FRC Team Resources

FIRST and many other organizations, including other teams, provide a variety of resources and training for both veteran and rookie FIRST teams. This page contains links to manuals, documents and other resources that will increase your knowledge of FIRST and its various components.

• Bill's Blog - News direct from the FRC Director at FIRST

• Calendar of Important Deadlines - An important list of dates, including registration deadlines, to keep your team on track through the season

• ChiefDelphi - The unofficial forums for FIRST inter-team communication, development, and interaction

• Communications Resource Center - A detailed list including important team information and resources to help teams throughout the season

• Compilation of Designs from past seasons

• Documents and Updates - A list of important information for the FRC Season

• For Teams, By Teams - Resources selected by the President's Circle teams that are particularly useful for helping start new teams

• FIRST Base - The Autodesk Source for FIRST Teams, includes free software and training

• FIRST Scholarships - A comprehensive list of educational opportunities to allow FIRST students to further pursue majors and careers in many technological fields

• FIRSTwiki - An open-content encyclopedia for the FIRST Robotics Competition

• Software Collaboration

• Team Handbook (pdf) - Documentation providing information for organizing any FIRST team

• Team in a Box - A DVD, CD, and pamphlet package assembled by FRC Team 341 to assist in the creation of new FIRST Robotics teams

• Links Page to many other resources
  

Tutorials and Guides

• Autodesk Tutorials - A catalog of self-taught lessons for Autodesk Inventor & Autodesk 3D Studio Max

• Autodesk Tutorials 2 - Student Created
  

• The Blue Alliance - A video tutorial series teaching relevant topics to competitive robotics teams.

• Calcutor Tool for determing chain lengths
  

• List of Tools for Rookie FRC Teams (pdf) - An important starting guide for new FIRST teams

• Machine Tools - First in a series from MIT on machine tools safety and how-to

  PneumaticsFIRST - A site of resources created by the fluid power industry to offer guidance in applying  pneumatics to FIRST robots

• Solidworks Tutorial
• Collection of papers and how-to documents
• WPI Files for training on mechanical engineering, the drive train and more
  

Suppliers and Manufacturers

• Anaheim Extrusion Co. - Supplier of custom-made extruded aluminum

• AndyMark, Inc. - FIRST-approved retailer of special machinery

• Badge-A-Minit - Retailer for button equipment and supplies

• Bimba Manufacturing Company - Retailer of industry-leading pneumatic technologies

• Digi-Key - Supplier of various electronic components

• McMaster - have 'everything' with fast delivery
  

• Microchip Technology Inc. - Software provider for FRC Programming

• MSC Industrial Supply Company - A large industrial supplier offering over 50,000 items with one-day  shipping

• Online Metals - aluminum and other metals 'cheap'
  

• Outwater Plastics Industries, Inc. - Retailer of extruded aluminum

• Pitsco Education - Supplier of TETRIX Robotic Design System

• Small Parts Co. - A catalog and supplier of over 15,000 hard-to-find quality engineering tools and materials

• West Coast Products - FRC supplier of gears, hubs, bearings and chain
  

• WM Berg - Division of Rexnord, provider of miniature precision mechanical components

Fundraising

• Fundraising Ideas & Product Center - A collection of fundraising resources for non-profit organizations

• Fundraiser Help - A database of tips, tutorials, and ideas for school and non-profit fundraising

• Step By Step Fundraising - A cohesive listing of fundraising strategies, including a free monthly newsletter and e-book

Other Resources

• ASEE - The official website for the American Society of Engineering Education

• ASME - The official website for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers

• ASME Guide to Starting A FIRST Team

• IEEE - The official website for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

• FIRST Community Alumni - Official community for alumni designed to increase continued support of FIRST.

• NASA Robotics Alliance - An educational program designed to increase robotics expertise in the U.S.

• NEMO - The official website for the FIRST Robotics Non-Engineering Mentor Organization, the support group and information exchange for adult mentors

• NSBE - The official website for the National Society of Black Engineers

• Robot Chicks Union - The official website for the Robot Chicks Union, advocates of the involvement of females in FIRST

• Science Resources - A non-profit organization that promotes quality science and engineering education

• SME - The official website for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers

• SWE - The official website for the Society of Women Engineers, advocates for women achieving their full  potential in engineering careers