Some of you have heard the news about how we plan to run the FTC World Championship re: the Field management System (FMS). If you have not, the plan is to allow teams to run the FMS directly from their own laptops at the playing fields. We've tried this in Florida and it worked well giving teams more control over their robots and the pairing process, and speeding up cycle times at the field.
The only disadvantage is that teams have to bring laptop computers with them to the field.
Some questions might be:
What if I need to stop my robot mid-match? - Ans. you can do that but you're playing against the field clock - not your own clock.
What if teams don't all press "Start" at the same time? - Ans. like in any other sport the referees will determine if a robot scores (or de-scores) after time expires. Each team will set their timers to the :30 second and 2:00 minutes. We saw zero issues with this in the Florida test.
What if something happens to my computer during the match? - Ans. there should be less chance of problems in total under this format. Each computer will maintain a single BT connection and up to two joysticks via USB - less than the centralized FMS. Teams also have lots of time to test their code, robot, and computer, just as it will be used in competition. Idiosyncrasies should be ironed out by the teams. If the system (robot and computer) fail during the match the play will continue. If teams have problems prior to the match they'll be given a chance to fix (re-pair/connect).
Can my coach access the computer during the match? Ans. sure, but time will continue to run on the field.
I think this format will make the World Championship run smoother. The biggest benefit is that teams can run the FMS, on their own, as many times as they'd like to test their robots.
See you in Atlanta,
Ken
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Quick Post - World Championships Plus
It's been a hectic final few weeks of the FTC regular season. The FTC staff has been scattered far and wide covering just about every event as the season winds down and we get ready for Championship.
A few quick observations from the season.
#1 teams are getting it. The designs we've seen have been pretty creative and the programming options are allowing teams to really get into the sensors and autonomous to excel in competition. There are quite a few "dump truck" style designs but how these robots protect the pucks and find the goals is where the thinking really comes in.
#2 we have a great group. As in all competitions there are challenging individuals - however FIRST and FTC seem to have an overwhelmingly high percentage of great people willing to help others and make the events incredible.
#3 we have a great platform but room to improve. The field management system and the content of the kit will evolve. The power and strength of the new kit combined with the sensors and programming are a foundation for an exciting future.
Last note - I was fortunate to spend two full days brainstorming on game design for next season this week. The feedback we've got on Face-Off! has been great - and that sets the bar pretty high for next year. We feel that pressure and we're committed to another challenging game for next year. Details will have to wait until September but we're working hard.
See you in Atlanta,
Ken
A few quick observations from the season.
#1 teams are getting it. The designs we've seen have been pretty creative and the programming options are allowing teams to really get into the sensors and autonomous to excel in competition. There are quite a few "dump truck" style designs but how these robots protect the pucks and find the goals is where the thinking really comes in.
#2 we have a great group. As in all competitions there are challenging individuals - however FIRST and FTC seem to have an overwhelmingly high percentage of great people willing to help others and make the events incredible.
#3 we have a great platform but room to improve. The field management system and the content of the kit will evolve. The power and strength of the new kit combined with the sensors and programming are a foundation for an exciting future.
Last note - I was fortunate to spend two full days brainstorming on game design for next season this week. The feedback we've got on Face-Off! has been great - and that sets the bar pretty high for next year. We feel that pressure and we're committed to another challenging game for next year. Details will have to wait until September but we're working hard.
See you in Atlanta,
Ken
Thursday, February 26, 2009
How to succeed in Face Off and Tampa Webcast
We're well into "February Madness" with Face Off! We've held 21 events so far this season and have another 12 coming up over the next 10 days.
If there is one consistent thing we've seen it's that team preparation regarding their software is the key factor in team performance. Lot's of new stuff this year but if you keep these key things in mind you'll have a great event.
1.) Use the software templates
2.) Select the teleop program before heading to the field. Using LabVIEW or NXT-G this is done through "Program Chooser" on the brick. Using RobotC this is done at your pit computer, using the Joystick Control in RobotC, choose the right teleop file, close the window and you're set.
3.) Show up at the Field Management station at the playing field with your NXT battery out - connect the USB cable, pop in the battery, and connect.
4.) After you connect with the Field Management system at the playing field select and run your autonomous program - it won't start, the FMS will trigger the actual autonomous start
If you get this process straight you'll be ahead of half the teams we've seen so far. Teams that figure this out at the event typically waste the first qualification match ironing this out. There's also no reason not to download the FMS and try this yourself. Hold a local scrimmage in the garage or at your school. That experience will help you enormously at the event.
This weekend we have events in Florida, Wisconsin, California, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Washington State and Arizona. If you want to see an event this weekend you can check out the Tampa Florida event being webcast from USF at www3.DeepThunder.com starting at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard time Saturday, 2/28. Thanks to Raytheon Network Centric Systems for providing the webcast.
See you out there,
Ken
If there is one consistent thing we've seen it's that team preparation regarding their software is the key factor in team performance. Lot's of new stuff this year but if you keep these key things in mind you'll have a great event.
1.) Use the software templates
2.) Select the teleop program before heading to the field. Using LabVIEW or NXT-G this is done through "Program Chooser" on the brick. Using RobotC this is done at your pit computer, using the Joystick Control in RobotC, choose the right teleop file, close the window and you're set.
3.) Show up at the Field Management station at the playing field with your NXT battery out - connect the USB cable, pop in the battery, and connect.
