2006 Season
Summary of the 2006 Season Video
Trainings
With the inception of 40 brand new rookie members onto a team of 60, there was a plethora of knowledge that needed to be transferred from veteran to rookie. In the course of 10 weeks, the rookie members underwent vigorous training in the fields of Electrical, Mechanical and Media, to gain essential knowledge for success in each field. Rookies joining the electrical division attended biweekly sessions where they picked up basic skills ranging from soldering, wiring and crimping to actually programming the robot controller, speed controllers and control panel in C. Mechanical trainings helped students learn about precision instruments, practicality in designing with robot physics, and the use of 3D CAD design software. Students practiced applying their skills by designing parts and learning how to fabricate them on precision machinery. Meanwhile as mechanical and electrical provided the keys to the brain and brawn of the robot, the media division trained with 3D Studio MAX animation software to create a safety animation. The trainings were all in preparation for the stressful build period where the team's nerves and ingenuity would be tested, but teamwork would be the key to success.
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The Game
As January rolled by, the annual FIRST robotics competition challenge was released. This year's game, Aim High, is played on a 26 by 54 foot field. Three goal openings are located in each alliance station wall, through which alliance opponents will be able to score. Above each center goal is an illuminated target that is used by the automated vision system to determine range and location of the goals. The platform in front of each alliance station wall is used at the end of the match by robots; they may climb above it and score bonus points. The objective of the game is simple: shoot, push, or roll balls through any of the 3 goals at the far end of the field and at the end of the match, have your three robots on your ramp in front of your alliance station.
 Review and Analysis of Aim High
>> AIM High Game Animation
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Build
Students in the mechanical and electrical divisions worked diligently for six weeks to design, prototype and fabricate various components on the robot. Student programmers used this time to create a robot autonomous mode powered by a camera vision system allowing the robot to align itself with the goals in scoring position. The mechanical division brainstormed the use of various drive-train, chassis and ball shooter designs, and transferred them on to 3D CAD design software. Designs underwent prototyping and testing phases prior to precision fabrication and assembly. As the physical robot was completed the inner workings of the robot were added on. The addition of wiring, speed controllers, fuses, switches and the robot controller brought the robot to life as the six week work period gradually dwindled to an end. With the robot crated and shipped to the competition site, students anxiously awaited a chance to see how their forty-two days of blood, sweat and tears would match up against other teams at the competition. Success would be determined on the field.
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Competitions
The arrival of the Silicon Valley Regional represented the first ever robotics competition for over half the team's members. The competition allowed the students to embark into a new world for two days, where both inter-team and intra-team relationships coexist, a world where students aid their competitors in times of need. Amidst all the excitement at the competition, team members faced applying their skills to unforeseen problems. The students and the robot got off to a slow start at the regional, encountering mishaps with the operator interface. By the time team members became acquainted to the competition, and solved nagging problems, the MVRT had been eliminating from advancing. The high note of the competition was receiving the reward for the best website.
In preparation for the UC Davis Regional, the team tightened all its loose screws and picked up its act. Having proposed a new game strategy, trained a professionalized NASCAR like pit crew to maintain the robot and created excitement and support in the stands, everyone's perseverance was paying off. First year members seemed veteran-like in their ability to restore the robot and support the team effectively, keeping the robot running in every round. Eventually, our team was chosen to advance into the eliminations. In a successful alliance with team Kika Mana (368) from Hawaii and Monte Vista (1458) from Danville, we made it to the semifinals, a fate we hadn't achieved in four years! By learning from our mistakes, we were able to turn our blunders into success. We entered the competition with a team seeking to advance, and departed as a family, triumphant on the field.
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News
Be sure to come to F108 during lunch on February 2 for an important meeting regarding regionals!
Since build is underway, please check the Snack Schedule to find out which week you are assigned to bring snacks.
Check out the Breakout Game Review presented during kickoff to learn more abou this year's game.
Watch the NASA webcast of the live kickoff in Manchester.
Please remember to check our calendar for updates regarding other upcoming events.
Important Links
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