The following resources are Team 1540's original creations. We hope you will find them useful in your Robotics endeavors.
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. Team 1540 won the Chairman's Award at the Oregon Autodesk Regional in both 2007 and 2010. Presented at FIRSTFare by Rohisha ('11), Team 1540 Co-Captain, and Chairman's Award Manager.
Scouting & Competitive Analysis:
Scouting can make or break a competition. It can propel a team to victory, and can also spell defeat for an otherwise strong alliance. Regardless of your robot's performance, competitive analysis and strategy development are key for the success of any robotics program. This presentation covered the basics including: system development, management at the competition, strategy development and data interpretation, as well as the basic scouting resources that all teams should know. It will also dive into more advanced topics like Offensive Power Rankings and more formulaic ranking systems. Presented at FIRSTFare by Henry ('11), Team 1540 Co-Captain, Competitive Analysis Manager and 2010 Deans' List Finalist.
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.
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.
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.
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. Presnted by Dale, Catlin Gabel School Robotics Program Director.
