2012 Texas Robot Roundup [Archive]

jessjank.

11-04-2012, 21:29

2nd Annual Texas Robot Roundup (http://www.robotroundup.org/) (TRR) FRC Off-Season Competition
Sponsored by Time Warner Cable and National Instruments
Planned and organized by Alamo FIRST, the ausTIN CANs – Team 2158, and Austin area teams and volunteers!
www.robotroundup.org

When:
Saturday, July 28th, 2012 (Friday, July 27th is an optional practice day)

Where:
Anderson High School, 8403 Mesa Drive, Austin, Texas
(Home of FRC Team 2158 – ausTIN CANs)

Cost:
Early Registration by May 25, 2012: $200
Regular Registration by June 29, 2012: $250
NOTE: This year, FIRST in Texas will NOT be managing registration funds, so please do not send checks there. See the Team Registration link for more details.

Registration:
Teams (http://www.robotroundup.org/team-registration/)
Volunteers (http://www.robotroundup.org/volunteer-registration/)

Why:
This is an opportunity for FRC teams (Veteran, Rookie, and Pre-Rookie) from all over Texas and beyond to come together one more time after the end of the competition season to share experiences, learn from each other, build new friendships, practice and compete with their robots, and have a fun time. TRR is also an opportunity to bring new team members, mentors, sponsors, and the community up to speed on what FIRST is really all about, so please feel free to spread word of the event.

Feel free to share the attached flier. Please contact us at RobotRoundup@gmail.com with any questions!

Who's excited?! :)

jessjank.

11-04-2012, 21:30

To answer some questions that are certain to come up:

Any Austin locals interested in taking part in the TRR Planning Committee please send an email to RobotRoundup@gmail.com. I plan to start having meetings following Championships.

The schedule is not finalized yet, but will be made public as soon as it is ready.

We plan to again host a variety of workshops, presentations, and meetings! Stay tuned for details later this summer.

As of right now, we plan to once again hold a Mentors Tournament and a Robot Skills Challenge. Stay tuned for sign ups to come out later this summer.

Like TRR 2011 and many other Off-Season Events, we do not plan to have robots inspected at TRR 2012. However, we expect teams to follow the 2012 Game Rules and abide by the values of Gracious Professional.

We will be working with our Head Referee, Referee crew, and the decisions of other Off-Seasons to determine if we will instate any changes to the game play rules. Any rules changed will be done so in favor of the teams. We will make announcements of any rule changes as soon as possible.

We plan to give out a variety of awards again this year, though the full list is still to be determined. Definitely look forward to some new additions.

TRR 2011 Awards were all peer-judged. As of now, the intention is to continue with this tradition.

The ausTIN CANs will be hosting their Annual Tin Can Food Drive. The team who contributes the most cans will receive an award.

Again, please send an email to RobotRoundup@gmail.com with any questions!

Michael Blake

11-04-2012, 22:57

The Bronc Botz #3481 from San Antonio will be there!!

jessjank.

12-04-2012, 16:13

The Bronc Botz #3481 from San Antonio will be there!!

We're excited to have TRR 2011 finalists, the Bronc Botz, back for 2012! Your alliance partner (148) was the first team to register (besides the host team)!

As of right now, we have 8 teams already officially registered, and at least 13 more who have told me they will be registering soon. Teams, make sure to register soon! We haven't set an official cap yet, but may need to in order to ensure that teams each get enough qualifying rounds.

I will post a list of registered teams this weekend and continue to provide weekly updates.

AllenGregoryIV

12-04-2012, 17:21

Spectrum will be registered by the end of the night. The school internet isn't liking Google Docs right now for some reason.

androb4

13-04-2012, 23:41

Team 441 might make an appearance!!

Mk.32

14-04-2012, 00:28

midway78224

14-04-2012, 19:35

Team 3997 Screaming Chickens Lone Star Rookie All Star will be there and ready to rumble.

waialua359

14-04-2012, 19:57

We'd like to come.
Since we plan on going to IRI the weekend before..........

JohnSchneider

14-04-2012, 20:24

We'd like to come.
Since we plan on going to IRI the weekend before..........

Oh god. Because we need more competition in Texas ;)

Naw please do. I talked to one of your mentors for a while at Lonestar, and you guys were awesome.

JaneYoung

14-04-2012, 21:02

Oh god. Because we need more competition in Texas ;)

Naw please do. I talked to one of your mentors for a while at Lonestar, and you guys were awesome.

