Good Afternoon Again Teams,
One more thing before I head out the door. We’ve had a lot of teams ask when the individual NASA team grants will be awarded. Because these were included in the NASA grant that was only announced this week, the paperwork had to be delayed. Hang in there. We should be able to announce the final list the week of November 29th.
45 days to Kickoff
See you then!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
Good Afternoon Teams,
I’m headed out to visit family for the holiday. I want to wish all of you a safe and happy couple of days off. If you need something to do during the less exciting parts of the weekend, I suggest you read the first half of the 2011 FRC manual now available on our website.
I mentioned last week we’re looking for videos from teams to include in this year’s kickoff broadcast. Upload your team’s short funny, creative, 20th anniversary themed video on our new FRCTeamsGlobal Youtube channel as a response to my video. We’ll select the best for inclusion in the broadcast and post all the appropriate entries there.
45 days to Kickoff
See you then!
I’m headed out to visit family for the holiday. I want to wish all of you a safe and happy couple of days off. If you need something to do during the less exciting parts of the weekend, I suggest you read the first half of the 2011 FRC manual now available on our website.
I mentioned last week we’re looking for videos from teams to include in this year’s kickoff broadcast. Upload your team’s short funny, creative, 20th anniversary themed video on our new FRCTeamsGlobal Youtube channel as a response to my video. We’ll select the best for inclusion in the broadcast and post all the appropriate entries there.
45 days to Kickoff
See you then!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
NASA supports FIRST
Good Morning Teams,
NASA just announced FIRST is the recipient of the NASA Robotics Alliance Project’s Robotics Outreach Competition Grant! This five-year, $4 million dollar a year grant ($20 million in total) will provide continued support to NASA sponsored teams, FIRST Regional Events, and the FIRST Championship Event. You may remember I asked teams not to contact NASA personnel during the grant period. Well, now I’m asking you to thank any and all NASA staff, fans and friends you know. This grant will allow us to make important improvements to FRC infrastructure, grow FTC and continue the existing NASA grants to teams (which would have disappeared if we didn’t get this grant.) Thank you NASA!
46 days to Kickoff
See you then!
NASA just announced FIRST is the recipient of the NASA Robotics Alliance Project’s Robotics Outreach Competition Grant! This five-year, $4 million dollar a year grant ($20 million in total) will provide continued support to NASA sponsored teams, FIRST Regional Events, and the FIRST Championship Event. You may remember I asked teams not to contact NASA personnel during the grant period. Well, now I’m asking you to thank any and all NASA staff, fans and friends you know. This grant will allow us to make important improvements to FRC infrastructure, grow FTC and continue the existing NASA grants to teams (which would have disappeared if we didn’t get this grant.) Thank you NASA!
46 days to Kickoff
See you then!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
My staff brought me a blue cake
Good Afternoon Teams,
As of last night we now have more teams registered for 2011 than participated in 2010. This season will be even bigger and better than last year!
I know it’s frustrating to be sitting on a wait list this close to kickoff, but hang in there. Once the payment deadline has passed on December 2nd we will start moving teams into the reserved spaces working to ensure as many teams as possible get to attend a Regional event close to home. If you’re not registered for the event you really, really want and you aren’t on the wait list yet, register now so we know you want to be considered.
New this year, we’re planning to release the Game Manual in two sections. Administrative information (Introduction, Communication, Team Organization, At the Events, Robot Transportation and Awards) will be released in the very near future so teams will have time to review it well before kickoff. Game Specific information (The Arena, The Game, The Robot, The Tournament) will be loaded on the website in encrypted form and released during Kickoff as it has been in the past. Watch this space, I’ll let you know the minute you can start downloading the Administrative Information.
What can you expect during Kickoff? The live broadcast will start at 10:30 AM ET and is scheduled to conclude at noon ET. I’ll be there as will Dean and the GDC. We’re working on the schedule of events this week and I can’t wait to disclose this year’s game.
