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Update by R.Stephenson on 5.7.08
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all Robotics team members.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 4.22.08
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We are going to have our monthly clean up this Saturday the 25th. Meet at 8am
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Update by R.Stephenson on 3.29.08
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Saturday was the third and final day of the SBPLI regional. We finished in 40th of 47 teams. The winning alliance was teams 496, 2638, 287. Team 353 was the regional Chairman’s winner. Congratulation to all the teams that competed.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 3.27.08
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Today was the second day of the SBPLI regional and the first day of Qualification matches. In the beginning of the day, we were having problems with the robot loosing human control during the match, but this was resolved and at the end of the day, we are ranked 41. We won the SBPLI Greening of Long Island award for the second year in a row keeping our streak of winning an award every year. Congratulations to Jim Stephenson who won the Outstanding Volunteer Award. Tomorrow is the third and final day of competition; we will be having two matches in the morning. Then in the afternoon, the elimination matches.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 3.26.08
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Its finally here, this Thursday is the start of the SBPLI 10th annual regional. Today was the first day of the SBPLI competition, aka Pit day. Today we had three practice rounds, having two matches each; as well as a few other rounds that we filled in for when other team were unable to practice, being that it was a practice day they, FIRST, wants each team to be able to be in as much practice as they want to. We did very well in practice, winning all of our matches, as well as accomplishing all of the tasks that we planed on doing every match. Throughout they day we did have and technical problems, other than some communications problem that were fixed by getting a new router. We were also able to assist many different teams that were at the competition.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 3.24.08
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Its finally here, this Thursday is the start of the SBPLI 10th annual regional. Team members meet in the wood shop at 7am on Thursday; the bus is leaving at 7:30am. The returning bus will be getting to the high school approximately 6pm. Good luck to everyone competing
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Update by R.Stephenson on 3.5.08
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This Sunday we will be going to the NYC Regional at the Jacob Javits Center. This is not an official school trip and there will be no official supervision, parents are welcome and encouraged to come. We will be taking the 8am train out of Babylon train station to Penn station, meet at the train station at 7:30 am, and then we will be walking to the Javits center. Bring money for train ticket and lunch.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 2.18.08
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Build Season has now ended. It was a rush of a week; we ran into problems with the dumper not properly "ejecting" the cells from the basket, but by the end of the week they were solved and we were successfully dumping balls into the trailer. We were able to get cells in from both sides, the back and the corners in between on the trailer. The closer to the trailer the better we score however even at a sizable distance; we are still able to score a good amount of the load. We are able to get about 5 of 7 cells in consistently; our basket is capable of holding 16+ balls at full load, but we only had 7 for testing; 7 balls also being the number that you are allowed to have at the start of the match. We packet the robot up in its crate for ship on Saturday. There were smiles of joy from our task being completed, as well as tears that build is over, and our robot is going away. However, there is still work to be done, and we will soon see our robot once again at competition. The SBPLI regional is at Hofstra University March 26 - 28. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend, admission is free.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 2.12.08
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Shirt and Dinner money is due this Saturday
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Update by R.Stephenson on 2.8.08
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Week five has now ended leaving us with only one week left to build. The basket has been mounted in a more permanent position. The belt system (with out belts) the “propeller” or ball stopper, and the shaker have been mounted to the basket and are functioning, its starting to look like a robot. The empty cell deliver device has also been created. We also finished making our bumpers for this year, mounting bracket are just left to be modified before they are completed. During the week we decided it was about time we sized up the robot. We built a sizing box using some 8020 and the car lift. We fit, while shaking, in side the box with room to spare. We were also underweight at 95.5 lb. at its current configuration, but there is still stuff to add. One week left. Crunch time.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 2.1.08
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Week 4 has ceased to exist, time is flying. During the week the third and final electrical board was completed which also allowed for the camera to be mounted. Shortly after the programming team got the camera working with live feedback to a laptop, and we proceed to drive the robot by camera. Which allowed the programming team to work on color tracking with the camera, as well as an autonomous program. The basket has also been mounted, but not in its final position. The belt system start to take shape and the basket assemble is coming together as each mechanism gets worked on. Only two weeks left
