BUILD SEASON MEETING SCHEDULE

FW: **FIRST EMAIL**/Competition Manual Section 4, "Robot Transportation" Available Now!

 

Greetings Teams:

Section 4, "Robot Transportation", of the 2000 FRC Competition Manual is now available for download at  http://www.usfirst.org/community/frc/content.aspx?id=452.
 
Please make sure your team's Shipping contact reads and understands this section completely.  Returning teams please be sure to read in its entirety as there have been changes. 

Remember, Robot Ship Date is: February 17th, 2009!

Go Teams!

-- 

FIRST Robotics Competition

Phone 1-800-871-8326 ext. 0

Fax 603-666-3907

frcteams@usfirst.org

www.usfirst.org

Nicknames

HAHAHA!!!!! Every one got nicknames, finaly not the only one. For those of you complaining about your names deal with it, we voted and we dicided. If you dont like it take it up at todays meeting

FW: Kickoff Workshops

The Kickoff Workshops will be held on Friday January 2nd at Brophy
College Prep, 4701 N. Central in Phoenix, in the Piper Building on the
South side of the campus. The workshops will be:

1. Scholarship
2. Fund Raising (We strongly advise all teams to have at least
one adult and several students attend)
3. Programming
4. Pneumatics
5. Electrical
6. Safety
7. Teacher/Coach (Adults only)
8. Mentors (Adults only)

Regristration is not required. Each workshop will be held at 7:00 pm,
and repeated at 8:00 pm.

For information, contact:
Dan Puffer
d.puffer@cox.net
480-821-4605

MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY 12/18) 10:45

BEGIN:VCARD
VERSION:2.1
N:Chapman;Amanda
FN:Amanda Chapman (achapman@phxhs.k12.az.us)
ORG:Maryvale High School
TITLE:Science Department Instructional Leader
TEL;WORK;VOICE:(602) 793-5265
TEL;CELL;VOICE:(602) 793-5265
ADR;WORK;ENCODING=QUOTED-PRINTABLE:;;Maryvale High School=0D=0A3415 N 59th Ave;Phoenix;AZ;85033;United States o=
f America
LABEL;WORK;ENCODING=QUOTED-PRINTABLE:Maryvale High School=0D=0A3415 N 59th Ave=0D=0APhoenix, AZ 85033=0D=0AUnited=
States of America
URL;WORK:http://homepage.mac.com/chapmac/mhs/homepage/chapman.htm
EMAIL;PREF;INTERNET:achapman@phxhs.k12.az.us
REV:20081118T151311Z
END:VCARD

DISTRICT INFORMED US THAT WE MUST TURN IN MINUTES FOR OUR CHECK TO FIRST TO BE PROCESSED.  PLEASE COME IN SO WE CAN PRINT THEM OUT AND GET THIS PROCESSED!  MAKE SURE TO TELL BRENDA!!

 

Amanda Chapman, M.P.H.

Science Department Instructional Leader

Panther Robotics Coach

Maryvale High School

 

TEAM MEETING

Hey guys, Team Meeting today. We need to touch base about the kick off, and anyone planning on going needs to come and get a permission slip. We need these in by thursday so today would be the optimum time for you to come and pick them up.

Joe

FW: **FIRST EMAIL**/Game Design Committee Game Hint #2

 

From: FRCteams [mailto:frcteams@usfirst.org]
Sent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 6:57 AM
Subject: **FIRST EMAIL**/Game Design Committee Game Hint #2

 

Take your machine out of the shop on Colorado in Paramount;
stop by and get connected on Central in Phoenix;
drive by and make a pickup on Minnetonka in Minnetonka;
then head to the field on Evergreen in Dover.

dec.12 meeting

today's meeting we talked about re-electing officers and we are now having lunch meetings for only officers everyday, andthese people are the new officers:
V.P:Tracy
Treasurer: Craighead
S.D: Dopey
and Historian:German
and we are working and tinkering on the robot...
said by dopey: "i am the ultimate bad a** and took control of the group."

