Difference between revisions of "FTC Hardware Tips and Techniques"
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== Goals == | == Goals == | ||
| − | Get coaches started with the FTC mechanical and electrical components. | + | * Get coaches started with the FTC mechanical and electrical components. |
| + | |||
| + | * Highlight potential problems and pitfalls. | ||
== Schedule == | == Schedule == | ||
| − | * | + | * 6:00 pm Wednesday September 17, 2008 at OMSI |
== Prerequisites == | == Prerequisites == | ||
| − | + | These are suggested but not necessary... | |
[[FTC Getting Started with C]] | [[FTC Getting Started with C]] | ||
or | or | ||
| Line 21: | Line 23: | ||
* Tips and tricks | * Tips and tricks | ||
| + | ** Hardware advantages (strong, rugged, robust, screws stay tight, etc.) | ||
| + | ** Tools to use (T-handle allen wrenches (ball end?), electric screwdriver, small phillips, nut driver...) | ||
| + | ** gripping screw heads w/ pliers | ||
| + | ** Hole pattern allows connecting at various angles (OK, 45, 90, 135, 180 deg.) | ||
| + | ** Counterweights are hard to make | ||
| + | *** Parallelagram arms look good | ||
| + | ** Connecting Lego and Tetrix together | ||
| + | ** We needed more screws/nuts than what were provided - one size is hard to find | ||
| + | ** Use holes in pieces to reach screws (long wrenches) | ||
| + | * Motors vs. Servos | ||
| + | ** when do you use Lego motors? | ||
| + | ** Mounting motors | ||
* What can go wrong | * What can go wrong | ||
| − | * Battery management | + | ** Supporting servos and motors |
| − | * | + | ** Need low center of gravity |
| + | ** Plan for dissasembly as well as assembly | ||
| + | * Battery management and electrical issues | ||
| + | ** Recharging batteries - get a quick charger | ||
| + | ** Watch for shorts | ||
| + | ** Use heat-shrink tubing if allowed (check this) | ||
| + | ** Careful cable routing - cables are rather stiff | ||
| + | ** Are more flexible wires available? | ||
| + | * Differences from last year | ||
| + | ** any kind of connector (still true?) | ||
| + | ** tape, velcro, zip ties, rubber bands... | ||
| + | * Hands On workshop - build an arm | ||
| + | |||
== Resources == | == Resources == | ||
Latest revision as of 16:48, 11 September 2008
Owner
John DeLacy Assisted by Ian McBride
Goals
- Get coaches started with the FTC mechanical and electrical components.
- Highlight potential problems and pitfalls.
Schedule
- 6:00 pm Wednesday September 17, 2008 at OMSI
Prerequisites
These are suggested but not necessary... FTC Getting Started with C or FTC Getting Started with NXT G
Outline
- Tips and tricks
- Hardware advantages (strong, rugged, robust, screws stay tight, etc.)
- Tools to use (T-handle allen wrenches (ball end?), electric screwdriver, small phillips, nut driver...)
- gripping screw heads w/ pliers
- Hole pattern allows connecting at various angles (OK, 45, 90, 135, 180 deg.)
- Counterweights are hard to make
- Parallelagram arms look good
- Connecting Lego and Tetrix together
- We needed more screws/nuts than what were provided - one size is hard to find
- Use holes in pieces to reach screws (long wrenches)
- Motors vs. Servos
- when do you use Lego motors?
- Mounting motors
- What can go wrong
- Supporting servos and motors
- Need low center of gravity
- Plan for dissasembly as well as assembly
- Battery management and electrical issues
- Recharging batteries - get a quick charger
- Watch for shorts
- Use heat-shrink tubing if allowed (check this)
- Careful cable routing - cables are rather stiff
- Are more flexible wires available?
- Differences from last year
- any kind of connector (still true?)
- tape, velcro, zip ties, rubber bands...
- Hands On workshop - build an arm
