Welcome to The Panther Project - FRC Team 2064

🐾 Welcome to The Panther Project - FRC Team 2064!

Welcome to the official documentation and training hub for The Panther Project - FRC Team 2064. Whether you are a rookie stepping into the shop for the very first time, or a veteran drive-team member looking up a CAD standard, everything you need to build great robots is right here.

Tip

New Member? Start Here! If you are new to the team, your journey begins with Phase 1. You must complete all sections of 1.3.1 - General Safety before you can touch any tools in the shop.

Note

Flexible Learning While working within a PHASE you may complete modules in any order that suits your schedule. However, check the Prerequisites at the top of each page to ensure you are eligible to work on that task.

📅 Stay on Schedule

Mentor run Skill-training seminars for specific modules are scheduled throughout the season. Check the Team Google Calendar frequently—missing a seminar may delay your ability to complete a module! Some Seminars require registration to attend, so be sure to sign up once you know what you need

---

Phase 1: Rookie Foundations

Welcome to The Panther Project - FRC Team 2064! Before you can build a 125-pound competition robot, you need to master the basics. Phase 1 is mandatory for all new members, regardless of prior experience. You will learn how to safely navigate the shop, use core hand tools, and build a miniature XRP Starter Bot to prove your baseline knowledge. Once you pass Phase 1, you unlock the rest of the shop!

Start Here: Welcome to Team 2064!

Module 1.1: FRC Basics

Learn basic tasks required for FRC involvement and understanding.

• 1.1.1 - Intro to FIRST: Overview of FRC, its place in FIRST, and how competitions work.
• 1.1.2 - Bot Basics: Common parts of an FRC robot.
• 1.1.3 - Game Analysis: Analyze a past game and pass a quiz on the game content.
• 1.1.4 - Engineering Design Process: Brainstorming, prototyping, and documenting decisions.
• 1.1.5 - Build Season: The FRC Build Season timeline and what to expect.
• 1.1.6 - Power On: Basic demonstration on how to power and operate the robot.

Module 1.2: Basic CAD

Gain an understanding of the Onshape software for designing parts of a robot.

• CAD Overview: Welcome to mechanical design.
• 1.2.1 - Stage 0 (New to CAD): General information on CAD and Onshape setup.
• 1.2.2 - Stage 1A (Fundamentals): Sketching, extruding, and multi-part studios.
• 1.2.3 - Stage 1B (Power Transmissions): Fundamentals of power transmissions in CAD.
• 1.2.4 - Stage 1C (Practice Mechanisms): Model different mechanisms to practice execution.

Module 1.3: Safety Certification

Learn our core shop rules, PPE requirements, and pass the mandatory safety assessment.

• Safety Module Introduction: Welcome to the shop.
• 1.3.1 - General Safety: Core shop rules, PPE, and emergency procedures.
• 1.3.2 - Machine Safety: Specific safety rules for general machines.
• 1.3.3 - Certification Quiz: The mandatory assessment required to work in the shop.
• 1.3.4 - Safety Practical: Physical demonstration of appropriate safety usage.

Module 1.4: Basic Fabrication

Master the fundamentals of hand tools, power tools, and shop organization.

• Level 1: General Shop (Unpowered)
  • 1.4.1 - Workspace Organization: Closet management and battery care.
  • 1.4.2 - Fasteners: Learn about the hardware used on the robot.
  • 1.4.3.1 - Measuring Devices: Calipers and tape measures.
  • 1.4.4 - Wrenches: Wrenches and allen wrenches.
  • 1.4.5 - Pliers: Pliers and other tools.
  • 1.4.6 - Wiring & Crimping: Secure electrical connections.
  • 1.4.7 - 3D Printer: Exporting STEP files and basic 3D Printing.
  • 1.4.8 - Skill Check - Level 01: Show your understanding of Level 1 skills.
• Level 2: Power Tools
  • 1.4.9 - Cordless Drill: Cordless drill explanation.
  • 1.4.10 - Cordless Saw: Overview of the cordless bandsaw.
  • 1.4.11 - Soldering Iron: Permanent FRC electrical connections.
  • m1_4_12: Basic stationary cutting.
  • 1.4.14 - Skill Check - Level 02: Finish your level 2 Rookie pathway.

Module 1.5: XRP Starter Bot

Assemble, wire, and program a functional mini-robot to prove your baseline engineering skills.

• XRP Start:
  • 1.5.1 - Build Guide: Chassis assembly.
  • 1.5.2 - XRP Firmware Installation: Connection and firmware setup.
  • 1.5.3 - VSCode and WPIlib: Setting up the FRC programming environment.
  • 1.5.4 - Command-Based Code: Writing Java to drive the XRP.
  • 1.5.5 - Skill Check - Drive Challenge: Driving and autonomous skill check.
• XRP Advanced:
  • 1.5.6 - Launcher Game Concepts: Advanced small-scale game simulation.
  • 1.5.7 - Ping Pong Assembly: Steps to create ping pong bot.
  • 1.5.8 - Launcher Wiring: Wiring the Ping Pong Bot.
  • 1.5.9 - Launcher Code: Ping Pong robot code with Arduino.
  • 1.5.10 - Launcher Competition: Game rules and competition guidelines.

