The following resources are Team 1540's original creations. We hope you will find them useful in your robotics endeavors.
NXT Tutorial
In 2007, Team 1540 created a tutorial for the NXT software used by FLL teams to program their robots. We have maintained it since then, and its popularity has exploded. It is the official tutorial for the Oregon Robotics Tournaments and Outreach Program (ORTOP). It is the first link on Google if the query ‘NXT tutorial’ is searched.
Chairman's Award
The Chairman's Award is the highest award bestowed to a FIRST Robotics team at the Regional and Championship competitions. It is based off of how a team demonstrates FIRST's ideals through community service, recruitment, mentoring, and gracious professionalism, along with other great team attributes. Discussion will include an introduction to the award, activities teams do to win the award, essay writing style, presentation tips, and sample questions. Presenters: Marina Dimitrov and Anne Gilleland, two members of FRC Team 1540: The Flaming Chickens' Chairman's team. Team 1540 has won the Chairman's award in 2013 (OR), 2012 (Oklahoma), 2010 (OR) and 2007 (PNW), and the Engineering Inspiration award in 2008 and 2009 (OR).
Presentation: FIRSTFare 2012 - Chairman's Award
Previous Years: 2010
Dean's List Award
The Dean's List Award is certainly the highest honor that can be bestowed on an FRC student for their leadership, passion, technical expertise, entrepreneurship, and overall commitment to FIRST and increasing awareness for the program. You've seen the two Finalists chosen at each regional, and maybe even the ten Winners at championships. But what happens to these members of the Dean's List following their award, and what does it take to become one? Marina Dimitrov, our very own 2012 Winner from FRC Team 1540: The Flaming Chickens in Portland, OR, comes bearing stories and tips. We want to make this a discussion-based session in addition to the presentation, so bring your questions and thoughts! Presented by Marina Dimitrov'13
Presentation: FIRSTFare 2012 - Dean's List
Beginning Pneumatics
This session is for team members with no exposure to pneumatics. What are all of those mysterious components and tubes and why you'd want to use them? We'll discuss regulators, storage tanks, relief valves, pressure switches, cylinders, solenoid valves, fittings, etc. If you already know what all those things are and how to connect them then this is NOT seminar for you. Presented by at FIRSTFare 2012 by Dale Yocum, 1540 head mentor.
Presentation: FIRSTFare 2012 - Beginning Pneumatics
Scouting FRC: Competitive Analysis at FIRST Competitions
Alliance selection is a very important part of FRC competitions, yet so many times base their picks off of FIRST team rankings. In this seminar, we will look at the various modes of tracking the competition, analyzing it, and producing a helpful picklist. Presented at FIRSTFare 2012 by Tucker Gordon'13
Presentation: FIRSTFare 2012 - Scouting FRC: Competitive Analysis at FIRST Competitions
Previous Years: 2010
Drive Trains for FIRST Robots
The drive train is the most important part of your robot yet many teams make some basic mistakes in their design and construction. This session compares 2 wheel, 4 wheel, 6 wheel, Mecanums, treads, and some of the unusual ones. We'll look at the various transmissions and motors available to FIRST Teams. Vendors such as IFI, Skyway, and AndyMark will be discussed and audience members will share their experiences. Presented by Dale Yocum, 1540 Head Mentor.
New Coach Essentials
This pre-session is designed for coaches and student leaders new to FRC though anyone is welcome. We'll cover team organization, logistics, mentor roles, sample build schedules, budgets, facilities, tools, strategy, and much more. Presented by Dale Yocum, 1540 Head Mentor
Introduction to Java
If you've never programmed in Java before or need a refresher, this presentation will give you a high level idea of what the language looks like and what this object orientation stuff is all about. Presented at FIRSTFare by Andrew, Catlin Gabel School Computer Science Instructor and mentor of Team 1540.
FRC Radios and Communication
This presentation will explore how the robot talks to the field during a match. It discusses tech specifics on the game adapters, the network communications as we understand them, how to avoid some common problems, and troubleshooting utilities. Presented at FIRSTFare by Faith, Catlin Gabel School System Administrator, and FRC Field Admin.
Robot Design, Brainstorming and Rapid Prototyping with 80/20 and QuickFrame
Learn how Team 1540, the Flaming Chickens, design their robot. This presentation includes a myriad of information: from prototyping suggestions to appropriate use of robotics components. It will also cover the proper usage of 80/20 and QuickFrame - a lightweight aluminum framing system that will allow you to prototype efficiently. Come see what designing a robot is all about! Presented at FIRSTFare by Rohan.
Java Beta Update
Team 1540 was chosen as the NW team to beta test Java this year. hear their insights about this new version of the language an what they've found so far. Presented at FIRSTFare by Andrew, Catlin Gabel School Computer Science Instructor and mentor of Team 1540.
