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The FIRST Tech Challenge has launched its new season and game! "Face Off!" is a reality-based challenge that was developed with input from professional robotics designers across the country to mirror challenges they face today, such as navigating uneven surfaces, manipulating odd-shaped objects, using sensors to determine the environment, and withstanding physical stress. A new kit has been developed for the 2009 season and consists of an expanded TETRIX by Pitsco metal robot structure...

The trademarked hole pattern on the TETRIX™ structural pieces enable you to attach pieces together at an angle, not just horizontally and vertically from each other. For example, you can attach a piece at 45°.

A constructed TETRIX™ robot.

Connecting the NXT Intelligent Brick to TETRIX™ elements requires Hard-point Connectors, Studless Technic Beams, and Long Connector Pegs.

Some radio systems – including the Futaba 6EX – have programmable features. Depending on your robot design, these options may need to be programmed to achieve desired motor operation, such as motor reversing, mixing, and so forth.

Wires from servos and other electrical components can get messy and tangled. To keep things cleaned up, you can secure wires out of the way with zip ties or rubber bands.