Feedback Survey
We are looking to get feedback on the resources we have created to see which items are the most helpful and to help us choose new items to create in the future.
If you have used any of our resources in the past please take a moment to fill out this brief survey. Thank you.
Survey.Spectrum3847.org
Spectrum Resources
- Library of Robot Photos to get inspiration on future designs
- This is an accumulation of information to help design FRC robots from physics and design basics all the way to FRC COTS parts. There are nearly 200 slides that were used to teach FRC design each week during the fall semester of 2017.
- CD Post about these slides is here.
Recommended Reading
Resource Collections/Workshops
- Presentations covering FRC manufacturing, controls, awards, and more
- One of the most complete FRC design resources published to date.
- You can find these used on amazon and at used bookstores. They have many design details from the robots from those years. Some things have changed in FRC since then, but many of the principles are the same and will still be used.
- One of the best ways to learn about building FRC robots is by understanding how teams have built their robots. These videos give you a look into their designs.
Technical
Engineering Design Process and Strategies
Mechanical
- Process that allows for rapid construction of machines.
- Learn how to design those finger joints used in many laser cut and routed parts.
- “Covers some physics and equations that are used in JVNs calculator and some commonly used design concepts / principles related to motors, drivetrains, and arms.”
- A variety of FRC mechanical resources and information.
- Useful design sheet for quick robot calculations and documentation for FRC robots
- Video Tutorial by Nick Aarestad
- This is one of the most useful items for mechanical design in FRC. You can easily see how changing a sprocket or switching a motor will change your mechanism.
- “Dan Gelbart made a fortune in R&D for his company Creo. His prototyping was done at home, in his basement, using tools on par with what many of us have access to at our local hackerspaces and universities.”
- Lectures, Notes and Materials from an MIT Professor (FRC Mentor). Fantastic resource for mechanical engineering knowledge.
- Presentation on mechanical design principles many of which apply to FRC Robots.
- Similar to the above but the examples are specific to wheelchair design,which can translate easily to FRC robots.
- Ignore the parts specifically about combat robots (Weight classes and weapons). The materials section alone is worth the read.
- It is free online, but you can also buy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/32SH2A6
CAD / Solidworks / Onshape
- MKCad - FRC CAD library for onshape, with many great part files and part generators.
Programming
- 1678 Good Programming Workflow - Video 2020
- Beginner Java
- A good introduction for complete beginners to programming and to Java.
- These are the official manuals for setting up the programming environment and learning the FRC-specific library.
- Really nicely put together tutorial to get started using FRC Java
- HelixUtilties is very useful
- Motion Magic and SRX Control
- A library for Generating paths using 254's 2014 code and following them via Talon SRX Motion Profiles
FRC Control and Electrical Systems
Pneumatics
Safety
Tools and Shop Organization
Robot Tech Documents
- 2nd tab has Tech Dcouments
- FRC#254 Technical Binders
Build Logs
- FRC#118 Robonauts Build Journals
- FRC#254 Cheesy Poofs Build Logs
Competition
- Excellent presentation on how to succeed at competitions.
Drive Team Selection and Training
Scouting/Alliance Selection
Judging and Awards
Pit
Team Organization
- FRC teams should be operating at Stage 4 or 5.
Mentorship
Outreach
Happiness/Kindness/Gracious Professionalism
Branding/Media