WEEKLY+AGENDA

=**Weekly Agenda**=

Plan for after Christmas Break

Ok guys, we are all coming together after christmas break. Engineers complete the robot. Programmers, prepare the plan. We are going to make this robot move. I might call a Saturday session to do so but we are getting this robot to move ok. I mainly want to see teleoperated so you know which programmers I'm talking about. Engineers, if you don't know how to get the basket onto the robot, I may have some ideas. If you don't know how to get the balls into the basket after that, I have some ideas. If you want to raise the basket after that, I also have some ideas. So when we get back, we are building building building.

9/11/11 Plan

When the shopping list comes on, take a look at it and see if you can get anything off it. If you can, put your name next to the item and go get it, so that someone else doesn't get the same item. We'll get the school to pay you back. Bring the receipt back too.
 * All:**

Good Job Brian in getting a working code. I hope all of you guys have read the syntax by now, or at least a good part of it. We'll start off by testing the code for those of you who have written it but have not seen it at work. You still have to read the documentations I put up though. Sorry guys, it's a lot but it'll be worth it. I think I'll be giving you guys a C lesson in the room this week so you guys get used to the structure of C and how to program. I'll bring in my robot (perhaps if you're lucky) to show you what I mean. With the robot around, you can actually see the code at work so I think that'll be good.
 * Programmers:**

If we still have time after that, great. We'll do more programming. If you've gotten the moving code down, we'll start to add sensors to it. Then the robot can react to its environment which produces amazing results. Just think of it this way, you're one step closer to artificial intelligence if the robot can react to the environment. It'll actually be thinking for itself.

If you're curious, here are the things we still need to learn: - Adding Remote Control - Programming Tetrix motors (not that different, just a couple lines more) - Programming Servos - Adding Sensors - Adding Sound (if we have time, just for kicks) - Learning more programming structures and good programming (just to give a more computer science feel to the team)

If you haven't done so yet, answer the poll on whether you want a hack-a-thon. I think it's a great idea. We can get all the lessons done and know how to program anything we want.

Here's the presentation I'll be giving in case you want to refer to it again:

Whoever has the shopping list, get it onto the wiki so people can start shopping. Get the design into the sketch book. I understand that you guys can't actually build the actual thing until you have the field, which I understand, but it'll be nice if we had some sort of machine to run code on.
 * Engineers:**

So I was thinking that perhaps you can build the mantis design on this website for the programming team: [] Just go to the website and choose either matis instructions. Either will be fine. It'll be a good testbed for the programming so that we can get getting the Tetrix Motors, Servos and IR Sensor down. We've pretty much got the Nxt Motors down. This will be beneficial to you guys as if the programming team can get the testbed robot to try programming on, they should be able to create any program you'll need in the future without much problems.

If you're worrying about having to build the robot again, sorry to bust your bubble. That's how it's gonna work. You'll be building multiple robots multiple times so you'd better start getting used to it. And it is still kinda fun so just try to enjoy it if you're not. Once the whole shopping list is shopped for, we can get building with the field, which means we'll probably come in on one of the Saturdays to do so. Be prepared.

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So team, here's the plan for next week (26/10/11). and 2/11/2011

Invite yourself to the wiki. (Do so if you haven't)
 * All:**

Task days are coming. Your first task. Getting the robot to move. I want you guys to show that you can do a simple autonomous program that gets the robot to:
 * Programmers:**
 * move forward approximately 20cm
 * turn left 90 degrees
 * move forward 20 cm
 * turn right 90 degrees
 * move backward 10 cm

If you guys can do that, you're on the right track. I'll try to find you some tutorials but you guys should already have some. That's good. I'll check with Mr DeBorde if we can get your more time in the lab during say lunch hours if you want to come in and program stuff. We'll try to get everyone a set of parallels and robotc if you don't already have it. Check out what you need to connect the robot to the program before the meeting if possible. Most importantly have fun. Try to get this simple task down by next meeting. Hopefully we'll have a working chassis then.

Update: So if you have finished the program good, go take a look at the syntax link and read up on the commands you need to learn how to use. I'm going to make the lab more open for you guys.

You guys have the shopping list task. On this wiki, there's a resource page. Go take a look at the resources needed to build the field. I want you guys to give me a list of the key parts that need building, like the key objects. We don't need the walls and flooring. Maybe one basket and one ramp or something along those lines. Your next job is to find the parts required to build them. Get me dimensions and materials. Then consolidate it onto a document for me. Upload the document here on the wiki (add a new page if you need to). Once that's done, the fun part begins. Your next job is to also get the designs into the sketchbook. I don't care if we are going to use them or not. Just get them in there. Get sketches with dimensions, ideas, anything you do/ discuss/ or even think about in there. I want to see an engineering journal full of ideas and designs. I don't care if paper is extruding out, as long as they are stuck down. Talk about the advantages and disadvantages of the design. If you used the whiteboard, get the designs in there. I DON'T want to see an empty engineering journal next week. Sign off when you're done. James you're in charge, I hold you responsible. Once that's done, the really fun part begins. Prepare yourself for a weekend of building when we get the parts! It's going to be great!
 * Engineers:**

Update: Get the sketches in the book and start building.

p.s. anyone think you can convince your friends into computer science, tell me. I need one more person in year 11. We need to make change in our school and here's the chance to do it.

Have a good weekend Audrey