We had a good meeting tonight.
The weather is really weird, it was close to 50 deg. F this afternoon. It rained all evening, with an occasional rumble of thunder. Now the temp is taking a nose dive, it is currently 30F and is supposed to be in single digits in another hour.
So, everyone at the meeting was hoping for a snow day tomorrow. None-the-less, even if tomorrow does bring weather that is not suitable for school, our team's mentors will still meet.
We made good progress tonight. We successfully read all the rest of our sensors that we attached to our test board. We read the gyro, accelerometer, optical encoders and our infrared input device. Our hybrid mode code is getting close to being done. Now with our newly gained knowledge about sensors, we should be able finish our hybrid code this week.
We're hoping to try some mock testing this weekend. As of today, our robot still has not taken it's first steps, and it looks as if tomorrow may indeed be the snow day of wishes, but Thursday may be the big day.
Current temperature: 28F
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
End of Week 3
We are at the half-way point of our build season, and our robot is almost drivable. I took some pictures on Wednesday, however I am going to wait a little longer before posting them to my Flickr site.
As far as the programming and electrical team goes, we've flow charted most of our hybrid mode and have about half of it coded. We are prepared to download hybrid code and drive code whenever the robot is ready (which I think will be either Monday or Tuesday). As soon as it is drivable, the drive team will begin try-outs and soon a team will be picked. They will then practice as much as possible before the ship date.
The team as a whole is fund-raising like crazy. We're selling Yooper bars (a very tasty chocolate candy bar) and we'll also be selling pizza kits in the next week. We're doing can and bottle drives, hoping people will donate their returnables to the team.
Again this year we are attending 2 regional events in hopes that we come up with a win at one (or both) so that we are eligible to attend the Championship in Atlanta. All of these events are very pricey.
Look for a post soon, I'll be blogging about our baby's FIRST steps.
As far as the programming and electrical team goes, we've flow charted most of our hybrid mode and have about half of it coded. We are prepared to download hybrid code and drive code whenever the robot is ready (which I think will be either Monday or Tuesday). As soon as it is drivable, the drive team will begin try-outs and soon a team will be picked. They will then practice as much as possible before the ship date.
The team as a whole is fund-raising like crazy. We're selling Yooper bars (a very tasty chocolate candy bar) and we'll also be selling pizza kits in the next week. We're doing can and bottle drives, hoping people will donate their returnables to the team.
Again this year we are attending 2 regional events in hopes that we come up with a win at one (or both) so that we are eligible to attend the Championship in Atlanta. All of these events are very pricey.
Look for a post soon, I'll be blogging about our baby's FIRST steps.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Update - January 22, 2008
Wow, it's been almost a week since my last post. There hasn't been much action to report on; we had a meeting last Thursday for a couple hours and we haven't met since.
Due to yesterday's holiday and today being a snow day, we haven't made a lot of new progress. Last week on Thursday we did write a sample program that runs both autonomous/hybrid mode and a section that runs the drive code that is used to interpret the commands sent from the robot drive team through the radio control.
It's now 2 weeks into the build season, and we have 4 weeks to go. We have our autonomous/hybrid mode flow charted and will begin on that tomorrow night. We're feeling pretty good about where we are right now.
Look for more pictures to show up on my Flickr site soon.
For anyone that may be reading my blog, I am also the designer, developer and administrator for a website that is devoted to introducing people to FIRST. It is a community of students, teachers, mentors and parents that are willing to post videos, pictures, stories, etc. regarding their experiences in FIRST. No matter if you are already involved in FIRST or not, please check out my site; it truly is for everyone!
http://www.firstobjective.org
Thank you!
Due to yesterday's holiday and today being a snow day, we haven't made a lot of new progress. Last week on Thursday we did write a sample program that runs both autonomous/hybrid mode and a section that runs the drive code that is used to interpret the commands sent from the robot drive team through the radio control.
It's now 2 weeks into the build season, and we have 4 weeks to go. We have our autonomous/hybrid mode flow charted and will begin on that tomorrow night. We're feeling pretty good about where we are right now.
Look for more pictures to show up on my Flickr site soon.
For anyone that may be reading my blog, I am also the designer, developer and administrator for a website that is devoted to introducing people to FIRST. It is a community of students, teachers, mentors and parents that are willing to post videos, pictures, stories, etc. regarding their experiences in FIRST. No matter if you are already involved in FIRST or not, please check out my site; it truly is for everyone!
http://www.firstobjective.org
Thank you!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Sonar works for us
Tonight our team had another 3 hour meeting, which seemed like about 45 minutes. Man! We got a lot of stuff going in a short amount of time. It was awesome!
Prior to this season, our team took the time to layout all the electrical components for a robot on a large sheet of lexan. This makes a perfect test platform for our programming team. Check out my Flickr site for 3 pictures (from my new cell phone).
Tonight we were able to code a very short sample for the autonomous/hybrid mode. Most years teams are given the challenge to program "some smarts" into their robot so it can attempt to score points while not being driven by a human. The computer takes over and through the use of various sensors, it attempts to score points for whatever type of game is being played. This years autonomous mode is actually called a hybrid mode, since the robot will be taking very simple commands from a human player through the use of a standard TV remote control. I'll explain more about how we are approaching this years hybrid mode in a different post.