Friday's meeting

ok...what we decided is that we would meet everyday from 2:30-6-ish...monday we are gonna talk about the field trip..new officers position...and alot of other things....soo be at the meetings or be kicked off....new rules...unless you have a really good excuse...then we will see...but other than that GO!!! simple as that and READ THE BLOG NOW..ima start doing my job now....see ya'

TEAM ESSAYS

FW: FTC Team E-mail Blast 12/5/08

---

From: FTC Teams [mailto:ftcteams@usfirst.org]
Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 7:35 AM
Subject: FTC Team E-mail Blast 12/5/08

 

To all FTC teams:

It’s that time again!  Our first Championship Tournaments begin this weekend and will be the start of what we know will be our best FTC season yet!  We have a few new items for you, so please be sure to read everything!

1.    LabVIEW Motor and Encoder Update Info
2.    World Championship Eligibility Requirements
3.    Match Preparation document (formerly referred to as Before Coming to the Field) – PRINT AND READ!
4.    FTC Software Training
5.    Scheduled Events as of 12/3/08
6.    NASA Opportunity for 9th – 12th Graders
7.    Canadian Ordering
8.    Game Elements Available – ORDER NOW!
9.    Field Perimeters Available

1.    LabVIEW Motor and Encoder Update Info

Be sure to check the NI website at http://joule.ni.com/nidu/cds/view/p/lang/en/id/1129 for the latest encoder update.  Teams getting the update should copy the contents of the zip file into the "FTC Toolkit" folder underneath their LabVIEW 8.5 installation. 

2.    World Championship Eligibility Requirements

The FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship will be held in Atlanta, April 15th – 17th, at the Georgia Dome.  100 FTC teams will be eligible to participate in the FTC World Championship.

Teams automatically eligible for the FTC World Championship:
•    Inspire Award winning teams at FTC State Championships
•    Captain teams of the Winning Alliance at FTC State Championships

There are additional spots available for the FTC World Championship.  These will be awarded based on how many teams, meeting the eligibility criteria above, accept invitations to the FTC World Championship.  These additional spots will be offered to teams based on a two tier lottery system. 

Tier One will be comprised of Winning Alliance teams that were “first picked” by the Winning Alliance Captain team.  Once those teams have been offered spots, and declined or accepted their invitations, the Tier Two lottery will be held.  Tier Two will be comprised of Winning Alliance teams that were “second picked” by the Winning Alliance Captain team.  Placeholder entries will be added to the drawing to accommodate events that have not occurred by March 4th.

The Tier One lottery will take place March 4th.  Teams will receive an email from FTCTeams@usfirst.org with instructions on how to accept or decline their invitation. 

3.    Match Preparation document – PRINT AND READ!

This document was formerly referred to as Before Coming to the Field.  Please be sure to print this out and carry it with your team to all events.  The document can be found at http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Community/FTC/FTC_Documents_and_Updates/2008/Match%20Preparation.pdf. 

4.    FTC Software Training

Greetings FTC Teams:

Mark your Calendars! The /FIRST /Senior Mentors are pleased to invite you to a Webcast and Teleconference call for all FTC Team Mentors and Coaches this coming *Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 7 pm EST*. The Topic is */FTC Software Training/* and will be presented */by Mannie Lowe, FTC Affiliate Partner, Georgia/*. /FIRST/ Senior Mentor Richard Brodor and FTC Partner Services Manager, JoAnn Halloran will also be on line to assist and answer your questions. Whether you are just getting started, or are already working with your NXT block, this presentation will offer useful information or assurance to everyone that you’re moving on the right track.

This presentation will begin with a look at the FTC Programming template, an overview of the new Field Management System (FMS) and interaction with the robots, as well as discussion on the programming platforms available. The presentation agenda consists of:
1 FTC Programming template in Pseudo-code form
2 Overview of the Field Management System (FMS) and how it interacts with the robot
3 RobotC programming for competition, review of template
4 NXT-G programming for competition, review of template
5 LabVIEW programming for competition, review of template
6 General Q&A

Your *INVITATION* (and ticket) to join the webcast and access the web page for the conferenceis available from the FIRST Website at: http://www.usfirst.org/community/ftc/content.aspx?id=10090. If you don't have your invitation.htm you can paste the following URL to your browser and bookmark it to attend the Web cast:     https://cc.callinfo.com/r/dx06hspjyb2p

There is a requirement to have an acceptable version of Java installed on your PC for compatibility prior to the conference. It is highly recommended to test your browser and Java version before by going to http://test.callinfo.com. The Web Conferencing test page will appear, check your browser and Java programs, and show “green” lights for compatibility with the message “can join web conference”. If your Java version is not a compatible level, you will be able to download a Java Version 1.4.2_06 from the link on the test page.

