Category: FIRST Tech Challenge

Essential info from the Kickoff

Aaron

Aloha Teams,

Welcome back for another exciting FTC season!

This post includes critical information we presented at the Kickoff. We urge every coach to review this info with the team. Also, be sure to add FTC event dates to your team calendar. As always, we welcome your questions and suggestions. FTC Partners can be reached at <ftc@hawaiifirstrobotics.org>.

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Season Schedule of events

  • League Meet #1 10/28 Sat. ‘Iolani School 1:00 pm
  • League Meet #2  11/04 Sat. Island School, Lihue 10:30 am
  • League Meet #3 11/11 Sat. Kalani High School 8:30 am
  • League Meet #4  11/18 Sat. Assets School 8:30 am
  • League Meet #5  11/19 Sun. Island School, Lihue 10:30 am
  • League Meet #6  11/25 Sat. Mililani High School 8:30 am
  • League Tournament  12/9 Sat. Le Jardin Academy 8:00 am
  • Hawaii Championship 12/10 Sun.     Le Jardin Academy 8:00 am

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3 Components of Tournament and Championship

  • Engineering Portfolio** (due 11/24/23, Midnight), a 16-page document summarizing the team’s research, planning, challenges, outreach, “Aha” moments, etc.  See Game Manual 1 for guidelines and the Judge’s Rubric. Pay special attention to the rubric as it is your guide to preparation.
  • Judge Interviews via ZOOM Sat. Dec. 2 (these will be scheduled in advance)
    • 10 minutes total
    • 5 min. Team Prepared Presentation**
    • 5 min. Q&A
  • Robot Game – competitive matches taking place in an arena. Judges observe each team in matches to assess robot performance.

**Presentation and Portfolio are required to qualify for awards.**

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BREAKOUT SESSION HANDOUTS [LINK]

“CenterStage” Kickoff Sept 9!

Aaron

2023-2024 Hawai’i FIRST Tech Challenge Kickoff sponsored by Hitachi!

WHEN: SATURDAY, SEPT 9, 2023

TIME: 8:30AM TO 12:00PM
WHERE: Le Jardin Academy, Wang Auditorium, Kailua, HI

Aloha FIRST Tech Challenge Community!

Hawai’i FIRST Robotics is thrilled to present the new FIRST Tech Challenge season, “CenterStage” sponsored by Hitachi.

We can’t wait to see you all again. Please join us September 9 at Le Jardin Academy for the launch of this exciting new season. We promise many interesting new challenges as you design, build, and code your way to success. 

What to expect at the Kickoff:

  • New Season Preview, with important changes to rules and schedule
  • Full Reveal of the new CenterStage challenge
  • Gift Cards, SWAG, and other prizes!!
  • Detailed walk-through of the fully assembled new game arena
  • Breakout sessions covering topics critical to team success:
    • New/Rookie Team Orientation
    • Expert Building Tips
    • Electronics Systems Basics
    • Coding Essentials
    • “Winning Robots” Show & Tell
  • Learn about the latest new hardware & software options
  • Learn about new grants and funding opportunities for your team
  • Meet & greet other teams and coaches
  • Answers to all your FTC questions

Directions to the Kickoff, see the map below.

Questions? Email us at FTC@hawaiifirstrobotics.org

See you at the Kickoff!

FTC Hawaii League Tournament

Luana

The HFR team is energized to bring you POWER PLAY – FTC Hawai’i League Tournament.

Join the excitement tomorrow, December 10th, as 30 teams from around the state converge at the Le Jardin Academy gymnasium. This FREE event is open to the public with the opening ceremony beginning at 10:30 am. If you’d like to visit the teams in the Pit be sure to wear covered shoes.

Get all the IMPORTANT info right here in the event program.

This will hook you up with the details about participating teams, event schedule, game information, scoring, and our wonderful sponsors, whose support help make the magic happen.

Tournament-Program-FINALDownload

FTC League #3 @ Kalani High School

Aaron

Aloha Teams!

We are very grateful to Kalani High School for hosting League #3 on Saturday, Nov. 12. 

The following teams are scheduled to show their stuff at this event.  This event is expected to run 3-4 hours. 

8740     8741     8898     9378     

14825     15076     15236     22536

Teams not competing are still encouraged to come and enjoy the event.

