Revolution RobotZ

Today IS the Day

2010-02-13T05:16:00.000-05:00

FTC iSpace Competition!!! We worked LONG into the night to fix our problems. We still have a few things to work on today. I know we can do it, we just have to work hard and make it happen. I am excited to see the other teams and their robots, I heard one had a laser or something and another one a conveyor belt. I hope they pick us for an alliance. I know we are going to have a good day today regardless, but I hope we win too.

The team's down here in Cincinnati

2010-02-12T21:35:00.002-05:00

We got the robot inspected already. We got 13 of the twenty spots on the checklist checked off. We are making last minute adjustments on the robot to meet the rest of the requirements. We are hoping for the best and expecting the worst at competition. Good luck to all the teams!

Taylor

The 2nd To The Last Meeting

2010-02-11T12:56:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was our second to the last meeting. It seems weird to think we have been working on the robot for 18 weeks!! We are pumped to go to competition. Tonight we will finalize everything.

2010-02-04T19:15:00.002-05:00

Today we got our shirts. They are awesome!!!!!!!! Brandon really did a great job on the shirt design. We finally fixed the wheels and the gears. Well there is a lot of work to do so I got to go.
Conner

Finishing up

2010-02-04T19:09:00.002-05:00

Yeah, we're putting the finishing touches on the robot today. We've realigned the gears on the robot so now it drives. We also got the shirts today which look AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!! That's about it.

Taylor

What's Up?

2010-02-04T18:50:00.007-05:00

It's right 'round the corner! My text is in lime green! Competition is coming up and I'm pumped. Yes I said pumped. It's the most boss way to say it. (Yes I said boss.) We got our shirts today and I'm ready for competion! So now I got my pokemon and I'm ready to own at comeption! So lets get out there and COMPETE!!!!!!!

^~~~~~~~~~~~~

Taste the rainbow

~Brandon~

Competition

2010-02-04T18:40:00.002-05:00

Competition is a week from Saturday!(February 6) I am so excited ^.^ The whole team is buckling down to get our last few bugs out. We are fixing our gears for our wheels because they were loose. Can't wait 'till competition.

-Joey

My Post

2010-01-28T19:00:00.004-05:00

We tightened all the nuts and bolts today on the robot. Then we made a bucket for the robot. Homework and beaseball practice later. We are making the B.O.M. (bill of materials) so ya.

Peace

Brandon

2 MORE WEEKS (and four days)!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-27T17:21:00.003-05:00

I'm excited that competition is coming up as I'm sure everyone else is too. The last team meeting went great with a lot of building getting done. We also did more building, and more building, and, more... LOTS of building. The team is putting the finishing touches on the robot and a few last minute ideas have come up. I'm sure we'll be prepared for competition when it comes around in two weeks and four days (that's how far away it is, right?)!

Taylor

2010-01-26T18:53:00.003-05:00

Heyyyy it's Sam and today I learned a lot more about the FCS ( Field Control System) and more about the LABView program. I think it's really cool now that I understand it better.

!Sam!

Hello

2010-01-26T18:26:00.007-05:00

Hello i am working on a new video and it will be posted up very soon........... Hopefully

--------------------- JEREMY -------------------------

Our Meeting is....

2010-01-26T18:09:00.001-05:00

AWESOME!

Yup... ^ as it says up there...

O.K. so here's my story, we payed for our t-Shirts today. So I hope they come soon. We are working on the robot again, and again, and again, and again... I guess you get the point. I was volunteered to post on the blog so here it is! Well... That's all folks!

Brandon

Our FLL encounter

2010-01-18T16:44:00.002-05:00

We had some of the members of the FLL team from Smith Road Elementary come to our last meeting to test us and help prepare us for our judge interview. It was cool getting to show them what we are doing even though we couldn't get the robot up and running. They had lots of good questions and it helped us to find good way to communicate our methods and get over our stage fright.

The younger kids really seemed to like our bigger robot. We talked to them about join FTC when they come to the junior high. I think they will because they really liked our stuff.

After the FLL team left we brainstormed on things we might be able to do better when it comes to answering questions. I am thankful that we had the chance to work on our speaking skills and get younger kids interested in FTC. I wish I had know about it when I was younger too.