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Update by R.Stephenson on 1.25.08
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Week 3 has now ended; we are half way through build season. By the end of the week, the basket started to take shape and looking like a basket instead of a bunch of strips of metal riveted together. Various pieces have been made for the many mechanism that will be incorporated into the basket. Throughout the week, we worked on creating a goal / trailer to practice with and it is almost completed. Vertical supports we created for mounting the basket as well as angular supports to make it structurally sound. Three weeks left till ship
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Update by R.Stephenson on 1.18.08
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Week two has now come to an end, and there has been progress. Our modular design has been working well in allowing the base and basket to be built simultaneously. By the end of the week, we had a running base including a completed electrical board for the base. While we were building the base, there was also progress being made on the basket. The four sides of the basket are in the mists of being assembled, later to be wielded together, and are starting to for the shape of a basket / dumper. They should be together shortly in to next week. Our Programmers have been working on code for various sensors such as the encoders and some limit switches. As well as working with the camera.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 1.11.08
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The end of week one has arrived, now only 5 weeks left. We started the season as always by reading the rules together as a group. Then for the next few days we discussed the game and what strategy we were going to go for. We decided to design a robot that would receive balls from human player and not the ground. We also decided that the robot should be able to release multiple balls at one time. After that, we started to design. We started by having everyone come up with a design and then present their design to the team. After everyone’s design was presented, we created a flow chart containing all the designs and a list of criteria, which each design would be rated on a 1 - 4 scale. We totaled the points and took a vote, and our design was chosen. We then proceeded to work on the fine details of the design and started construction. By the end of Saturday the base was almost completed, the basket was in the mists of being constructed in sections, as well as being drawn by CAD. Our Programming team attended a work shop on Saturday and learned out Lab view, and started the construction of various sensors.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 12.29.08
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Reminder to all team members of our meeting schedule
Don’t forget to download and read the manual of This years game Lunacy from usfirst.org
A bref explanation of the game will be posted shortly
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Update by R.Stephenson on 12.29.08
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Kick Off Saturday January 3
We will be meeting at the Carousel Dinner (306 Union Blvd ) at 6:30am for breakfast, then regrouping at the HS and leaving there at 7:45am. You need you own transportation, please arange rides beforehand. Also don't forget to bring your signed Consent & Release form
Driving Directions:
Stony Brook University
A campus map can be found here:
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Update by R.Stephenson on 12.02.08
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We will be having a meeting this Thursday in room 153
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Update by R.Stephenson on 11.04.08
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Thursday night at 7pm in Cafa A/B of the High School, is our Team Kick Off. This is a night where, new members, parents, community members can learn about the robotics team. Team Members be there at 6:30. Bring all raffle tickets and money, sold or not.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 10.26.08
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We in the end of a long day of hard competition were picked for the finals by the 1st place alliance. We tied our first match in the finals 30-30, we were then eliminated during the rematch in the quarterfinals During the competition, we lent a robot, Impulse, with some minor modifications to the pre-rookie team 2872 Wheatley. Even though the robot was designed for a different game and was being operated by a new team with no prior exposure to the game they did very impressively, placing 16th. Congratulations to all the teams, hope to see you next year.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 10.18.08
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West Islip Robotics team would like to thank the WICC for their generous donation this past Thursday
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Update by R.Stephenson on 10.15.08
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There will be a meeting tomorrow in room 153.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 10.1.08
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The West Islip Robotics Booster Club will be hosting a DEFENSIVE DRIVING course as a fundraiser on Saturday November 8 at the high school from 9AM-3PM Completing this 6 hour class enables you get a discount on your automobile insurance or points off you license. For the 4th year, Mr. Dan Weber of Hometown Insurance is volunteering his time for this so all funds raised benefit the WI High School Robotics team and middle school LEGO teams.
