Illinois FTC Email Blasts

The Illinois FTC Affiliate Partners send out timely Email Blasts to registered teams in order to communicate important information. Here are the latest email blasts for the 2015-2016 season:

E-mail Blast #5: September 1, 2015

Kickoff Season with Game Reveal, Sept. 12 RSVP by 9/8

Some events will have workshops. Contact hosts for details or look at Google forms.

http://www.ilfirst.org/ftc/events/2015-kick-off-events.html

Elgin

Date: Sept. 12

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Location: Elgin Technology Center, 73 S Riverside Dr #200, Elgin, IL 60120

Take elevator to floor 2 and follow signs.

Contact: m.mckellar@gotrobot.us

Limit: 15 teams so please RSVP by Tues., Sept. 8th

Food: TBA

Highland Park

Date: Sept. 12

Time: 8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Workshops

Location: Highland Park High School, 433 Vine Ave., Highland Park, IL 60035

Use main entrance and follow signs to science wing

Questions? Contact: jwftcil@gmail.com

Register by: Tues., Sept. 8th

Google team registration link: https://goo.gl/jkDyl9

Limit: TBD

Moline

Date: Sept. 12, 2015

Time: 8:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

Workshops

Location: John Deere World Headquarters

1 John Deere Pl.

Moline, IL 61265

Contact: smithgregoryryan@gmail.com

Limit: 24 Teams

Register by: Tues., Sept. 8th

Google team registration link: https://goo.gl/t4XcpE

Event Site: http://goo.gl/SVihfA

Sign up to volunteer: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1NjHhhsbnaBujSDlybEVYmHCayTvA9IHnuPfwfa_57c4/viewform

Peoria

Date: Sept. 12, 2015

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St., Peoria, IL 61602

Giant Screen Theater

Limit: 200 participants

Contact: washingtonhosea69@gmail.com

RSVP by: Tues., Sept. 8th

Tour Dinosaurs in Motion 10:00-10:30

Rockford

Date: Sept. 12, 2015

Contact: info@rockfordrobotics.com

Other FTC Events with Workshops:

Sept. 19 Kickstart Workshops - Decatur

Decatur: Workshops - Introductory FTC Topics and New Technology

Date: Sat., Sept. 19

Time: 12:15 - 5:30

Location: University of Illinois Extension Office - Macon county

3351 N. President Howard Brown BLVD

Decatur, IL 62521

RSVP by Sept. 15

RSVP to: ftc5202@gmail.com

Limit: 65

Sept. 26 FTC Workshops - Chicago

Date: Sept. 26

Time: TBA

Location: Ford City Mall

7601 S. Cicero Ave.

Chicago, IL

RSVP by: Sept. 22

RSVP to: roboticslady@gmail.com

Demo Opportunity

Tues., Sept. 29 & Weds., Sept. 30

SMTA - Trade Show

Rosemont, IL

Email: ftc-contact@ilfirst.org

E-mail Blast #4: August 17, 2015

US FIRST Registration

IL FIRST Registration - Open - no fee to register

New Required Robot Control System - Specific Android Phones & Modern Robotics Electronics

New Required Java Programming - Only Java JDK(Oracle), Android Studio or MIT App Inventor

Kickoff Events: Game Reveal & Workshop, Sept. 12

Kickstart Event: Decatur Sept. 19

Make FIRST Loud by Volunteering to Demo

SMTA Demo Sept. 29,30

Volunteer!

US FIRST Summer FLL Outreach Event Survey

Song Parody Contest

PTC Grant Application Link due 9/19

Evil Purple Sock Outreach sign up by 8/29

FTC in the Classroom - Standards Alignment, Summer Virtual Conference, Tetrix Mastery

IL FIRST FTC Team Blasts -Unsubscribe/changes/addition email: ftc-contact@ilfirst.org

US FIRST FTC Team Blasts - http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/emailblastarchive.aspx

US FIRST Registration

Begin by registering your FTC team with US FIRST

To help you register your team this year, US FIRST has some helpful videos and PDF

The links can be found on the US FIRST website under Team or Mentor Resources

http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/mentors

NOTE: Rookies need to apply for rookie grant & await notification before purchase

Apply for rookie grant through TIMS

Veteran Teams - some grants may still be available

All teams - Once you have team members, here is a video to help parents complete Invites for FIRST event team member roster:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUU0QGbWg4s

IL FIRST Registration

Next register with Illinois FIRST Tech Challenge

Illinois FTC registration is open.