This year we’re celebrating the 20th FRC season. If your team would like to be featured in a 4 second video during kickoff, film your original, funny wishes for a happy 20th season and watch this space. I’m looking for a way to collect your videos and will let you know when I have a place for you to post them.
I have an update to my Oct 13th blog post listing the variations between the 2011 Rookie and Veteran Kits of Parts. Due to some unexpected lead time challenges, Rookie teams will receive 1 Norgren relief valve and Veteran teams will receive 0. Relief valves will be among the choices in the FIRST Choice system in case veteran teams can’t find the ones received in previous years’ kits or if rookies would like a spare.
For those of you with questions about FIRST Choice, yes, this program is for all teams both foreign and domestic. I strongly advise teams to plan to visit the site when it opens for viewing December 13th. The more you know about what’s available, the better you can plan your order when the site goes live.
I understand that I, Wombot, the documentary film about the inaugural FIRST Robotics Competition Team in Australia will premiere on Thursday, Nov 25th at Macquaire University. I’m going to have to miss it as Macquaire is in Sydney Australia, but I want to send my best wishes.
My congratulations to Chris Elston mentor for team 1501 THRUST who has been named one of 40 Engineers under 40 by Control Engineering.
The staff surprised me this week with a cake to celebrate my 5 year anniversary with FRC. With everyone in the same place for once, we took this picture before all rushing back to work.
Oh, and as of late last night, we have a game name for 2011! With any luck, we’ll have a game logo by Friday. Let the game hints begin.
52 days to Kickoff
See you then!
As of last night we now have more teams registered for 2011 than participated in 2010. This season will be even bigger and better than last year!
I know it’s frustrating to be sitting on a wait list this close to kickoff, but hang in there. Once the payment deadline has passed on December 2nd we will start moving teams into the reserved spaces working to ensure as many teams as possible get to attend a Regional event close to home. If you’re not registered for the event you really, really want and you aren’t on the wait list yet, register now so we know you want to be considered.
New this year, we’re planning to release the Game Manual in two sections. Administrative information (Introduction, Communication, Team Organization, At the Events, Robot Transportation and Awards) will be released in the very near future so teams will have time to review it well before kickoff. Game Specific information (The Arena, The Game, The Robot, The Tournament) will be loaded on the website in encrypted form and released during Kickoff as it has been in the past. Watch this space, I’ll let you know the minute you can start downloading the Administrative Information.
What can you expect during Kickoff? The live broadcast will start at 10:30 AM ET and is scheduled to conclude at noon ET. I’ll be there as will Dean and the GDC. We’re working on the schedule of events this week and I can’t wait to disclose this year’s game.
This year we’re celebrating the 20th FRC season. If your team would like to be featured in a 4 second video during kickoff, film your original, funny wishes for a happy 20th season and watch this space. I’m looking for a way to collect your videos and will let you know when I have a place for you to post them.
I have an update to my Oct 13th blog post listing the variations between the 2011 Rookie and Veteran Kits of Parts. Due to some unexpected lead time challenges, Rookie teams will receive 1 Norgren relief valve and Veteran teams will receive 0. Relief valves will be among the choices in the FIRST Choice system in case veteran teams can’t find the ones received in previous years’ kits or if rookies would like a spare.
For those of you with questions about FIRST Choice, yes, this program is for all teams both foreign and domestic. I strongly advise teams to plan to visit the site when it opens for viewing December 13th. The more you know about what’s available, the better you can plan your order when the site goes live.
I understand that I, Wombot, the documentary film about the inaugural FIRST Robotics Competition Team in Australia will premiere on Thursday, Nov 25th at Macquaire University. I’m going to have to miss it as Macquaire is in Sydney Australia, but I want to send my best wishes.
My congratulations to Chris Elston mentor for team 1501 THRUST who has been named one of 40 Engineers under 40 by Control Engineering.