If you are unable to join the webcast, Audio Teleconference lines are available to hear the presentation. The Audio call in number is 1-800-503-2899. The access number is 6663906. We will have approximately 100 lines available, so lines are on a first come, first served basis. This webcast will be recorded and become available for download at: http://www.usfirst.org/community/ftc/content.aspx?id=10090

If you have accessed the Audio Teleconference call line, please put your phone on "mute". Press " * 6 " to “mute” your phone so that your background noise and chatter will not be heard on the call. When
you wish to speak, press " * 7 " to un-mute your line.

Please Join Us!

Again, all team coaches & mentors are welcome, especially those attached to rookie teams.

The /FIRST /Senior Mentors

5.    Scheduled Events as of 12/3/08

For an updated list of events, please visit: http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Community/FTC/FTC_Documents_and_Updates/2008/2008%20Event%20List.pdf

6.    NASA Opportunity for 9th – 12th Graders

NASA is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the Interdisciplinary National Science Program Incorporating Research and Education Experience (INSPIRE) online community for high-school students. The community provides NASA-related resources and educational activities and allows for students to interact with other students, ask questions, and share knowledge. Once selected, students may compete for unique grade-appropriate summer experiences ranging from a one-day VIP tour and workshops to a two-week on-campus collegiate experience or paid summer internships.

The application deadline is December 31, 2008. For more information or to apply, visit http://www.nasa.gov/education/INSPIRE.

7.    Canadian Ordering

Just a reminder to all Canadian teams - the Pitsco website is not able to handle international orders this season. To order a kit or additional parts, please call Deanna Bishop at Pitsco at 1-800-362-4308 ext. 533 between 9 am and 4 pm CST. Teams purchasing additional parts over the phone will still be entitled to the 20% FTC discount. If you have any problems ordering a kit, please e-mail us at ftcteams@usfirst.org. We apologize for the inconvenience!

8.    Game Elements Available – ORDER NOW!

Starting at a date to be released shortly, Game Elements are available to teams only through LogoLoc. Please visit the FIRST store at http://www.logoloc.com/first/.
The prices are:
• Full Field (includes pucks, pvc, corrugated materials, hardware) $325.00
• Pucks Only (72 pucks, 36 in red, 36 in blue) $115.00
• Corrugated material (2 each, pre cut) $50.00
*prices don’t include shipping

9.    Field Perimeters Available

Field perimeters are now available! Please visit the FIRST store at http://www.logoloc.com/first/ to order. Field perimeters are $500.00 plus the cost of shipping.

-- 

Thank you,

FTC Team Support

FW: **FIRST EMAIL**/ Game Design Committee Game Hint!

 

 

Amanda

---

From: FRC Teams [mailto:frcteams@usfirst.org]
Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 9:07 AM
Subject: **FIRST EMAIL**/ Game Design Committee Game Hint!

 

http://www.usfirst.org/community/frc/content.aspx?id=11310

-- 

FIRST Robotics Competition

Phone 1-800-871-8326 ext. 0

Fax 603-666-3907

frcteams@usfirst.org

www.usfirst.org

TEAM MEETING

Hey today 12-3 we're having a meeting, sorry i forgot to get this on here yesterday. We are gonna talk about money and grants and progress and so forth.

P.S.

No pictures as of yet, gonna bring my camera tomorrow and take a bunch to post. DOn't worry, I added this as one of my homepages, so I shouldn't forget anymore lol.
And also, my typing doesn't suck fomr me being bad at it, my keys stick. I swear, it's not my fault lol

Finally doing my job...

OK so I've finally broken down and logged in to write a blog. Though honesly there's not much to talk about right now, we all already know what's going on. I agree with JOey though, we need to focus on the tax credits, we started the selling way to late for it to be anything but pocket money right now. And remember we don't need to make all our money from the credit donations; once we get a good looking bank account we might be able to negotiate something with STUGO something.
But um, ya. Outside of that there's nothin really for me to talk about. So, keep trucking, and don't give up. Wow, that felt kinda cheesy...

