FRC Team 702 Posts

Thanks to CCEF, Honda, Rotary Club, Parents, Friends and generous donations made through GoFundMe, we are able to take 12 team members to the FIRST Robotics Houston World Championships. See more about the championship events here: https://www.firstchampionship.org/houston

You might also be able to follow our progress here: https://www.twitch.tv/firstinspires

Aerospace Valley Regional

On April 4-6, we competed in our second regional at Aerospace Valley in Lancaster. We ended up ranking 22 out of 37, but that does not really tell the true story. One of the reasons we were that low is that other teams saw us as a competent threat for cargo balls and played defense against us on several matches. That’s the kind of thing you usually only see for top ranked teams. We also helped shut out Code Orange on their first two matches (sorry guys, you have an awesome turret robot), and they were part of the winning final alliance. We were selected as a first choice pick by the 4th seeded alliance, won our first match and then lost the second two, in part because our alliance partners broke down. We were eliminated in the quarterfinals.

Something weird happened at AV; our pit crew was bored. There was nothing for them to do after practice day, the robot never broke. Wow, that’s amazing. Think we got the issues sorted out with all the hard work at Monterey. Speaking of which, at Monterey our robot frame was damaged and needed to be replaced. Our team completely disassembled the robot, swapped in the new frame and put everything back together and passed inspection by 2:30 on practice day. Again, wow, that’s impressive.

Wow, how on Earth did we get here? After a shocking victory in the inaugural Monterey Bay Regional, Team 702 won their place at FIRST Championships in Houston. No one expected us to do so well there, least of all us, but this win serves as a testament to the tenacity and commitment of the students from day one.

Build Season:

The season kicked off on January 5^th with a trip to LA Tech High, where students spent time with other teams watching the reveal, brainstorming ideas and learning the rules. This year we intentionally slowed down the design phase, trying out all sorts of ideas with proof of concepts and prototyping. This year robots had to deliver cargo balls, deliver round hatch panels, and climb a platform, and after much deliberation the team decided to focus on the cargo and hatch. After a long 6 weeks full of late nights and tough builds, we had just barely built a practice robot and a frame for the competition robot. On bag night, the team stripped off all the motors, transmissions, electronics and wiring from the practice robot and quickly installed them on the competition bot. The robot was sealed with 3 seconds to spare, and we did not have time to turn it on or test it.

Post-Build:

Knowing the team had their work cut out for them, the time between bag day and competition became both a time to celebrate and time to kick into high gear. After an exhausting 6.5 week season, the team took some time to enjoy themselves with a great post-bag celebration at team member Zeke’s house. Numerous roadblocks meant we never got the practice bot working very well, and never had enough time to train or choose a drive team. Running out of time, we stripped down the practice bot for parts and packed up for Monterey Bay, knowing we had a lot to do before we could compete.

Monterey Bay:

This year we made a concerted effort not just to play the mechanical part of the competition, but to also work the social game. You cannot win a regional with just a good robot, you must also have partners and connections. Diana and the scouts went around numerous times talking with other teams (pit scouting) as well as scouting the matches to see what other teams were doing and how well their team and robots performed. Our team was invited to a game night on practice night, where the team had a great time and got to know the other teams. It turns out that every team who attended that game night made it to championships, and that is where the team that picked us for the playoffs learned about us. Additionally, we made strong relationships with Bay Area teams, and have been invited to numerous scrimmages and workshops as well.

The competition began Friday with a practice day. Our build team did an amazing job getting the robot deconstructed and reconstructed, passing inspection by 2:30 pm. We got out on the field 3 times to practice, and the robot broke very time. Our biggest problem was the arm cable kept breaking, so a fast trip to Home Depot for a stronger cable was made. We went into our first real match not knowing if the cable would hold or not. Thankfully, the cable held and the robot worked beautifully throughout the first day. The only issue that came up was a loose wire after coming off the initial platform, which disabled the robot for two matches but ended up being an easy fix. All was well until the end of the first day, when the last arm belt snapped. No spares were left, and after a mad dash to every auto shop in town, no replacements were found. On our final day, we started with a frayed belt and a prayer. Despite these setbacks, we were the top or nearly top team for handling cargo balls, a testament to our great design and drive team.

