Robojacks Blog Four

February 1, 2016

Putting the Pieces Together

Our chassis is coming along using a variety of original designs, and some major components are even products of one of our 3D printers! We are happy with our progress, and are considering what we should use for pneumatics in our design.

The Hero

Thanks to the heroic efforts to Gabe and his wallet, our day was saved and our bellies filled. We have a sign-up sheet for snacks every Tuesday of the build season, and for his day Gabe brought several hot Domino's pizzas and several 12 packs of pop. "Ya, I wanted to get too much pop," he says "so that we can have some in reserve." Our productivity increased exponentially after a temporary flat-line, and Gabe was thanked by most of the students that where there.

PRGM

The programming team has been busy at work on the expensive laptop that LaValley donated to us, and now are waiting for the completed chassis to test them. We have a lot of programmers-in-training, so we are confident that when our seniors leave that 4674 will be in good shape.

plenty of things to be built f'r this year, a new robot cart, new pit dec'r and of course a new robot. and i hast anon decid'd that mine final w'rd of each blog will be in shakespearean in hon'r of stronghold, this years competition. we art staying active and venturing onward!

-Author Hunter Bolte

Robojacks Blog Three

January 19, 2016

The Game

The time has come and the season has started! This years game: Stronghold, will host a variety of challenges to complete within the game, and perhaps has the largest amount of objects on the playing field. From driving over rough terrain to shooting dodge balls (boulders the're called), hopefully our treads will be able to traverse over them all. For full details on what the game is and how its played, visit the official website:
http://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc/welcome-to-first-stronghold

Buisness Cards

We have developed our first business cards! Now all we have to do is get a few printed and we will be good to go.

Tank-ish Chassis

We have decided to go with a tank drive system for our chassis this season. This will involve some home-made 3D printed parts and other professionally-made makeshift things we have also made some progress on what we will build for the ball-grabbing mechanism.

We are on our way! Its crazy busy in the CAD room (the computer lab in which we work) right now and we are getting stuff done. This is to the new season!

-Author Hunter Bolte

Robojacks Blog Two

January 7, 2016

Coaches Corner

We are eagerly awaiting this Saturday in anticipation of the launch of this years game. The team is making final preparations for the next 6 weeks of building a robot which we hope will meet our season goal of making the playoff rounds at our Regional Competition in April. We are still in need of some outside help and mentorship for our team. If you are interested in helping us with everything from; electronics to programming, metal working, and carpentry work we need your help! Please contact me at 218-556-3645 to discuss details. Watch for next week's blog blast to find out what this years game is and our progress. Thanks for your support!

Go RoboJacks!

-Coach Chris Conway

LaValley Industries

We visited Lavalley Industries and where able to talk with them to tell them about us and see exactly what they where about. It was an interesting experience  to see some of the major equipment built in out own town that sets the standard high across the globe! At the end of the whole thing, I believe that it went well and that they at least know a little about what we do.

Popcorn Sales

The popcorn sales have been doing fantastic! Some of the members in our team have truly been going out of their way to sell as much as possible, and it has been showing as our varieties have been reduced and we will now have to order more of flavors that have quickly sold out. Stay tuned for more popcorn sales information.

Pit Decor

If you walk around the area designated for the pits at a FIRST Robotics Competition, you will see that many teams have decorations marking the boarders of their pit, or that are somewhere within their pit area. In previous years we have had small things such as a banner, (which looked great by the way) but that was about it. This year we are going to have an actual pit design, which was designed by a small group of our build team and programming team students. We will continue to post updates on the "pit" for your viewing.

New Fundraising Opportunity!

Our business team has set up something with a website as to where if someone where to complete any amount of tasks given, such as watching a short advertisement, you could raise up to $4 for our team! This is short lived, only lasting about 9 days from the day it started, and can give our team up to $200. If you have the spare time we would highly appreciate your participation, but completely understand if you do not wish to or have already sponsored us. However, if you are apart of our team it is recommended that you at least take a look.

https://www.pearup.com/robojacks/rally

Sorry for the late post this week, and thank you for your patience.

-Author Hunter Bolte