Thursday, April 25, 2013

Wednesday Recap

After arriving in St. Louis, the pit crew headed straight for the dome.  They were able to get everything assembled and have 6 hours this morning to work out some minor issues and get inspected.

The rest of the team checked into the hotel drove into St. Louis.  Unfortunately the workshop we wanted to attend was at capacity so we ended up watching the opening ceremonies for FLL (FIRST Lego League).  It's great to see the young ones being excited and having fun.

Late dinner at Steak "N Shake and lights out.

I'll try to put an update later this morning.




Wednesday, April 24, 2013

St. Louis Here We Come!

On the plane to St. Louis.  Team 195 is on the plane with us.


The Night (well the morning) Before The Championship

Up early preparing for our flight to St. Louis.  We took our tools, spare parts, and improved shooter up to SPAM in Stuart yesterday.  They are making the trip via charter bus and graciously offered to transport our things.

We get in St. Louis at 3:30PM.  Mr. Cosme, Joel, Josh, Cory and Daniel will immediately head to the Dome and begin putting Sonny together.  They'll also have Thursday morning to get it ready.

Qualifying matches start Thursday afternoon at 1PM.  FIRST has released a preliminary match list which you can find here.  When the page loads, search for "1251".  Use the match number as a reference to determine if the field is on schedule.  Remember, this is a preliminary list, it could change.  I will post a follow-up to confirm this is good.  If it does change, I will send the new one.

The webcast can be found here.  Click on the "Newton" field icon to watch the action.  The links aren't live yet and the names will appear when they do go live.

I will give a recap of the days events each evening so check back then.

Wish us luck!

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Back again

As you can see, my last post was during week 3 of build season i.e. Saturday, 1/26.  Well, fast forward 12 weeks and here we are!  It feels like I got caught in a time warp.

Much has happened - here's a recap.

We finished the robot (sort of), competed in Orlando (sort of), and came limping home.  I won't dwell on our performance in Central Florida but suffice it to say we had our issues.

Not to be deterred, everyone went to work and got ready for our hometown competition the weekend of 3/29 & 3/30.  With an improved machine and renewed spirit, we held our own and managed to get picked by the first seeded alliance.  As a result, we are on our way to St. Louis as winners of the South Florida Regional.

Needless to say it's been a hectic 3 weeks since.  The team is working long hours to make Sonny (more on that later) even better, planning for the trip is a full time job, and raising additional $$ to help offset costs is ongoing.  BTW, if you would like to contribute to the cause, please contact me.  No amount is too small.

As you can see above, I referred to the robot as "Sonny".  It is with great sadness that I must report that Salvatore "Sonny" Fazio, founder of our sponsor Sonny's Enterprises, Inc. lost his battle with cancer on Wednesday of this past week.  I can't put into words what he and the team at Sonny's has meant to us.  But beyond that, he was unselfish, giving, caring and just a great guy.  Please click here to read a short memorial about Mr. Fazio.  In his honor, we will name the robot "Sonny".

We fly out Wednesday, 4/24 for St. Louis with 15 students and 3 chaperones.  It will be a busy 4 days, but that's all that's left.

Here's a link to the Championship website.  If you scroll down and click on "Watch Live" it will take you to the webcast page.  You will be able to click on one of the FRC field icons when they are live.  At that point the field names will change to "Newton" (our field), Curie, Archimedes, and Galileo.

That's it for now.  Have to get back to planning for the trip.  Will write more soon.

Enjoy the pics.
 South Florida Regional Champions

 Sonny ready for action

 the Pit Crew

The Spirit is Alive!

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Week 3 recap

Hello all.

Well here it is the end of week 3.  It always seems to slow down at this point in the season but there really is alot going on.
  • CADing continues
  • Parts are being made
  • Prototyping different ideas
  • Ordering parts and material
  • Payment sent for South Florida Regional
  • Field trip paperwork
Some house keeping items:

- Our hotel reservations for Orlando are confirmed.  We're staying at the Crestwood Suites on University Dr. - about 10 minutes from the venue.  I have a few extra rooms both doubles and Queens.  If there are any parents that would like to stay with us let me know day(s) and room type.

-Speaking of Orlando, dates of the regional are Thursday, 3/7 - Saturday, 3/9.  We'll leave at 12:30PM on Wednesday, 3/6 and return on Saturday, 3/9 around 9PM.

- We will participating in a robot demonstration on Saturday, 2/16 in Weston as part of a Boy Scout Camporee.  I will send out details as they become available.

- The Coconut Creek Butterfly and Business Expo is on Saturday, 2/23 and barring a rain out (as in the pas we'll be at that as well.

Last Tuesday, students from Team 4592, McArthur High School, came up for help with their control system.  I would like to recognize Joel Cosme and his father, Enrique for spending several hours working with them getting everything setup so they could have a functioning robot.  They also shared their strategy and robot design.  David Guzman gave them some helpful tips on the mechanical side.  Finally, we will be working with them towards their goal of winning the Rookie All-Star award.

Helping McArthur High School students


A couple of future engineers?

Hmm...they don't look very busy

Teamwork!




