead, overcoming the challenge of having our access blocked to an essential file
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Having the servo activated by a controller
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): We still need some work on the program but our new design is awesome and will hopefully save us a lot of trouble and stress in the future
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Team # 6 Ryan Fanguy Bihn Pham Aaron FlanagiTeam # 6 Ryan Fanguy Mathew Boyles Bihn Pham Freddy R
DATE 2/09/11 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:26
TOPIC: Finishing stages
Tasks | Reflections |
Complete our new grabbing device so we can pick up and transport multiple batons | This will help us to score way more points in the driver round |
Finish programming the motors to lift the bed of our robot and spin our wheel to grab batons | Programming sucks and I hope Bihn can get it done in time |
TASK DETAILS: Finish connecting our motors and program them to lift what we want
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Must be able to collect batons and drop them off in the dispenser
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): Time is running out and we really need to program
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
n Mathew Boyles
DATE 12/8/10 TIME STeam # 6 Ryan Fanguy Bin Pham Mathew Boyles Freddy
DATE 2/1/11 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:33
TOPIC: final adjustments
Tasks | Reflections |
Add a lift and a bucket so we can mass collect batons | Our old system of collecting batons could only do one at a time and we want more points |
Practice driving so we’re good at it by the competition | Practice makes perfect |
TASK DETAILS: Make a new device to collect batons and store them in a bucket on the belly of the robot
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Be able to lift the batons
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): This will enable us to get way more points then we originally could
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
TOPIC: Tetrix Encoder
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Assembling and connecting a Tetrix Encoder to our crane | Was pretty simple to do, if we get this working functionally it will greatly increase the productivity of our robot |
| Programming the tetrix encoder | This task looks much more complicated than we thought it would be, we’re currently searching the internet for assistance |
TASK DETAILS: Unpack aging and assembling a Tetrix Encoder and attaching it to our robot. Now we struggle with programming it to do what we need
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Still trying to slim our robot down to fit within the required dimensions. We’ve fixed the height but length wise it is still > 18”
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): I think we are taking a risk with this because if it doesn’t work we’ve wasted a lot of time but if we succeed it’ll be pretty awesome.
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Team # 6 Ryan Fanguy Mathew Boyles Bihn Pham Freddy R
DATE 2/09/11 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:26
TOPIC: Finishing stages
Tasks | Reflections |
Complete our new grabbing device so we can pick up and transport multiple batons | This will help us to score way more points in the driver round |
Finish programming the motors to lift the bed of our robot and spin our wheel to grab batons | Programming sucks and I hope Bihn can get it done in time |
TASK DETAILS: Finish connecting our motors and program them to lift what we want
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Must be able to collect batons and drop them off in the dispenser
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): Time is running out and we really need to program
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Team # 6 Ryan Fanguy Aaron Flanagin Mathew Boyles Bihn Pham
DATE 11/15/2010 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:33TOPIC: Programming the joystick and the servos
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Program the controller to operate the robot | This was very simple due to our expert programmer Bihn. For some reason our controls were backwards. Right turns left and left turns right |
| Program the servos to be operated by the controller | This was slightly more difficult because we had trouble opening the required file because our access was denied. So after we got it from a flash drive we started the programming it |
TASK DETAILS: Get the controller to be able to operate the robot and the servos. We need a little more weight on our front end because when we initially go forward our robot does a really sweet wheelie.
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Servos need to be able to operate with the touch of a button from the controller
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): This was more difficult than we expected due to not being able to access the necessary files and then our controls were mirrored. We’re still working on getting the servos to work
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Team #6 Ryan Fanguy Aaron Flanagin Bihn Pham Mathew Boyles
DATE 12/10/10 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:33TOPIC: Getting organized and mounting servos
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Organizing our toolbox so we can find parts easier and be more productive | This will save us time in the future |
| Mount a servo on the end of our crane that will act as an extendable wrist | Because our robot was over 18” long we had to shorten our crane arm and start to add a folding wrist to the end so we can be within the dimensions at the start of the round. |
TASK DETAILS: Organizing the various parts in our tool box
Mounting a servo on the end of our crane arm that can extend to grab battons but remain at a rest hanging downwards so we are within 18” length so our robot is eligable
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Remain in the required 18”18”18”
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): We reeeeallllyyy need to begin programming but our programmer just plays games all day
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Team # 6 Ryan Fanguy Bihn Pham Mathew Boyles and Freddy
DATE 1/18/11 TIME SPAN 9:45-10:40TOPIC: Rebuilding
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Rebuilding and designing robot | This is like the third time and it’s getting ridiculous…but this is by far our best robot yet |
| Constructing a device on the front of our robot that can successfully pick up a baton from a dispenser | This is really challenging and once we finish we’ll have to make a program that can control all the servos we’re using affectively |
TASK DETAILS: Trying to figure our how to make a claw on the nose of our rebuilt robot
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Must be able to successfully pick up batons and remain in the required dimensions
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): We think we have Team # 6 Ryan Fanguy Bihn Pham Mathew Boyles and Freddy
DATE 1/18/11 TIME SPAN 9:45-10:40TOPIC: Rebuilding
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Rebuilding and designing robot | This is like the third time and it’s getting ridiculous…but we’re getting really good at rebuilding it! |
| Constructing a device on the front of our robot that can successfully pick up a baton from a dispenser | This is really challenging and once we finish we’ll have to make a program that can control all the servos we’re using affectively |
TASK DETAILS: Figuring out how to make a working claw to pick up batons
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Must be able to successfully pick up batons and remain in the required dimensions. We also have to finish rebuilding in time for the competition
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): We think we have some programs to use that are already made, but we’re unsure if they’ll work and we need to test it
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
some programs to use that are already made, but we’re unsure if they’ll work and we need to test it
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Team # 6 Ryan Fanguy Aaron Flanigan Mathew Boyles Bihn Pham
DATE 11/17/2010 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:26TOPIC: Modifying our design to allow for more convenience with recharging and swapping batteries
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Redesigning our robot so it is easier to recharge and swap batteries and the NXT brick | This will save us lots of time in the future |
| |
TASK DETAILS: Creating a harness that will hold the battery pack on the bottom of the robot. This was done using the 90 degree metal pieces and screwing them in around the battery pack to secure it.