We finished qualifying rounds in 22^nd place, but 3^rd for cargo scoring. To win, alliances needed a robot that could climb, place cargo balls, and place hatches. We dwarfed the competition with our speed and consistency in cargo balls and defensive play, so we were picked to be on the 3^rd place alliance. We are so happy that team 1671 picked us, and we won every single match we were in. We were undefeated in the quarterfinals, semifinals and the one match we played in the finals before we were taken out. In the semifinals, we defeated the second-place alliance, but in the last semifinal match our team member accidentally hit us and broke off our arm. We still won, but could not fix the arm in time for the next match. So we took it off and played strictly defense. Without a cargo scorer or any way to score points, our robot played a purely defensive game and still beat out the first ranked alliance. Wow. Then our drivetrain died inexplicably, and after many minutes of frantic work and help from many teams and the competition personnel, nothing more could be done. The team’s main driver Taylor made the right and most graciously professional call to ask the alliance leader to take us out and substitute in another team. Pandemonium ensued as backup teams were hard to find, and the other alliance was forced to sub in another robot as well. They tried to pick the same team as us, and Team 6059 changed the color of their bumpers nearly four times! The volunteers even had to put in a call to FIRST headquarters to ask them what to do, with the whole regional wondering what was going to happen next. Eventually the alliance subbed in Team 2643, who had a driver who had never driven defense before. We lost the next round, as the new driver didn’t know how to use the robot and was not good at defense. So now we were down to wire, with only a tiebreaker match left to play. Taylor had to run alongside the new driver as they ran out to the field, coaching them on how to play defense at all. The match went down to the wire, so close we were not sure until the final score came up, but it came up in our favor. It was an incredibly close match, but we won the regional (all teams on the alliance win even if swapped out)! Not only did we win, we won on merit. We won because we performed well, we won because we built and drove well, because we played the social game, and because we earned it.

What Now?

Now that the team has secured a position at the World Championships in Houston, we have to focus on fundraising and allowing a larger demographic of students to go. Two years ago, the last time the team competed in championships, only one sophomore, a few juniors, and a number of seniors were able to participate in this life changing experience. Taylor, the Systems Engineer of the team, is that sophomore and he is the only team member left that has experienced attending championships. His knowledge of the competition allowed us to be successful for this year, but he is a current graduating senior. We need future leaders to attend championships so that they can have that background in logistics and the competition and so that this team can continue to grow into the future. However, the team is very limited due to our lack of funding. We need support from team members, parents, and local businesses in order to send as many students as we possibly can to championships. With the competition starting in less than a month, and other regional winners in a hurry to purchase flight tickets and hotels, we are in great need of financial support. We are asking for donations which will be used to cover the financial costs of student’s transportation needs, as well as to ensure the team will be able to function during next year’s build season. Any and all donations will be greatly appreciated! The team as a whole has made history for both the school and our team, and with your assistance  we can continue to grow our legacy.

Please help our team realize this dream. Thank you!

Website Update

Post Build Season

This year’s build season has ended, but that doesn’t mean that the Robotics team is no longer working. The team still will meet weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays until 6:00 pm, and on Saturdays between 12:00-6:00 pm.

Bag Night and Celebration

The Robotics team bagged the competition robot Tuesday night, Feb 19, which will not be unbagged until the Monterey regional. After 6 weeks of hard work it was clear that the team deserved a celebration. Thankfully team member Zeke, agreed to host a party at his house, and it was a huge success.

Beautiful pictures taken by Dr.Stout

Subteam Activities

MECHANICS-has been constructing a practice robot to be used by Drivetrain to practice driving

DRIVETRAIN- has been helping Mechanics and has been creating stage pieces that will be used for when they practice driving the robot.

CAD- has been measuring and creating blueprints of the pieces of the new practice robot

PROGRAMMING/ELECTRONICS- has continued to work on the code for the FRC robot, as well as constructing an electronics board and more connectors.

Science Fair

Thursday Feb 28th Avi, Joseph and Phil attended Farragut Science Fair, demonstrating last year’s robot to elementary school kids and parents.

Thank You!

Website Update

Build Season Week 4

With less than 17 days to complete the robot, the team has been working diligently to finish the project. So far the students have designed and prototyped  the cargo (ball) and hatch mechanism, the elevator, and an arm for the robot. With the competition closing in, all subteams must be at their very best in order to the build to be successful.

Subteam Activities

MECHANICS– has been creating the parts of the robot as well as tweaking the design. As we start week #5, they are cutting and assembling the final competition parts.

CAD– has been creating digital 3D models of the mechanisms as well as measuring the pieces being built and documenting any change. The CAD team has also drawn and provided blueprint schematics for all the field pieces and has also designed and built a prototype battery cart.

DRIVE TRAIN– has been finishing up build of the field pieces, cutting parts for the new drive base and assembling the transmissions and wheels.

