06/2005:

In attendance:

Peter Campbell
Paul Peterson
Brian Blalock
Mike Dvorsky
Jim Frye
Roy Birnbrook
Kayleen Birnbrook
David Jackson
Baxter Jackson

Peter sent a check to SERVO and supplied the list of library / school addresses so that the 1-year subscriptions could start.

Paul suggested making follow-up calls to ensure the target libraries / schools got their first issues.

Paul asked about how SERVO renewals are handled. He wondered if we could use the same ‘group discount’ method. There ought to be a coordinated effort by subscribers to renew together and save money not only the first year, but every year, if possible.

Paul brought two technology-based articles in for browsing.

Jim demonstrated a Lynxmotion Hexapod 2 (http:///www.lynxmotion.com) with L6 gripping arm. The hexapod had new software that allowed multiple walking modes, gripped objects, and had the ability to stop before hitting a wall. The hexapod was controlled from a Madcatz wireless PS2 game controller.

Jim also brought a bipedal walker for display.

Peter suggested bringing a Sumo ring in order to have sumo matches (for fun) in future meetings. Jim can bring sumo rings to future meetings. The material of the ring could be steel (to allow magnets on the robots) or plywood (no magnets, just rely on wheel/tread grip, power, etc.)

Peter brought the latest SERVO magazine to be added to the library.

Mike asked for volunteers to assist mentors and teachers with LEGO Mindstorms in the classrooms for learning and for competitions.

Roy added robot photos and sponsor information from last year’s competition to the CIRC website.

The group discussed details about the upcoming competition this year.
- We must contact sponsors for this year’s competition.
- We must communicate which classes we are allowing. We may omit the 3-lb. Beetle class for safety reasons.
- We could have additional 1-lb. robot competitions such as walking, line following, racing, or non-combat RC.
- We could have areas for people to show off ‘do-anything’ robots that aren’t registered to compete.
- Roy is in charge of the competition.
- David can help with photography at the competition.
- We require a Master of Ceremonies, a judge, and a scorekeeper.
- We may require combatants to pre-register on the CIRC web site.
- We may have to limit the total number of entries to keep the competition from lasting too long.
- We may require two PCs: One to input pictures of each competing robot, and another to keep track of the match and score. When one PC is used to do both tasks, there is a time delay between matches.
- We may split the registration periods up such that RC people register in the morning and the Sumo people register in the afternoon. Currently, both RC and Sumo register in the morning before the RC Combat competition. During registration, the competitor reveals which robot they are controlling, gets a picture taken of their robot, and does a safety check (RC only).

Competition details will be further discussed in the circgroups mailing list.

There were requests to allow voting on the mailing list. That way, those unable to attend the meeting will be able to give their input and let their voice be heard.

Jim talked about a past robot competition for walkers. The walkers had to climb up and down stairs, open and close doors, and perform martial-arts style kicks

. Brian demonstrated a LEGO Mindstorms line follower with a holonomic wheel (One set of axles for moving forward, and a second axle for steering).

Roy brought Battlebots toys and his RC Combat bot, “Wildcat”.