FIRST Technology Challenge

Rural Mississippi is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of robotics programs.  But Dr. Kevin McKone, a  professor of physics at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson, MS, works hard to make sure students there are hooked on robots. Dr. McKone at the FTC Qualifying Tournament at Copiah-Lincoln. Prior to starting with FTC in 2012, when the program first came to his state, Dr. McKone had already spent five years teaching middle school summer camps, leading  FIRST  LEGO League teams and coaching his college-level  MATE team. When Mannie Lowe, the former Georgia FTC Affiliate Partner, set up FTC shop in Mississippi for the Ring It Up! season, Dr. McKone was one of the first to reach out to him for more information about the program. "He said the one thing all  FIRST  organizers love to hear: 'What can I do to help you?'," said Mannie. Dr. McKone's previous experiences with kids and robots made him the perfect candidate to assist in set

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in the Ring It Up! season and has been updated to reflect the introduction of the 360 degree IR Beacon introduced by HiTechnic in the 2013-14 season. By Tom Eng FTC Engineer Update on the IR Beacons (1-28-14) Beginning in the 2013-2014 season Hitechnic introduced 360 degree IR beacon (#HBK2100).  This beacon replaces the previous, 180 degree IR beacon (#FTCBCN).  Both types of beacons are allowed at events during the 2013-2014 season.  However, team's should note that due to differences in the placement of the IR LEDs, the measured output from the new style beacon will be different (typically lower in magnitude) than the measured output from the old style beacon. Old-style IR Beacon (left) and the new 360 degree new-style beacon. The new style beacon (right) has 6 IR LEDs placed in a 360 degree circle.  The old style beacon has 3 IR LEDs placed close together (side-by-side).  Because of the differences in geometry, the measured