PUBLICITY– continues to work on their Chairmans essay and their presentation

PROGRAMMING/ELECTRONICS– has been both learning and creating the robot’s code, testing sensors and making sure their motor control software and controls are working.

SCOUTING– have been preparing the Scouting Test, as well has their own presentations

After bag night on Tuesday Feb 19th, the build season will continue through March 20th, but at a less frantic pace. The team will be building a second robot to practice driving and control automation. During this time, we will meet a little less frequently and not as late.

Scouting Test

One major responsibility of the scouting subteam is the creation of the Scouting Test. The Scouting Test includes a variety of questions regarding the FRC game manual for this year’s competition. Anyone wanting to be on the drive team and the scouting subteam must pass the test. For drive team members, the passage of the written test means that they can move on to a driving test, and then practice to be ready to drive the robot at competition. For scouting, passing the test means that the individual can become a scout for the competition. At competition, the purpose of a scout is to take note of the other teams and their strategies, which means they have to be familiar in the aspects of all the subteams; programming, mechanics, drive train, CAD, and publicity. The team as a whole will be preparing for the test, so if you would like to review the FRC game manual you can view it HERE

Competition and Attendance

As the build season comes to a swift end, it becomes time for the team to prepare for the actual competition. For the first competition at Monterey, only the drive team, scouts and some of the team leadership can attend due to limited space in cars, hotel rooms and costs. For the second Aerospace Valley competition, we will be driving there each day and everyone is welcome to attend. Prior to competition, the drive team, scouts and anyone interested will be visiting the Orange County Regional competition on Saturday March 2nd, where we will be observing and learning what to expect. .

Here are the dates:

• End of Build party, Saturday Feb 23rd, 5 pm
• OC Regional field trip, Saturday March 2nd
• Virgin Orbit field trip, Saturday March 9th

• Competition #1; Monterey CA, March 21-25
• Competition #2; Aerospace Valley, April 3-6

After weeks of working, the competition serves as a chance for students to see the fruits of their labor, so we hope all of those interested can attend.

Thank you!

Website Update

Build Season Week 2 and 3

During the second and third weeks of build season much has been accomplished. The team has been building the practice robot as well as field pieces. All sub teams have being working with each other to create a robot that the team will be proud to bring to the competition.

Subteam Contributions

• Mechanics and Drive Team have been working together to build the practice robot.
  • Has constructed the elevator and frame, working on arm for added height.
  • Also has developed the mechanism for the ball launcher and the hatch grabber
• CAD has been busy drawing
  • 3D printing model game pieces to replicate the competition field.
  • Modeling alliance station, hab levels, rockets and cargo holds, creating blueprints for building these field pieces out of wood.
• Publicity has been working on their Chairman’s essay.
  • This gives the team an opportunity to win a free ride to the competition
  • Also required by our funding sources
• Programming has been learning how to program the components of a robot such as the joystick and controller.
  • Have been learning how about subsystems and commands, to program the controllers for the robot

Study Hall

Monday through Thursday the robotics team has a 45-60 minute study hall for students to do their homework and study. It is important that students use this time wisely, since they will be continuously working for the remainder of the club meeting. Hence, if students do not have any homework, they are asked to remain quiet during the study hall, so they won’t disturb other students. Thanks to Robert W chatting with his physics teacher Dan Carter, and the principal providing a room key, the robotics team now has access to a chromebook cart every day, allowing students to complete any homework they might have that requires a computer. As these computers do not belong to the team, students are asked to return them before the end of the day, and obviously not to mistreat them.  

Donations

The robotics team is very lucky to have many generous parents who have been donating dinners and snacks for the students during the long build season. As the team stays daily to 9:00 PM these meals are a huge help, as they keep the students energized and well fed. We also appreciate the financial donations made by several families, and Clinton Goldsmith for running to the hardware and metal stores to transport and sometimes buy our materials. So thank you parents for your wonderful donations, the robotics team truly does appreciate it!

The Season Begins

This past weekend, the robotics team held their annual launch party. For the first time in team history, students went to High Tec LA, to learn about the build season’s theme, goals, rules, and how the round was divided. They were able to discuss with students from different schools about what the team’s goals were for the robot, what they wanted the robot to do, and what was the primary objective for each part of the round. Once they returned to the CCHS campus, the team members involved shared the generalization of the task, and discussed the team’s personal goals for the robot.

Workshops and Team Commitment

The robotics build season requires a lot of the students. Team members are expected to be focused on the build until the season is over, giving it priority over other non-academic matters. The build season also requires a great deal of time, since the team is expected to stay working until about 9. Therefore, the team ask for the help of parents to provide dinner for the team during the season however, it seems that there are enough members, that some families might be able to work together.