There is no fee to register an Illinois FTC team

You will login to IL Registration site later in September to register team for qualifiers.

More info and registration link found here:

http://www.ilfirst.org/ftc/teams/ftcregistration.html

New Required Competition Robot Control System

FIRST Tech Challenge will no longer allow the use of NXT Mindstorm brick/controller to control robots.

All 2015-16 competition robots must use the new robot control system hardware, software, and Java.

The new system should be ordered when registering your team on US FIRST.

Basically the system consists of:

Specific type of Android phones - Only - Android Boost Mobile, ZTE Speed, OS Jelly Bean

Additional phones can be purchased from other providers such as Best Buy & Amazon

Modern Robotics Hardware

Veteran teams can us the Legacy Module to continue using HiTech motor & servo controller, and NXT sensors

FTC New Control System Overview by Intelitek for FTC teams Unit 1

http://first.intelitek.com

General New Technology information:

http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/technology

The most up to date information & Questions - FTC Technology Forum:

http://ftcforum.usfirst.org/forumdisplay.php?156-FTC-Technology

Required Java Programming

All 2015-16 competition robots must use Java.

Directions for setting up phones and downloading required software can be found by going to USFIRST.org/FTC/Team Resources/ Pushbot, Set up starts on page 52

Link:

http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Robotics_Programs/FTC/Game_Info/2015/PushBot-Build-Guide.pdf

Be sure to first install the Java Development Kit (JDK) and follow the manual's instructions. Links for other downloads for FTC programming set up are included in instructions.

Phone set up videos are also available at the above Technology Forum linked above.

NOTE: BETA available now for Android Studio & MIT App inventor software

Teams will need to update after game release Sept. 12th.

Inteliteck will be releasing more training units later this month and in September. Look for links in the team blasts.

Kickoff Season with Game Reveal, Sept. 12 RSVP by 9/8

Some events will have workshops. Contact hosts for details or look at Google forms.

http://www.ilfirst.org/ftc/events/2015-kick-off-events.html

Elgin

Date: Sept. 12

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Location: Elgin Technology Center, 73 S Riverside Dr #200, Elgin, IL 60120

Take elevator to floor 2 and follow signs.

Contact: m.mckellar@gotrobot.us

Limit: 15 teams so please RSVP by Tues., Sept. 8th

Food: TBA

Highland Park

Date: Sept. 12

Time: 8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: Highland Park High School, 433 Vine Ave., Highland Park, IL 60035

Use main entrance and follow signs to science wing

Questions? Contact: jwftcil@gmail.com

Goggle registration link: https://goo.gl/jkDyl9

Limit: TBD

Peoria

Date: Sept. 12, 2015

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location:Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St., Peoria, IL 61602

Giant Screen Theater

Limit: 200 participants

Contact: ftc-contact@ilfirst.org

RSVP by Tues., Sept. 8th

Tour Dinosaurs in Motion 10:00-10:30

Moline

Date: Sept. 12, 2015

Time: 8:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

Location: John Deere World Headquarters

1 John Deere Pl.

Moline, IL 61265

Contact: smithgregoryryan@gmail.com

Limit: 24 Teams

Goggle registration link: https://goo.gl/t4XcpE

Rockford

Date: Sept. 12, 2015

Contact: info@rockfordrobotics.com

Sept. 19 Kickstart Event

Decatur: Workshops - Introductory FTC Topics and New Technology

Date: Sat., Sept. 19

Time: 12:15 - 5:30

Location University of Illinois Extension Office - Macon county

3351 N. President Howard Brown BLVD

Decatur, IL 62521

RSVP by Sept. 15

RSVP to: ftc5202@gmail.com

Limit: 65

Make FIRST Loud by Volunteering to Demo

Throughout the year FIRST teams are asked to demo at other FIRST events, trade shows, and other locations. We are looking for teams to demo at 26 FLL tournaments FLL Qualifying Tournaments and the SMTA trade show Sept. 29 & 30.

Is your team interested in learning more about these opportunities?