Important information for All Teams

  • START TIMES: Doors will open to all teams at 8:00am. 
  • Matches start at 9:30pm or as soon as all teams are present and robots inspected.
  • LOCATION: Kalani High School Cafeteria (a map was emailed to teams).
  • PARKING: Park in any marked stall in the front or back of the school.
  • This event is expected to run 3-4 hours. 
  • BRING YOUR OWN SAFETY GEAR: Closed-toe shoes and safety glasses are required at all times in the pits and field areas. 
  • LUNCH AND SNACKS: Lunch will not be provided, however, there will be snacks available to buy at the concession stand.

If this is your first competition of the season, do the following:

  • BRING A HARD COPY OF YOUR TEAM ROSTER. It must be the official roster printed from your FIRST Dashboard. This roster ensures that your students have signed the Consent and Release form as required by FIRST.   Students not listed on the “official” roster may not be able to participate. If you haven’t gathered your Consent and Release forms, start NOW as the process involves parental consent and may take a couple days to complete. To register your members, follow the instructions here <FIRST Registration>. 
  • PRE-INSPECT YOUR ROBOT using the Robot Inspection and Field Inspection Checklists (links in Game Manual).   This will help us avoid delays and ensure that the event can start and end on time.
    • Detailed instructions are in Game Manual 1 & 2. 
  • RENAME YOUR DRIVER STATION (DS) and ROBOT CONTROLLER (RS).  
    • The correct format is to enter your Team number followed by -DS or -RC. 
    • Driver Station Example: 9999-DS
    • Robot Controller Example: 9999-RC. 
    • Teams with more than one Driver Station or Robot Controller Android Device must name these devices with the Team number followed by a hyphen then a letter designation beginning with “A” (for example, “12345-A-RC”, “12345-B-RC”).
  • CHANGE THE DEFAULT PASSWORD ON YOUR ROBOT CONTROLLER
    • a robot controller with the default password will fail inspection
    • after changing the password, make sure more than one person on your drive team knows what it is

That’s it for now. (whew!) We wish you all the best at this event and throughout the season. As always, reach out to us if you have questions or need help with anything.

Aaron, Blake, and Jenny, your Hawai’i FTC Partners

League #2 Island School

Aaron

Aloha Teams!

Mahalo to Island School and Kauai Robotics Alliance for hosting this event.  If your team is signed up to compete at Island School in Lihue on Nov. 5, this message is especially for you.  

The following teams are scheduled to show their stuff at this event. 

6175     6962       5159       13088       14825       16374

22492       20311       22517       18883       17445

IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

  • LOCATION: Island School, 3-1875 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766 
  • DOORS OPEN at 9:00a.m..  
  • MATCHES BEGIN at 11:00a.m. or as soon as all robots finish inspection.
  • Estimated time to complete this event: 3-4 hours. 
  • LUNCH PRE-ORDERS: 
    • Kauai Robotics Alliance is kindly offering to provide a convenient lunch option for teams competing at the Island School meet on 11/5.
    • Orders must be in by Wednesday, 11/2, at noon!
    • The lunch is a one- or two-slice pizza lunch, with a salad, drink and a cookie. Pizza may be cheese or pepperoni; drink may be water or Aloha Juice (assorted).  
    • Prices and more info are on the form.Sign up for lunches: https://forms.gle/3qr9y8GLMZbnktPQ8
  • TEAMS ROSTERS: Teams must bring a copy of their official roster as printed from firstinspires.org. This roster ensures that all participants have signed the Consent and Release form as required by FIRST.   Students not listed on the “official” roster may not be able to participate. If you haven’t gathered consent forms yet, start NOW as the process involves parental consent and may take a couple days.  
  • REQUIRED SAFETY GEAR: Closed-toe shoes and safety glasses. Bring your own!
  • VENUE RULES:  Food is not allowed in the gym. Bottled water is okay.

We wish you all the best at this event and throughout the season. As always, reach out to us if you have questions or need help with anything.

League #1: ‘Iolani School Oct. 29

Aaron

What an exciting time! The competitions you have been preparing for are about to begin.  Like you, we can’t wait for the first PowerPlay League Meet of the season!  It all starts with League Meet #1 at ‘Iolani School on Saturday, October 29 at 1:00pm.

The following teams are scheduled to show their stuff at this event. 

6175     6962      7438     8740     8741      8898    15076     15236    16374     

17063     20060      20061     20062     20063     20064     20065     20066

If your team is NOT listed, you are still encouraged to come and enjoy the event.

This following information is especially for teams competing at this event.  Please read it carefully and make sure you are fully prepared for the event. 

IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION

  • START TIMES: Doors will open to all teams at 1:00pm.  Matches start at 2:00pm or earlier if all teams are present and inspected.
  • LOCATION: ‘Iolani School Upper Gym  Note: There is a small elevator for transporting your equipment and robot to the upper floor. See the map below.
  • PARKING: Park in Weinberg parking structure.  Approach from Kamoku St and park anywhere on floors 2b thru 4.  Take the elevator or stairs to ground level.  If you need to unload with a cart, drop off your team in the yellow area and continue down Old Tennis Court Rd to the upper gym elevator in athletics. (see map)
  • TEAMS ROSTERS: Each team must bring a copy of your team’s official roster as listed on firstinspires.org. This roster ensures that your students have signed the Consent and Release form as required by FIRST.   Students not listed on the “official” roster may not be able to participate. If you haven’t gathered consent forms yet, start NOW as the process involves parental consent and may take a couple days. To register your members, follow the instructions here <FIRST Registration>.  
  • GYM RULES:  
  • Tables and Chairs are not allowed on the gym floor; please keep them around the perimeter of the gym only on the concrete.
  • Food, drinks, coolers, etc., are not allowed in the gym.
  • BRING YOUR OWN SAFETY GEAR: Closed-toe shoes and safety glasses are required at all times in the pits and field areas. 

With this, we wish you all the best at this event and throughout the season. As always, reach out to us if you have questions or need help with anything.
Aaron, Blake, and Jenny

Your Hawai’i FTC Partners

Iolani-School-Campus-Map-FTC-2022Download

Hawai’i FTC Season Calendar 2022-23

Hawaii FTC Partner
  • League Meets (3-4 hours each)
    1. 10/29 Iolani School @ 1:00pm
    2. 11/05 Island School, Lihue, Kauai @ 11:00am
    3. 11/12 Kalani High School @ 8:30am
    4. 11/19 Le Jardin Academy @ 8:30am
    5. 11/20 Kukui Grove, Lihue, Kauai @ 10:00am
    6. 11/26 Mililani High School @ 8:30am
  • League Tournament: Dec. 10, 2022, Le Jardin Academy, 8:00am – 4:00pm

The League Tournament is a regional qualifying event. Top scoring teams will advance to the Championship.

  • Hawai’i Championship: Jan 14, 2023, Le Jardin Academy, 8:00am – 3:00pm

new Volunteer guide

Aaron

Aloha new and returning volunteers!

The PowerPlay season is now officially open for teams to plan, build and test with league events beginning on October 29th.  We invite you to join in the excitement of participating in one, two, or all the events this season!   If you’re new to FIRST, no worries. Many roles require no training or preparation. For those roles that do require training (marked with asterisk * below) we provide the necessary in-person or online instruction. Finally, you may select which event(s) you wish to participate in.

WHAT VOLUNTEER ROLES ARE NEEDED?

Full descriptions may be found HERE.)

  • Team Check-In & Safety Glass Monitor
  • Queuer – remind teams when to line up for their upcoming match
  • Field Resetter – resets the arena between matches
  • Emcee/Game Announcer – are you outgoing? This may be for you!
  • Video Monitor/Helper – requires experience with consumer AV equipment
  • Float – substitutes for volunteers on break
  • AV Support/Set-up – requires experience with consumer AV equipment
  • *Robot Inspectors – requires experience with FTC robot hardware and software, plus 1 hour online training.
  • *Field Tech Advisor – requires 1 hour online training
  • *Referee/Scorekeeper – requires 2 hour training, online or in-person
  • *Head Scorekeeper – 1 hour online training
  • *Field Manager – 1 hour online training
  • *Judges – Judges Interview teams (via Zoom) for awards. Judges also attend League Tournament and Championship.
  • *Dean’s List Interviewers – Interviews Dean’s Award nominees (via Zoom) during week of Dec 3 – 10. Usually 2-4 hours.

Season Calendar of Events

Six League Meets, 3-4 hours each. Set-up 1 hour prior to start time.

  • 10/29 Saturday, Iolani School @ 1:00 pm
  • 11/05 Saturday, Island School, Lihue @ 11:00 am
  • 11/12 Saturday, Kalani High School @ 8:30 am
  • 11/19 Saturday, LeJardin Academy @ 8:30 am
  • 11/20 Sunday, Kukui Grove Shopping Center, Lihue @ 10:00 am
  • 11/26 Saturday, Mililani High School @ 8:30 am

League Tournament Dec. 10, 2022

12/10 Saturday @ LeJardin Academy, 8:00am – 4:00pm.  This is a qualifying event.  Sixteen of the top scoring teams will advance to the Championship.