As all subteams are involved in the creation of the robot, it is important that every member of the team does their part. So, it is the responsibility of the team leaders to make every member be useful and up to date. Subteam leaders communicate with their team through the Slack app, which is very useful when communicating with large groups and every student in robotics is required to be part of the app.

2019 FRC Deep Space Game

This year’s competition is a spaced theme game. Alliances of three teams compete to place hatches and load cargo onto the bays of cargo ships and rocket. The total length of the match is 2 minutes and 30 seconds.  Each match starts with a “sandstorm” which is a period of 15 seconds in which the driver’s visibility is limited and robots must either operate on autonomous mechanisms, or drivers may be able to see through cameras, if the robot has any. After the “sandstorm” has cleared drivers will take control of the robots and will work to earn points for their alliances. An alliance can score points by placing cargo or placing hatches on either the cargo ship or rocket ship to prevent cargo from spilling out. In addition points can be gained by going up various platform levels at the end game.In order for an alliance to advance, thy must win rank points, which is awarded to those who win matches and completely stock their rocket ships with cargo. The team is working to build a robot that will be able to complete these tasks, as well as hoping to allow us to succeed at our regionals.

For more information check out the FRC website https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc/game-and-season

Week 1 Activities

The team worked on various ideas for the hatch, cargo (ball) and climb options. They began by using simple designs and methods (see photos below) to determine proof of concept. When things looked promising, they then started working on some simple prototype systems to further explore their ideas. By the end of the week, the team began discussing the pros and cons of each idea, and plan to decide the robot design to build during week 2.

Stay Tuned!

Captains hard at work!!

Ready..Get Set…Build!

Week 1 begins

Build season has begun! The team participated in the kickoff event with Team 4 at LA High Tech High School on Jan 5th, and we had a great brainstorming session for several hours with them. Here at CCHS, we had a kickoff party where the team, parents and mentors all got to see what challenges we face this year.

This week we have been discussing pros and cons of several design options. Tuesday we drew out half a playing field outside to get a firsthand look at the field. We drove the old robot around, had humans be robots and field pieces. From that, we learned a lot about what is possible, how long things might take, how fast the robot might need to be and various strategies we want to consider. From there, the team started making prototype devices to manipulate the cargo and hatches. Lots of discussion and fun, and some good ideas are coming out of this work. We are now exploring more options and building more complex prototypes, incluinding an idea for making the robot jump.

More to come…

Robotics Team Agenda

Finishing Up Pre-Season Projects

CAD’s New Table:

Recently the CAD subteam has been designing a new table. The current set up is three desks placed side by side, which is not ideal. With this new L-shaped table design, the team hopes to provide more leg room for students working with the computers. It will also provide adaptable space for all computers along with the team’s new printer. The design started with CAD drawings that had accurate measurements and detailed drawings of all components, progressed to design reviews and modifications, and the team ultimately started construction. Right now the table is nearly complete, with final assembly and a laminate top to be completed before Kickoff. Both the CAD and Programming subteams are eager to see this table completed.

Team Merch:

The official team shirt is here! This week the team received the new shirts for the year. For $40 team members can purchase a customized mechanics shirt. This allows the team to look professional and unified when attending competitions. If the price of the shirt is a concern, talk to either Dr. Stout or one of the team captains to figure something out. Hooray! New shirts!

Workshops:

This week was the first week the new members became official Bagel Bytes. Congratulations everyone! The members were divided into their respective subteams and began subteam specific workshops.

• Programming discussed different types of loops and variables used in code.
• CAD members worked together to grasp a better understanding of their software, helped the Mechanics subteam plan out their practice robot, and starting printing out various items with the new 3D printer.
• Mechanics began building their first practice robot.
• Drive Train has been helping with the table project as well as making new stools for the room.
• Publicity worked on raising money for this upcoming build season and competitions.

Mechanics Workshops Demo Robot:

The Mechanics subteam is creating a new demonstration robot to replace the disassembled frisbee shooter. This new robot design launches wiffle balls, and is built for young kids to play with at elementary school science fairs. The team also has plans to build a ball collector and add an aiming device. Recently the team has created a prototype and is now starting to critique/change minor mistakes.

Launch Party:

As the preseason ends, the new build season begins! The team will kick off build season with a team launch party. Here both students and parents are invited to the robotics room to learn about the future build season and start work on our robot. They will learn about the task the team’s robot will be expected to perform, what each subteam is responsible for, as well as what is to be expected from both the students and their parents. The launch party is a potluck so please bring something to share and come hungry, there will be plenty of delicious food. Parents, please respond on SignUpGenius about the potluck and team dinners. The launch party will take place towards the end of winter break on Saturday January 5 @ 1:00 PM – Don’t be late!

