Timeline
You can access the buildathon timeline by
clicking here.Workshop Material
Arduino Workshop Slides
Introduction to Arduino IDE and ESP32.
Introduction to CAD
This video cover basic CAD using Onshape!
Motor Control
This video covers motor control! Using arduino and the L298N motor driver to get your motors spinning
Arduino Basics - Sumobots 2024
Welcome to the Arduino Basics video! This video covers the basic concepts to get code uploaded to your Arduino.
Extra Resources
FAQ
I bought tickets for the Tuesday/Thursday Introduction/ESP32/CAD workshop, do I have to attend the workshop I selected the ticket for?
You do not have to, coming in on consistent days of the week will be important for catching up with your team, ESPECIALLY if you have signed up as an individual.
What is the average time commitment for BUILD-A-THON?
It's mainly up to you, however expect more than 2 hours a week for attending workshops, and working on your project in your own time
Who is this event targeted towards?
University students of all degrees, no matter what year or experience, you probably have something to gain from this competition, whether it be upskilling yourself at workshops or applying your knowledge to a real-world problem.
Does my whole group have to attend each workshop?
Ideally yes, so that you may learn and work together as a team, however we realise that timetables may not line up so you may attend either workshop. In regards to handing out tickets for attendance, each team will only be able to receive 1 ticket per week from core workshops. (i.e. Attending both workshops does not give you team x2 the tickets)
Can my friend join my BUILD-A-THON team even though they missed the deadline?
There is limited space in the competition, so new members will only be able to join existing teams. (The team must get into contact with one of the organisers, as it will be handled on a case-by-case basis)
Seeing that ESP32 is wifi enabled, are we allowed to hook it up to our phone?
Yes, you can hook it to your phone.
What is the actual due date for the build?
5pm Friday Week 6 (28th March)
Are we allowed to recycle old components from past projects/my own compatible components?
Yes, but you must find an equivalent pricing online/in store and add it to your itemised list of external components.
Can we use our own filament and 3D printer?
Yes!
Are we limited to OnShape for CAD?
No, any CAD software is fine as long as you export the files to stl before uploading. (Be sure to check the stl as well or it might get rejected)
Can my team win multiple prizes?
No, except for people's choice (E.g. You can win 1st place and people’s choice)
What if I buy the wrong component/a component that I don’t want anymore?
You can trade your component back to the shop, and we will give you the matching Ticket.
How are Tickets allocated for attendance? What if we come to both workshops each week?
For each RAMSoc workshop that a team attends per week, they can earn 1 B-Tier Ticket, and for attending UNSW Founders workshops, the Tickets will be distributed based on a raffle or similar system, and the amount of Tickets will vary.
Is there a finalized list of ways of how we get more Tickets?
The only way to get bonus Tickets is from attending workshops.
Do laser cutting materials (plywood and acrylic) cost Tickets?
No.
Do the motors come with wheels from the store?
No, it's just the motor.
Do paints/coatings cost us Tickets?
No. Paint away!
Can we use a component we have already that is also in the shop?
Yes, however you MUST add the item and its price to your itemised list of external components!
Troubleshooting
LED_BUILTIN not defined
Replace all occurrences of LED_BUILTIN to 2
Incorrect Mode/ Not In Download Mode
• Hold down boot button on ESP32 • Upload your code • Release the boot button when "connecting....." is shown in the console
Flash Corruption
• Go to Tools → Flash Frequency → Change to 40MHz • Go to Tools → Upload Speed → Change to 115200
Supported By
Further Support
If you require immediate support and you are feeling overwhelmed by stress or anxiety, you can contact the following for free, confidential, and anonymous support:
UNSW Mental Wellbeing Support:
- If your life or somebody else's life is at risk, call 000 immediately.
- 24/7 UNSW Mental Health Support: (02) 9385 5418
- After-hours SMS support: Text 0485 826 595 for confidential one-to-one chat (Available Monday - Friday, 5pm - 9am / 24 hours on weekends and public holidays)
- UNSW Mental Health Support
For students in Australia:
- Lifeline (24 hour): 13 11 14 phone line for crisis support and suicide prevention.
- Mental Health Line (24 hour): 1800 011 511 phone line for mental health acute care.
- Beyond Blue
- Kids Helpline