HEY!!!

Hey we're in the positive!!!! We are actually making money now. But we need to work on those tax credits thats the big money maker.

PICTURE DAY!!

Our picture for the yearbook will be taken next Wednesday at 3:10pm. Wear your robotics shirt or black and gold!

OK so something is happening

Okay guys and girls this week we need to meet everyday or close to it so that we can things set up for next week. Starting next week we are going to be selling drinks at Mrs. Chapman's tutoring thing after school. So this week we need to get together to find out whos going to work it, we need to make a shopping list, and we need to get signs ready for the school.

Everyone needs to work at least one day because as it is we are probablyy going to be needing some help anyways. If you cant make to today's meeting at least make sure you are at tomorrow's meeting.

Hi people

Hey you guys...

just checking with all of you...

I hope you guys will have some ideas that'll get the fundraising started. Well, as a matter of fact, I do know you guys have ideas. They are great ideas but you also have to put them into action. Selling at sporting events and stuff for the holidays, etc.

Just one thing I do stress is that time is passing by, and it passes by quick. Don't think, "Oh yeah, we'll do it" or "We still have enough time" or "She's exaggerating" and I might be, because I tend to do that, but two months have already passed. Don't rely only on the money that you "might" get, because its not totally final, and even after you still need more money.

I know you can get that money by Dec. 2, but it also requires the effort to get there. I know this year is different from last year, maybe even more difficult, but I know you can do it.

So during the meetings get things done. If you are on officer, you know what you have to do.

Everyone take care...

Fundraiser

Oriental Trading Company

ok so final schedule

Every other week we will have a meeting on wednesday. Then on the off weeks we will have a meeting on teusday. So every week there is an nhs meeting we will have a meeting on teusday. So the next meeting is on teusday sept. 23

meeting this week

The meeting this week will be on wednesday right after school. It is a half day so make sure you are there right after school. We need to get some pictures to send to that guy and we need to get on top of scholarships. We haven't made ant money yet, and we only have a couple of months left.

ok so to stop all the confusion

Ok so chapman said that we can't do a meeting today because she has a staff meeting so the only thkng we can do is go friday after school. If anybody can't make it then let me know

LabVIEW Training September 10th

Arizona FIRST Team Contacts,
Below is a link to complete information, including location and preparation instructions, for the September 10th LabVIEW training session for Arizona FIRST teams. Start time is 5:45 PM, but plan to be at least 5 minutes early to get set up. Follow all instructions carefully prior to arriving at the training session. You will likely have questions as you install the software or build the NXT robot (assuming you have a kit available), so please start preparing as soon as possible.
Thanks to Patricia Smith of ASU, Carol Popovich of Microchip, Jim Beck of FIRST and Jeff Steele of NI for your contributions to setting up this session!
Follow this link:
http://www.oclabview.com/Public/Knapp/FIRST_ASU_LabVIEW_Training.html
If you haven't RSVP's and would like to attend, there is still room
available- just let me know and I'll register you.
Best Regards,
Charlie
Charlie Knapp, MSEE
US Unmanned Systems BDM
National Instruments
Office: (949) 858-8323
Cell: (714) 393-5470
Email: charlie.knapp@ni.com

RoboTECH at ASU

From: Tina Rutledge [mailto:asurobotech@gmail.com]
Hello all,
This is the new email address I set up for the RoboTECH events at ASU, so all the mail can go here, we can create google docs and forms to have folks sign up for workshops, volunteers, etc.
I will send the agenda soon, but for now Carol or George, if you want to send out the call for team participation, its a go. We toured the space in front of the MU today and although it's not as open as it was last year, we can have 2 playing fields, plus there is a little stage to put the sound system on and have the announcer there.
So as far as teams, have them send their RSVP to this address asurobotech@gmail.com We can send more details later, but for now, they just need to know about the event and commit to coming and competing
RoboTECH lll at ASU
Supported by:
ASU Applied Learning Technologies Institute ASU Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering Microchip FIRST Foundation LEGO?
Others?
October 13th - ASU Memorial Union Building, North Mall Area Demo from 11 to 2 pm Workshops before and after, TBA
Audience will be ASU faculty, staff, students
We need from them:
Name of Team and number
Who is attending and names
Mentor
Teacher
Students
Contact info for teacher/mentor
What tasks the robot can perform
--
feel free to contact me directly with any questions or information. We will have a mini competition, and workshops available. If you have any suggestions please let us know.
George O. First
Arizona Regional Director for F.I.R.S.T.
3694 E. Vaughn Ave.
Gilbert, AZ 85234
480-202-4668
"I must do something" always solves more problems than "Something must be done."

