Ship Day 2009!

Whew! Where has the 6 week build season gone? The TechTigers are taking the day off, then its on to working on the practice robot before competition on March 12. For those of you who didn't know, this year the TechTigers teamed up with teams 1902 [Exploding Bacon] and 408 [RoboTicks], collaborating on the design and building triplets for this year's competition season. Photos of the build season can be found on 1902's website. Stay tuned for more news in the coming weeks!

Ship Day

Today was Ship Day 2007. Our robot was picked up by FedEx around 2:30, packed up and safe within our new crate - pics to come. There was a team-wide melancholy aura, in that we're happy to see it go because we're that much closer to competition [our first regional, the Florida Regional at UCF, is two weeks from Thursday], but we're also done with the main building season, which is always a sad event.

Today we worked mainly on organizing the various bins, setting up the practice robot, and getting the past years' robots in working order for the Coconut Creek Business Expo this weekend. The practice robot should be up and running by the end of the week, allowing for driver training and practices to begin.


The practice robot.


Sorting out everything in the bins.




2005 robot to the right

UCF: T -16 days

Day 42

Today was a very successful day for the TechTigers. We worked all day at Sonny's and many last minute changes were made, including replacing the wrist bracket with 1/4 inch aluminum, replacing the aluminum skid under the arm with ACM, added lexan to the back of the robot, and many other things. The final weight turned out to be 116 lbs. - a great relief for us after what happened to us last year (40+ lbs overweight the day before ship >.<). All in all, we're very happy with our robot, T21v4, and we're excited for the Florida Regional two weeks from now. Good luck to all the teams from 1251!











Working out the robot


Time Left: 0 days

Day 41

Below is some more pictures from the Swamp Thing [FRC team 179] Scrimmage that took place yesterday. Also, here is the link to a short video that was put together by a member of M.A.R.S [FRC team 1523] from the Scrimmage. Tomorrow will be a full day of working at Sonny's; we're looking forward to it.









Time Left: 1 day (!!!)

Day 40

Today was an enligntening day for the TechTigers. Our team attended the Swamp Thing [FRC team 179] Scrimmage in Riviera Beach today. Other teams in attendence were Swamp Thing, MARS [FRC team 1523], and Haze [FRC team 1889]. It went very well, with all teams functioning by the end of the day, and various kinks sorted out of everyones' respective robots. Check back for video clips from the scrimmage later this weekend. Ship deadline is Tuesday - talk about a fast 6 weeks :D Good job, 1251!











Time Left: 2 days

Day 39

Today was an exceptional day for the TechTigers. The robot was run outside on the carpet with the rack assembled to quasi-simulate a game situation. The runs went well, with minor kinks worked out along the way. Tomorrow is the Swamp Thing [FRC team 179] Scrimmage in Riviera Beach. We greatly look forward to testing the robot on a real field setup, as well as seeing what other teams have been doing for the past 6 weeks. Check back tomorrow for updates about that event. Awesome, 1251!


Working on the robot


Teaching the controllers to the prospective drivers




There she goes!

Video of the robot [Kenny base, Koza arm] placing two ringers.


Time Left: 3 days

Day 38

Today was a constructive day for the TechTigers. Work was continued on the robot, the a piston being added to the arm for support and the drive system tested for any obvious issues. Below is a clip of one of the tests. Excellent job, 1251!

Video of one of the robot's runs.


Time Left: 4 days

Day 37

Today was an excellent day for the TechTigers. The marketing team has been working very hard on compiling the videos from throughout the season, the crate team has been getting the crate together, and the website team has been working hard on the website. Today was also the Broward Counnty Science Fair setup, an event we TechTigers have been helping with for the past 4 years. Representatives from the Dillard SigmaCats [FRC team 108] were also there. It was a great experience that we intend to continue for many years to come.


Darius and Daryle working on the website.


At the science fair setup


Confering with Mr. Ellich at the science fair setup

As for the robot: It is finished! All the parts for the robot are together and [for the most part] operational - now for the finetuning, troubleshooting, and practicing. More details to come in the following days. Good job, 1251!










Isn't she a beauty? ^.^

Time Left: 5 days

Day 36

Today was a very good day for the TechTigers. The end effector was assembled and now just needs to be attached to the arm. Once the arm spacers arrive, the arm will be completed. The final robot came back from the school's autobody shop - its looks very clean and professional. The completed animation was unvealed to the team! We are very proud of our animnation team and are very happy with the final product. Awesome job, 1251!


A busy group




Mr. Ellich and Mr. Burke


The practice robot in the foreground, the real robot in the back

Video from yesterday when the arm was being tested - the quality isn't great, but its clear enough to see what's going on...


Time Left: 6 days

Day 35

Today was a good day for the TechTigers. The arm was attached to the practice robot and running by the end of the day. Only a few aspects need to be fine-tuned and the arm will be fully operational. Next task: the end effector.










The practice robot

Time Left: 1 week

Day 33 and 34

This weekend was a very productive one for the TechTigers. Many of the kinks in the drive system has been worked out, as well the majority of the pieces for the arm have been completed. The practice robot has been painted, and the real robot will be coming back around Tuesday. Saturday coming is the Swamp Thing Scrimmage - more details will follow closer to the day. Great job, 1251!


The practice robot


Awesome circular grinding pattern


Perspecive shot



Time Left: 1 week, 1 day

Day 32

Here is the updated video of the initial run of T21v4.



Time Left: 1 week, 3 days

Day 31

Time Left: 1 week, 4 days

Day 30

Today was a favorable day for the TechTigers. A lot of work was done on the robot, particularly on the drive train, before it was sent off to the autobody shop to be painted. We will be getting it back around Tuesday. Until then, we will be using our practice robot. Be sure to check back for more updates!

Time left: 1 week, 5 days

Day 29: It's ALIVE!

Today was an excellent day for the TechTigers. The robot had its maiden drive today, with the electronics being completed earlier today. There is still a lot to be done, but we are very happy with what we have so far.







Here is a video of the initial test:

Awesome job, 1251!

Time Left: 1 week, 6 days