For Rookies

Here are links to all-things FIRST Robotics, information for every team and mentor.

Here are links to all-things FIRST Robotics, information for every team and mentor. Some are well-known resources; others are special edition tips from FIRST Team 1816-The Green Machine.

Get Started!

FRC Home Page - Definitely your first stop when it comes to creating an FRC team, this page includes need-to-knows about the FIRST Robotics Competition, a brief summary of what’s involved, logistical information, and best of all, a step by step guide of how to start your very own team.

Keep Up with FIRST

Wonder no more when the deadlines are. Check the season calendar posted by FIRST.

Show Your Team the Way to the Money!

Participation in FIRST Robotics comes with a hefty price tag, but there are community and national resources a click away.

Participation in FIRST Robotics comes with a hefty price tag, but there are community and national resources a click away. FIRST also has gathered a list of fundraising resources and potential sponsors. Every year, FIRST teams up with NASA to offer grants to rookie (and some veteran) teams that help underwrite entry fees. FIRST posts NASA deadlines on its calendar, but you will be directed to a separate NASA website to download and submit grant applications.

Just Add Mentors

One of the first resources that the Green Machine tapped to get up and running came from Team 341-Miss Daisy, Ambler, PA. They kindly sent to us their “Team In a Box,” a DVD resource. We were enthralled and think you will be too!

Looking for mentors outside the technical, programming and engineering realm? NEMO (Non-Engineering Mentors Organization) is a great place to start! This site will provide more knowledge for your FIRST team’s non-engineering mentors, as well as information on how to find and recruit mentors.

Marketing

Learn how to market your team without getting in trouble with the big guys here.

Read the FIRST FAQ on Marketing to get your team’s name out before the public and make the home office in New Hampshire proud.

Scouting: Red or Blue? How about Both?

When it comes to all things scouting, The Blue Alliance, is our personal favorite. It is without a doubt one of the most important resources to have on your laptop when it comes to competition season. Excellent for scouting reports and strategizing, TBA provides statistics on all FIRST teams in official competitions as well as video of matches. Exercise caution, TBA can be addicting.

Safety!

Which is more important, Gracious Professionalism or Safety?

Which is more important, Gracious Professionalism or Safety? A question of proportions this website cannot hope to answer, however here you will find the FIRST Safety Manuel and Safety Video. Always remember, safety FIRST!

Still Need Help?

If you’ve hit a wall, or just don’t know where to start, contact us!

If you’ve hit a wall, or just don’t know where to start, contact us! Send an email to contact@edinarobotics.com and we’ll get your questions answered ASAP.

We also have Minnesota FIRST contacts who are also really good about answering team questions, from how to register for a Regional event to where to get the best food-on-a-stick during the State Fair FIRST competitions.

Mark Lawrence, chairman, Minnesota Regional Planning Committee (markl56821@aol.com)

Ken Rosen, Assistant Regional Director, Minnesota FIRST, (kr71@aol.com)

Susan Lawrence, FIRST Director of Field Operations-Midwest, (sklsumgrad@comcast.net)