PTC Pointers, a FIRST Robotics newsletter, “Using Creo and Creo View to Support Your Robot in the Field”: 20 February 2017
The 2016/2017 FIRST season represents our 10th year of donating PTC software and services to all FIRST teams, along with easy-to-use training curriculum, team funding grants, and hundreds of PTC volunteers to staff and support regional events around the globe.
We’re here to help you. Help you learn about PTC software and technology, help you gain an understanding of the season’s game, help you innovate, and help you help each other.
This newsletter was developed with you in mind. In it you will find:
- Technology Concepts. We’ll break down the complexity of designing and building a robot through a product development process.
- Software Tips and Tricks.
- Team Ideas. Let’s learn from each other. This will be another opportunity for you to share videos, images and concepts you believe can helpful for other teams.
- PTC Resources. Links and suggestions on where you can go for more information.
- Coming Up Next. A sneak peek into topics planned for the next edition.
Missed a newsletter?
- 14 November 2016: "Concept Development with Creo"
- 30 November 2016: "Using Creo for Detailed Designs"
- 19 December 2016: "Using Creo to Analyze and Revise Your Models"
- 9 January 2017: “System-Level Analysis with Creo”
- 30 January 2017: “Using Creo in the Manufacturing and Production Phase”
Technology Concepts
Your robot is more effective when it has an informed plan for usage and maintenance to accompany it. A field support plan, often in the form of an operator’s manual, help your team keep your robot at peak performance. Every team member should have access to a field support plan that includes instructions on operating the robot, required tools for maintenance and repair, and spare parts.
Creo and Creo View can assist in creating a plan for the operation and maintenance of your robot during a competition setting.
Software Tips and Tricks
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How To Guides |
How To Videos |
Team Ideas: FTC Team 7393, electronVolts
A big shout out to FTC Team 7393, the electronVolts, a 4H club based in Maryland. Their story is about not giving up when things go wrong, and paying it forward to help other teams.

The electronVolts created a special connector board to help fit their modules, and then ordered enough for every team in their state.

This past December the team received a 1st place Think Award because of engineering notebook (which featured Creo). During the January 29 competition, the team was honored with a 2nd place Inspire Award – ultimately advancing them to the Maryland FTC State Tournament. For more inspiration, follow the electronVolts on Twitter, visit their website, and reach out with any questions you may have.
Coming Up Next: “From CAD Model to Virtual Laboratory”
Turn the field of play CAD models into a virtual laboratory to test your robot model.
Questions or ideas? Drop us a note at -.
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Facebook: @ptcfirst


