Build Season: Week 5

Spartronics student working on the robot

Robot Name Reveal

Spartronics is excited to announce the name of this years robot: CHAOS!

CHAOS is an acronym for Cargo Hatch-panel Ascending Operational System because of the robot’s capability to manipulate hatch panels and cargo (two important game pieces this year) and its ability to climb.

Spartronics has continued its tradition of naming robots after Greek mythological figures; CHAOS shares its name with the Greek deity of the void between Heaven and Earth. We think the name fits this year’s space-themed game, Destination Deep Space, perfectly!

Spartronics students working

Subteam Updates

Despite the snow, Spartronics has continued work on CHAOS as Bag Day approaches.

For those who don’t know, Bag Day is on February 19 and marks the end of Build Season. Every FRC team in the world is required to stop work on their robots and to pack them away in a sealed plastic bag in preparation for competition season. We have a countdown to the time we’re bagging CHAOS at the top of our website.

Some students in the Mechanics subteam took parts home before the snowstorm, allowing construction to continue smoothly. CHAOS has been almost completely assembled with both climber and intake mounted.

Work will now begin on a second robot, identical to the first. While only one robot will be bagged on February 19 for use in competition, a second robot will allow for more drive team practice and time for programming.

Electronics is also making sure that we’ll meet our deadline on February 19. All electronic and pneumatic systems have been successfully mounted on the robot. They’ve also wired the electronics and pneumatics together to power said pneumatic systems.

Programming has finished writing and testing code all of the robot’s subsystems. They’ve also been working on computer vision, which uses cameras on the robot to help the driver with maneuvering. Finally, the subteam has even finished Dynamic Path Planning, which enables automatic driving to any point on the game field. We’re confident this feature will help CHAOS in its competition season.

In Marketing, preparations for our March 13 All-Robotics Open House continue. The event will feature Spartronics, 2-3 FLL Junior Teams, and an FLL team. These three tiers of FIRST Robotics teams cover ages 6-18!

We’re excited to see everyone there!

Spartronics shirtSpartronics shirt back

Spartronics First: A “Deep Space” Game Shirt!

For the team that has endured “Snowmageddon” – independently scheduling at-home build sessions around the island as our high school facilities were closed for nearly a week – there was one reward. For the first time, Spartronics provided each team member and mentor with a FREE, limited-edition black and white Spartronics shirt based on this year’s space-themed game “Destination: Deep Space – Presented by Boeing.” 

These new black team shirts are an extra shirt. They are not a substitute for our standard, Blue and Yellow Team Shirt. The new black shirts are for wearing outside of our competitions. Our Blue and Yellow Team Shirts must be worn at Spartronics events. Everyone is encouraged to wear the new black shirts everywhere else: at school, around town, on vacation, after hours at events — you name it! Students (and mentors) are very excited to wear this phun, new shirt!

Modern collision and repair logo

Sponsor Spotlight: Modern Collision

Modern Collision is a general auto service, collision repair and refinishing business located in Fletcher Bay off Miller Road. They have been providing general mechanical repair and service to Bainbridge Islanders for more than four decades. Their motto is “Employ the best employees and strive for excellence in every job, never forgetting it is the vehicle owner who ultimately writes our paycheck.” They’re also members of the Coalition for Collision Repair Excellence (CCRE), the Automotive Service Association of Washington (ASA-WA), and are an EnviroStar 5-star (highest rating) shop.

We asked them a few questions about their company:

Spartronics: Can you give us a brief description of your company and what it does?

Modern Collision: Modern Collision Rebuild & Service is a family owned and operated business located on Bainbridge Island since 1974.  We provide mechanical repair, collision repair and refinishing service to Bainbridge Island, WA and the North Kitsap area since we opened for business in 1974.

Spartronics: Why’s Modern Collision sponsoring Spartronics?

Modern Collision: We believe in supporting our community through many different avenues and feel that Spartronics is a great club that promotes creativity, problem-solving and great values among our youth.

Spartronics: Is there a way Spartronics fans can support your company?

Modern Collision and Repair

Modern Collision: Yes. Stop in for an oil change, a cup of coffee, or repairs.  You can like us on Facebook, or Yelp, and please tell your friends and family. We love referrals
Spartronics: Is there anything else you would like us to include in Modern Collision’s Sponsor Spotlight newsletter feature?

Modern Collision:  Each year Modern Collision offers BHS students the opportunity to experience a technical career exploration program through Bainbridge Youth Services where students have the opportunity to learn about the auto repair industry with hands-on experience. We support our community through the Classic Car Shows which benefits Helpline House Project Backpack, the Rotary Auction, Little League, Race for the Cure and many more.

Modern Collision
9270 MILLER RD
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WA 98110
(206) 317-5436
MON – FRI: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
www.moderncollision.com