FRC #7463
Incandescent Mice
FNC Districts Wk02 - Wake County
Well, we finally made it! Our first competition weekend - Holly Springs, Wake County!! After a bit of a rough start on the opening and with a lot of help from our gracious mentor teams #3459 PyroTech and #5518 TechnoWolves, we managed to close the event at 25th place of 36 teams. We had some complications with our hatch system, leaving us to play mostly defense for this competition. With some strong defensive driving, we were able to contribute to our alliances, helping to generate some key wins.
For the next two weeks, we will continue to improve our special functions and consider our ongoing game strategy. Look for us again on Wk05 - Pembroke, where we hope to improve our rankings and lock in a slot in the state championships.
Week 06 - Tic, Toc, Tic, Toc...
The countdown is on: how much can we finish, test, practice before the zip-tie gets zipped? Breathe, focus, and "DON'T PANIC"!!
Week 05 - More Elevator and a Field Rocket
Still making progress with hatch flaps, elevator pulleys, bumper measurements and a three story field rocket. Next up? Still, lots and lots! Don't panic...
Week 04 - Elevator And another fun trip to Hangar6
While our nation weathered record setting temperatures from a "polar vortex," the iMeeces braved the elements and continued onward. Good progress was made preparing the elevator structures, ready for attaching and wiring. Our second trip to Hangar6 also proved as much fun as before, this time adding CNC cutting to our agenda and coming away with custom battery and motor mounts.
WEEK 04 - Making Progress
Week03 - A Drive Train and some Incandescent Glow
By the end of week03, we see the final drive train and electronics up and running! Next up: an inventory and layout of the pneumatics system passes pre-check testing. Finally, let's take a break and play with the all-important incandescent glow lights and set up the cool new band saw acquired from a generous donor.
Week02 - It's a Start:
The team is making good progress on the drive base. It’s amazing what a little patience and determination yields, when you set your mind to it. The old saying, “When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail” comes to mind, watching these kids manage gear boxes and hex screws when all they had was needle nose pliers and socket wrenches! Ha ha!! Well, we now have proper allen wrenches and a robot frame with gearboxes, belts, and center wheel installed. (They tell me those were the hardest parts; the rest will be easy.)
A fun day at Caterpillar Hangar6 closes the week, leaving us with a light weight, custom electronics base and an important custom component for the hatch placement function, both ready to install.
Week01 - Ideas, Brainstorming and Prototypes
First week in the new digs, fondly referred to as the "Mouse Trap." Yes, it is a bit chilly and our most important appliance, the space heater, gets the prime spot. Meanwhile, brainstorming and "prototyping" for this season's game components kicks off Week01 with some design decisions and a plan forward. Let the fun begin!