We promised that we would invite them to our press event when we unveil our fully functional robot. That's gonna be so cool!

Thanks again to SRE FLL!
****LOGAN

Technical Difficulties

2010-01-15T16:36:00.003-05:00

Hey,

Logan and I have been trying to get our video from our school's T.V. program (BBBB) onto blogger. We thought we had it, but unfortunately it didn't upload. I think I know what's wrong, but I won't know until Tuesday.

Sorry guyz D:

Brandon

What I have learned a long long time ago in a galaxy far far away

2010-01-12T16:03:00.006-05:00

I've learned that FTC promotes teamwork and gracious professionalism. Team work is important because even though you may think you can handle everything all by yourself (you may be able to) it may not be as good as something you may have done with teamwork. Having team members around you that will help you is what you need to be successful. When your idea is silver and your partners idea is bronze together your ideas will win the gold. (That last sentence really came from the heart.) Gracious professionalism means that even though you didn't win, congratulate the other team. Don't feel envious of them, feel happy for them. It also means to be an all-around good sport, (trying your hardest, doing your best) while maintaining a good attitude. That's pretty much it...

Brandon xD

2010-01-11T16:41:00.002-05:00

The most exciting part of FTC this year has been, for me , building the robot to fit this challenge. It has been extremely difficult to build the " Cannon " and fit it on the base . Also working with my teammates has been another fun part of FTC this year. This team has the best people on it, everyone.Well , for me that has been the most exciting part of FTC this year.

'Conner'

The Most Exciting Part This Year

2010-01-11T15:22:00.002-05:00

The most exciting part of FTC this year so far was building the robot. I say so far because we haven't gone to competition. I helped build the robot the whole way. I designed a prototype arm for the robot but Logan had an even better idea. We all kept building off each others ideas and because of that, we are where we are.

Joey

2010-01-10T11:57:00.002-05:00

Hey I just wanted to say something about FTC. From what I've learned in it is that no matter how much someone says theyre independent they could always use teamwork to get a job done and to use gracious professionalism. The most exciting part of FTC for me was just seeing the robot and how it was built and how complex the progrramming can be, especially because I haventn been in FTC before. I also find it important because it gets you to do something cool and it can help with some part of your education.

Also when I first clicked on the site again I noticed the new format it's really cool!
!sam!

How We Are Doing

2010-01-09T22:12:00.023-05:00

Hello ,

I have made a video informing people about what has been happening over the Christmas break. It is currently made and waiting approval of our site's administrator, Jamie Ward. I will have another video made that I will be posting soon also; please watch for that one too. The most exciting part of FTC this year was when I got about 3 to 4 other people interested in programming. I started to name parts after the other team members. On the Charts and Graphs in the block diagram in Labview, I switched the default title names to the team member's names. When I did that, they heard their names and came over to see what was going on. Eventually I had everyone working on a demo program. It was very interesting to see how a simple switch of a title can bring in so much attention. Well that's all for now. =)

-Jeremy-

What I've Learned From FTC

2010-01-06T15:41:00.003-05:00

I've learned a lot from FTC. I have learned that the world relies on teamwork and that no one is totally independent. We all need the help of others to accomplish our goals and competing in First Tech Challenge is defiantly not an exception. I've learned that no matter how good you think are or your ideas may be, you can't afford not to listen to your team mates. They might know how to do something you hadn't thought about or have an idea just as good or even better than yours. Everyone deserves to have their thoughts heard out. My goal is to go to Cincinnati and to do all I can help my team do it's best at competition, but to achieve this goal, I'll need the help of my team to pull through.

-Logan

Where We Have Been

2009-12-30T13:12:00.000-05:00

Please Turn up your speakers systems. Enjoy =)
Sorry but it is very choppy and blurs a lot, but its not like that on my computer. It's in Hd on mine but it didn't get carried over to the Internet when I uploaded it. If anyone knows how to upload it in HD please leave me a comment.

--Jeremy--

TV Broadcast

2009-12-03T18:37:00.001-05:00

We're getting the word out about FTC. Not just with this blog, but Logan got us an interview basically with our schools TV broadcasts this Friday. Make sure to check back to see our team interview.

