FTC-Iowa: Ankeny Scrimmage (10/29/2011)

The FTC-Iowa team attended a fantastic scrimmage today in at Ankeny High School in Ankeny, Iowa. Thank you teams #3738 & #5126 for hosting!!

The FTC-Iowa team continues to be amazed with the tasks and challenges the teams are accomplishing at this stage of the season. Although we had seen a few of the teams at the Oct. 1 Skills Driving Event, there were a few teams who we haven't seen since Kick-Off.

Teams are getting a great start, with the mechanics of the robot, if they follow the TETRIX Getting Started Guide. Kudos, to the folks at LEGO Education who developed the Guide! Also, teams are also benefiting from the redesign of LabView for LEGO Mindstorms. Kudos, National Instruments!

During the scrimmage, we held two workshop sessions of LabView training. Thank you, Andy Marshall, for leading these workshops! We also had hardware and software inspections. Thank You, Leon Turner, Art Roderick, and Craig Martinson for being our inspectors!

What we learned at the scrimmage:

1. Bowling balls (and racquetballs) have a mind of their own.
2. Everyone on the team should be familiar with the Game Manual.
3. Adaptors help with "flashing" the Samantha. (These are USB A-USB B female adaptors, see picture.) 
4. if the team does not want to have "drop-outs" during a match, the Samantha module needs to be properly and securely mounted onto the robot. (See recommendations on usfirst.org website)
5. Teams learn so much when they work with, and next to, other teams. 

If you haven't attended a scrimmage, our last one is next week! Also FTC-Iowa Qualifiers start on Nov. 19. If you don't know your assignment, visit
http://drupal.engineering.uiowa.edu/ftc-iowa-qualifier-tournaments-2011-assignments

Thank you to all of the teams, coaches, mentors and volunteers who attended the Ankeny Scrimmage!

P.S. No racquetballs were "injured" at the Ankeny scrimmage.

FTC-Iowa: Oelwein Scrimmage (10/22/2011)

The FTC-Iowa Scrimmage in Oelwein was a huge success! We had seven teams attending and one brand new team who observed. Amazing! Thank you, team #4329 for hosting!!

A few things we learned:

• With the new TETRIX Getting Started Guide, teams were more prepared when they attended the scrimmage event. All of the teams had some sort of robot and many of the teams were focusing on manipulation of the scoring elements (whether it was the crates, racquetballs or the bowling balls.)
• The new LabView for LEGO Mindstorms (LVLM) software is giving teams is great start on programming through the tutorials and the schmatic diagram.
• Several teams had autonomous programs for the robots! (This is a HUGE advancement from last season, again, thanks to LVLM!)
• Some of the racquetballs will break (see picture)
• Robots will cause chaos on the field with 100 racquetballs.
• Bowling balls have a mind of their own. They won't necessarily do as they are "told".

Overall, we were very impressed with the level of achievement and stage of development of the robots and teams.  We ran about 20 matches and several of them were full matches -- meaning four robots were on the field.

Be ready! The teams are going to do some amazing stuff this season!!

Our next scrimmage is this Saturday (Oct. 29th) in Ankeny, Iowa.

FTC Team Blast #4: October Status Report | Scrimmage Events | Community Networking | FTC on YouTube! | Qualifier Registration | Seeking Volunteers

Hello teams!
This email includes the following information:

1. October Team Status Report
2. Scrimmages are Open!
3. Community Networking - 5 Easy Steps
4. Video Resources on YouTube!
5. Qualifier Registration - Round #2 Closes tomorrow, Oct. 20th
6. Seeking Volunteers

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1. October Team Status Report
Each month, we ask for teams to provide feedback in regards to their progress. This feedback is then used to provide support or help resolve any problems or questions teams may have encountered. It is very beneficial for teams to complete the Status Reports.
The October Status Report can be completed at: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDF0eU5LQ1g2UmpJT21EYjJXUVhIYlE6MA#gid=0
This report will close on October 27, 2011.

During the FTC season, we pick a random status report and send out a little token of appreciation to those teams who complete it. Is the October one the lucky report?
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2. Scrimmage Events are Open!
Scrimmage events are excellent opportunities for teams. Although the goal of the scrimmages are to run matches for teams, the exchanging of ideas from the teams is amazing. Teams who attend scrimmages walk-away with so much more information and knowledge, it really is amazing.

Is your team a little scared of attending a scrimmage because "they aren't ready"? Its ok! Scrimmages are events where your team can arrive with a box of parts, and by the end of the event, your team will have a chassis. (We've seen that happen several times!) We would encourage rookie teams to work through the "Getting Started with TETRIX Guide", which was included with your kit.