Hey!!!

So I realized that I forgot to specify a time when the next meeting is so... My guess would be that Wednesday is good for everyone right? If there are any problems then you can just post it.

9-03-08 Meeting

All we did today was talk about the basic inside the robot, like how much the battery weighed and how much volts it had. We also test drove the robot, it was fun and learned a bit about ourselves. Just a basic day, today was and hopefully soon enough pictures will be up. =]

Who can go?

Arizona FIRST participants,
This is Charlie Knapp, the Unmanned Systems Business Development Manager for National Instruments. On September 10 at the ASU, Tempe Campus, I will be presenting a free workshop for FIRST teachers, students and mentors to provide training on the LabVIEW Application Development Environment.
LabVIEW will be a programming option for all FIRST competitions starting in 2009. Since the new FRC robotics controllers are not readily available in quantity at this time, emphasis will be on LabVIEW fundamentals. During about the last third of the training session, a Mindstorms NXT robot will be used as an example of a mechanical system programmed with LabVIEW.
Attendees who have access to a Lego Mindstorms NXT kit will be asked to pre-build and bring a specific NXT robot. Those who are able to bring robots will be further asked, in the spirit of Gracious Professionalism, to share with attendees who are unable to do so.
What: Basic LabVIEW Skills Training for FIRST Mentors, Students and
Teachers
When: Wednesday; September 10, 2008; 5:45 PM - 9:15 PM
Where: ASU, Tempe;
Room location, parking information and campus map will be posted at this link soon:
http://www.oclabview.com/Public/Knapp/FIRST_ASU_LabVIEW_Training.html
Limit: 60 attendees
Software: Attendees will need to pre-install software (see below)
Forms: Attendees will be required to fill out a questionnaire survey
to
attend the free workshop
You'll need to RSVP to this email in order to register. In your RSVP, please indicate whether you will be able to build and bring the robot. Due to the size of the room, attendance will be limited to 60.
You will need to bring the following with you for the training:
1) Your own laptop
2) PC microphone (here is an example of a low-cost one online)
3) LabVIEW Software and the LabVIEW NXT Toolkit installed on your PC (see
below)
4) The NXT "Ballhunter" Robot IF you have access to a Mindstorms NXT kit (see below)
Detailed preparation instructions are included at the bottom of this email.
Please read and follow these instructions carefully and completely if you plan to attend the training.
Best Regards,
Charlie
Charlie Knapp, MSEE
US Unmanned Systems BDM
National Instruments
Office: (949) 858-8323
Cell: (714) 393-5470
Email: charlie.knapp@ni.com
Preparation instructions:
0) Make sure you have Winzip installed on your computer so that you can unzip files.
1) Download and install the LabVIEW 8.6 evaluation version at this link:
https://lumen.ni.com/nicif/us/lveval/content.xhtml
2) Download and install the LabVIEW NXT Toolkit, including the patch, at the following link. Though you will be installing LabVIEW 8.6, you can use the patch for LabVIEW 8.5. If you do not install the patch (refer to the "readme" file), the toolkit will not work.
http://www.oclabview.com/Public/Knapp/NXT_Download.zip
3) Make sure your PC has a sound card. If your PC is capable of playing sound or movie files, then it has a sound card. As mentioned above, bring your own PC microphone, though there will be a few extras in case anyone forgets.
4) If you have direct access to a Mindstorms NXT kit or can borrow one, please pre-build and bring the "Ball Hunter" Robot at the following link.
You must first build the "Castorbot" as the base robot for the "Ball Hunter" Robot. Also, don't forget to bring the red and blue plastic balls and a USB cable to connect the NXT microcontroller to your laptop. In the spirit of Gracious Professionalism, you will be asked to share the use of your robot with attendees who don't have access to a Mindstorms NXT kit.
http://www.nxtprograms.com/ball_hunter/index.html
The Castorbot instructions at the link above assume that you don't have a rechargeable battery pack. Thanks to my colleague, Jeff Steele, here are alternate Castorbot instructions to accommodate a rechargeable battery pack.
http://www.oclabview.com/Public/Knapp/castorbot_rechargeable.zip

Should we sell stuff?