Contact: ftc-contact@ilfirst.org

SMTA, Surface Mount Technology Association - Electronics Trade Show

Tues., Sept. 29 & Weds., Sept. 30

Donald Stephens Convention Center

Rosemont, IL

Demo your robot, check out the trade show & Robot Alley & 4-H Robotics/Engineering

Shifts available

Contact: ftc-contact@ilfirst.org

Volunteer for FIRST Events!

A whole host of volunteers will be needed again this year. Make this a team activity and learn about meets and qualifiers from the inside out. Recruit parents and your community to volunteer at FIRST events. Great outreach activity

https://my.usfirst.org/FIRSTPortal/Login/VIMS_login.aspx

2015-16 PTC Grant Application

Apply before Sept. 18, 2015

https://goo.gl/cKCi8a

FLL Summer Camp Outreach US FIRST Survey

Does your team or FIRST organization offer FIRST LEGO League summer workshops or camps? If so, we'd like to hear from you! Please complete this very short survey to tell us about the summer camps that you offer in your region so that we can learn more about these opportunities and work to support your efforts!

2015 FIRST Song Parody Competition

Upload by Mon., Nov., 30, 2015
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/2015-video-parody

The Evil Purple Sox - Sock Outreach Project

Contact team by Sat., Aug. 29th
This is the second annual socks for The Evil Purple Sox outreach event. We are reaching out to teams across the country and asking them to think of the individuals in their communities that may be heat challenged.

We want to partner with teams to help make a difference in their communities. We ask that starting in mid to early September and running through early December teams reach out to their community, schools, etc.. and ask for the donation of new pairs of socks. These socks will be donated to the heat challenged in their area. We will support each team by providing you with promotional flyers and by contacting your local red cross and/or salvation army to identify pick up/drop off locations in your community. We will host Google hangouts with teams throughout the donation period to get updates on progress as well as to give teams an opportunity to collaborate throughout the build season. Please let us know if you are interested in taking part in this outreach opportunity.

Thank you,
The Evil Purple Sox
evilpurplesox5@gmail.com

FTC in the Classroom - Standards Alignment, Tetrix Guide, and more Videos - Link

Videos:

http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/gear-up-with-ftc

FTC in the Classroom - Scroll to bottom of page

http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/mentors

Volunteering together,

Jonathan Weiland, and Sue Kunzeman, Illinois FTC Copartners

Sravan Suryadevara, Jr. Illinois FTC Copartner

Social Medial:

Illinois FTC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FTCillinois

Illinois FTC on Twitter: @FTCillinois

US FTC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FTCTeams

US FTC on Twitter: @FTC teams

E-mail Blast #3: July 21, 2015

Teams,

Indiana FTC is hosting a day of workshops in Jasper, IN, and they are inviting Illinois teams to participate.

See the following announcement:

SI FTC Forums – Saturday, August 15^th

Everyone is invited! Rookies, Veterans, Mentors, Coaches, etc., be sure to make plans to attend the inaugural Southern Indiana FTC Forums for a day that promises to be filled with learning, information, discussions, new friends and lots of fun!

Location: Jasper, Indiana

Vincennes University Jasper Campus - Center for Technology, Innovation & Manufacturing

850 College Avenue

Jasper, Indiana

Time: 10:00 am – 3:30 pm EST

Lunch: On your own. There will be a list of local restaurants on hand that you can order from, or you can brown-bag it. Vending machines are located within the facility for beverages and snacks and we are also working on possibly having one of the campus student groups set up a concession stand.

Cost: $10.00 per team

Registration – Opens July 15, 2015! To Register Go to -

https://sites.google.com/site/indianaftc/indiana-off-season-events

Make Checks payable to Purdue University

Mail to:

Purdue University

Mechanical Engineering Building Room G027

585 Purdue Mall

West Lafayette, IN 47907-2088

ATTN: Steve Florence

Tentative Schedule – (subject to change, will be finalized closer to event)

Time
10:00 – 10:30 am	Check-In - Welcome

	Room 1	Room 2	Common Area
10:30 – 11:15 am	Android Studio Programming	Engineering Notebook	Community Presentation – What is FIRST and FIRST Tech Challenge
11:15 am – 12:00 pm	Android Studio Programming	Business Planning / Fundraising	FTC Demo
12:00 – 1:00 pm	Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 pm	Android Studio Programming	TBD Possibly game strategy? Judging?	OPEN
2:00 – 3:00 pm	Android Studio Programming	Robot Design Principles	OPEN
3:00 – 3:30 pm	Closing Wrap-up