The staff surprised me this week with a cake to celebrate my 5 year anniversary with FRC. With everyone in the same place for once, we took this picture before all rushing back to work.
Oh, and as of late last night, we have a game name for 2011! With any luck, we’ll have a game logo by Friday. Let the game hints begin.
52 days to Kickoff
See you then!
Monday, November 15, 2010
FIRST Choice
Good Morning Teams,
FRC has partnered with AndyMark, Inc. to try something new with the 2011 Kit of Parts (KoP). In an effort to evolve the model so that it scales with team growth and meets the needs of the teams more effectively and efficiently, we are pleased introduce FIRST Choice.
Here’s how it works:
Teams will receive their standard KoP as they traditionally have. (Watch this blog for details regarding size and weight closer to Kickoff) and rookie teams will receive the “Rookie” kit like they have in years past. Then, in addition to the physical KoP distributed on January 8, 2011, all teams will be invited to select a few items they want above and beyond the items they received at Kickoff through FIRST Choice.
What’s FIRST Choice?
FIRST Choice is an online extension of the traditional KoP where teams can pick and choose the items they would like to add to their kits. The items are free, but teams incur the cost of shipping the items to them. You’ll notice that there aren’t enough pieces for everyone to have one of everything—so think of it more as a menu. Items will be assigned to teams on a first come-first serve basis.
FIRST Choice is hosted by AndyMark, Inc. and is an extension of the AndyMark, Inc. website. Teams will log into the website using their secure username and password to see the items, select the items they wish to receive, and choose a shipping option. They will also have the opportunity to add other AndyMark, Inc. products that they wish to purchase to the shipment.
What’s the timeline?
There are several important dates teams should note:
11.15.10: Initial announcement of FIRST Choice pilot.
12.06.10: Details/instructions for using FIRST Choice are posted.
12.13.10: FIRST Choice site opens for viewing only.
01.10.11: FIRST Choice site open for free KoP orders.
01.16.11: FIRST Choice site closed for free KoP orders
01.18.11: Select FIRST Choice items available for purchase.
Thank you!
We’re excited about trying this new model, and hope it works well for you. We thank you for your patience as we experiment and learn from this effort. Please make sure that you provide your feedback in the 2011 Kit of Parts Survey that will be posted after the 2011 Championship (preferred), on the forum or via email frcparts@usfirst.org
54 days to Kickoff
See you then!
FRC has partnered with AndyMark, Inc. to try something new with the 2011 Kit of Parts (KoP). In an effort to evolve the model so that it scales with team growth and meets the needs of the teams more effectively and efficiently, we are pleased introduce FIRST Choice.
Here’s how it works:
Teams will receive their standard KoP as they traditionally have. (Watch this blog for details regarding size and weight closer to Kickoff) and rookie teams will receive the “Rookie” kit like they have in years past. Then, in addition to the physical KoP distributed on January 8, 2011, all teams will be invited to select a few items they want above and beyond the items they received at Kickoff through FIRST Choice.
What’s FIRST Choice?
FIRST Choice is an online extension of the traditional KoP where teams can pick and choose the items they would like to add to their kits. The items are free, but teams incur the cost of shipping the items to them. You’ll notice that there aren’t enough pieces for everyone to have one of everything—so think of it more as a menu. Items will be assigned to teams on a first come-first serve basis.
FIRST Choice is hosted by AndyMark, Inc. and is an extension of the AndyMark, Inc. website. Teams will log into the website using their secure username and password to see the items, select the items they wish to receive, and choose a shipping option. They will also have the opportunity to add other AndyMark, Inc. products that they wish to purchase to the shipment.
What’s the timeline?
There are several important dates teams should note:
11.15.10: Initial announcement of FIRST Choice pilot.
12.06.10: Details/instructions for using FIRST Choice are posted.
12.13.10: FIRST Choice site opens for viewing only.
01.10.11: FIRST Choice site open for free KoP orders.