I'm thinking about mining the wisdom and experience through a workshop or a session of training and Q&A. Oh... the possibilities. Oh, oh, oh... the possibilities. :D I think I'm just going to sit here and say that to myself over and over all night. It would be totally aMAZing to even dream about much less think about.

Jane

androb4

14-04-2012, 22:36

Will there be an official field or what??

jessjank.

14-04-2012, 22:37

Will there be an official field or what??

Of course. :) Just like last year, we are arranging for AndyMark to provide an official FIRST field. We hope to have a partial practice field for teams as well.

androb4

14-04-2012, 22:40

Yess! Full FRC experience! Lol

Thank you

jessjank.

14-04-2012, 22:49

Hello,
We are a team from San Diego CA, with some interest in going.
However the main issue we face at the moment is getting our robot from SD to Austin, is shipping something that is feasible in cost for a small team?
Not sure if any parent would make the 12hr drive...

We'd like to come.
Since we plan on going to IRI the weekend before..........

We are extremely excited that teams from beyond Texas are interested in attending the Texas Robot Roundup. At this time, we have not yet investigated shipping options for teams, but will certainly look into how other off-season competitions that often cater to many non-local teams, like IRI, manage shipping. Please feel free to send me an email if you have any thoughts or questions about the event. We would love to be able to host your teams and will do our best to provide you with assistance and options.

familyguyfreak

15-04-2012, 01:59

We'd like to come.
Since we plan on going to IRI the weekend before..........

Since you guys will be at IRI, if you're able to find any Texas teams that are attending, once the team list is announced, I believe there may be a few teams that wouldn't mind "babysitting" your robot for a week until you guys arrived in Austin.

TigerBytes from Baton Rouge, LA is really thinking about attending. If we do, we might rent a U-Haul trailer for the weekend. It's a 6 hour drive for us so we could just make it our team-summer-vacation-road-trip.

waialua359

15-04-2012, 02:40

Our team will speak with Andy and Chris about IRI shipment possibilities, now that BAX Global no longer does shipment from HI to US mainland due to a "reorganization" of the company when I last checked with them.
It was also part of the reason why we had to cancel going to Utah week 3 since the shipping company fell through to get our robot back in time for HI week 4.

Since a school is hosting the event, can the robot be housed (shipped) directly to your school from Indianapolis after IRI? That's what we either need to arrange for find out from you folks what alternatives there are.

Thanks.

jessjank.

15-04-2012, 03:13

Since a school is hosting the event, can the robot be housed (shipped) directly to your school from Indianapolis after IRI? That's what we either need to arrange for find out from you folks what alternatives there are.

Thanks.

I don't see there being any issues at all with housing your shipped robot from IRI. I will be sure to check with our teach advisor and facility to be absolutely certain but otherwise don't foresee any problems! Regardless, we should definitely be able to secure a place to safely keep your robot until you would arrive.

Coach Norm

15-04-2012, 10:34

Jess and Glen,

If we help at out (2468) with the storage of the robot at Westlake, let me know.

Norman

jessjank.

15-04-2012, 11:45

Jess and Glen,

If we help at out (2468) with the storage of the robot at Westlake, let me know.

Norman

Thanks so much for the offer, Norm!

In fact, since you both posted, Mark and Glenn, I've received an outpouring of support from Austin teams who want to make sure our far traveling fellow FIRSTers can attend. We will, without a doubt, be able to receive and store robots before TRR.

Now, we still have to see what we can do about the actually shipping costs. Perhaps there is a possibility of seeing if we can get a shipping company to donate shipping or to find some shipping sponsors. That would be pretty great.

JaneYoung

15-04-2012, 11:46

jessjank.

15-04-2012, 11:57

As another backup plan, I just confirmed with the store manager (my husband, Michael :) ), that we could have it/them shipped to Callahans for storage, etc. A potential plus with that is that our team trailer is stored at Callahans, too. Oops, sorry, Jess - the last post I saw was Norm's. We could have a crate parade!

Jane

Thanks, Jane! Hehe, I was actually referring to your personal message to me, regarding crate storage at Callahan's, in addition to others too, as the outpouring of support. I think we will have plenty of viable options. :)

Mr.Frishman

15-04-2012, 19:51

Team 3999,The Shadetree Mechanics will be there. We should be able to supply a few volunteers as well.

waialua359

15-04-2012, 20:06

I am looking at options before even telling my team about this.:p

We will look into it after CMP.
We have one of our biggest fundraising events 11 days after CMP, so our robot must come home first, before returning to IRI in July. There is lots of time for us to look at viable shipping options, and we are grateful that you folks are looking at drayage(storage) possibilities.

