For FTC, you need three separate set of components – all the components are MUST for you to be able to create a full fledged robot.
- Structural components along with motors and battery – you purchase these from Servocity
- Motor Controllers and sensors etc
- Android phones, USB cables and the joysticks
Individual sections below explain the various parts –
We have partnered with Servocity to custom create for you an amazing FTC kit at practically the best price you can find anywhere. To avail of the special pricing, you will need to apply for an education discount at this link (click here). Make sure to mention that you are a World Robotics League team in both the Team Name as well as the description.
You need to purchase the following:
- World Robotics League Base Kit (https://www.servocity.com/world-robotics-league-base-kit )
- World Robotics League Expansion Kit (https://www.servocity.com/world-robotics-league-expansion-kit)
After the educational discount, your cost should be in the ballpark of $850
The FTC Rev Robotics controllers and other electronics needed to be able to drive the motors and sensors is FINALLY available for pre-order. I would recommend placing the order at the soonest even if not everything is in stock. You MOST DEFINITELY need at least the rev expansion hub, the FTC Cable Pack and MicroUSB – to miniusb cable to even get the robot moving so get them now! This has been out of stock and tends to get out of stock so be fast. One of all of the following components is needed per robot.
Here is what you need to purchase:
The Rev expansion hub – http://www.revrobotics.com/rev-31-1153/ $175
Power switch and cable – http://www.revrobotics.com/rev-31-1387/ – to be able to switch your robot off. Rev hub does not come with an off switch. – $6
FTC Cable pack – http://www.revrobotics.com/rev-35-1173/ with 3 level shifters – $25
Extra level shifter and extra JST PH 4 pin cable (included in the kit) http://www.revrobotics.com/rev-31-1389/ – $3
Color sensor, one of the two options. We would recommend the color sensor V2 if you can get it:
2x http://www.revrobotics.com/rev-31-1154/ – color sensor – $28 OR http://revrobotics.com/rev-31-1537/
Touch Sensor
2x http://www.revrobotics.com/rev-31-1425/ – touch sensor – $12
http://www.revrobotics.com/rev-31-1426/ – otg cable to connect joystick to phone – $3
2 x http://www.revrobotics.com/rev-31-1462/ – Magnetic Limit Switch – $10
1 x distance sensor http://revrobotics.com/rev-31-1505/
Finally, purchase one of the following two options:
Option 1:
1x https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Mobile-Device-Adapter-UMUSBOTG8IN – MicroUSB to Mini-USB kit – needed to connect the rev expansion hub to android phone. The rev hub does not list it as available with the hub and they don’t seem to sell this cable through rev website. – $4
Option 2:
One of this http://amazon.com/gp/product/B004NO0L4O and one of this: http://amazon.com/gp/product/B00GM0OZ4O
- Game Controller – Logitech F310
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The Xbox360 game controller is also allowed so you may be able to reuse one if you have one.
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Phones – although the list from FTC site lists out all the phones below – based on our experience we would only recommend the Moto G4 play, Nexus 5 and Galaxy S5. Phones that we have crossed off are older and per experience from older teams have had issues with WiFi connectivity, battery lifeetc and are in general perform poorly as compared to the newer ones. Note that other phones may work just fine but may not be allowed in the competitions. In the classroom we use Moto G4 play phone from amazon. They were sold by Amazon till last year but now only available from 3rd parties. If you can get them fulfilled from amazon – prime shipping, I would purchase them, get them, test that everything works and if not, return them – since fulfilled by amazon has easy return policy. You will need at least two phones per team. You may also want to purchase rugged covers for your phones once you have verified that they work as they operate in an all metal environment.