01.16.11: FIRST Choice site closed for free KoP orders
01.18.11: Select FIRST Choice items available for purchase.
Thank you!
We’re excited about trying this new model, and hope it works well for you. We thank you for your patience as we experiment and learn from this effort. Please make sure that you provide your feedback in the 2011 Kit of Parts Survey that will be posted after the 2011 Championship (preferred), on the forum or via email frcparts@usfirst.org
54 days to Kickoff
See you then!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
One character at a time
Good Afternoon Teams,
I’m typing slowly with my left hand because I had carpal tunnel surgery yesterday, but the show must go on (and this is much more interesting than recuperating at home).
News from the GDC who are writing the Game Manual right now:
The Chairman’s Award, Woodie Flowers Award, and Website Award submission systems open in STIMS tomorrow Thursday, November 11th and close Thursday, February 17th. The FIRST Dean’s List Award submission system, originally scheduled to open tomorrow, will be delayed until the award criteria for 2011 is finalized. I’ll let you know when it’s ready.
New this year, Team Main and Alternate Contacts will be able to see in TIMS when the student submitters have submitted awards. (The Main and Alternate Contacts will not be able to see the award submission itself, just that it is complete.) If your team has not yet assigned student award submitters, now is a good time to take care of that.
My congratulations to team 3132 Thunder Down Under who have been accepted into the TEDx Youth @ Sydney ideas conference where they will spread the word about FIRST. You can see their submission video here.
My congratulations and best wishes to Tony and Samantha Norman who were married this past weekend. Tony has been a supporter and contributor to FRC for many years.
Please note that AMEX/Take Part voting for FIRST officially closes at 11:59pm ET on Sunday, November 21st. Get your votes in.
59 days to Kickoff
See you then!
I’m typing slowly with my left hand because I had carpal tunnel surgery yesterday, but the show must go on (and this is much more interesting than recuperating at home).
News from the GDC who are writing the Game Manual right now:
- The 2011 game field will have powered AC adapters for the Classmate in each driver station. The adapter may only be used to power the Classmate and the power outlet dedicated to the AC adapter may not be used for any other purpose.
- Teams will not be restricted to the Classmate as their driver station in 2011 assuming that certain criteria are met and all relevant rules are followed. More details on this rule will be available in the Game Manual when it is released.
- The 2011 Driver Station software will support Windows 7 and XP. Other operating systems have not been tested.
The Chairman’s Award, Woodie Flowers Award, and Website Award submission systems open in STIMS tomorrow Thursday, November 11th and close Thursday, February 17th. The FIRST Dean’s List Award submission system, originally scheduled to open tomorrow, will be delayed until the award criteria for 2011 is finalized. I’ll let you know when it’s ready.
New this year, Team Main and Alternate Contacts will be able to see in TIMS when the student submitters have submitted awards. (The Main and Alternate Contacts will not be able to see the award submission itself, just that it is complete.) If your team has not yet assigned student award submitters, now is a good time to take care of that.
My congratulations to team 3132 Thunder Down Under who have been accepted into the TEDx Youth @ Sydney ideas conference where they will spread the word about FIRST. You can see their submission video here.
My congratulations and best wishes to Tony and Samantha Norman who were married this past weekend. Tony has been a supporter and contributor to FRC for many years.
Please note that AMEX/Take Part voting for FIRST officially closes at 11:59pm ET on Sunday, November 21st. Get your votes in.
59 days to Kickoff
See you then!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
What’s your status?
Good Afternoon Teams,
Is your team registered yet? Operations tells me the most common issue teams are having when trying to register is they aren’t completing all the required fields. Keep an eye on the status bar. Green check marks are good. If you have black X’s you’ll need to go back in and complete that section before you can register for an event or for kickoff.
Are you going to a Bag & Tag event? (If you still don’t know which events are bag and tag, look here. ) Operations tells me they’ve received a few calls from teams asking about the offer FRC made to work with teams attending Bag and Tag events who have special circumstances (also in the link above). We don’t have a specific set of criteria to define special circumstances, but we do encourage teams to think creatively.