Hawai’i Championship, Jan. 14, 2023 (venue TBD)

The Hawai’i Championship will take place on Saturday, January 14, 2023.

How to Register as a Volunteer. 

If you already have a FIRST account, log into your FIRST Dashboard HERE. After logging in, click on the “Volunteer Registration” tab at the top of the Dashboard.

If you are brand new to FIRST, follow these instructions:

1. Create an account in the FIRST Dashboard by following THIS LINK.

2. Once you are at your Dashboard, select the Volunteer Registration tab & choose ‘Volunteer at an Event’.

3. Filter events by location/program: Location = Hawaii, Program = FTC. Then, select an event where you can help. If you’re not sure which event to choose, select all league meets and we’ll coordinate with you later.

4. Choose up to five roles and apply.

5. Complete the required youth protection background screening (US & Canada).

You will receive an email from your local event coordinator when you are assigned to a volunteer role.

If you have any problems, email us at ftc@hawaiifirstrobotics.org.

For the latest FTC updates and information, visit the Hawai’i FTC Blog often.

If you are new to Hawai’i FIRST Robotics, we look forward to meeting you.  We love making new friends, reconnecting with veteran volunteers, and promoting STEM education for Hawai’i keiki.

All questions are welcome.

Aloha,

Aaron, Blake and Jenny (ftc@hawaiifirstrobotics.org)

FTC League Selection, New Event Dates!

Aaron

Aloha FTC Coaches,

We have three important topics for you today. Please carefully read each one and mark the changes on your calendar.

  • League Meet Selection Process
  • League Tournament on Dec. 10, 2022
  • Hawai’i Championship: moved to Jan 14, 2023

League Selection Process

Click HERE to open the League Selection Form and select your preferred League Events. Teams are asked to provide ONE volunteer to assist at League Meets. You will need to enter your volunteers’ contact information on this form.

2022-23 League Meet Calendar

  • League Meet Calendar
    1. 10/29 Iolani School @ 1:00pm
    2. 11/05 Island School, Lihue, Kauai @ 11:00am
    3. 11/12 Kalani High School @ 8:30am
    4. 11/19 Le Jardin Academy @ 8:30am
    5. 11/20 Kukui Grove, Lihue, Kauai @ 10:00am
    6. 11/26 Mililani High School @ 8:30am

League Tournament on Dec. 10, 2022 @ Le Jardin Academy.

The League Tournament is a regional qualifying event. Sixteen of the top scoring teams will advance to the Championship.

Hawai’i Championship has moved to Jan 14, 2023

The Hawai’i Championship is rescheduled to take place on Saturday, January 14, 2023. The venue will be published once it is confirmed. 

Stay Up to Date by checking the Hawai’i FIRST Tech Challenge Blog <https://hawaiifirstrobotics.org/first-tech-challenge>

Questions? Email ftc@hawaiifirstrobotics.org

We wish your team all the best this season!

Aaron, Blake & Jenny

your Hawai’i FTC Partners

PowerPlay Kickoff Review

Aaron

Aloha Teams! We hope the Kickoff presentation and PowerPlay Game Reveal inspired you to meet the challenges of the new season. If you missed the in-person kickoff, no worries. The entire presentation (slideshow) with all available season details is posted on the Hawai’i FTC homepage.

League Event Selection Update

Coaches should be on the lookout for the Event Selection Form which is used to select your team’s preferred League Meet dates. The form will arrive via email in coming days, as soon as event venues are confirmed.

Kickoff Door Prize Winners!

Congratulations FTC Teams 20423 and 17063. Each took home a GoBuilda Strafer Chassis Kit. Mahalo to GoBuilda!

Click the pic to purchase a GoBuilda kit for $150. Only 150 are available at this super low price.

Congratulations also to Teams 6962 and 9378. These teams won a new Chromebook Laptop, courtesy of Assets Robotics (Assets School, Honolulu).

Kickoff Sweepstakes ends Sept 15!

Last Chance for teams to register for the Kickoff Sweepstakes

Four winners will receive a 2022-2023 POWERPLAY partial game set and scoring elements, a total approximate retail value of $290.00. 

All teams need to do to enter is complete their 2022-2023 FIRST® Tech Challenge team season registration before September 15, 2022, at 12pm ET for a chance to win the Kickoff Sweepstakes. 

If a team has already completed their FIRST Tech Challenge season registration for this season, they are already entered into the sweepstakes. Thanks for helping us spread the word!