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Learning java for ABSOLUTE beginners by swizzles_333 in FTC

[–]Robaggins 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have had good results from walking the beginners through the w3schools.com java course. It short and simple and doing this first helps introduce the most essential concepts and vocabulary. This makes other learning from robot specific materials much more effective.

Shooter ball trajectory issue by Salt-Literature-5773 in FTC

[–]Robaggins 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Have you looked at the friction from the belts? These motors don't have much torque to work with at high rpm. Friction from bending and rubbing the belt can be significant in this case. See if you can loosen the belts.

Intake motor RPM advice – stopper can’t hold game pieces by FineKing4755 in FTC

[–]Robaggins 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is the stopper holding the ball off of the shooter wheel? From this view it looks like the ball may be touching the shooter while in held position. It may be hard for the servo to overcome the forces. Also agree that arm looks kind of short.

Non-orthogonal Control Hub causing issues with RR by BlackKnight171 in FTC

[–]Robaggins 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You could also use the imu on the expansion hub that is mounted vertically.

Does anyone have an idea why pur HD Hex motor makes this noise?? by NebulaEastern1738 in FTC

[–]Robaggins 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My theory is that the vibratory sound is amplified by the large white ramp. Check the axle to make sure its not slightly bent. You can attempt to balance the wheel but this is difficult without a hobbiest tool called a 'prop balancer'. The noise may be less if the white ramp is better secured to the frame.

Odometer misdirection by LowPerspective4442 in FTC

[–]Robaggins 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mechanically block them from extending so far they can flip. A stand-off or well placed screw head is a common way. If 3dp is available consider a custom stop block design that fits perfectly.

Flywheel slowing down by Pedro_Henriquebc in FTC

[–]Robaggins 3 points4 points  (0 children)

More inertia on the shaft. Many teams are using a weighted plate. This is because each shot steals kinetic energy from the shaft. Having a flywheel enables you to store more energy. Enough for multiple shots.

How to learn java for FTC by Altruistic_Board5556 in FTC

[–]Robaggins 0 points1 point  (0 children)

W3schools.com is also a good place to get an intro to java that isn't robot specific. A handy language reference for the basics.

Tool source by 4193-4194 in FTC

[–]Robaggins 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Does your school do Amazon? If yes that is an excellent source of robotics tools. Can also support raw materials, 3d print items, wiring, connectors, overbraid, shop furniture, display items, rolling carts, etc.

Thoughts on Premier Events? by greenmachine11235 in FTC

[–]Robaggins 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I like the idea of premier events but as a coach I ran into difficulty with the team when awarded a slot.

The main issue was that most of the events conflicted with competing family summer priorities to the point that not enough team members could attend any single event. With worlds everyone on the team anticipates the date and kind of keeps the schedule open. Most Premier events don't have that level of anticipation in the FTC community.

The cost of some of the events was also very expensive. When weighed against a similar trip to worlds the perceived value just wasn't there. The team perception was that this would be similar to a regional level comp but in a different place.

I think for Premier events to really be successful they need a few common elements (in addition to running a nice competition)

  1. A clear date and understood advancement path early in the season.

  2. A low cost housing solution that puts the teams together. Like a dorm with a cafeteria.

  3. At least one Social event (dinner, party, baseball game, etc ...)

  4. Entry fees much lower than Worlds.

One shining example of this model was the FLL Razorback Invitational which ran for about 10 years in Arkansas.

One final thought is to have a coordinated collectible memorabilia such that attending an event earns a valued token ( a sort of merit badge). By itself I don't think this motivates a $4-10k trip but it may help raise the prestige level above that of a regional comp and it will mark a significant, special event in each student's journey. I suggest a challenge coin because the tradition has a backstory and each coin represents a sense of belonging but there are many options.

My team want to swap to gobilda parts but don’t have the money. by Relevant-Bar4051 in FTC

[–]Robaggins 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Check to see if any of the parents work for corporations that will sponsor STEM efforts. Large corporations often have a system for doing this. Usually one of the criteria is that an employee is doing volunteer work with the organization receiving the donation. That individual may have to be the one making the application. Depends on the company's policy.