Possible fundraising idea. What do you think? Click here.

Our Constitution

Lowe's Grant

Anyone want to work on this? If so, click on the title above to link to more info.

Meeting Change

Oops, Tuesday isn't going to work for me this week, although next week it will be fine.  Let's try Wednesday this week and see how it goes.  If anyone has a conflict just reply to this post.  See you Wednesday :)

Interesting Email....

Greetings,

I work for Boeing and as one of the focals for FIRST, I'm trying to
ensure that existing newer teams know about the grant that Boeing is
offering for those who have a Boeing mentor in place.

We held an info fair yesterday and today in our cafeteria trying to get
the word out to our employees, but it also might be helpful if teams
also look in their school for interested parents who are Boeing
employees. It might be a good way to find help for the team and also
allow you to qualify for applying for the grant. The Boeing employee
has to fill out the application and the deadline is Sept. 15.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks

Welcome Back Panthers!

Hope you all had a great break! As you may have heard we did not get the SFAZ grant this year. We should probably meet and decide how to proceed. We will post soon to let you know the date of the first meeting. See you all soon :)

Email from LSSU to share.

Greetings from Lake Superior State University!
You are being sent this e-mail as a FIRST Team Contact. We would appreciate it if you would share this e-mail with your student team.
Lake Superior State University offers accredited engineering degree programs in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, General Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, General Engineering Technology, Engineering Management, and Industrial Technology. Check out http://engineering.lssu.edu/ for details.

Our accredited degree programs are reviewed by the same national organization (ABET) which accredits programs at other universities in Michigan (U of M, MSU, MTU, etc.) and throughout the United States. Our graduates enjoy a nearly 100% placement rate and have found jobs from Texas to Michigan and from New York to Oregon in a wide variety of engineering disciplines. Average starting salaries are over $53,000 per year. Several others have continued on to graduate school and obtained their Masters Degree or Ph.D.

LSSU is a small, dynamic, and personal university with a focus on teaching. We have about 200 engineering students and you will have ample opportunity to learn from faculty dedicated to teaching both the theoretical and applied aspects of engineering. We strive to provide an environment that enhances your talent and abilities and we will even assist in helping you find the right job after graduation.

While you’re here at LSSU, you might consider joining one of the six engineering student organizations. They are involved in a variety of projects and competitions. Some of these projects are mentoring FIRST robotics, mentoring LEGO Robotics, working on the Mini Baja, and more. You can become a member of any of these groups and compete with other universities nationally and even internationally. This year two of the students groups are working on the Mini Baja competition. They’re busy getting their vehicles ready for the competition this summer in Illinois.

In robotics, we believe we have one of the best undergraduate programs in the United States. Our robotics lab houses 14 industrial robots and a variety of automated support equipment. In fact, over the last few years, student groups have presented their robotics work at several design competitions. At the International Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference, LSSU was one of 5 universities invited as finalists to present at the conference. The results were:

First Place: University of Florida, Gainesville
Second Place: Lake Superior State University
Third Place: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of New Hampshire were the other finalists

At the UPADI Pan American Convention for Engineers, LSSU was one of 5 universities invited and we received the Honorable Mention Award. The other universities that were invited were Cornell University, Michigan Technological University, the Air Force Academy, and University of Puerto Rico. The robotics option is designed to be a part of any of our degree programs, but other options are available.

Please encourage your students to visit our web site at http://www.lssu.edu/ or http://engineering.lssu.edu/ for even more information about LSSU and the School of Engineering & Technology. We also encourage interested students to come for a campus visit.
We would be pleased to provide a tour of the engineering facility, and time to meet with a faculty member in the School of Engineering and Technology. You can schedule a campus visit at www.lssu.edu/visit. Questions, please feel free to contact LSSU Admissions at 1-888-800-LSSU (5778) or by e-mail at admissions@lssu.edu.

