FLL Tech Corner

We've got more coming soon!

2011-05-10T07:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a long FLL season this year. The Astromechs have had a very strong year taking First and Second place in Robot Performance at the Kansas and Western Missouri Regional Competition, as well as First Place in the Missouri Governor's Cup. We are now preparing to head to San Diego for the Legoland FLL North American Open which will be on May 21-22.

Please stay tuned. As the season winds down we have a number of podcasts thought out that we will finally have time to produce. Topics will include:

Complete overview of the award winning body forward robot design and missions
Basic Line Following
Advanced Line Following
Wall Following (a unique Astromechs innovation)
Accurate distance driving
Multitasking
Menu Systems

Please stay tuned!

Episode 6 - Motor Matching

2010-09-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

In this episode the Kansas City Astromechs show how to match motors for more accurate driving.

Recorded September 23, 2010.

http://m.podshow.com/media/26043/episodes/250301/flltechcorner-250301-09-24-2010.mp4

Episode 5 - Driving Straight

2010-09-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

Episode 5 covers driving straight and builds on Episode 4 (Dead Reckoning). In this episode the Kansas City Astromechs show a common problem for new teams when attempting to drive straight, and strategies for correcting the problem.

Recorded September 16, 2010.

http://m.podshow.com/media/26043/episodes/250300/flltechcorner-250300-09-24-2010.mp4

Episode 4 - Dead Reckoning

2010-08-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

Episode 4 covers Dead Reckoning for FLL Robots. In this episode you will learn the basics of how to drive with only the use of the rotation sensors, which is very common in FLL Robot Competitions.

Topics in this episode include move blocks, motor blocks, measuring tools, and designing a program to follow a defined path.

Recorded August 21, 2010.

http://m.podshow.com/media/26043/episodes/245476/flltechcorner-245476-08-21-2010.mp4

Episode 3 - Show Me Robotics

2010-08-18T19:14:00.000-07:00

The Astromechs bring you coverage of the Show Me Robotics Exhibition from the Missouri State Fair. Included are interviews with NASA, The Kansas City Space Pirates, MakeKC, and more! This episode was recorded by members of the Astromechs as they presented their robotics in the Show Me Robotics Exhibition. This event was held at the Missouri State Fair on August 15 and 16 in Sedalia, Missouri.

Recorded August 15, 2010.

http://m.podshow.com/media/26043/episodes/245227/flltechcorner-245227-08-20-2010.mp4

Episode 2 - Robot Bases

2010-08-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

In this episode, the Astromechs show three different robot bases including the high performing "Low Rider" base from the 2009-2010 Smart Moves season. The robots demonstrated are:

A basic three wheel robot with simple driving (and dancing!).
The award winning "Low Rider" base robot demonstrating some nifty line following.
A dual drive track robot.

Recorded on August 8, 2010

http://m.podshow.com/media/26043/episodes/245225/flltechcorner-245225-08-20-2010.mp4

Episode 1 - Set Up and First Program

2010-08-08T00:07:00.000-07:00

Episode 1 of the FLL Tech Corner covers the basics of the NXT Brick, connecting to a computer, and writing your first program.

Recorded August 6, 2010

http://m.podshow.com/media/26043/episodes/245224/flltechcorner-245224-08-20-2010.mp4