The Spokane Regional FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), held April 3-6, 2013 at EWU, involved 41 teams of high school students that designed, built and programmed customized ( up to 150 pound ) robots to climb pyramids and precisely toss Frisbees on a basketball court size field of competition. An audience of thousands was present.

This upcoming IEEE report features the rookie team at Medical Lake High School, which will report on the challenges and outcomes of their effort — starting from absolute scratch — to compete in one of the most complex games in FRC history, involving optical sensors, tele-operation, autonomous robotics, and the need for coordinated electrical and mechanical engineering. As a startup school, Medical Lake had only woodwork for their robot’s mechanical features, yet the competition included seasoned “top-gun” teams from the Puget Sound region, with years of background and elaborate metal and electronic fabrication capabilities. The team will address: project planning, project challenges, what they learned — and the final scores and results of the fierce competition, which involved teams from five states and two countries.

Date: Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: EWU Cheney: Computer and Engineering Building, room 228
Amenities: Pizza and Beverages will be provided by IEEE at this event.

Click Here to Register

Here is the iCal Link; http://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/feed/meeting_ical/18171

The IEEE Power and Energy Society is committed to shaping the future of the power and energy industry. They are in a unique position to assist in reducing the impact of power engineering attrition. Our membership spans both industry and education, and is highly motivated to address the challenges facing the industry. Our answer is the PES Scholarship Plus Initiative™.

The goal is simple; increase the number of well-qualified, entry-level engineers to the power and energy industry.

Nate Edmons the Robotics Team lead mentor and David Montecucco of Lewis & Clark Robotics Spokane, have invited IEEE members to see the robotics competition being held at EWU this Thursday, Friday, & Saturday (April 4,5, & 6). They would like to show you what their team is doing along with other schools here in the Spokane Public School District!

For more information, please see The EWU FIRST Robotics Competition webpage

A Power Chapter Dinner (Pizza) Meeting will be held April 18, 2013, at Herak Hall, Room 105, on the Gonzaga University Campus. Pizza will be catered in by Pizza Rita and served at 6:00 p.m., followed by the presentation at 7:00 p.m. The speaker will be Dr. Peter J. McKenny, who is the Gonzaga University Director, Transmission and Distribution Program. Dr. McKenny’ s presentation will cover the Gonzaga University Transmission and Distribution Program as to purpose, subject matter, related courses, etc.

Peter McKenny is currently the Chair and a Professor of Engineering Management. He is also the Director of the T&D Engineering Certificate Program at Gonzaga University. Prior to joining Gonzaga University, Peter was a Team Leader with the American Transmission Company (ATC) and was responsible for all aspects of substation and transmission line design in the Green Bay, WI, office during much of the initial start-up phase of ATC.

Date: April 18, 2013
Time: Social time will start at 6:00 p.m. and the Dinner will start at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Gonzaga University Campus, Herak Hall, Room 105

Click Here to Register

Here is the iCal Link; http://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/feed/meeting_ical/17979

IEEE members and guests are invited to attend a field trip at Ciena on Wednesday February 27. Pizza and drinks will be provided in addition to a presentation and a lab tour. Bring a friend who is interested in engineering!

Parking is available by the building. Meet at Ciena parking lot at 6:00 PM; the meeting will conclude at 7:00 PM.

Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: 115 North Sullivan Road, Spokane, Washington, 99037
Registration: Please email omill@ieee.org, if you intend to participate.

Here is the iCal Link; http://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/feed/meeting_ical/17053

Tim Cornelius graduated from Kansas State University in 1994 with a degree in Avionics Engineering. Mr. Cornelius has worked for Solomon Corporation for 18 years. Tim worked in the Regulator and Recloser Departments for 15 years, primarily with electronic controls, engineering, and customer support. Tim has also worked extensively in the field, both for Solomon Corporation and as a representative for Cooper Power Systems. He has been in the Engineering Department for the past three years, working with transformer testing and design. Tim has travelled around the country providing training at various schools and at customer locations

The presentation and associated discussion will focus on single-phase step voltage regulator operation, installation, and maintenance. Included in this presentation will be an overview of various solid state and microprocessor controls. Mr. Tim Cornelius will focus on the Cooper Power Systems CL6B Regulator Control.

Date: May 16th
Time: Social time will start at 5:30 p.m. and the Dinner will start at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Conley’s Restaurant, 12618 E Sprague Avenue Spokane, Washington

Click Here to Register

Here is the iCal Link; http://meetings.vtools.ieee.org/feed/meeting_ical/12397