Elizabeth Waters

15-04-2012, 22:27

624 will be there! Looking forward to attending this event again. It was such a fun, positive experience for our team last summer.

Many thanks for organizing/hosting again this year! If there's anything we can do to help, let us know.

wireties

16-04-2012, 09:20

FIRST Team 1296 will be there - looking forward to a great time with our Texas friends and guests!

JohnSchneider

16-04-2012, 11:53

FIRST Team 1296 will be there - looking forward to a great time with our Texas friends and guests!

Maybe we'll actually get to play together for once.... :rolleyes:

jessjank.

16-04-2012, 12:59

Registered Teams as of 4/16 at 12:00pm: 14

57 - Leopards - Houston, TX
148 - Robowranglers - Greenville, TX
624 - CRyptonite - Katy, TX
647 - Cyberwolves - Killeen, TX
1296 - Full Metal Jackets - Rockwall, TX
2158 - ausTIN CANs - Austin, TX
2587 - DiscoBots - Houston, TX
2833 - Robo-Scorpions - Brownsville, TX
2952 - Brackenbots - San Antonio, TX
3481 - Bronc Botz - San Antonio, TX
3735 - Klein Bots - Klein, TX
3847 - Spectrum - Houston, TX
3997 - Screaming Chickens - San Antonio, TX
3999 - Shadetree Mechanics - Killeen,TX

Mr. Rip

30-04-2012, 13:18

You can add Texas Torque to the team list. We've been looking forward to this since we had so much fun last year.

jessjank.

01-05-2012, 18:32

Registered Teams as of 5/1: 20
The cap has been presently set to 40 teams. We're half way there. Make sure to register before May 25th to take advantage of the early registration fee of $200. After that, registration goes up to $250!

57 - Leopards - Houston, TX
148 - Robowranglers - Greenville, TX
418 - Purple Haze (LASA) - Austin, TX
624 - CRyptonite - Katy, TX
647 - Cyberwolves - Killeen, TX
1296 - Full Metal Jackets - Rockwall, TX
1477 - Texas Torque - The Woodlands, TX
2158 - ausTIN CANs - Austin, TX
2583 - RoboWarriors - Austin, TX
2587 - DiscoBots - Houston, TX
2833 - Robo-Scorpions - Brownsville, TX
2881 - Lady Cans - Austin, TX
2952 - Brackenbots - San Antonio, TX
3481 - Bronc Botz - San Antonio, TX
3679 - Rattlers - San Marcos, TX
3735 - Klein Bots - Klein, TX
3847 - Spectrum - Houston, TX
3997 - Screaming Chickens - San Antonio, TX
3999 - Shadetree Mechanics - Killeen,TX
4282 - Cowboys - Brownsville, TX

AllenGregoryIV

01-05-2012, 20:24

Astrokid248

01-05-2012, 20:45

jessjank.

02-05-2012, 13:07

We're stilling missing a few Texas Powers. Where's 118, 231, 704, 1429 and 3310 off the top of my head. I know a bunch of other TX teams still need to register, this is the closest thing we have to a TX state championship. (though other states would be awesome as well).

118 just hasn't said we're in on this thread. There are definite plans of going, it's just a matter of Mason or Ridley signing up. Like we'd miss our own state's off-season event, yall know us better than that.

Many of those teams have already expressed interest in participating. Like 118 above, they just haven't officially registered yet!

Friendly reminder, team and volunteer registration for TRR can be found at robotroundup.org (http://www.robotroundup.org)! :)

midway78224

04-05-2012, 19:44

Looking forward to Robot Round up. It should be fun just like last yr. Cant wait to see all the teams there.
:)

JaneYoung

12-05-2012, 11:14

Looking forward to Robot Round up. It should be fun just like last yr. Cant wait to see all the teams there.
:)

I liked the thread that you started about TRR. It showed a lot of enthusiasm for the event and I'm sorry it was closed so abruptly. We can use all the enthusiasm we can get here in Texas. :)

To answer the question in your thread - I'm going! I've already asked off from work and I can't wait to see all the teams. I know Jess and the folks helping to plan the event are working very hard to make this year's TRR even better than last year's. It's going to be a lot of fun.

