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FRC Design Learning Course

Welcome to the design learning course, the main purpose and content of the website! Keep in mind that it's always a work in progress, so if you find any issues or have difficulty understanding something, please give us feedback!

The purpose of the course is to take you from zero to being able to model a full robot. The content focuses on FRC-relevant features and tools, using engaging projects that not only introduce new CAD skills and practice old ones but also introduce engineering concepts. These projects gradually get less guided as you progress.

Tip

Despite how it looks, Onshape is quite different in its fundamentals from other CAD software. Start at Stage 0A if you're switching from another CAD software or new to CAD and Stage 1A if you already have some experience using Onshape. You will struggle with later stages if you don't have a solid grasp on the fundamentals of Onshape.

Warning

If you choose to skip to Stage 0, make sure to add MKCAD and the required featurescripts for the learning course.

Warning

Before starting, remember to take a look at the website feature guide to gain an understanding of the different features used throughout the learning course!

Stage 0

  • For people that haven't used CAD or Onshape before
  • Introduction to CAD to read or skim
  • Walkthrough to set up Onshape account and add necessary tools
  • Guide on navigating Onshape
  • Basic theory that helps develop a good mindset


Stage 1

  • Learn the fundamentals of sketching, part design, multi-part modeling, and assemblies through Onshape Learning Courses and FRC-relevant exercises
  • Learn about power transmission and modeling gearboxes
  • Model a swerve drivebase
  • Start learning top-down design workflow for FRC


Stage 2

  • Learn about common mechanisms in FRC and model them
  • Practice CAD skills until you're significantly more comfortable with Onshape
  • Learn engineering concepts and mechanism design
  • Learn layout sketches for different mechanisms


Stage 3 (Under Construction)

  • Practice full robot main layout sketches
  • Replicate simple robots
  • Practicing top-down workflow and integration




Stage 4 (Under Construction)

  • Master mechanism design
  • Practice integration and workflow
  • Master practices that optimize load time and make collaboration easier
  • Study game history
  • Learn strategic design
  • Make more robots and mechanisms and get review and feedback