Teams – As you can see we have a TBD and a couple of OPENs. We are still seeking additional students and mentors who would like to present a session topic. If you are interested in presenting or have an idea for a topic you would like to see, please email Nicole Mauntel (nmauntel@usfirst.org) or Lori Hall (norinftc4u@gmail.com)

Also we are planning on inviting area LEGO teams and members of the community to “Come and See” what FTC is all about and the amazing things our students are doing! If you are able to bring a bot for demostrations, please let Nicole know (nmauntel@usfirst.org) – it would be greatly appreciated!!

*** Special Note to those planning on attending the Android Studio Programming Sessions

Please try to do as many of the items listed below as possible before arriving for the workshop.

1. Charge your main and cell phone batteries. Bring your computers, robots, batteries, chargers, joysticks, hubs and spare parts too.

2. Set up your cell phones per this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n597U6rcl2Y

3. Download and Install the robot controller and the driver’s station on the phones, per instructions on pages 53-62 of the training manual instructions available here: https://github.com/ftctechnh/ftc_app.

(Click on the download zip in lower right corner, unzip it and proceed to ftc_app_master/doc/tutorial.)

4. Download and Install the Java JDK, Android Studio and update the SDK per the instructions on pages 14-26 of the training manual instructions.

5. Build the k9bot robot (or something similar) per the build guide. Build instructions are included in the same folder as the training manual in the zip file.

If you have technical questions or questions on the above list, please contact Keith Hall at khall@usfirst.org or call at 219-381-4116. For all other questions on the Event, please email Nicole Mauntel (nmauntel@usfirst.org) or Lori Hall (norinftc4u@gmail.com)

Hope to see you on August 15th!

Best to all.

Indiana FTC

E-mail Blast #2: July 1, 2015

Teams,

1. ServoCity

2. Sunday, 7/12 - FIRST Teams at the Kane County Cougars Baseball Game, reserve tickets by 7/9

3. Reminder State Championship will be a 2 day event1.

4. New Technology Information & Updates

5. Wednesday, 7/15 Gear Up with FTC Summer Virtual Conference

6. Saturday, 7/27, Teams needed to demo at Rockford Off Season Competition

1. ServoCity announces their support of FIRST Tech Challenge Teams.

For those of you who might not know, ServoCity sells many parts and servos that are allowed under the Robot Rules in Game Manual Part 1. The 2015-16 Game Manual Part 1 will be available around July 7th on the USFIRST.org site

http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc

ServoCity is ....

Providing five $1,000 sponsorships in parts https://www.servocity.com/html/firstr_sponsorship_application.html
25% of discount for all FIRST teams https://www.servocity.com/html/firstr_team_discount_applicati.html
Free Parts Newsletter- teams can sign up to receive a free part every 6-8 weeks https://www.servocity.com/html/free_parts_newsletter.html
Weekly Freebies - Each week we’re giving away free parts on Twitter https://www.servocity.com/html/_actoboticsgiveaway.html
“Leftover” Program – Teams can send back used/unused parts and receive a full credit at the end of the season https://www.servocity.com/html/return_unused_parts_for_credit.html

Visit the Actobotics FIRST Hub to learn more:

https://www.servocity.com/html/firstr_hub.html

NOTE: Again be sure to check 15-16 Game Manual Part 1 Robot Rules before purchasing any parts that are not Tetrix or Matrix. When in doubt post a question on the Question and Answer forum before purchasing. 2015-16 Game Manual Part 1 should be released next week.

2. Sun., 7/12 ,1:00 p.m.- FIRST Teams at the Kane County Cougars Baseball Game - 34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva, IL

Gear It Forward, FRC #2338 is hosting their 2nd annual FIRST at the Kane County Cougars game on July 12.

Gates open 12:00

Reserve tickets by emailing: Ksknopf@yahool.com by July 9th

All levels of FIRST teams in the area, their families, and fans are invited to come out for a fun day of FIRST and baseball. Tickets are $5 each.

It’s Kids Eat Free day, and all children between 3-10 will receive a voucher for a free hot dog and small soda.

https://www.facebook.com/oswegofirst/photos/a.578557838827089.153868.203503959665814/1113463928669808/?type=1&theater

3. 2016 Illinois State Championship - 2 Day event

Reminder - the Illinois State Leadership Team is making plans to increase the number of teams at the championship.