If interested please reserve your spot by sending the $40 fee to:
Call 631 792 9000 or email INFO@WestIslipRobotics.com if there are any questions.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 9.14.08
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We will be having our first meeting for Veteran Members Thursday September 18th, 2008 Our First meeting for New members will be Monday September 22th, 2008
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Update by R.Stephenson on 9.08.08
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Upcoming events this month
September
For the middle school open houses go to the open house for the middle school you went to. Arrive for the middle schools at 6:45. Email, team871@gmail.com, if you will be attending a middle school open house and which school
Saturday 20 - Highway clean up 8am -
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Update by R.Stephenson on 8.27.08
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We are going to have a Highway Clean up Saturday the 30th at 8am This Sunday the 31st is the WICC Auto Show at the Libary. We will be meeting at the Bellew parking lot at 8am.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 8.23.08
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We are going to have a robot meeting Tuesday August 26th at 1pm at the Remote shop.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 8.01.08
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We are going to have our second robot meeting for the summer, It will be Tuesday August 12th at 1pm at the Remote shop.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 8.01.08
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We are going to have our first robot meeting for the summer, after having a few weeks of summer off. It will be next Tuesday August 5th at 1pm at the Remote shop. We have a lot to do before school starts so hope to see you on Tuesday
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Update by R.Stephenson on 6.16.08
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This Saturday, June 19th is our monthly clean up. Meet at 8am in the parking lot.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 5.11.08
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PARC XI was this past Saturday. At the end of qualifying matches we ended in 9th place with a 5-2 record. During alliance picking, we were picked into the 5th place alliance, and finished in the quarterfinals. Deer park was also moved up into 7th place during alliance picking; also ending in the quarterfinals.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 4.30.08
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This Saturday we will be removing hard drives from computer for the school district. Meet in the Auto shop at 8am. Lunch will be provided.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 4.21.08
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This Thursday, the 24th, we will be having our first crocheting party. It will be at the Stephenson’s house at 7:30pm. If you have a crocheting needle (preferable 5mm) or any scraps please bring them.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 4.8.08
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This Saturday, April 12th, is our monthly clean up. Meet at 8am in the parking lot. Saturday May 10th is the PARC competition, in Tunkhannock PA. For this we will be renting a bus, instead of having parents drive like last year, it will be $20 per person to help with registration, tolls, driver's tip, etc.. If you are planing on attending let me know ASAP, so we have a head count.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 3.30.08
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Yesterday was the 3rd and final day of the SPBLI regional. In the end we placed 39th out of 46 teams. The winning alliance was teams 2487, 2010 and 102 with the finalist 358,533, and 1803. Team 329 was the Regional Chairman’s winner. Congratulations all the teams at the SBPLI Regional.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 3.28.08
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Because of all our efforts to keep West Islip clean, and recycle for the past years, I am proud to announce that we won the “SBPLI Greening Long Island” Award. Today was the first day of competition. Today we had 8 of our 10 matches, and at the end of the day, we were placed in the high 30s. During one of our matches, we were hit hard by another team, which cracked one of our wheels, and twisted our frame. Because of this, we missed the next match, but we were able to fix the problems. We also had problems with our RC, which we ended up replacing and is now working fine. Thank you to everyone that helped us today. Tomorrow is the final day of competition; we have our last 2 qualifying match and then the finals. Meet tomorrow at the HS no later than 6:45. Bus leaves at 7:00 Tomorrow after the competition, we are continuing the tradition and are meeting at the Ground Round for dinner at 8:00pm, after everyone goes home for a bit to rest, 479 Montauk Hwy, Bay Shore, NY.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 3.27.08
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Today was the first day of the SBPLI competition, pit day. Today was the day where teams have time to work on their robots for the next day’s competition, as well as be inspected and have practice 3 matches, each consisting of 2 rounds. These matches were scored, but not recorded because today was practice
Meet tomorrow at the High School no later than 6:45.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 3.11.08
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We will be having a meeting tomorrow, Wednesday. Consent and release, and Permission slips are due back ASAP. High way clean is moved to this Saturday, the 15th, because of the weather. Also Thursday the 20th is the Button Party.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 2.18.08
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On Saturday we packed up the robot to be ship. During the day we practiced driving. We also worked on programming the sonar sensor for use during hybrid. There is still a lot to be done before the SBPLI Regional which is March 27 - 29.
Please check in weekly to our YouTube for a video about what we do each week.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 2.14.08
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This last week we have been very busying finishing up and making spare parts. The electrical team has been neatening up the wires and tubes and has been labeling all of them for easier troubleshooting. The IR sensor has a new mount printed that fully incases it for protection and is mounted where it has quality protection as well as functionality. The batter has been moved to hanging under the diagonal supports from the arm because when it was moved to the back it caused the robots front end to lift when accelerating. The grippers mounting bracket has been modified to add extra support. Potentionometers have been added at both hinge points on the arm in order to limit the arms motion as well as have pre-set position to accomplish tasks. In-between everything programming has squeezed in some time testing code. Anyone that hasn’t given me a shirt size and quantity please do this ASAP because shirts will be ordered over vacation.
Please check in weekly to our YouTube for a video about what we do each week.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 2.10.08
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Yesterday many little tasks we done. The battery box was moved to the opposite side of the arm because where it was the gripper was hitting it. The motor of the "wrist" was changed out for a stronger motor. PWM wires for sensors and the lap counter were made and put on the robot. The metal gripper was smoothed down and is almost ready to be put on. The sonar sensors were remounted in the new positions. Bumpers were finished and put on, but taken off to weight the robot because they do not count towards the 120 lb. weight limit. Today at the library we discussed our strategy during the game. We also went over our submission for chairmen.