Sunday, January 20, 2013

Week 2 recap

It's been kind of slow this week what with exams and all, but progress is still being made:

- Some parts are being made
- The pyramid goal is complete
- Work has begun on a scouting program
- As reported in the first weeks recap, CADing of the robot was underway.  However, a major change was being discussed as of 10PM last night.  Stay tuned...

A few snap shots of the week:

 Working on the scouting program

Making the parts

Future engineers

Putting final touches on pyramid goal

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Week 1 recap

The first week of the 2013 build season is but a fading memory.  Much was accomplished - here's what happened:

- Our game strategy is set
- Frisbee shooter design has evolved but looks solid now
- Floor collection method looks good
- The general design of the robot is set and the CADing process has commenced
- Field goals and human loading station are assembled
- Gearboxes are being assembled and broken in

The highlight of the week was the presentation of a check to TechTiger Robotics for $3500.  This was a grant awarded to us by The Dart Foundation which is the philanthropic arm of The Dart Container Corp.  Ms. Alicia Pascua delivered the good news personally.

Great job by everyone working hard and contributing to the effort.

I'll post an update the middle of this coming week.

Here's a few pics from the last week:









Friday, January 4, 2013

'Twas the Night Before Kickoff

That's right - it's finally here!

The Kit of Parts are in South Florida for the 22 teams that will be attending kickoff tomorrow.  There are 5 rookie teams joining us this year.

TechTigers are meeting at Sonny's and, as in the past, after viewing the unveiling of the game challenge, the team will be broken into groups to discuss first thoughts and possible game strategy.

Stay tuned as I will keep everyone up to date on our progress over the next 6 weeks.

A conversation I overheard:

Mentor to student: "You have fun when you win don't you?"
Students' response: "Yes"
Mentor: "Then let's go have some fun!"

Ok, TechTigers, let's go have some FUN!

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas!

I hope this finds everyone in the TechTiger family enjoying this special day.

I'm sitting here playing around with a few of the gadgets Santa brought me i.e a nice pair of headphones, a new 19" monitor, a reading magnifier (I know I'm getting old), running shorts, a couple of good books, and a "peas" hot/cold pack for those running aches/pains.

As you know, we had to cancel robotics last Thursday.  I found out that morning that to make room for my new furniture (to be installed this Thursday) we would need to take down the computers and dismantle the existing furniture.

Also, since that part of the rooms floor needed to be cleaned, the custodial crew stripped and waxed it that evening.  To top if off, the walls were painted as well.

Kickoff is right around the corner.  The team will be gathering at Sonny's on the 5th to view the webcast and the the new game challenge.  Watch for an email with details and we will need you to RSVP with how many are coming.

Great news - we did receive a $3,500 grant from The Dart Foundation.  A representative from the company will be at school on Wednesday, 1/9/13, 3PM to present the check to us.  Watch for pictures.

Our Annual Family Bowling event was a huge success.  Through the generosity of everyone that attended, we were able to donate two BIG boxes of toys to 4KIDS of South Florida.  Many less fortunate children will have a brighter Christmas because of you.  And we raised $1,100.00 for robotics!

Last but not least, please remember our troops that serve to protect us and are unable to celebrate this special time with their family and loved ones.  Their sacrifice allows us to enjoy the freedoms and liberties we take so much for granted.

A few pics for your viewing pleasure:

TechTigers deliver the toys to 4KIDS

Nice clean floors!

Everything piled up

Hey Joel, it's not even build season yet!


Sunday, December 16, 2012

Short Recap

Good morning!

TechTiger Robotics was well represented at the Lego League event yesterday at Crystal Lake Middle School.  In addition to providing support, they wow'd the crowd with the Rebound Rumble robots.

Kickoff is less than 3 weeks away.  Sonny's will be hosting the event at their facility in Tamarac.  Lunch will be served after the webcast followed by a brainstorming session.  Please RSVP if you will be there and a count of how many people you're bringing.

The South Florida FRC Regional needs volunteers.  If you're interested or know someone who might be, please contact me for more information.  It will be held on Thursday - Saturday, 3/28/13 - 3/30/13 at the Broward County Convention Center.  Not only do you get to see the event up close and personal but they feed you pretty good too!


The Crew


Having some fun!


Working on Bob


Friday, December 14, 2012

A Quick Note

Christmas came early - the FIRST Choice items arrived today.  See the picture below.

The video highlighting ATC Robotics has been posted on our Facebook page and the Coconut Creek City Facebook page.  Click here to watch.

I'll post again this weekend.




Monday, December 10, 2012

Let's Go Bowling!

Our 2nd Annual Holiday Bowling Fundraiser is in the books.

TechTiger supporters far and wide gathered at Margate Brunswick Lanes yesterday (Sunday, 12/9/12) and bowled, ate pizza, drank their favorite beverage (anyone have an O'Douls?!?) and generally had a great time.

Through the generosity of our fans, we filled two large boxes with new toys that will be presented to the 4Kids Foster Program and used to brighten a childs holiday season.  A HUGE thank you to everyone that participated.

