Bluetooth Connection

All,

A comment on my last post asked for specific instructions on proper Bluetooth shut down and reconnect at the playing field. The specific instructions for teams...

Before coming to the field:

Sever Bluetooth connection from Controller Station application by selecting the Stop Program button.

Wait until the application is stopped.

Turn Off Power to the Hitechnic Controllers.

Run Program Chooser application in NXT.

Turn Off the NXT module.



At the Field:

Report in queuing order to the Field Control Table.

Turn On the NXT Module.

Connect USB Cable to NXT module.

FMS operator will make the Bluetooth connection from the FMS to your NXT.

Disconnect USB cable from NXT Module.

Place Robot in position on field.

Turn On power to Hitechnic Controllers.

Start Autonomous or ‘All-in-One’ Program on NXT Module.


At ‘End-of-match’:

Wait for ‘All Clear’ signal from Referee.

Turn Off the NXT module.

Turn Off Power to the Hitechnic Controllers.

Return Robot to Pit area.

That's it. Pretty straight forward but important. This will also be communicated to teams in the next email blast and repeated as necessary. This is the type of thing that may make sense to print and put in your kits too.

Ken

Face Off Scrimmage in New Jersey

The Duel in the Delaware was fun. New year, new game, new kit and software.

We had six teams for the scrimmage. They ranged from ones who had built a prototype robot to one that was just opening the kit that day. The good news is all the teams got their robots up and running and working with the new bluetooth based field management system.

One of the things that became clear is the need for very clear instructions on how to shut down your bluetooth connection in the pits and reconnect at the field. Simple detail but pretty important.

The group that runs Duel on the Delaware is impressive. FIRST would not exist without volunteers and the group this weekend have to be at the top of the list.

I shot some video of the event and Face Off! You'll have to excuse the cheesy soundtrack. The ambient noise was distracting and it didn't work (for me) as a silent film. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pRZInGwyrY

Dueling on the Delaware

The very first Face Off! scrimmage happens tomorrow at the Duel on the Delaware held at Salem Community College in Carney's Point, NJ. A couple of us from FTC will be there to support the event. We're excited to see what teams come up with to compete in the new game.

I'll get some video and photos of the event and post something to this blog next week.

If you're interested you can check out http://www.fsrobotics.org/moe365//duel2008/duelhome.php

According to the organizers they will be providing a webcast - check it out.

There are FTC scrimmages the next several weekends. If you attend and have some good photos or video email them to ftcteams@usfirst.org.

Ken

Parts, Parts - FTC Competition Kit

We've heard back from multiple teams who now have the new kits and are busy building to compete in Face Off! The first scrimmage is set for October 11th in Delaware. I'll get some photos up on the blog after the event.

If you have not yet got your hands on the new kit you might want to soon. Registrations continue at a brisk pace and there are grants that provide $450 off the price of the kit if you're a returning team. That means this year you'll get the whole kit for $450. These grants won't be available next year.

What you'll find when the box arrives is a complete competition kit. Inside is over 1,100 parts including DC drive motors, servo motors, metal gears, the NXT controller, and metal you can really build with. Add to that three versions of software to program with and you've got a monster kit.



Continue to send us examples of your work. The new kit allows a range of creative solutions and we'd love to see more!

Ken