Question 1

Q. What does "1678" mean?

Accepted Answer

A. Our team competes in the FIRST® Robotics Competition in which each team is given a number based on the order in which they join. This means that our team was the 1,678th team to join the competition. FIRST® uses this number to identify our team at competitions and in leader boards.

Question 2

Q. What are FIRST and FRC?

Accepted Answer

A. FIRST® is a non-profit organization which stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. It was established by Dean Kamen to encourage students of all ages to participate in robotics and technology-related events. FIRST® runs many robotics programs, and FRC, short for FIRST® Robotics Competition, is the FIRST® flagship program in which our team participates. You can read more about FIRST® on their website and on our About FIRST® page.

Question 3

Q. Why are you doing all this?

Accepted Answer

A. The robotics team exists as a way to educate young people and get them excited about science, technology, engineering, and math. We are part of a network of local and international FRC teams created for the same reason. Competing in FIRST® Robotics competitions gives us hands-on experience in areas like mechanical engineering and programming, and encourages us to think creatively as we solve problems with limited materials and limited time. Students who participate in FRC teams are eligible for over $20 Million Dollars in scholarships to some of the best colleges and universities in the country, so that’s an added bonus. Mostly, though, we do it because it’s fun.

Question 4

Q. I’d like to join! What do I have to do?

Accepted Answer

A. Membership on the team is through application and interview, and is open to local high school or junior high school students in grades 9-12. You must be able to attend a minimum of 80% of the meetings throughout the year. Our meetings are held in Room M-1 at Davis Senior High School on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-9 p.m., and weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from January through April. Applications are available during spring quarter. You can email admin@citruscircuits.org for more information on the coming season or see our Team Handbook for information on becoming a team member. Classroom presentations are held in spring, so more information may also be available then. Click here for more information on how to join the team!

Question 5

Q. What is the relation of the Advanced Robotics Engineering classes to the Citrus Circuits team?

Accepted Answer

A. The robotics classes are a new addition to the course catalog and are considered “8th period” classes at Davis Senior High School. The classes are simply a way for students to receive high school credits for participating in the competition and for allotting their time after school and sometimes on weekends for robotics. For more detailed information about the classes, visit the Class page!

Question 6

Q. What kinds of opportunities are there on the team?

Accepted Answer

A. While on the team you have the chance to learn a variety of skills from other students or mentors. If you wish to work on things like programming, mechanical, or electrical, the team is more than willing to educate you on such subjects. If subjects like public relations, financing, photography, or film making interest you, our business and media team offers training and opportunities.

Question 7

Q. This is awesome! How can I help support the team?

Accepted Answer

A. Our team is always looking for new partnerships and greatly appreciates the continuous support of our sponsors. Sponsors are an integral part of the team and help us spread our various outreach programs to surrounding areas. If you wish to make a donation, a check can be made to the Davis Robotics Foundation and sent to P.O. Box 577, Davis, CA 95617. See our Sponsor page to view our sponsor benefits, and see our PayPal for direct donations. If you have experience in engineering, mechanics, programming, or media and wish to mentor high school students, please email us at admin@citruscircuits.org, go to our Contact Us page, or visit our Join Now page for more information.

Question 8

Q. Is it like Battlebots?

Accepted Answer

A. No. FIRST® games involve no attacking of other teams robots. It’s more akin to robotic soccer—the typical game has two teams of three robots each (called alliances) which have to compete on an indoor game field. In fact, there are penalties for purposefully damaging, attacking or destroying an opposing alliance member’s robot. Plus, alliances change during the competition, so you wouldn’t want to damage the robot of another team you’ll end up having to work with later. The goal of FIRST® competitions is to encourage creative problem-solving and teamwork, rather than to design the deadliest robot.

Question 9

Q. I just was reading about FIRST® and everyone was talking about “gracious professionalism” and “coopertition”. What is that?

Accepted Answer

A. “Gracious professionalism” or “coopertiton” is one way that FIRST® tries to be different from many other sports. Gracious professionalism is the idea of behaving maturely and responsibly and being respectful of other teams, FIRST® officials, and generally everyone involved in the competition. Gracious professionalism also means helping out other teams, whether by lending parts or manpower, so that everyone can compete and have a good time. Coopertition is the idea of competing cooperatively with other teams. Teams are grouped into alliances, usually of three teams, which compete against other alliances. This way, robots are able to work alongside other robots. These concepts are so deeply woven into FIRST® culture that formal awards are issued to teams which act as exemplars for gracious professionalism and coopertition.

Question 10

Q. Does Davis Robotics Foundation (DRF) have a PayPal where I could donate?

Accepted Answer

A. The Davis Robotics Foundation has an active PayPal account! If you currently have a donation you'd like to make address it to the Davis Robotics Foundation at P.O. Box 577, Davis, CA 95617.

Question 11

Q. I have a question or want to learn more about 1678 and what you do. Where do I ask?

Accepted Answer

A. Just send us a message through the Contact Us page, and we’ll try to get back to you ASAP. Please remember that this isn’t a full-time job for any of us, and it may take us a couple days to get back to you, particularly if your question requires a team discussion or a particular person’s input. We value and appreciate your question/comments so don't hesitate to email us anytime.