When you initially join the team
Prebuild Season
The team meets once a week from 4:30 - 7. At these meetings the team will typically brainstorm new design ideas, discuss team goals, and provide instruction on machine shop tools. In addition to the weekly meetings, all team members also participate in community service projects.
Build Season
The build season is 6 weeks long. During this time the team typically meets every day after school from 4:30 - 7 and on weekends from 9 - 4.
- Kick Off Weekend
Team strategy and discussion meetings.
- Week One
Sub - teams formulate design ideas
- Week Two
Sub - teams meet to integrate system components
- Week Three
Fabrication and ordering of parts begin
- Week Four
Sub - teams assemble robot components and install them
- Week Five
Programming is completed and testing
- Week Six
Drive team begins game practices and final adjustments are made
- Shipping
Completed robot is shipped and spare parts are made
When you attend your first competition
Competition Generally Last 3 Days
- Day 1
Robot is uncrated
Pit and machine shops are opened
Team registers and the robot is inspected
Drivers practice for about 6 hours
- Day 2
Opening Ceremonies
Seeding matches
Awards Ceremony
- Day 3
Opening Ceremonies
Seeding matches
Alliance selections
Final rounds
Awards Ceremony
Pits and machine shop close, crates packed for shipping
When a driver is chosen
Selecting a driver is a tedious process. First people who are interested in becoming the driver must fill out a form. Then there would be a test drive for the applicants which would take place in front of a panel of judges. The judges then decide who will be the driver based on their performance at the try-out.
When the season is over
Post Season
After competition the team meets to plan a dinner to celebrate the season and our sponsors. Be prepared to do community service!