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Our goal was to not have to use a
ny zip ties
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): This will save time in the future
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Team # 6 Ryan Fanguy Aaron Flanagin Mathew Boyles Bihn Pham
DATE 11/30/10 Time Span 9:00-10:33TOPIC: Center of Gravity
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Redesign the frame of our robot so that the center of gravity is better stabilized | This will be very crucial to the performance of our robot. If we’re going to be picking things up and getting potentially rammed we need to know that our robot will remain stable and not tip over |
| Disassemble and Reassemble the robot | Boyles is the best at this in our group and is doing most of this work. |
TASK DETAILS: Redesigning our robot so the center of gravity is centered. This was done by making dimensions of
the frame larger and centering our electrical components on the bottom near the center. Team #6 Ryan Fanguy Aaron Flanagin Bihn Pham Mathew Boyles
DATE 12/10/10 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:33TOPIC: Getting organized and mounting servos
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Organizing our toolbox so we can find parts easier and be more productive | This will save us time in the future |
| Mount a servo on the end of our crane that will act as an extendable wrist | Because our robot was over 18” long we had to shorten our crane arm and start to add a folding wrist to the end so we can be within the dimensions at the start of the round. |
TASK DETAILS: Organizing the various parts in our tool box
Mounting a servo on the end of our crane arm that can extend to grab battons but remain at a rest hanging downwards so we are within 18” length so our robot is eligable
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Remain in the required 18”18”18”
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): We reeeeallllyyy need to begin programming but our programmer just plays games all day
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Must remain in the 18x18x18 dimensional requirements
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): This process is using up valuable class time but we believe a well stabled robot will be worth it
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):Team #6 Ryan Fanguy Mathew Boyles Aaron Flanagin Bihn Pham
DATE 12/2/10 Time Span 10:00-11:15TOPIC: Adding a crane
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Creating a functional crane that will be able to pick up batons reliably. | Our last device to pick up batons would be too low to grab from the baton dispensers in the actual competition. |
| |
TASK DETAILS: Create a functioning crane mounted on our robot using servos and possibly a motor to pick up batons from the dispensers
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Can’t be more than 18” tall and must be able to pick up batons from a dispenser
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): This process is proving to be more difficult than we expected and we may end up spending a lot of time on it. We really need to start getting some programming work done
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Tip 89 – Another way to tie together channels is to use a flat piece of metal. BC it doesn’t space it.
Tip 90 – Make your robot heavy b/c it gets better traction + can push other robots around better and it’s harder to move + more momentum
Tip 91 – Make the robot large b/c it’s better (large and in charge!)
Tip 92- Keep the center of gravity as low as possible, try to mount everything at the bottom
Tip 93 – Design something to keep game elements from getting stuck under the robot
Tip 96 – Direct drive wheels are simpler, easier to keep aligned + easier to repair
Tip 118 – Servos are weak but can lift more weight if combined with rubber bands
Tip 117 – Mount all controls down on the bottom
Tip 130 – Think in terms of failure modes (all the ways a system could fail) fix BIG failures first
Tip 131 – Don’t solve problems that don’t exist
Tip 165 – Make sure there is no bare copper in the wires leading to the controllers
Tip 212 – On the controller, create a diagram of the controls to help current drivers + train new ones
Tip 296 – Keep the pit tools + emergency repair supplies organized
Tip 304 – SHOW RESPECT!!!
Tip 305 – To ram somebody, do it from their corner
Tip 313 – Create a 1 page flyer that advertises your robot
· Make an autonomous mode prograTeam # 6 Ryan Fanguy Bihn Pham Mathew Boyles Freddy Roearte
DATE 1/11/11 TIME SPAN 9:00 – 10:33TOPIC: Rebuilding
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Rebuilding our robot after it was completely disassembled and redesigned | I feel like this was unnecessary and a huge waste of time. We’re not gonna be done in time for the competition and we still have so much programming to do |
| |
TASK DETAILS: Rebuilding our robot from scratch
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Remain in required 18”18”18” size
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): This is a waste of time and there was nothing really wrong with our original robot
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)