MECHAPIRATES ROBOTICS CLUB
What we do
Mechapirates Team 5136 is a FIRST Robotics Team. We compete in a competition called FRC. Teams from all over the world are given 6 weeks to design and construct a robot that will compete in that years' event.
Who we are
We are the Santa Ynez High School Robotics
Team 5136 Mecha Pirates. We are from the small-town community of the Santa Ynez Valley and our involvement with our community is what defines us as a team.
Our goal
Our team is dedicated to giving our students the skills they need to work in a STEM field. This program offers and opportunity for students to gain experience with an innovative program while learning about gracious professionalism through working with professional mentors.
Team 5136
"Encouraging Science, Engineering and Technology"
Typical Season
The year starts and we recruit new members. Once we have the final number, we begin teaching new members basic, fundamental skills they will use throughout the season. Typically, to teach new members, we will build a robot that we use in the Solvang's Julefest parade. This way, they get hands-on, real-life experience with building a functional robot prior to the competition season.
Kickoff
Pre-Season
Kickoff is always in the first week of the new year. So, what is kickoff? The whole team gets together on the day that the new game for the competition will be revealed. We then watch the global broadcast together of the game reveal. After, we read the rule books and learn the game inside and out to set us up for success in the season. We split up into different brainstorming groups to design different elements of the robot that are tailored to the challenge. We also break down the point system to figure out which task our robot needs to prioritize.
Build Season
Build season is where we actually start and finish building the robot. In this time, we have to design, prototype, build, program, and test the robot to be functional. Depending on when competitions start, build season is usually around 6-8 weeks. The robot has to be finished, functional, and capable by the time competition comes around.
Competition
Competition is easily the best part of the season and the most fun. Here, we get to make connections with other FRC teams while competing against and collaborating with them.