4.) After you connect with the Field Management system at the playing field select and run your autonomous program - it won't start, the FMS will trigger the actual autonomous start
If you get this process straight you'll be ahead of half the teams we've seen so far. Teams that figure this out at the event typically waste the first qualification match ironing this out. There's also no reason not to download the FMS and try this yourself. Hold a local scrimmage in the garage or at your school. That experience will help you enormously at the event.
This weekend we have events in Florida, Wisconsin, California, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Washington State and Arizona. If you want to see an event this weekend you can check out the Tampa Florida event being webcast from USF at www3.DeepThunder.com starting at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard time Saturday, 2/28. Thanks to Raytheon Network Centric Systems for providing the webcast.
See you out there,
Ken
Monday, February 2, 2009
Weekend FTC Championships
This weekend FTC Championships were held in Texas and Delaware. In total more than 35 teams competed in these events and the designs seem to keep getting better.
Team 2945 Power Surge took top honors winning the Inspire Award and Captain of the Winning Alliance. Check out their autonomous skill - they were able to do this every time!
They were also pretty good in teleop mode:
A special thanks goes out to National Instruments. In addition to creating LabVIEW and NXT-G programming platforms, they also developed the Field Management System. They've put in countless hours and without their dedication and hard work the 2008/2009 FTC season would not have happened. They were recognized at the Arlington event this weekend.
Manchester FTC personnel were at each event and we continue to be amazed (and appreciative) of all the work local volunteers put into these events and this program. I got to see first hand how Joe Perrotto and his team in Delaware run these events, like old-pros. Carter Tiernan and her team at the University of Texas, Arlington are also FTC "originals" and put on a great event.
See you out there,
Ken
Team 2945 Power Surge took top honors winning the Inspire Award and Captain of the Winning Alliance. Check out their autonomous skill - they were able to do this every time!
They were also pretty good in teleop mode:
A special thanks goes out to National Instruments. In addition to creating LabVIEW and NXT-G programming platforms, they also developed the Field Management System. They've put in countless hours and without their dedication and hard work the 2008/2009 FTC season would not have happened. They were recognized at the Arlington event this weekend.
Manchester FTC personnel were at each event and we continue to be amazed (and appreciative) of all the work local volunteers put into these events and this program. I got to see first hand how Joe Perrotto and his team in Delaware run these events, like old-pros. Carter Tiernan and her team at the University of Texas, Arlington are also FTC "originals" and put on a great event.
See you out there,
Ken
Friday, January 30, 2009
FTC Field Management System
On the eve of the Delaware and Arlington Texas events I just wanted to send everyone in the FTC community a reminder that the entire Field Management System (FMS) is now available to teams.
We did this to give teams a tool to ensure that their code is correct and will work with the FMS. You can get it at www.ftctraining.com. Click on the link for the software you're using and you'll see the download.
Last weekend's events in Ohio and Montana went well. We're set for another competitive, fun, and exciting series of events this weekend.
See you out there,
Ken
We did this to give teams a tool to ensure that their code is correct and will work with the FMS. You can get it at www.ftctraining.com. Click on the link for the software you're using and you'll see the download.
Last weekend's events in Ohio and Montana went well. We're set for another competitive, fun, and exciting series of events this weekend.
See you out there,
Ken
Thursday, January 22, 2009
CAD Tools for FTC Teams
Most of you know PTC is our CAD and Collaboration Sponsor. A great benefit of this relationship is access to PTC's products for FTC teams.
PTC has posted the complete TETRIX kit of parts on-line for easy download at www.catalogds.com/db/service?d=first&c=browse
Why use these? The combination of Pro-Engineer and the FTC CAD library allows teams to prototype multiple options for their robot. Mathcad can be used to document calculations and could be used in developing the design notebook. ProductView is a tool to help visualize the design.
Windchill is a collaboration tool. Using it teams can connect on-line to design the robot. They can bring together team members, mentors, coaches, and others as needed.
To get access to these products you need to register with PTC as an FTC team at www.ptc.com/go/frcregistration.
PTC has getting started information at www.ptc.com/appserver/mkt/educational/program.jsp?&im_dbkey=76335&icg_dbkey=851.
If you need more information you can also email PTC at firstsupport@ptc.com.
Have fun with the new tools!
PTC has posted the complete TETRIX kit of parts on-line for easy download at www.catalogds.com/db/service?d=first&c=browse
Why use these? The combination of Pro-Engineer and the FTC CAD library allows teams to prototype multiple options for their robot. Mathcad can be used to document calculations and could be used in developing the design notebook. ProductView is a tool to help visualize the design.
Windchill is a collaboration tool. Using it teams can connect on-line to design the robot. They can bring together team members, mentors, coaches, and others as needed.
To get access to these products you need to register with PTC as an FTC team at www.ptc.com/go/frcregistration.
PTC has getting started information at www.ptc.com/appserver/mkt/educational/program.jsp?&im_dbkey=76335&icg_dbkey=851.
If you need more information you can also email PTC at firstsupport@ptc.com.
Have fun with the new tools!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Correction - Vancouver BC Event
I mistakenly noted in my last post that the team traveling all the way to Vancouver from Virginia won the Inspire Award. While that team's journey was certainly inspiring, they actually won the Connect Award.
This weekend we have events in Montana, Cincinnati, and a qualifying event in Florida.
Good luck to all teams.
Ken
This weekend we have events in Montana, Cincinnati, and a qualifying event in Florida.
Good luck to all teams.
Ken
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