Sincerely,
Susan Camp
Director of Admissions
1-888-800-LSSU (5778)
APPLY on-line at www.lssu.edu
admissions@lssu.edu

Congratulations Graduates!

Remember to keep in touch!  We were all a part of something special here and you will be missed!  Good luck and best wishes :)

It's time to do the Robot dance!!!

Hey, you guys! This year is over and it's time to remember the path that we have made. It's time to remember, to cherish, and to celebrate Maryvale's FIRST Robotics Team.

On Monday, May 19th of 2008, there will be a "party" in Mrs. Chapman's room after school at 2:30PM. We will show the presentation that a couple of our team members put together for you. And of course, we can't forget the food.

I hope that everyone will be able to attend our little celebration for the Robotics Team.

G O
P A N T H A S A U R U S ! ! !

Projectile motion simulator

click here

New Stuff To Do! Check out the links below...

When will we receive the new control system? Is there any benefit to purchasing an NI CompactRIO controller now?

FIRST is continuing to work out the logistics of the exact availability date for the new control system, but it will be no later than Kickoff of the 2009 season. We are working extremely hard to make the new system available as early as possible.

We know some teams want to begin using the new control system. However, we advise against purchasing a current NI CompactRIO system from National Instruments. The prices listed on www.ni.com do not reflect the discounted price FIRST teams will pay for purchasing additional controllers, and more importantly, the software experience for the 2009 FRC controller in the 2009 Kit of Parts will differ significantly from an off-the-shelf NI CompactRIO system. Additionally, you will not be able to work with the other components of the control system. Instead of purchasing a NI CompactRIO controller now, we recommend that teams begin learning programming skills in C/C++ or LabVIEW.

What can we do now to learn more?

You can begin reviewing the training material already available online at:
Tutorial: Getting Started with the New Control System
Slideshare: Training sessions from the 2008 Championship
Tutorial: Program the New Controller with NI LabVIEW
Tutorial: C / C++ Programming for the 2009 FRC Control System

Video of the Tournament

We're on the last video clip - you'll have to watch for a few to see us or fast forward to the 23:00 mark.  Click here to view.

No Work Time Friday 3/21

There will be NO work time this Friday 3/21 as Mrs. Chapman will be absent.

Fun in the Sun

After the qualifying matches we blew off some steam and played tag and soccer with Panthersaurus and his friend....

More from the Tourney

We made every match and everyone interested got a chance to drive. Our pit crew was first rate and very professional looking too!

Panthersaurus Rages at FRC

With lots of ups and downs we won, we lost, we broke the robot, then we fixed it the FRC was more exciting then we ever would have expected. Here are some pictures that tell the tale...

Click Here For Castles & Coasters Results!

Game Update Email

Greetings Teams:

Due to the fact that the FRC Regionals start is this weekend, we have released a game-specific Team Update early. Please refer to Team Update #13, http://www.usfirst.org/community/frc/content.aspx?id=450

Go Teams!

Regional Information Email from FIRST

Teams attending the FRC Arizona Regional.

The FRC AZ Planning Committee wants to thank you for selecting Arizona for your FIRST event. Here are some important announcements that will be helpful to your teams. If you have any questions, contact me (Carol Popovich) or George First, the RD for Arizona. (gofirst@cox.net). We want to make you event exciting, fun and safe.

• VIP Tour Guides

We would like two volunteers from each team (if your team chooses to participate) to act as VIP Tour guides at select times during the event. We would like representatives on Thursday, between 4:30 and 5:00 PM because members from the AZ Tech Council will be holding their meeting at the event, and we want our teams to benefit from meeting these executives.

We also would like VIP tour guides available on Saturday between 11:00 AM and noon for our VIPs. A VIP Tour Guide Meeting will be held on Thursday from 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM. Meet in the Pit area at the Pit Admin table, where I will hold a meeting.

