FLL, FTC, or FRC?

[inxt-generation]

I'm considering joining one of the above groups. Here's what I think:

FLL:
Pros:
I'm great at LEGO.
I greatly enjoy using LEGO.
It would be a good challenge.
Cons:
I'm 13 now, so I'd only be able to do it this year.
No others that I can think of.

FTC:
Pros:
Still uses NXT as the brain, albeit with a different construction system.
I'd be able to start next year.
Cons:
I have no experience with TETRIX.
I may not like it.

FRC:
Pros:
It's the closest to "real" robotics.
I'd be able to start next year.
Cons:
It's mostly done by remote control.

Any other opinions? Comments? Anyone have experience with any of these?

[mattallen37]

I'd say go with FTC. You're already a decent programmer with the NXT and ROBOTC. Tetrix isn't the same as Legos for sure, but it isn't too hard to use, and it is mixable (there are Tetrix > Lego adapters).

I'm not sure about game rules for FLL and FTC, but I know that FRC is very unrealistic. With FRC, almost the entire run is done through remote control, so there is almost no programming necessary (very unlike "real" robots).

[hassenplug]

Two comments:
2) I typically ignore the lower age limit for these competitions (like FTC). It's very seldom an advantage to have a younger member on the team.

1) Look closely at the upper age limit for FLL. The cutoff is January, and the competition is September. That means if you have not already had your birthday this year, you'll turn 14 this year, and will be able to compete both this year, and next year.

If you HAVE had your birthday this year, then you were 12 on Jan 1 2012, so you will be able to compete in 2012, 2013, and 2014.

Personally, (knowing you and your family) I'd recommend you talk with your parents about FLL. You could have a family team.

Steve

[inxt-generation]

I'm not sure about game rules for FLL and FTC, but I know that FRC is very unrealistic. With FRC, almost the entire run is done through remote control, so there is almost no programming necessary (very unlike "real" robots).

By "real" I meant the construction style.

Two comments:
2) I typically ignore the lower age limit for these competitions (like FTC). It's very seldom an advantage to have a younger member on the team.

1) Look closely at the upper age limit for FLL. The cutoff is January, and the competition is September. That means if you have not already had your birthday this year, you'll turn 14 this year, and will be able to compete both this year, and next year.

If you HAVE had your birthday this year, then you were 12 on Jan 1 2012, so you will be able to compete in 2012, 2013, and 2014.

Personally, (knowing you and your family) I'd recommend you talk with your parents about FLL. You could have a family team.

Steve

Okay.

Oooh. I hadn't noticed that. Yes, I did already have my birthday this year (2012) so the second case would apply.

No offense, but a family team? There's no way we could afford that. Besides, I'm the only one who's really into robotics. My bros just do it once a year for BW.

[hassenplug]

No offense, but a family team? There's no way we could afford that.

The cost is generally per team, not per team member. If your family were to have a team, it wouldn't matter how many of your brothers participated, it would still cost the same.

On the other hand, you may be able to find other home-schooled friends, and create a team with them.

Read as much as you can about FLL, and how it works. You already have the parts to make robots. You'll just need the field kit.

Steve