Hello, FTC Coaches!
I know this time of year is busy, so I will make this short and
simple. Five items for your review today.
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FIRST Ask an Expert Website
If your team has questions about any of the following categories
then visit the Ask the Expert page. Categories are: Software basics;
FTC Build Strategy; How to Impress Judges; Samantha Module Basics;
Software Basics; and Team Strategy at Events
The Ask An Expert webpage has recordings of calls and presentations
you can download.
It can be found at: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/askanexpert
If you have specific questions about the game or rules, remember to
check the FIRST Forums: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/gameqainstructions
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Samantha Help
The little black box that came with your kit is called a Samantha.
(If you didn't get one, please let me know asap.) Samantha is
critical for the robot to connect to the field during the matches.
We understand there are many questions floating around about
Samantha and how it works, so I would like to encourage you to
visit: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/samantha
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Qualifiers
Its officially the mid-point of FTC Season - five FTC qualifier
tournaments are in the books and several remain. If you would like
more information about the qualifier tournaments, including a list
of the teams who have earned their way to the FTC-Iowa Championship,
please visit
https://www.engineering.uiowa.edu/ess/future-students/k-12/first-tech-challenge/qualifier-tournaments
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Don't forget the logos!
If your team received any external support, don't forget to put the
logo on your robot and t-shirts.
Remember the logos. These folks gave you money - it is important to
recognize their contributions to your FTC team.
If your season is done, please write a letter of thanks to these
sponsors.
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STEM Scale-Up
If you have questions about the STEM Scale-Up program/grants and
what it covers, please visit:
https://www.engineering.uiowa.edu/ess/future-students/k-12/first-tech-challenge/ftc-stem-scale-up
We've been fielding a lot of questions about the additional robot
parts and what can it cover. Coach Niematalo, of #4150, compiled a
fantastic list of suggestions. Check it out.