• EXTRA VOLUNTEERS

If adults who are attending the regional with you want to volunteer to assist at the FRC AZ Regional, we could use some more volunteers. Register on VIMS, or contact Walter Moffat, the Volunteer Coordinator for the AZ Regional. (robotics698@yahoo.com)

• STEVE SANGHI SCHOLARSHIP

Steve Sanghi gives a scholarship to a FIRST student attending the Arizona Regional. The application form has been sent to all the teams. If you need a form, email carol.popovich@microchip.com. The deadline is Monday, Feb. 25, 2008.

• TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Arizona offers a Teacher of the Year Award. If your team would like to nominate your teacher, contact carol.popovich@microchip.com for a form and more information.

• NO SKATE SHOES

For the safety of all concerned, "skating" on skate shoes is not allowed.

• PARKING AT THE COLISEUM

Veterans Memorial Coliseum charges a $7.00 per vehicle parking fee every day. The FRC AZ Planning Committee is working to get half price tickets. We will notify the teams if we are able to do this. If so, we well need to know how many tickets your team will need to purchase for the days of the event.

• TEAM SOCIAL

The AZ Planning Committee will sponsors the food and parking for the Team Social at the Arizona Science Center. The Arizona Science Center is donating the evening at the venue. Here is a link to information about the venue.

http://www.azscience.org/

The FIRST group will have access to the first, third and fourth floors of the Center, including our special exhibition Dinosaurs: Giants in the Desert, location on the third floor.

The FRC AZ Planning Committee is very excited to welcome you to the FRC AZ Regional. See you there!

We Mailed It!

Maximum Length?

You guys I was thinking that since the robot is at an angle, wouldn't the length of it be a little bit bigger with that case your building on it? It is just a thought because our robot is already at the maximum length but I'm not sure if actually is.

Regionals are on 3/6, 3/7 and 3/8

The event will occur at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Click here for directions. The event is free and open to the public so start thinking about who you want to invite!

Team Goals

Robotics Building sessions update!

2/1/08

Hello Robo-panthers, well as many of you have seen the group has managed to make the robot work... so what does that mean??? It means that the participants that have been building have been doing their jobs correctly!!! :) were currently adjusting the two motors on the Robot in order to have a better functioning robot. Soon we wish to work on building the robot upwards to reach a higher and more fun height! : D we have also been buying tools like crazy, and that's good news for the current and hopefully new incoming robotics members next year!!! :D :D...
if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask!!!!!!!!! (ask Mrs. Chapman, or any other Member of Robotics!)

Panther Ladies Working Smart!

2008 Officers Confirmed!

President: Valeria Cazarez
Secretary: Enrique Ceja
Treasurer: Iris Rios
Parliamentarian: Samantha Rodriguez
Jr. Vice President: Joseph Brown
Safety Director: Eric Ventura
Team Lawyer: Mayra Mereles (appointed position)
Coach: Amanda Chapman

Assistant Coach:  Christian Mondaca (appointed position)

Congrats to everyone, and thanks for all of your hard work!!!

IT'S ALIVE

More Building....

The Building Process...

building meeting. 1/17/08

Our curent progress includes the installation of both motors onto the chasis, we still need to finish assembling the controllers and the wheels of the robot. Once we've finished assembling these parts we can continue on our voyage to actually finish building our robot.

Working on the robot - 1 week down!

Robotics Build Meeting 1/14/08

Last week the builders accomplished putting together the chassis, and building the two motors...
today we worked on trying to gain as much knowledge from visuals to try and put together the robot controllers and installation of the wheels.

Anyone want to work on Autodesk?

The 2008 Kit of Parts is now rendered in Autodesk Inventor and available through Autodesk FIRSTbase at: http://firstbasefrc.autodesk.com/?nd=kitofparts
The Autodesk Design Competition Criteria is posted and available at http://firstbasefrc.autodesk.com/?nd=competition
Questions? Please remember to use the Autodesk feedback form located at http://firstbasefrc.autodesk.com/?nd=form__1 to send us your questions.

Useful Program?

IFI Robotics Website

Check out the link to the right for IFI robotics - really useful stuff I think.

Link for the Electrical System

And here's a link for the wiring

Team Number

Hey, i'm trying to register for Cheif Delphi. Whats the team number? Is it 2314?

Assembling the drive train (click for video)

And here's a link for building the chassis

Game Hints