Tonight we were also successful at programmatically reading the ultrasonic range sensor (sonar). We used the values returned from the sonar to dynamically change the speed of a drive motor. I must say, it was pretty cool!
So, our programming team is pumped up and ready to go for this year. Next we will work on operator control mode and how we plan to drive the robot. Stay tuned!
Prior to this season, our team took the time to layout all the electrical components for a robot on a large sheet of lexan. This makes a perfect test platform for our programming team. Check out my Flickr site for 3 pictures (from my new cell phone).
Tonight we were able to code a very short sample for the autonomous/hybrid mode. Most years teams are given the challenge to program "some smarts" into their robot so it can attempt to score points while not being driven by a human. The computer takes over and through the use of various sensors, it attempts to score points for whatever type of game is being played. This years autonomous mode is actually called a hybrid mode, since the robot will be taking very simple commands from a human player through the use of a standard TV remote control. I'll explain more about how we are approaching this years hybrid mode in a different post.
Tonight we were also successful at programmatically reading the ultrasonic range sensor (sonar). We used the values returned from the sonar to dynamically change the speed of a drive motor. I must say, it was pretty cool!
So, our programming team is pumped up and ready to go for this year. Next we will work on operator control mode and how we plan to drive the robot. Stay tuned!
Monday, January 14, 2008
catching up with the times
Well, we had meetings both Thursday night and tonight. Our progress is smooth and steady. There is not a lot new that I can report on.
I did take a step into modern times on Friday. I purchased myself a cell phone that has a camera on it! I'm ditching my 3 1/2 year old model that only makes phone calls and plays tetris. With my new phone I can take pictures, I can email them, I can surf the web, use IM and I think I can still play games on it too!
So I've decided to start posting pictures, both to my blog and to my flickr account. Check back soon, and I should have some pictures posted of what we're working on.
I did take a step into modern times on Friday. I purchased myself a cell phone that has a camera on it! I'm ditching my 3 1/2 year old model that only makes phone calls and plays tetris. With my new phone I can take pictures, I can email them, I can surf the web, use IM and I think I can still play games on it too!
So I've decided to start posting pictures, both to my blog and to my flickr account. Check back soon, and I should have some pictures posted of what we're working on.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
the FIRST week
When I started this blog I hoped to have a post every day or so. I did start an entry on Monday that I didn't really finish, so I'll post it now and see what else I can say to wrap it up.
Originally written Monday January 7, 2008 -
So that was Monday and today is now Wednesday January 9, 2008.
We've been meeting for 3 hours each night from 6pm-9pm. Our team quickly decided on a design and we are off and running on building the base. My programming team started cranking out flow charts of software last night and tonight we began putting the diagrams into code. As a team, we are certainly miles ahead of where we were last year at this time.
Every year FIRST has an animation contest that gives students the opportunity to do real computer animations using professional software from Autodesk. Last year's topic was "thinking green", and this year's topic has something to do with inventing something to help your community. I think it's great that FIRST has categories of their competition for people interested in other areas. Using topics such as inventing and helping the environment are great steps toward solving the problems that seem to cast a shadow on our future.
Tomorrow we will meet again for 3 hours. Hopefully I'll have some time to post an update.
Originally written Monday January 7, 2008 -
FIRST announced this years competition 2 days ago at the anual kick-off. The kick-off was broadcast to 29 different locations around the world so that everyone learns the new game at the same time. I attended the West Michigan kick-off and our team was the hosting team.
This years game is more like a race. We will be building fast robots that will traverse a rectangular course counter-clockwise. Bisecting the track is an overpass 6 1/2 feet above the ground that holds 40" Trackballs. Robots will score points for every lap they finish around the track and also will score bonus points if they can get their trackballs down from the overpass and move them around the track as well. Extra bonus points will be awarded for robots that hurdle the overpass with a trackball, meaning if they can pick it up before they get to the overpass and place it over the overpass rather than pushing it under it. Even more bonus points will be awarded to robots that can put their track ball back up on the overpass at the end of the match.
Our team met for a couple hours after the kick-off to brainstorm and discuss the competition. We will be meeting again tonight for a few hours to continue with our design and strategy.
A new feature to this years game is the addition of another member of the team being on the playing field. This person is known as the robocoach and give the robot commands using a standard TV remote control. The robocoach will be the only person being able to interact with the robot during autonomous mode, and (s)he will be able to only issue 4 commands to the robot.
Being the programming mentor for our team, it will be an exciting 6 weeks working out what our robocoach commands will be and also creating what I hope to be an excellent autonomous mode.
So that was Monday and today is now Wednesday January 9, 2008.
We've been meeting for 3 hours each night from 6pm-9pm. Our team quickly decided on a design and we are off and running on building the base. My programming team started cranking out flow charts of software last night and tonight we began putting the diagrams into code. As a team, we are certainly miles ahead of where we were last year at this time.