Jane

Koko Ed

12-05-2012, 12:11

Michael Blake

13-05-2012, 16:29

Jess, what about practice bot entries... allowed? If yes, how are you planning to handle?

Also, could you provide an updated registration list? THANKS!

jessjank.

13-05-2012, 17:50

If I may; I would like to offer one piece of constructive criticism to make this year's event better: Please make sure all of the teams have checked in before releasing the match schedule. It is unfair to teams to have to come to the field with a scheduled disadvantage.

Thanks for the feedback, Ed! We are doing our best to make sure we put on a great event for the teams.

Jess, what about practice bot entries... allowed? If yes, how are you planning to handle?

Also, could you provide an updated registration list? THANKS!

Michael, we won't be allowing teams to register two robots (ie competition bot and practice bot), however, we highly encourage veteran teams to invite another school or organization to compete with practice bots as a pre-rookie team. Pre-rookies get to play for free.

The most up-to-date list only has two additional teams from my last update. I need to send out a registration confirmation before posting the newest list, but I will post it tomorrow when I have the chance. I plan to send out an email again before then to Texas teams to remind them to register if they are interested. In addition, we should end up with a team(s) from Oklahoma, Louisiana, and perhaps Hawaii and California.

Michael Blake

14-05-2012, 00:13

Michael, we won't be allowing teams to register two robots (ie competition bot and practice bot)

Jess, what if we pay TWO entry fees? Then that shouldn't be a problem, right?

We'd enter as 3481 and 3481P... that's what we're doing at Ozark Mountain Brawl and what we intend to do at Cow Town ThrowDown once they announce... we want to give non-Drive Team students a chance on the field...

jessjank.

14-05-2012, 00:39

Jess, what if we pay TWO entry fees? Then that shouldn't be a problem, right?

We'd enter as 3481 and 3481P... that's what we're doing at Ozark Mountain Brawl and what we intend to do at Cow Town ThrowDown once they announce... we want to give non-Drive Team students a chance on the field...

Michael, I understand your interest in doing that, however, the decision to only allow each team to register with just one robot had already been made in order to ensure that there are enough slots for all interested teams and potential pre-rookie teams. While TRR is not an invitation-only event, the hope is that we can build this competition up to eventually be much like IRI.

It is of course up to you and your team entirely which students you decide to have drive your robot.

Michael Blake

14-05-2012, 01:37

Michael, I understand your interest in doing that, however, the decision to only allow each team to register with just one robot had already been made in order to ensure that there are enough slots for all interested teams and potential pre-rookie teams. While TRR is not an invitation-only event, the hope is that we can build this competition up to eventually be much like IRI.

It is of course up to you and your team entirely which students you decide to have drive your robot.

NOT SURE how to react to this news... since we have an off-season strategy that involves using BOTH robots (twins) to further our primary drive team AND _reward_ non-drive team students... and we have a budget for THREE off-season events ALL to utilize both comp and practice bots... PLUS, we're traveling to IRI to observe/learn...

We may have to look elsewhere other than TRR to accomplish this... I'll discuss with the team...

JaneYoung

14-05-2012, 01:42

NOT SURE how to react to this news... since we have an off-season strategy that involves using BOTH robots (twins) to further our primary drive team AND _reward_ non-drive team students... and we have a budget for THREE off-season events ALL to utilize both comp and practice bots... PLUS, we're traveling to IRI to observe/learn...

We may have to look elsewhere other than TRR to accomplish this... I'll discuss with the team...

I find myself wondering why you are electing to conduct this discussion in CD rather than in a private e-mail.

Jane

Michael Blake

14-05-2012, 01:49

I find myself wondering why you are electing to conduct this discussion in CD rather than in a private e-mail.

Jane

Why... is this controversial?

Isn't entering comp and practice bots in off-season events pretty much pro forma?

JaneYoung

14-05-2012, 01:56

Why... is this controversial?

You have asked a question and received an answer. You have stated your team's objectives and that it is possible that TRR does not meet your team's objectives. If you care to pursue it further because you do not like the answers provided then, in my opinion, the more professional way to handle it would be to continue the discussion in private.

Edit: I don't know the answer to the question about practice 'bots. From the off seasons that I've traveled to and volunteered at, I'm not familiar with their use other than to be provided to pre-rookie teams.