Scrimmage events are:
Oct. 22 - Oelwein
Oct. 29 - Ankeny
Nov. 5 - Solon
More information, including how to register, can be found at: http://drupal.engineering.uiowa.edu/ftc-iowa-2011-events

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3. Community Networking - 5 Easy Steps
FTC teams are successful when they begin to use the resources (whatever they may be) in their community. On Monday, Ken Johnson, Director of FTC, posted an article on his blog about Community Networking. The article was written by Terri Willingham a coach for "Team Duct Tape" in Florida. The information provided is VERY helpful. Check it out at: http://firsttechchallenge.blogspot.com/2011/10/community-networking-in-5-easy-steps.html

Think your community is too far from "civilization"? Do you live out "in-the-middle-of-no-where" and you don't have any local resources? You do. Just ask.

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4. Video Resources on YouTube!Some great resources for your team may include watching some YouTube videos. Check out the following resources:

• FTC National YouTube Channel - This includes excellent tutorials about "Preventing ElectroStatic Discharge", "FTC and Video: Awards and Tips and Tricks".
  
• Other team videos - An excellent example of this is by team #4530. Check out their video about "configuration of the Samantha module"
• By doing a simple search on YouTube, and using some keywords, such as "FTC 2011", "teams", "Bowled Over", (or a combination of these) etc. You'll be able to find many videos to help with your robot design.

Do you have a YouTube Channel? We'd like to know! Please send us the link to your YouTube Channel or some of the videos you've posted.
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5. Qualifier Tournaments - Round #2 Closes tomorrow, Oct. 20th
Thank you for all of the teams who have signed up for Qualifier Tournaments. At this time, we have each team designed to at least one event.
A few things to keep in mind:

• Teams are only "required" to compete at one event.
• Any team who chooses to compete in a second event, they must register before Oct. 20th. (TOMORROW!)
• If a team registers for two qualifiers, and then advances to state from their first competition, they are still obligated to attend the second qualifier
• Each qualifier has a registration fee of $150. If a team registers for two events, the total cost of registration fee is $300. Invoices will be sent out early next week.

Currently, many of the qualifiers are currently full to capacity. If your team has not signed up, but is interested in attending a second qualifier, please register here.

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6. Seeking Volunteers
Are there members of your community (parents of your team members, school board members, local engineers, etc) who would like to be involved more with FTC by helping at an event? There are some excellent opportunities for more community involvement. We are seeking volunteers for our qualifier tournaments and the state championship event. Some positions (judge, referee, FTA, emcee, scorekeeper, etc) require pre-event training, but for others, no training is required. More information can be found at: http://drupal.engineering.uiowa.edu/ftc-iowa-volunteers
All volunteers will receive a t-shirt (to wear on that day) and a "Volunteer Passport". For each event a volunteer helps with, they will receive a "stamp" of appreciation. Try to collect all of the stamps!

A final note about volunteers: FTC-Iowa would not be successful if it wasn't for the dedicated and wonderful volunteers who help with this program. These folks give their time to help the students of your community. Show some appreciation by Thanking a Volunteer today! Thank you!!

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Have a good week and see you out there!

As always, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!!!

FTC-Iowa Qualifying Tournament: Registration Round #2

In order to allow teams to compete, and fulfill the criteria for the many team grants, we are implementing Qualifying Tournaments in Iowa.Teams MUST compete at a qualifying tournament to advance to the FTC-Iowa Championship.

1. Qualifier Tournaments - "Assignments" from Round #1
2. Qualifier Tournaments - Round #2 is Open
3. Amount of Space at Qualifiers
4. Scrimmage Events - Registration Open

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1. Qualifier Tournaments - "Assignments" from Round #1
Based on the information we received during Round #1, we have placed teams in the qualifiers they indicated they would be interested in attending. Please see the attached document.

A few things to keep in mind:

• At this time, we cannot make changes to the "assignments".
• If you do not see your team number on the attached sheet, it means you did not register during Round #1.

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2. Qualifier Tournaments - Round #2 is Open
To register for the Qualifying Tournaments, visit: k-12.engineering.uiowa.edu and under "FTC-Iowa Qualifying Tournaments" is information on how to register.
This is Round #2. It will close on October 20th.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Teams can select two events they would like to attend. These should be different from the event you were "assigned" to from Round #1. Again, after Round #2 closes, teams will receive their assignment based on their feedback.
• If a team DOES register for a second qualifier, they are committing to attending two events. (Example: A team does very well and earns a bit to compete at the FTC-Iowa Championship from a November qualifier event. The team has also signed up to attend a January qualifier. They are still responsible to attend the January event.) If a team does not attend the second qualifier event, which they have registered for, they will automatically forfeit their bit to the FTC-Iowa Championship.
  
• Each qualifier has a registration fee of $150, and they will be billed at the same time. (Invoices will be sent out after Round #2 closes.)
• Teams are NOT required to register/attend two qualifier events. If the team only wants to compete in one qualifier, that is just fine.

