Spectrum Resources

FRC CAD CollectionA curated library of robot CAD models, mechanism examples, and Onshape assemblies.Browse the collection →Robot ExplorationsMechanism studies and design explorations from our off-season prototyping.View explorations →TrainingThe training modules we use to bring new students up to speed each season.Start training →PresentationsSlide decks and video recordings from Spectrum workshops at FRC events.View presentations →FIRST $2000 Purchase GuideExactly what to buy first with a limited budget — tools, materials, and electronics — and what can wait until next season.Open the guide →Illuminations: Young Team GuideBuilding a team that lasts — structure, culture, mentor-student relationships, and earning community support.Open the guide →Swerve Drive GuideSelecting, wiring, and tuning swerve modules for a competitive drivetrain — the reference we wish existed when we switched.Open the guide →Spectrum Cart 3.0Design drawings, parts list, and assembly guide for our modular pit and field cart.View the specs →Inexpensive Build TipsWays to build well without a large budget, drawn from our own early seasons.Read the tips →FRC Fiber Laser CuttersOur hands-on comparison of the xTool MetalFab and Gweike M3 Ultra — costs, workflow, and lessons learned.Read the comparison →Mechanical ReferenceDrill sizes, motor specs, gears, chain, and stock weights.Open the reference →Guide to FRC MCCDesigning simple, reliable, and high-value robots — the Minimum Competitive Concept.Open the guide →ProtopipeSpectrum’s PVC-pipe and 3D-printed connector system for fast, cheap prototyping — parts, tools, and example builds.Open the guide →Maintenance GuideCleaning, degreasing, threadlocker, and lubrication — what to use, when, and where.Open the guide →Do’s and Don’tsDesign, manufacturing, motors, bearings, gearing, bumpers, scouting, standards, and strategy lessons from our seasons.Open the guide →

Archived Spectrum Resources

Older Spectrum documents, spreadsheets, and slide decks — most link off-site to their original Google Docs, Drive, or ChiefDelphi home.

Suggested FRC Items DocumentA written rundown of suggested tools, materials, and electronics for an FRC team.Open the doc →Suggested FRC Purchase ListsA spreadsheet of purchase lists, with a tab for each different combination of vendors.Open the sheet →Robot Mechanism LibraryA library of robot photos from across FRC to get inspiration on future designs.Browse the library →Spectrum Robot Design SheetThe spreadsheet we use to plan out a robot’s mechanisms, weight, and drivetrain.Open the sheet →Spectrum 3847 GrabCAD ModelsOur published GrabCAD library of robot and mechanism models.View on GrabCAD →Spectrum Design Concepts SlidesNearly 200 slides used to teach FRC design each week during the fall semester of 2017, from physics basics to FRC COTS parts.Open the slides →Spectrum Advanced Pneumatics GuideOur deeper-dive pneumatics guide, beyond the basics.Open the guide →Spectrum FRC Electrical GuideOur guide to wiring and building a robust FRC electrical system.Open the guide →FIRST Choice & Virtual Kit of Parts Guide (2023)Our guide to making the most of FIRST Choice and the Virtual Kit of Parts.Open the guide →What’s in the Box Blog SeriesA blog series breaking down what we pack in each of our pit toolboxes.Read the series →Spectrum FRC Powder Coating GuideOur notes on powder coating robot parts in-house.Open the guide →Brand StandardSpectrum’s logo usage, colors, and brand guidelines.Open the guide →How / What Do We Scout?Our slides on what data we scout and why, and how we use it for match strategy.Open the slides →Spectrum Presents: DC Motors and GearingAn introduction to DC motors and gearing for FRC robots.Open the slides →Intro to Gearboxes and Power TransmissionA slide deck introducing gearboxes and power transmission concepts.Download the slides →Spectrum 3847 Pit Design GuideOur paper on designing an effective pit layout for competition.Read the paper →FRC Battery Tutorial VideoOur video on properly maintaining, charging, and caring for FRC batteries.Watch the video →