**Sam**

Spell Check

2009-12-03T18:34:00.005-05:00

Hey, I drew the logo and Logan realized that I spelled Revolution wrong... In the previous post it is spelled Revoluion. There is no spell check on computer paper. So I re-drew it a few meetings ago with the correct spelling. I don't think it is posted yet but I did re-draw it.

~~~Brandon~~~

A L8 Intro

2009-11-18T18:40:00.001-05:00

Hey I'm Sam,I haven't posted anything about myself yet so... ok I'm in 7th grade this is my 3rd yr in robotics 1st yr not using LEGO.My fav bands are Three Days Grace,Paramore and Bullet for My Valentine... and I forgot what else I was gonna type soo yea
-Sam

Energy Saving

2009-11-16T18:56:00.002-05:00

Lately we've been getting complaints about the background being black so I'd just like to tell you that first, it's white on black so it's pretty easy to read and two, having a black background saves energy!If you don't believe me then you can go to blackle, which is a black-background google.It has already saved over a million watts of energy so we are going green.Thank you for your time and views,

Joey

Who Wouldn't Love...

2009-11-12T08:30:00.003-05:00

ALL OF THIS???

T-shirt Design

2009-11-11T21:15:00.004-05:00

Well, I was really excited about the new t-shirt design I just made at the meeting. I'm proud of myself. That's a GOOD thing! In case you haven't noticed, it's kind of right above all the words you're reading. Hope you like it.

~Brandon

A Big "Thank You"

2009-11-10T14:07:00.003-05:00

Today, I received a donation from the Kershner family in California to help support our team. They had dropped by our blog to check us out. They said it looked like we had a great team and a good support system.

Thank you, Kershner Family, for the donation. Everyone is feeling the crunch in this complex economy, especially us here in Michigan. As a result we lost our corporate sponsor and it falls to the team to raise the funds required to build and compete. We are humbled by your donation. Please know that you are helping to not only build a robot but also our children.

~Jamie Ward
(not quite a mentor, but more than a mom)

AND

All Members of RR

** Click HERE to find more information on sponsorships and donations.

Our mission

2009-11-08T13:46:00.002-05:00

Our mission is to, basically, shoot 9 in. diameter balls into goals. There are two ground goals, two high goals, and two goals off the field, one goal for blue team and one goal for red team. There are four chutes were the balls are stored. We have to release the balls into the field, pick them up, and shoot them into the goals corresponding to our color. You can learn more about this by watching the video posted about how the game is played. We are using a cannon design to shoot the balls into the goals. We plan to be done building by the end of November or early December. We originally broke off into two smaller groups for building, except for our two programmers Sam and Jeremy, with 4 people working on each section, the base and the cannon. Joey, Brandon, Parth and I were working on the base, and Conner, Logan, Anthony, and Ben were working on the cannon. Last meeting, we collaborated to attach the two pieces together. That's what we've accomplished so far. Hopefully we'll get a lot done at our next meeting.

Taylor

Introduction

2009-11-06T15:01:00.006-05:00

Hey, I'm Brandon and I DON'T LIKE BACON. Instead I like sausage and pancakes and all that breakfastey stuff. I love to draw and make stuff. I joined robotics last year and I decided to join again because I liked the competition last year. I like music yo! Some of my favorite songs are, Fireflies-Owl City, Evacuate the Dance Floor- Cascada, I Write Sins not Tragedies-Panic! at the Disco, Last Resort-Papa Roach and Numb-Linkin Park. Well I just put all those songs in to make it look like I wrote a lot.

THE END!!!!!

p.s. Guess who's back with a brand new rap?

Introduction

2009-11-05T21:22:00.005-05:00

Hey I'm Joey. I have been in Robotics for 4 years now. I am a builder currently, as of Thursday, Nov. 5, working on the base. I like the band Nirvana and I play guitar and lacrosse.

Introduction

2009-11-05T20:03:00.009-05:00

Hello, I am Jeremy, and I'm the main programmer for this team. I am an 8th grader, and I have been in robotics since the 5th grade. I love programing, and I want to be a design engineer when I'm older. I love the Xbox 360 and I love CHEEZE!! Yes its a weird thing that barely anyone knows about me; however, I love it, and I will put it on most any food. I HATE bacon! Yes that is a kind of random thing to say, but whatever, this is me, and who I am. .........(8^D)--)--(