Robotics Team Agenda

JPL Projects

For the past several weeks, the team has been working on a project for the JPL foundation. The task is seemingly simple, to lift a pipe so that it stands upright. Although it appears simple, our students have to carefully program and design their devices, so that they may be effective. Students from both the MESA and robotics clubs have organized themselves into three teams of nine people. The students were able to plan out their designs using the available CAD software, and managed to create a multitude of functional and creative designs.Some relied on physics, others on pure mechanisms, making the various devices a site to behold. The JPL project provides students with a way to exercise their skills, and work together on a project with others, to get a sense of what it would be like to practice their skills at a professional level. Requiring the skills of members of each sub-teams such as mechanics, programming, CAD, and drive team, these devices embody what it means to be a team player, and are a great way for students to get to know their teammates and to polish their skills. This competition ended recently and we are very proud of the hard work of both the MESA and our robotics students.

For more info about the project check out the official website :  Here

If you are interested in learning more about the MESA program click : Here

Pre-Season Projects

Aside from the JPL projects, other members of the team have also been working on some side preseason projects. Through these projects, both the new and returning members are given a chance to interact with one another and get to know their teammates. In addition, the new members have the opportunity to become exposed to work tools that the team will be working with throughout the season, brainstorm design ideas, familiarize themselves with the workload that will be upon them during build season, and the most important part, have fun!

Here are some of the current projects the team has been working on:

Phone Charging Stations

Shown above is the progress of the phone charging station.

The members have first researched and brainstormed ideas and then finally began the design process through CAD. Afterwards, they slowly began the construction, which as you can see has been coming along nicely. The team is hoping to use to charger station to hold the charging phones when we are staying late nights and so that they will be able to communicate with their parents.

CAD Designs a New Computer Table

Currently the robotics team has access to 3 computers, all of which are place on 3 separate desk tables. Since these desk were not built to accommodate 4 computers, with their routers, keyboards, and the multiple bodies of students, it was obvious that the setup needed to be changed. So the CAD team decided to take charge, and designed a new table more suited for the task. The sub team divided into groups, filled with both new and returning members, and each designed a new table to replace the old one.  Additionally, the students were given a strict deadline, similar to one in the real world in that it simply could not be pushed back. Thus, the team members had to practice time management and teamwork skills in order to complete their table designs on time, and be ready to present. Presentations were given from each of the teams, and they were expected to list the aspects of their design that made it unique, as well as functional. They were also asked to share the faults in their design as well as the amount of material it would take to built it. Then, they were all given feedback from an experience returning member, and sent to adjust their design in hopes of lessening the faults. Once again, they presented their designs, and a winner was chosen! The chosen table design included means of support, allowed for suitable amounts of leg room, and most importantly provided room for all the computers. Although the team was announced as the winners, their design was not perfect, as most things never are. Consequently the winning team was sent back again to tweak their design. Once finished, all the students involved in the project began to gather the materials for the table, which is currently being built.

An example of one of the table designs, made with the Fusion 360 software

Battery Cart

Another project the team is working on is the creation of a new cart to place the batteries of the robot. The previous cart was too wide and hardly able to move through a doorway. Hence, the team is seeking to create a new one, so that the transportation of the batteries is more efficient. New students were tasked with creating the new design, carefully measuring the old cart and adjusting it to be more mobile. Since the batteries are rather large and heavy, the cart needs to have a great deal of support, and the students need to keep the weight of all the tools which are also going to be place on the cart as well.  With the help of returning members, they have already come up with a complete design and putting the final touches on the measurements.

An example of one of the batteries this                                              The team’s rough draft

cart will be holding [expected to hold 2]  

Team Merch:

This year, the robotics team is looking to purchase new team shirts and hoodies in anticipation of the two competition we will be attending. Looking to buy mechanics shirts, and possibly hoodies, these items will make the team look more professional when going to competitions, as well as make the team distinguishable in the sea of other teams. However, these mechanics shirts are anything but cheap, and with so many new members the price to buy them is sure to be high. Although the mechanics shirts are rather expensive, they are going to be customized, with the team name and logo on the front and back. Aside from the mechanics shirts, the team is planning to also buy several hoodies for the team, so when it gets colder the team will still appear unified. Since in previous years, students had to cover their team shirts due to the freezing cold competition spaces,making the team look less professional. In order to prevent this from occurring this year, students will be asked to wear their team gear on the outside layer of their clothing, either as a shirt or hoodie.