Please check in weekly to our YouTube for a video about what we do each week.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 2.5.08
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Yesterday the arm/gripper was put on, chained, tubed, and wired. We are working on making a new gripper out of metal to replace the current one made of PVC. Today we started testing the arm/gripper. During testing a solenoid blew and so did the compressor, which we will be replacing tomorrow. We have also been tweaking the arm design as we test it. The Sonar sensors started to be mounted, as well as a extension cable for the db9 connectors for the programming and tether positions on the R.C. for easer access.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 2.3.08
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Today was a busy day. Electrical mounted, tubed and wired (except for a few wires), the pneumatics system up to the solenoids. They also tested the pneumatics and so far everything is working. Mechanical realigned the uprights of the arm because it wasn’t level. The arm was fully attached but the gripper and chains. Programming got the new IR board working as well as the Xbox controller and was running one of the old bots with both.
Tomorrow we are meeting at the public library at 1:30
Please check in weekly to our YouTube for a video about what we do each week.
Pictures will be up shortly
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Update by R.Stephenson on 1.30.08
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The past three days have been busy. Programming mounted the IR sensor on an old bot and got it driving using the IR sensor and a IR TV remote. Electrical mounted and tubes all the pneumatics up to the pressure regulator, and started mounting the solenoids. Mechanical has been working a design for the "wrist" of the robot to replace the motor that is too week. Extra cross braces have been added to the arm for support, and mounting brackets were made for the piston at the end of the arm to knock the ball down.
Please check in weekly to our YouTube for a video about what we do each week.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 1.27.08
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On Saturday the gripper started to come together, but at the end of the day during testing, one of the motors was proven to be too week to move the gripper, plans then began on how to modify it to work. Electrical started planning and mounting pneumatics parts. Sensor mounts were built for the sonar sensors to be mounted. And as always CAD continued drawing the robot. At the Sunday meeting at the library we discussed our build plan for the week. We also worked on the many non robot awards, mainly chairman’s and the LI greening project.
Please check in weekly to our YouTube for a video about what we do each week.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 1.24.08
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Today was 8th grade orientation at the High school. In the gym we had a small display, as well as the technology department and the other department in the school, to explain to the upcoming 8th grader about the team and the technology programs/classes available at the high school. Throughout the week many parts of the arm/gripper have been built and it’s starting to look like an arm/gripper. Yesterday we finished some wiring and it is now driving. Programing started working with the base to get a “turn left” button working but was running into some issues. Saturday we will be meeting 8am - 3 pm.
Please check in weekly to our YouTube for a video about what we do each week.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 1.20.08
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On Saturday Mechanical continued constructing parts for the arm and are making some headway. Electrical finished the final board internally and started planning the placement of the other components on the robot. CAD continued drawing parts for Mechanical as well as the overall design. Business has a lot of work completed for the Greening of LI and it is coming along well.
Also we have created a You Tube account with videos about the team. Please check in weekly for a video about what we do each week.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 1.17.08
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Yesterday kids from the YES program came to our shops for a demonstration. They were able to drive one of the test bases that we had. Afterwards they were given a tour of our shops where team members were working. After the tour they were given explanations of all the different components that go into building a robot. During the week Mechanical continued to build various parts for the arm. CAD has been working on drawing the final design of the "gripper" to be put on the end of the arm to hurdle as well as herd. Electrical started work on the final electrical board, which should be done on Saturday. Business has been working on the Chairman’s as well as the Greening of LI.
Also we have created a You Tube account with videos about the team. Please check in weekly for a video about what we do each week.