P.S. I will be putting up some video footage of the robot soon =)

- Jeremy

Introduction

2009-11-05T09:36:00.001-05:00

Hi, I'm Taylor. This is my 4th year of robotics. I also named the team last year. I love building the robot. Oh yeah, and GO COWBOYS!

Introduction

2009-11-05T09:08:00.001-05:00

My name is Logan. I am an 8th grader. This is my 4th year of robotics. I specialize in building, but I have a feeling that I might end up doing some programing this year. The thing that I like about robotics the most is building a specialized robot and competing against other teams. I love any food that's in a tortilla and pickles.

-Logan

Introduction

2009-11-04T20:13:00.001-05:00

I'm Conner. I've been in Robotics for six years now. I love it. I am, for now , a team captain . I like the band AC/DC. Oh and GO STEELERS.

Conner

Last Year's Team 2008-2009

2009-10-30T20:38:00.001-04:00

Revolution RobotZ
Team #2975

Long Live FRANZ

iSpace Competition 2009

2009-10-29T21:14:00.001-04:00

Our first FTC competition last year in 2009. We placed 11th out of 24 teams! Pretty good for a rookie team!

Sponsorship Information

2009-10-29T10:25:00.001-04:00

Our Robotics team, the Bedford Jr. HS Revolution Robotz, is a FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Tech Challenge team. We are a group of 10 students that attend Bedford Junior High School in Temperance, Michigan. The FIRST Tech Challenge is a robotics event that involves junior high and high school students working together to create a robot that can perform a specific task. As we learn what the competition is about and how demanding it is to build a robot, we realize that we cannot do this without your help. We are the second team in Bedford to compete in this division, and we will be competing against many high school students.

We are asking for your help through financial aid. Although we work hard to raise money, we have not raised enough to cover all expenses. Any donation would be appreciated. These donations will go towards competitions, robot parts, and other necessary items. Some of the costs incurred include the registration - $295, battery packs - $50 , Robotics Kit - $999, playing field - $200, misc. spare parts -$100, competition fees - $200 - $500, a programming kit - $150, spare parts- $100 and interlocking foam mats - $150. Additionally, we need to purchase spirit items for competitions. We need to raise a total of $2,500 to fully fund our team. We are looking for your support to help pay for some of our supplies and competition fees.

If you or your company are able to sponsor us $100 or more, we will proudly display a logo of your choice on our shirts at competition. All sponsors will be recognized in our press releases, no matter what the donation amount.

We are a 2nd year team this season and your help is vital to our success. If you would like to learn more about our program you can go to First and look for the F.I.R.S.T. Tech Challenge link.

**If you have any questions or would like to sponsor our team please email the coach/mentor at

bthomas46@buckeye-express.com
or
jsimmonsward@aol.com

Please make sponsorship checks payable to
Bedford Junior High School

Mailing Information
Jamie Ward
6700 Bennington
Temperance, MI
48182

Thank you for your support!

Revolution RobotZ
Team 2975

2009-10-01T22:16:00.001-04:00

Please feel free to contact us at any time!

Barry Thomas - Coach at
bthomas46@buckeye-express.com

OR

Jamie Ward- Mentor at
jsimmonsward@aol.com

Revolution RobotZ

Today IS the Day

The team's down here in Cincinnati

The 2nd To The Last Meeting

Finishing up

What's Up?

Competition

My Post

2 MORE WEEKS (and four days)!!!!!!!!!

Hello

Our Meeting is....

More Problems

Our FLL encounter

Technical Difficulties

What I have learned a long long time ago in a galaxy far far away

The Most Exciting Part This Year

How We Are Doing

What I've Learned From FTC

Where We Have Been

TV Broadcast

Spell Check

A L8 Intro

Energy Saving

Who Wouldn't Love...

T-shirt Design

A Big "Thank You"

Our mission

Introduction

Introduction

Introduction

Introduction

Introduction

Introduction

Last Year's Team 2008-2009

iSpace Competition 2009

Sponsorship Information