This means teams should plan on a day and 1/2 event with Friday night inspections and judging - and Saturday matches.

Most likely will cost $200/team

4. New Technology Information & Updates

Be sure to check the FTC Technology Forum for updates and information

http://ftcforum.usfirst.org/forumdisplay.php?156-FTC-Technology

First new platform training module released
www.first.intelitek.com

5. Wednesday, 7/15, TBA, Gear Up with FTC in the Classroom - Virtual Conference

For 2015, the Gear Up with FTC conference is focused on the theme of FTC in the Classroom, and while the content will be focused on classroom content and for educators, there will be useful information for the entire FTC community as well.

The time has not been announced. Check this link for the time. The workshops will be recorded and posted at this link, too.

http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/gear-up-with-ftc

6. Sat., 7/27, Demo at Rockford FRC Off - Season Competition,

9-5:30

Contact Chris McGee for more information: chris.magee@rps205.com

2 hour shifts

Finally,

Sue Kunzeman & Jonathan Weiland

Illinois FIRST FTC Copartners

Sravan Suryadevara

Jr. FTC Partner

Email Blast #1: May 28, 2015

Summary(not links to paragraphs):

Outreach Opportunities

US FTC Registration Open

US FTC Grants

New Platform Information

Summer Workshops

2015-16 Illinois League Play - Northern Illinois

League Play is coming to Chicago

2015-16 Illinois Qualifier Dates

2016 Illinois State Championship

Outreach Opportunities: Looking for FTC Teams to Demo If your team is available to demo at any of these events, email: ftc-contact@ilfirst.org

· June 10, 6:30-8:30 pm, Grayslake, College of Lake Country, Robotics Festival

· June 25 & 26 Techweek- Chicago, Merchandise Mart,

o Slots (choose 1 or both)

o 9 AM - 1 PM and 1 PM - 5 PM. contact Mari Miller <mmiller@usfirst.org>

· Chicago Children's Museum. Thursday Nights –with FLL teams contact Katrina Adams kadams@usfirst.org Arrive 4:30 until 8

o June 18^th

o July 16th

o August 20th

· July 27-Rockford –Rock the River

· Aug. 22, TBD, Springfield, State Fair

· Sept. 29 & 30, TBD, Rosemont, SMTA, Trade Show with Robot Alley- contact Katrina Adams kadams@usfirst.org

Help Wanted - FTC Teams to Demo

Would your team and robot be available to demo this summer?

Contact: ftc-contact@ilfirst.org

US FTC Registration

Registration is now open.

"FTC Storefront Walkthrough" video will take you through the registration process and pricing.

http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/registration

NOTE:

1. Apply for grants first.

2. Next 2 coaches must pass YPP screening.

3. Be ready to pay for everything at one time.

US FTC Grants

Apply now

Rookies - $575 (covers $275 registration + $300 product cost)

Veteran Teams - $275 (covers registration)

http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/grow

New Platform Info

The FTC Forum: FTC Technology page is a good resource

Link: http://ftcforum.usfirst.org/forumdisplay.php?156-FTC-Technology

For a more in-depth video about platform check out this video recording of Thomas Eng, FTC Engineer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5omOF2WvI8M#t=2619

Java Programming Training:

Specific FTC training is coming

FREE Java Tutorials are available on Oracle's website:

https://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/

Thomas recommended doing at least the first three under "Trails Covering the Basics."

Summer FTC Workshops

Starting July 11 sign up https://goo.gl/HDj8lJ

Later this summer after the new platform equipment becomes available, we will be working on arranging workshops around the state for mentors and team members.

2015-16 Illinois League Play - Northern Illinois

League Play FAQ

What is league play- https://goo.gl/D0F87D

Indicate league play interest by filling out this Google form: http://goo.gl/TyPmBs

2015-16 Illinois FTC Qualifiers

Most likely will cost $150/qualifier

Looking for 1-2 more qualifier organizers for Northern Illinois

Apply using this Google form: http://goo.gl/MtzMcE

NOTE: The below dates are subject to change. Official announcement will be made in August/September.

Tentative League/Qualifier Schedule

November 14/24

First Round of League Play