TEAM COMMUNICATION
HELPFUL LINKS
Game and Season
- https://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/ftc/game-and-season-info
- Game Manual 1: MUST READ! Contains program specific rules and guidelines.
- Game Manual 2: MUST READ! Contains game specific rules and guidelines.
Team Administration
- FIRST Mentor Manual
- FTC Coach’s Playbook
- FTC Curriculum – free Schoology course
- FIRST Youth Protection
- Step by Step Guide with screenshots
- Register a Team
- FTC Storefront Ordering Instructions
- Team Management Resources
Robot and Programming:
- Robot Building Resources
- Includes the “Basic Bot” build guides for TETRIX and REV build kits
- Programming Resources:
- Legal and Illegal Parts List
Inspections
Engineering Notebook
Judging
- FTC 5386, Freeland Fabricators, Shop Tool Introduction and Safety Video
- FRC 503 FTC Resources
PARTS AND VENDORS
FTC KIT OF PARTS (reusable year to year):
Rookie and veteran teams can purchase the base FTC Kit of Parts through the FTC Storefront accessible via the Team Dashboard.
See RUN A TEAM site page under “FTC Kit of Parts” for details.
Android Devices (aka phones):
For teams looking to order extra phones, these models of phones are approved for use in FTC:
There are threads on the FTC Forum discussing perceived advantages/disadvantages to types of phones.
PITSCO and REV discount codes are available on the team’s FTC Storefront.
- Enter the Storefront.
- Click on the “Support” Button at the upper right corner of each page.
- Click on the “How to Order Extra Parts.”
- Each link will take you to the Vendor’s Website.
- TETRIX and REV Robotics discount codes will appear below their logo. It’s only available once a team has fully purchased their Season Registration Fee.
Teams (rookies and veterans) may return to the Storefront throughout the season to purchase product following the access procedures above, per the restrictions of the Storefront (max 1 set per Category: Control, Electronics, and Competition). The FTC Storefront prices are deeply discounted versus ordering directly from the vendor.
While product listed in the “FTC Storefront” is necessary to build a functioning robot, teams are not required to purchase all product from the Storefront. Refer to the season’s Game Manual for the rules regarding allowable parts along with the Legal/Illegal Parts List.
FTC encourages innovation and “out of the box” thinking! FTC has a generous allowable parts list that enables teams to use components outside of the standard FTC kit of parts. Teams may also fabricate parts including the use of 3D printing technologies. Always check the Legal/Illegal parts list and the Game Manuals when in doubt on whether a particular component is compliant with the season’s rules.
Pitsco – Official supplier of TETRIX parts. Please Note: The primary source for the initial purchase of the FTC Kit of Parts for teams is through the FTC Storefront.
REV Robotics – Official supplier of the REV Expansion Hub and the REV Build Kit.
AndyMark – Official FTC game elements, official FTC field perimeter, Soft Tiles floor mats, some other legal FTC parts like chain, spacers, etc.
McMaster-Carr – Huge industrial supply company. Good source for 6-32 cap screws, nylon insert lock nuts, #6 washers (6-32 is the standard Tetrix fastener size). Also good for various size/shape aluminum extrusions, sheet aluminium, sheet polycarbonate plastic (Lexan), surgical tubing, etc. Fast shipping – standard UPS is 1 day service if you get your order in early in the day.
Powerwerx – Anderson connectors to replace battery/core module connections. Don’t forget the crimper!
Tower Hobbies – Duratrax Ultimate Hex drivers – 3/32″ and 5/64″ for Tetrix axle collar and axle/motor hub set screws. These are pretty much indestructible.
ServoCity – ServoCity is an online retail store specializing in servos, gearboxes and vast array of other mechanical parts. Their Actobotics®product line is used by many FIRST® teams in their robot designs.
LOGOS
- FIRST in Michigan logos29Autodesk
- Consumers Energy
- Dream Maker Fund
- DTE Energy Foundation
- General Motors
- Ford Motor Co.
- State of Michigan
FIRST Logos and branding standards
GENERAL
Download and customize this Certificate of Participation to recognize your team members participation in the FIRST Tech Challenge season. Format is a fillable pdf.
Information on hosting a FIRST in Michigan FTC event can be found in this google folder: FIRST in Michigan FTC Event Organization. Resources include equipment list, sample budget, planning guides, schedule, layouts, etc.
Email michiganftc@gmail.com with your event hosting interest.
