Robotics log 2

This will be the last log pre-season, we have gotten quite a bit accomplished compared to previous years. We have designed and started building a six wheel drive system that uses 4 motors to power it. We also have developed a frame for this year’s robot that is extremely light; this will allow us to add more weight where it is needed once we know the game. As far as the structure of the team goes, I have got the email list cleaned up and developed a starter schedule for this year. I am having trouble finding parents to help volunteer for helping out, as of know the schedule is going to make the meetings cut into meal times. The team can’t afford to fund it, and I personally can’t afford to feed people. In previous years we had parents buy food for the meetings. I am hoping I can get this same kind of help again this year, we shall see how it goes.

We early ordered all of the electronics, and programming this is the first year that we were allowed to do this. It is because so much has changed from previous years as far as the controller, and programming goes. We haven’t been able to mess with the new things much; I got Ian to install the new programming software on his computer. I plan to make him in charge of that aspect of the build. As far as the programming goes, I am looking into using LabView instead of C+ for the programming. These are both two different types of ways to program the robot, in previous years we used C+. However, with the changes they have made this year it looks as if it will be better to try out this year. LabView is also what is being used across the world in modern engineering, so it will give the team members better skills for them to use later in life.

I am a little concerned for the lack of someone on the team who can properly use a CAD program, Matt Tinsley is suppose to have some idea how to use inventor. I haven’t heard from him in a while though so I don’t know how that is going to go. It is important for someone on the team to have an understanding of this so we can make designs that other companies can read and use to make us parts. Speaking of these companies… I really appreciate New Worlds support with funding us for this year. But it seems they are no longer interested in helping us make parts like they were in previous years. I hope we have not lost them for that because that will be a vital tool for us to use. The economic problems facing the countries have definitely taken a toll on the team, we have only one sponsor this year who was willing to donate money.

Things will be close this year, but I have a feeling that it will be great if we can get some key things down soon. Kickoff is the 3rd of Jan, which will be my next update.