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3. Amount of Space at Qualifiers
Based on the information provided during Round #1, the following is how many OPEN spots are left at each Qualifier event.

• Nov. 19th event in Marion, Iowa: 2 spots remain
• Dec. 3rd event in West Des Moines, Iowa: 7 spots remain
• Dec. 17th event in Van Horne, Iowa: 9 spots remain
• Jan. 7th event in Cedar Rapids, Iowa: 5 spots remain
• Jan. 21st event in Davenport, Iowa: 7 spots remain
• Jan. 28th event in Ottumwa, Iowa: 7 spots remain
• Feb. 4th event in Blair, NE: 11 spots remain

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4. Scrimmage Events - Registration Open
The best way to get practice before a qualifier is to attend a scrimmage event. We are very fortunate to be able to partner with several teams host three scrimmage events and they are:
Oct. 22: Oelwein, Iowa
Oct. 29: Ankeny, Iowa
Nov. 5: Solon, Iowa

Attending a scrimmage is at free, and teams get so much good information by attending a scrimmage.
Please sign up for scrimmages at: http://drupal.engineering.uiowa.edu/ftc-iowa-2011-events

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As always, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Good luck!

FTC-Iowa Qualifying Tournament: Registration Round #1

Qualifying Tournament Announcement

In order to allow teams to compete, and fulfill the criteria for the many team grants, we are implementing Qualifying Tournaments in Iowa.

Teams MUST compete at a qualifying tournament to advance to the FTC-Iowa Championship. To register for the Qualifying Tournaments, visit: k-12.engineering.uiowa.edu and under "FTC-Iowa Qualifying Tournaments" is information on how to register.

This is Round #1. It will close on Tuesday, Oct. 11. Round #2 will open on Friday, Oct. 14 and will go through Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011


Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a qualifier tournament?
  Qualifier tournaments are small tournaments between 12-16 teams competing. Teams compete in order to advance to the FTC-Iowa Championship.

• Is there a max of number of qualifiers for each team?
  Teams will be able to participate in 2 qualifiers. The idea: Teams should play early and play often.

• How do teams register?
  Teams have one week to register for their first qualifier tournament. We will close that registration after one week. The next week, the second round of qualifier registrations will open, which will close after one week. Teams and qualifier hosts will be notified as who will be attend the events.
  
• What happens if I do not sign up during these two rounds?
  If teams do not sign up for a qualifier event during the registration weeks, they will forfeit the opportunity to compete and will not be able to compete at the FTC-Iowa Championship.

• Payment Information
  After the two rounds to qualifiers close, teams will receive an invoice for the registration fees. Payment must be received before teams can participate in the qualifier tournaments.
  
• Other Information
  If a team registers for two qualifiers, and earns a bid to the FTC-Iowa Championship from the first one, they will still be RESPONSIBLE to attend the second qualifier. If a team does not attend the second qualifier, they will forfeit their bid to the Iowa Championship. As a Qualifier Tournament host, you are counting on having the registered teams attend.

Again, please visit: k-12.engineering.uiowa.edu and under "FTC-Iowa Qualifying Tournaments" is information on how to register.

Good luck!

FTC-Iowa 2nd Annual Skills Driving Event

On Saturday, Oct. 1, we hosted our Skills Driving Event for FTC teams.  This is our 2nd Annual Skills Driving Event.

Teams were only encouraged to have a robot chassis. All of the teams (who had their kits) had a chassis and a simple program on their bricks! A HUGE thank you, PITSCO, for the "Getting Started with TETRIX Guide" for providing a great starting point for teams! (In addition, Samantha worked like a charm. We did not have any connectivity issues!)

Out of the ten teams who attended, half were rookie teams! In addition, we had two visitors who decided to start up teams at their school!

The Skills Driving course was a modified game field with modified obstacles and modied rules. A few of the "Bowled Over" elements were incorporated into the Skills Driving course. The main goal of the event was to get teams interacting with each other and practice driving and controlling the robots. Points were not tabulated nor were robots timed to complete the course.

Things learned at the Skills Driving Event:

Broken racquetball

• The bowling balls are not easily controlled. Teams will need to develop an effective strategy to control the bowling balls.
• As bowling balls roll down ramps, the robots may want to be out of the way.
• Racquetballs can get stuck under a robot, and can be "pinched"
• Racquetballs can easily split in half when stuck under a robot (see note above and pic)
• Robots don't move very effectively or efficiently when a racquetball is under it. :)
• Teams learn so much by being around other teams and talking about their experiences. 

Check out the video of the course Skills Driving Event, FTC-Iowa

Overall, teams were more prepared this year. Robots and students did a great job.

A huge THANK YOU! to Beta, Team #3550

Our next event is Oct. 22 in Oelwein, Iowa! Looking forward to seeing the teams there!