Jane

Michael Blake

14-05-2012, 02:17

You have asked a question and received an answer. You have stated your team's objectives and that it is possible that TRR does not meet your team's objectives. If you care to pursue it further because you do not like the answers provided then, in my opinion, the more professional way to handle it would be to continue the discussion in private.

Jane

Sorry, Jane... I respectfully don't agree... I know _my_ standards of the "professional way" are _at least_ as high as yours... ;-) ...and I'd like to "air" the issue on CD...

I went and checked the original flier and there's NOTHING stated about NO PRACTICE BOT entries... and we made plans around this event and we take our plans/commitments to the students seriously... and this will put us out from what we intended...

NOT SAYING Jess or anyone did anything wrong... it's Jess's and Patrick Felty's decision... it's their event, not mine... just wish I knew this upfront so that we didn't make plans around TWO bots being entered...

We may have to withdraw to find another off-season that allows two entries... NOTHING controversial about that...

lynca

14-05-2012, 08:28

I went and checked the original flier and there's NOTHING stated about NO PRACTICE BOT entries... and we made plans around this event and we take our plans/commitments to the students seriously... and this will put us out from what we intended...

Michael , I'm glad you are discussing this issue on Chief Delphi instead of through email. A public forum can bring many different viewpoints to the conversation.

If your team is thinking about helping a team in San Antonio. I would suggest that your team bring in members from other teams to help work on the 2nd robot. You don't need an official FRC number to participate in TRR,

Shadetree Mechanics 3999 were a pre-rookie team last year that gained tremendously by participating in TRR before their 1st official season of FRC.

Mr.Frishman

14-05-2012, 10:34

I have to agree. 3999 was a pre-rookie team last year and we got the opportunity to compete in the TRR with the help of teams 2158 and Purple Haze(LASA). The off-season is a great way for teams to get a head start on the coming season. Jess and Patrick do an excellent job of running the event and I believe they would allow as many teams and bots as possible if they could.

Michael Blake

14-05-2012, 11:20

Jess and Patrick do an excellent job of running the event and I believe they would allow as many teams and bots as possible if they could.

I agree... Jess and Patrick do an _excellent_ job on TRR... and everything else they're involved in!!

Michael Blake

14-05-2012, 11:40

Michael , I'm glad you are discussing this issue on Chief Delphi instead of through email. A public forum can bring many different viewpoints to the conversation.

If your team is thinking about helping a team in San Antonio. I would suggest that your team bring in members from other teams to help work on the 2nd robot. You don't need an official FRC number to participate in TRR,

Shadetree Mechanics 3999 were a pre-rookie team last year that gained tremendously by participating in TRR before their 1st official season of FRC.

Andrew, that may work as a compromise and is actually a good suggestion... blend our non-Drive Team students with pre-Rookies and we'll "show them the ropes" through pit work and competition steps... while fulfilling the promise to our hard working team students that they can get a chance to drive/operate the practice bot on the field... I LIKE!

My only request would be that the two pits be next to each other for obvious reasons as we only have one-set of tools/equipment...

I'll ask Jess to set us up with a pre-Rookie team... THANKS!

Michael Blake

14-05-2012, 11:46

Jess, have any pre-Rookie teams registered yet?

We'd be happy to assist one or more teams with experiencing an FRC competition using our practice bot as long as they don't have an expectation of driving/operating it in matches and we can have two pits next to each other...

We can rotate pre-Rookie team students as "Human Player" to get them in the queue and on the field...

Will this work? Is this a good thing?

Mr.Frishman

14-05-2012, 11:59

2158 loaned us the parts for a rolling chassis last year. We also were able to have a build day in their lab. Members of their team, as well as some team members from LASA came out to help get the chassis ready to roll. We did the rest. I am in full support of any team helping out a pre-rookie. The bot we used at TRR had a shower curtain rod for an arm. It was ugly but it worked. We want to give as many of our students the chance to drive and will do so at TRR,but I dont think that a team can get the full experience if they do not get out on the field.

Michael Blake

14-05-2012, 12:06

...but I dont think that a team can get the full experience if they do not get out on the field.

Please read my EDIT to the above post... do you think that'll work as a good experience for some pre-Rookies?

JaneYoung

14-05-2012, 12:31

The point of providing a practice robot for a pre-rookie team at a competition event is for the pre-rookies to have the full experience of competition.

The teams that donate their robots and help to support the pre-rookies efforts are very generous in helping to grow FIRST in the region and in helping the pre-rookie team to have a positive experience at the event. It is a win/win for both teams to be a part of that experience.