Every year FIRST has an animation contest that gives students the opportunity to do real computer animations using professional software from Autodesk. Last year's topic was "thinking green", and this year's topic has something to do with inventing something to help your community. I think it's great that FIRST has categories of their competition for people interested in other areas. Using topics such as inventing and helping the environment are great steps toward solving the problems that seem to cast a shadow on our future.
Tomorrow we will meet again for 3 hours. Hopefully I'll have some time to post an update.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
What is FIRST?
In my last post I talked a lot about FIRST. This post will shed light on FIRST for those who don't have a clue as to what I'm talking about.
FIRST is a non-profit organization that is committed to changing the minds of students. FIRST is an acronym meaning, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. What FIRST is trying to do is show school kids that there is more to life than wanting to be a sports hero or a movie star. FIRST honors those students that are interested in science and technology the same way today's culture honors those in sports and films.
So, how does FIRST accomplish this? Typically students become involved in FIRST through a team at their school (not always, sometimes teams are organized in other ways). Teams of students then work together, with teachers, mentors and sponsors to design, build and program a robot. Every year in January FIRST announces a new game (more like a sporting event) that will be the focus of the year. Once the announcement has been made, each team is given the same kit of parts and they begin work on building their robot. They have a strict 6 weeks to complete their robot, and it then must be boxed up in a wooden crate and shipped before the deadline. If not, you team will not be eligible to compete.
Robots are not small and not cheap. Each robot weighs in at about 120 pounds and has an on board computer / micro controller. A lot of teams will use various sensors on their robot so the computer will know exactly the conditions it is experiencing. In most competitions there will be an autonomous period (roughly 15 seconds) in which the robot is guided only by it's computer to try to score points. The remainder of the game is devoted to tele-operated mode, where the robot is driven by a team of students via radio control.
Competition is arranged such that 3 teams form an alliance. So, your team will partner (temporarily) with 2 other teams and compete against another alliance of 3 teams. It is at this point that some teams will be playing a more offensive role while others will be more defensive. Teams then try to score as many points as possible and prepare themselves to score bonus points at the end of the match. Bonus points are sometimes awarded to teams that can elevate their alliance partners to a pre-determined height.
So, back to the question of how FIRST can honor students the way we honor sports and film stars. Each competition is an all-out extravaganza with large video screens, loud blood pumping music, lights and tons of people. When a team enters the field for a match, it is very much like being on the field for the super-bowl.
Regional competitions are held beginning in March at various field houses around the country. Teams that do well at a regional competition are then eligible to compete in the World Championships that are held in Atlanta in the Georgia Dome in mid April.
So, right now we are just a mere 2 days away from this years kick-off. At the kick-off we will learn this years game and the six week clock will begin. Everyone involved in FIRST has been waiting for the announcement since last April. The coming weeks will be tiring, stressful, fun and exciting all in one.
I will be posting my experiences on a regular basis. Check back soon!
FIRST is a non-profit organization that is committed to changing the minds of students. FIRST is an acronym meaning, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. What FIRST is trying to do is show school kids that there is more to life than wanting to be a sports hero or a movie star. FIRST honors those students that are interested in science and technology the same way today's culture honors those in sports and films.
So, how does FIRST accomplish this? Typically students become involved in FIRST through a team at their school (not always, sometimes teams are organized in other ways). Teams of students then work together, with teachers, mentors and sponsors to design, build and program a robot. Every year in January FIRST announces a new game (more like a sporting event) that will be the focus of the year. Once the announcement has been made, each team is given the same kit of parts and they begin work on building their robot. They have a strict 6 weeks to complete their robot, and it then must be boxed up in a wooden crate and shipped before the deadline. If not, you team will not be eligible to compete.
Robots are not small and not cheap. Each robot weighs in at about 120 pounds and has an on board computer / micro controller. A lot of teams will use various sensors on their robot so the computer will know exactly the conditions it is experiencing. In most competitions there will be an autonomous period (roughly 15 seconds) in which the robot is guided only by it's computer to try to score points. The remainder of the game is devoted to tele-operated mode, where the robot is driven by a team of students via radio control.
Competition is arranged such that 3 teams form an alliance. So, your team will partner (temporarily) with 2 other teams and compete against another alliance of 3 teams. It is at this point that some teams will be playing a more offensive role while others will be more defensive. Teams then try to score as many points as possible and prepare themselves to score bonus points at the end of the match. Bonus points are sometimes awarded to teams that can elevate their alliance partners to a pre-determined height.
So, back to the question of how FIRST can honor students the way we honor sports and film stars. Each competition is an all-out extravaganza with large video screens, loud blood pumping music, lights and tons of people. When a team enters the field for a match, it is very much like being on the field for the super-bowl.
Regional competitions are held beginning in March at various field houses around the country. Teams that do well at a regional competition are then eligible to compete in the World Championships that are held in Atlanta in the Georgia Dome in mid April.
So, right now we are just a mere 2 days away from this years kick-off. At the kick-off we will learn this years game and the six week clock will begin. Everyone involved in FIRST has been waiting for the announcement since last April. The coming weeks will be tiring, stressful, fun and exciting all in one.
I will be posting my experiences on a regular basis. Check back soon!
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