---

Phase 2: Specialization Pathways

An FRC team is built like a small engineering firm. Phase 2 is where you choose your specialty and master it. Whether you want to design mechanisms in CAD, operate heavy machinery, write autonomous code, or build the brand, this phase gives you the deep, focused training you need.

Choose Your Specialty

📐 Pathway 2.1: Advanced CAD

Design the machine. Master Onshape, mechanisms, and the Engineering Design Process.

• 2.1.1 - Stage 1D (Design Methodology): Top-down design and advanced assemblies.
• 2.1.2 - Stage 1E (Subsystem Workflow): Typical workflow when modeling a subsystem.
• 2.1.3 - Skill Check - CAD Course: Your final CAD assessment.

🏭 Pathway 2.2: Advanced Fabrication

Build the machine. Safely operate heavy precision machinery and digital fabrication tools.

• Level 3 Overview:
  • 2.2.1 - 3D Printing Workflow: Slicing, filaments, and SLA.
  • 2.2.2 - Horizontal Bandsaw: Manual contour cutting.
  • 2.2.3 - Lathe Operations: Turning shafts and cutting grooves.
  • 2.2.4 - Milling Machine Basics: Squaring stock and edge finding.
  • 2.2.5 - Skill Check - Level 3: Level 3 Skill Check.
• Level 4 Overview:
  • 2.2.6 - Laser Engraver Workflow: Vector cutting and etching.
  • 2.2.7 - CNC Router Operations: CAM setups, feeds, and speeds.
  • 2.2.8 - CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing): Level 4 Skill Check.

💻 Pathway 2.3: Software & Controls

Bring the robot to life. Master Java, autonomous routines, and advanced sensor integration.

• 2.3.1 - Java & WPILib Basics: Subsystems, commands, and motor controller APIs.
• 2.3.3 - Sensor Integration: Reading encoders, gyros, and limit switches.
• 2.3.4 - Autonomous Routines: Path planning and trajectory following.
• 2.3.5 - Vision Processing: Tuning pipelines using PhotonVision or Limelight.
• 2.3.6 - PID Control & Tuning: Making mechanisms move quickly and stop accurately.

📸 Pathway 2.4: Media & NEMO

Non-Engineering Member Opportunities. Create media, manage PR, and build the brand.

• Specialization Paths: Welcome to the media and business team.
• 2.4.1 - Branding Guideline: Official fonts, hex codes, and uniform guidelines.
• 2.4.2 - Adobe Photoshop: Photo editing and social media asset creation.
• 2.4.3 - Adobe Illustrator: Vector design for banners and apparel.
• 2.4.4 - Cricut Vinyl Cutter: Cutting decals and applying transfer tape.
• 2.4.5 - Button Maker Operations: Designing and pressing team buttons.
• 2.4.6 - Public Speaking: Impact Award presentation and pit speaking.

---

Phase 3: Leadership & Competition

Phase 3 is reserved for veteran members, subteam leads, and the drive team. These modules zoom out from individual part creation to macro-level team operations and event execution.

Explore Leadership Pathways

📊 Pathway 3.1: FRC Strategy

Taking the game from the shop to the field. Master the data required to win events.

• 3.1.1 - Game Manual Deep Dive: How to read, interpret, and exploit the rules.
• 3.1.2 - Scouting Architecture: Designing digital scouting apps to collect data.
• 3.1.3 - Data Visualization: Creating pit dashboards for the Drive Team.
• 3.1.4 - Alliance Selection Theory: Calculating EPA, OPR, and building pick-lists.

🏎️ Pathway 3.2: Pit Crew

Executing under pressure. These classes train the elite members who keep the robot alive.

• 3.2.1 - Packing Manifest: Managing battery carts and pit checklists.
• 3.2.2 - Triage & Troubleshooting: The 8-minute turnaround between matches.
• 3.2.3 - The Inspection Process: Navigating sizing, weight, and hardware checks.
• 3.2.4 - Field Connectivity: Verifying the driver station and staging protocols.
• 3.2.5 - Bumper Construction: Rules, fabric wrapping, and mounting.

📋 Pathway 3.3: Project Management

Running the team like an engineering firm. Required for all Captains and Subteam Leads.

• 3.3.1 - FRC Timeline: Managing build season milestones.
• 3.3.2 - Awards: FRC awards and season alignment.
• 3.3.3 - Design Review: Leading meetings and locking in dimensions.
• 3.3.4 - Budgeting & POs: COTS research and subteam budgeting.
• 3.3.5 - The Art of Mentorship: The art of peer teaching.

---

Team Resources & Links

Access the FRC glossary, Core Values, and general reference materials anytime.

• Team Resources: View Core Values & Glossary
• Current Season: REBUILT (2026)
• Team Repository: GitHub - The Panther Project - FRC Team 2064
• Social Media: Instagram @frc2064
• Discord: 2064 Member Discord Channel
• Team Google Calendar: Google Calendar

Core Value Check

“We don’t just build robots; we build the students who build the robots.”