This Saturday we will be taking our team picture for the year book. Everyone wear last year’s team shirt. If you don't have one, ask if you can borrow one from another team member for the picture.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 1.13.08
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This weekend we have been busy. On Saturday we tested different wheel configurations and conferment that last years was the best and we will be using it. Which is 4 direct drive wheel one at each corner of the robot. Mechanical started building the second deck which to build the arm on top of, they also started to construct parts for the arm. CAD is in the process of drawing the many parts to the arm which mechanical are building from. Programming started work on a "turn left" button to make turning left during competition quicker. Now that the wheel configuration is decided on mechanical and electrical are going to start building the final base on Monday. This Saturday we will be taking our team picture for the year book. Everyone wear last year’s team shirt. If you don't have one, ask if you can borrow one from another team member for the picture.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 1.10.08
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Today the mechanical team finished building the test base. The electrical team finished the test board and now it is ready for programming to load the code first thing on Saturday. After which we will be testing different wheel configurations testing for strait as well as turning speed. The CAD team have been drawing concepts for a gripper mechanism. They also have been drawing parts for the mechanical team to starting building for the arm. Reminder we will be meeting at the school on Saturday at 8am to about 3pm. On Sunday we will be at the Public library starting at 1:30.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 1.08.08
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These past 4 days have been very busy. This past Saturday was the kick off. This year’s game is called “Overdrive." Details about the game will be posted shortly in the "2008 Game" section. During the meeting Sunday at the Library and Monday at the school, we discussed the rules of the game and the strategy we wanted to pursue. At the end of Monday we had a plan of what we wanted the robot to look like this year. On Tuesday we started construction. Programming started writing code for use with the IR and sonar sensors. Mechanical constructed 2 gear boxes and changed a past robot to be used to test ideas. Electrical started building a test board to be used on the base which mechanical will start tomorrow. After the test board and base are completed we will test different wheel configurations to see which works best. The business team redid the trophy case putting pictures of graduated members as the background and reorganized the trophies.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 1.02.08
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Kick Off is This Saturday (this is where we find out this years game)
On Saturday we are meeting at the Delphi dinner ( 350 Montauk Hwy West Islip) at 6:15 AM for breakfast (optional) Then we are meeting at the HS in the parking lot by the Auto shop at 7:30 leaving at 7:45 for Stony Brook (you must provide your own transportation) The Kick off is in the Javits Lecture Center, Stony Brook University driving directions: LIE to exit 62 North, follow Nicolls RD (RT. 97) north for 9 miles. take the 2nd entrance (main entrance) in to Stony Brook. there will be a parking garage on the left (no charge for parking) follow map map after your parked to get to the Javits Lecture Center
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Update by R.Stephenson on 12.06.07
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At today's meeting the team voted on the robot name as well as our team motto. Robot name choices After voting we decided on Critical Mass as this years robot name. We also decided on Fission is imminent as our team motto. Reminder:
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Update by R.Stephenson on 11.25.07
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There is a mandatory team meeting this Tuesday, November 27.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 11.20.07
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Update by R.Stephenson on 11.14.07
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Update by R.Stephenson on 11.12.07
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Mark McLeod & Simona Doboli will conduct a Programming workshop on Saturday, November 17th, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at Hauppauge High School in Robotics Room 135. It will be a two hour session focusing on the basics of C language programming specific to FIRST robots. The first half of the session will be spent reviewing C basics and the FIRST default robot program, followed by a second hour of hands-on working with several small Vex robots. The focus will be on changing operator controls and dead reckoning autonomous. Several of the Vex robots will have a variety of sensors that more advanced programmers can play with. A laptop with MPLAB (already installed please) will be required for the second half of the session.
There is no cost for the workshop, but please register in advance by a reply e-mail telling me how many will attend. And yes, students are welcome.
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Update by R.Stephenson on 11.8.07
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The 2008 FIRST Scholarship Opportunities are now posted on our website at: www.usfirst.org/scholarships. The new display format provides a searchable scholarship database to make it easier for you to find scholarship information. You can refine your search by specifying the state where you want to attend college and your current grade in school. Over 90 schools or organizations from the East Coast to the West Coast are offering from $500 to full tuition scholarships to FIRST Robotics Competition students. Nearly $9 million in scholarship funding is offered from schools like Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Florida Institute of Technology, ITT Technical Institute, and Boston University. There are scholarships specifically for engineering, computer science, technology, science, or math, and many others that can be applied to any course of study. Some scholarships are for academic achievements and others are for participating on a FIRST team. There are plenty of scholarship opportunities for all students to consider. We are still waiting for a few schools to update their 2007 Scholarship offerings. Their offering and application deadlines may be similar to those listed for last year, but be sure to confirm this with the scholarship provider. As new scholarships are offered, they will be added to the website listings. So check the Scholarship website frequently. Seniors: Note that the following schools have deadlines coming up soon:
Juniors: Note that the following schools offer scholarships to Juniors:
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Update by R.Stephenson on 11.7.07
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Update by R.Stephenson on 11.4.07
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Tuesday November 6th is our team kick off and raffle drawing starting at 7pm. We will be holding it in the "Black box" in the technology hallway of the high school. All are welcome
Team members arrive at 6pm. Wear team shirt, unless speaking Dress/Kaki/Skirt and team polo or collared shirt
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Update by R.Stephenson on 10.27.07
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http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/suffolk/SCFprograms/pumpkin_fling/PumpkinFling.htm
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