If your team has to travel a great distance, how are the students getting there? Can your robot ride in the belly of the bus or the back of a mentor’s minivan? If your team is located in the same city as the event and everyone plans to take public transportation to get there, can your team borrow a truck for the robot? Can your team coordinate with other teams in the area to share a truck? Getting your robot to the event can be a challenge, but 83% of teams who went to Bag and Tag events last year and responded to the 2010 FRC Team Survey indicated they preferred this method to traditional shipping once they tried it.
Does your team know how it’s getting the Kit of Parts this year? If you haven’t registered for a kickoff yet or if you haven’t yet indicated in TIMS where you want your kit shipped (at your expense), now is a good time to let us know. Local Kickoffs are listed here. The majority of kickoff locations are limited as to the number of kits they can manage so be aware, registrations are first come first served. Sign up soon.
Will your team be coming to the Championship in St Louis? Derek Foster, FRC Engineering Project Manager just returned from a reconnaissance mission. He says the FRC pits will be larger than in the past and are located a great deal closer to the playing fields. Plus, the dome is much more connected to the conference building than in Atlanta. He also learned Pappy’s Barbeque is delicious and both the St Louis Science Center and the City Museum are awesome.
What are you doing Wednesday, November 17th? Dean Kamen is participating in a live interactive online town hall called “Math, Science and the Future of our Nation” hosted by former Vice President Al Gore. For details and information on how to join the conversation visit here.
And my congratulations to Team 357 Royal Assault whom I understand have been awarded US Patent No. 7,820,318 for their Universal Battery Mount.
66 days to Kickoff
See you then!
Is your team registered yet? Operations tells me the most common issue teams are having when trying to register is they aren’t completing all the required fields. Keep an eye on the status bar. Green check marks are good. If you have black X’s you’ll need to go back in and complete that section before you can register for an event or for kickoff.
Are you going to a Bag & Tag event? (If you still don’t know which events are bag and tag, look here. ) Operations tells me they’ve received a few calls from teams asking about the offer FRC made to work with teams attending Bag and Tag events who have special circumstances (also in the link above). We don’t have a specific set of criteria to define special circumstances, but we do encourage teams to think creatively.
If your team has to travel a great distance, how are the students getting there? Can your robot ride in the belly of the bus or the back of a mentor’s minivan? If your team is located in the same city as the event and everyone plans to take public transportation to get there, can your team borrow a truck for the robot? Can your team coordinate with other teams in the area to share a truck? Getting your robot to the event can be a challenge, but 83% of teams who went to Bag and Tag events last year and responded to the 2010 FRC Team Survey indicated they preferred this method to traditional shipping once they tried it.
Does your team know how it’s getting the Kit of Parts this year? If you haven’t registered for a kickoff yet or if you haven’t yet indicated in TIMS where you want your kit shipped (at your expense), now is a good time to let us know. Local Kickoffs are listed here. The majority of kickoff locations are limited as to the number of kits they can manage so be aware, registrations are first come first served. Sign up soon.
Will your team be coming to the Championship in St Louis? Derek Foster, FRC Engineering Project Manager just returned from a reconnaissance mission. He says the FRC pits will be larger than in the past and are located a great deal closer to the playing fields. Plus, the dome is much more connected to the conference building than in Atlanta. He also learned Pappy’s Barbeque is delicious and both the St Louis Science Center and the City Museum are awesome.
What are you doing Wednesday, November 17th? Dean Kamen is participating in a live interactive online town hall called “Math, Science and the Future of our Nation” hosted by former Vice President Al Gore. For details and information on how to join the conversation visit here.
And my congratulations to Team 357 Royal Assault whom I understand have been awarded US Patent No. 7,820,318 for their Universal Battery Mount.
66 days to Kickoff
See you then!
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