Of course a TechTiger event is not complete without  a demo.  Attendees were wowed as our 2 Rebound Rumble robots drove around and shot basketballs into the crowd.  I think some of the adults were as amazed as the young ones.

Finally, a special thank you to Ms. Patricia Rogers, Mrs. Karla Coto and Mrs. Lucy Faires for their help and support.  Without them, events like this would not be possible.

20 days until kickoff!

Enjoy the pics...

Super Volunteers at Work

Bowling Around

Familiar Faces

They're back (and then some)

Show the robots some love

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Moving Right Along

Greetings,
It occurred to me the other day that this is the 10th Year Anniversery for TechTiger Robotics - WOW!

So, what I've decided to do is over the course of this season is take a look back at the history of the program since it's humble beginnings in 2003/2004.

You can look forward to some pictures, quotes, and maybe some video.  I promise to make it fun!

Back to the present - Bowling this weekend at Margate Lanes.  We'll be raffling off a tablet, a Nook and some other neat things.  Three hours of bowling, shoes, 1 large pizza and pitcher of soda per lane all for $10.  Sell those tickets.

Crystal Lake Middle School is hosting a Lego League Qualifier on Saturday, 12/15, 8AM - 4PM.  If you want to volunteer, see Isabel.  We'll be there with 2 maybe 3 robots to demo.

Resolution 5K on Saturday, 12/29, 7AM start at Birch State Park in Ft. Lauderdale.  Can you run faster than E-Man?!?

The much anticipated FRC kick-off is Saturday, 1/5/13, 9AM -2:30PM at Sonny's in Tamarac.  We'll watch the webcast and do some first-thought brainstorming.

Sonny's has graciously donated 1,632 cans of Amor All Tire Foam for us to sell as a fundraiser.  This is pure profit to us so let's get out there and shine up some tires!

That's it for now - a few pics...

McNicol Middle School Lego League Event
 
Amor All Tire Foam

The workshop!

Friday, November 30, 2012

Updating

Hello All!

If you look close you'll see some changes to this site.  You can now sign up for e-mail notifications when a new post is published - look on the right side of the page and enter your e-mail address.

Great news - David Guzman called and told me Sonnys has donated 2 pallets of Amor All Tire Foam for us to sell as a fundraiser!  Don't know the total number but David says it's "Alot".  Details to follow.

Note that I added another event - the Dawn to the Beach 5K Run/Walk.  For every person we get to register, we receive a $5 donation.  Click here to register.  When you get to the Participant Information page, be sure to choose "Atlantic Technical Center" in the "I am running/walking to support..." section.

Tomorrow (Saturday, 12/1) we're going down to McNicol Middle in Hollywood with a few students to help out with their Lego League event and do a demonstration.  I'll take pictures and post next week.

Until next time, here's a couple of pictures to enjoy!


Wednesday, November 28, 2012

We're Back!

Ok ladies and gents, time to resurrect this thing. I'm going to make a conserted effort to post on here at least twice a week.

First order of business - Bowling Fundraiser on Sunday, 12/9 at Margate Brunswick Lanes on 441. We've reserved all the lanes so everyone needs to get out and sell those tickets. We will raffle off some nice prizes at a $1 a ticket. Pleae bring a new, unwrapped toy that will be donated to 4Kids.

Mark your calanders, kickoff is just around the corner. It is scheduled for Saturday, 1/5/13. Our team will meet at Sonny's, watch the webcast and break into groups to discuss strategy ideas. A continental breakfast and lunch will be served. Details to follow.

Resolution 5K - on Saturday, 12/29 at Birch State Park in Ft. Lauderdale, 7AM start time.  Student registration fee is only $10.  If you sign up and run I will credit your fundraising account $10.  Can you run faster than Mr. E?!?

Ok, that's it for now.  Until next time, here's a few pics to enjoy!




Tuesday, May 17, 2011

EOY Banquet Hint #2

A few more pics that you may see Thursday. But in what context?



Monday, May 16, 2011

EOY Banquet Hint #1

As promised below are a few pictures that may find their way into the show on Thursday.


Saturday, February 19, 2011

The Home Stretch

Yep, it's been awhile. My apologies. Here's the update:

Operations have moved to The Schlinkman's garage for the final push. Many thanks to Jodi for allowing us to take over for the next 3 days.

Gearboxes are mounted, chain is on, and the wheels are spinning.

Wedge Top has been attached to the wheels.

Electronics are in the process of being mounted.

Robot has been painted. Thank you Premier Auto Body of Pompano Beach via Howard Adkin.

First and second stage of the elevator are installed and rolling quite nicely.

A few parts are still being machined for the end effector (read claw) and that should be ready to go by the end of today (Saturday, 2/19).

The crate is painted and ready to go. Nice job Renata, Taylor and everyone that helped with that.

Progress has been made on the Mini-bot and development continues.

Our Autodesk Animation entry has been submitted. Taylor and Radhi worked hard to get that in.

FedEx has been called for pickup on Tuesday.

Alex (Elder) and Jake couldn't agree on who was going to sleep on the new futon. The world has gone mad!

More to come!

Here are a few pics for your enjoyment.