PTC Hands On Workshop - Nov 9 in Grand Rapids

Greeting Teams,

REGISTER TODAY FOR PTC HANDS ON WORKSHOP - NOVEMBER 9, 2013

Holland FIRST Robotics Team CHAOS (FRC Team 74) and Code Red Robotics (FRC Team 2771) is co-hosting with PTC a free hands-on workshop to show how you can build a better robot in less time using PTC software products Creo 2.0, MathCad and Windchill.

All Michigan FRC and FTC teams are welcome to attend.

State FTC Grant

On October 15, the application process opened for the State grant which provides for a FTC coach stipend of $1,500.

The application is available via MEGS+ https://megs.mde.state.mi.us/megs/login.asp.  It can only be accessed by a Level 5 school/district administrator.

Please keep in mind that while you can and should apply, we have only a total of 100 FTC stipends to be give out over the next 3 years. This means only 33 will be awarded each year. As we have just under 170 FTC teams this season, the award will be very, very competitive  .Grant Information PDF  

Field Perimeters and IR Beacons

There have been some changes to the field perimeters and IR Beacons for this season.

Middle School FTC Event Registration is OPEN!

The events for our 2013 FIRST in Michigan Middle School FTC season have been finalized and are posted on the FIRST and FIRST in Michigan sites.

 Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 15th, at 7:00am - event registration opens!  The main contacts for each team will receive a google form via email to be used to register for this season's events.  Each team should submit one form.  Registration is on a first come-first served basis.

The FIRST in Michigan FTC Event Process, including advancement criteria, is available at this link:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fksfUCR19aTMHlHKAUNFti4cz3EE8UKaxZwUD5bBZD0/pub.

Battery Chargers

Per PITSCO, back ordered battery chargers will start to be shipped out to teams on October 15th.  

Due to a UL certification issue, PITSCO has been unable to ship 12V battery chargers with the FTC Kit of Parts.  Many teams have been asking for options in order to keep progressing with their build schedule.

FIRST in Michigan Approved options:
1. Wait for the replacement charger from PITSCO.

2. Find a local team (FTC or FRC) with a Tetrix battery charger you can borrow, or at least use to charge your batteries. Check the FIRST in Michigan site for FTC/FRC teams in your area. 

3. Find an alternate vendor - Amazon has them in stock. Looks like it's a charger/battery combo pack, but it is a good idea to have a second battery anyway if your team budget allows for it.

Introduction to FTC LabView Programming Class at The Robot Garage

INTRODUCTION TO FTC PROGRAMMING (Labview Only)
Sunday, Sept 29th
3:00 to 7:00 PM
The Robot Garage, Birmingham
$50 per team (1 mentor + up to 2 students per team)

Registration should be made under mentor name only.
Max - 12 teams

https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/home.asp?studioid=17778

then click on Classes to register.

Season Information

On Sept. 7th, this year's game will be announced on the FIRST FTC national website: usfirst.org/ftc. For a recap of information provided to all registered FIRST in Michigan Middle School FTC teams, click on the Read More link below.  Topics include:  Registration, Grants, Kit of Parts, Kickoff Event, PTC workshop, Events and more!  Any questions, please email michiganftc@gmail.com.

PTC Hands-On Workshop - 9/28/13

FRC Team 2834 is co-hosting with PTC a free hands-on workshop to show how you can build a better robot in less time using PTC software products Creo, MathCAD and Windchill. All Michigan FRC and FTC teams are welcome to attend.

Date: Saturday, 9/28/13
Time: 9am - 3pm
Location: Bloomfield Hills High School (formerly Lahser High School), 3456 Lahser Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

To Register, use this link.

Kickoff Event!

The 2013-2014 FTC game announcement will be on Sept. 7th at 3pm on the FIRST FTC site.  Join your fellow Michigan FTC teams at Kettering University for a kickoff extravaganza!  This event features workshops, break out sessions and a game reveal!!  Visit the MMRA Event page for more information and to register for the workshops/sessions.  FTC Kickoff Event Flyer

FTC Rookie Grants Available

Announcing the 2013-2014 Michigan Middle School FTC Rookie Grants!  This year's grant package is better than ever, thanks to the generosity of General Motors, Consumers Energy and other long time FIRST sponsors.  To learn more about these grants, their requirements and how to apply:  FIRST in Michigan FTC Grants.  Note that the General Motors grant is available to the first 100 teams that apply and are approved.

2013-2014 FTC Season Registration is Open!

Registration for the 2013-2014 season is now open!  Visit this link for instructions on how to register your team:  FTC Registration Instructions. 

2013 Off Season Events

Visit the 2012 Events (for 2013 off season events too!) page and click on the Off Season Events and Workshops link at the bottom of the page for all off season opportunities.

FTC and Mindstorms EV3

Visit the official FTC Blog for the latest news on the new Mindstorms EV3 and FTC.