Jane

Mr.Frishman

14-05-2012, 12:39

Michael Blake

14-05-2012, 12:50

JaneYoung

14-05-2012, 13:02

If teams can go the Championships with a kit bot and compete than I think that a pre-rookie team will get a much better experience if they can get something on the field. We all know that there will be teams that have robots that aren't competitive but they still show up. Being on an alliance with veteran teams and going through the competition was invaluable to us, even though some of our students had been through it before.

-This- is one of the reasons why off seasons like TRR are so valuable and so needed in FRC. Not just for the pre-rookies but for the teams who can improve in the competitive side of things. It's also the appropriate place for the strong veteran teams to identify the region's strengths and weaknesses, the teams that could use some support, and the sustainability dynamics that are in motion.

I have another opinion. :) This one has to do with one of our weaknesses in Texas, as a whole. Teams too often only think about their own advancement and their own rate of success. They don't take the time or create the opportunity to look around them and see how the advantages of networking and supporting each other, strengthen the entire region. For teams who value IRI and want to be those teams who participate... take a look at their programs and what they bring, not only to their teams, but to their regions. Look at the other off seasons that have been around a while and you'll see much of the same thing. They've been busy as teams building the community of teams that compete at events.

Edit: Michael, we've never gotten to the point that we build a practice 'bot, sad to say. We donate what resources we have and can offer. That can be in the way of skills needed, materials, expertise, friendliness, and.. if we have it, we will help. But, unless something changes that I'm not aware of at this point, we won't have a practice 'bot to donate or loan. Loan is the better word, maybe.

Also, please keep in mind... in our area, pre-rookies are a treasure. The Shadetree Mechanics were a gift to all of the veteran teams, teaching us the value of the pre-rookie experience. I'd love to be able to say that we're going to have more pre-rookies at the 2012 TRR but it's not something that we can take for granted. And the Shadetree Mechanics were amazing because they did want to do so much, themselves, and attend TRR, ready to play.

Jane

Michael Blake

14-05-2012, 13:07

Michael Blake

14-05-2012, 13:30

I have another opinion. :) This one has to do with one of our weaknesses in Texas, as a whole. Teams too often only think about their own advancement and their own rate of success. They don't take the time or create the opportunity to look around them and see how the advantages of networking and supporting each other, strengthen the entire region. For teams who value IRI and want to be those teams who participate...

Jane, that's not been our experience with 148... and to a lesser extent 1477 Texas Torque who has been very helpful to us at key moments when we needed it...

Texas teams, new and veteran, who are truly not "posers"... meaning they exude the desire to iterate to excellence in competition robotics... need only to _ask_ the teams we know you're referencing and the help/aid will be there... I KNOW this to be a fact.

JaneYoung

14-05-2012, 13:41

Jane, that's not been our experience with 148... and to a lesser extent 1477 Texas Torque who has been very helpful to us at key moments when we needed it...

Texas teams, new and veteran, who are truly not "posers"... meaning they exude the desire to iterate to excellence in competition robotics... need only to _ask_ the teams we know you're referencing and the help/aid will be there... I KNOW this to be a fact.

I'm not referencing any teams. I'm referencing our state, Michael. Teams like 1477, 3847, 118, 1587, 57, and, to an extent, 148.. are making strides in helping to strengthen our region by reaching out and helping other teams. But the teams who are helping to build a sustainable community/region need to be in the majority, not the small minority. Texas is huge and we have a lot on our plate. If and when we do go to the District Model, teams need to be prepared to volunteer, assist, support, and help each other adapt to the big changes. You have to think today, tomorrow, 3 years from now, 5 years from now, 10 years from now - in order to help sustain your team and your region.

A word to the wise, sir... don't twist my words or try to turn them into something they are not.

Jane

AdamHeard

14-05-2012, 13:43

Edit: I don't know the answer to the question about practice 'bots. From the off seasons that I've traveled to and volunteered at, I'm not familiar with their use other than to be provided to pre-rookie teams.
Jane

For the 09 and onward offseason events, 973 has competed with 2-3 robots at every event (aside from IRI). Sometimes there is a pre-rookie to try it out and get some experience, sometimes there isn't; but we've never been told we can't compete with them. Most of these events are hurting for teams (usually only about 15-20 attend), so there is never a competition for space.

JaneYoung

14-05-2012, 13:46

For the 09 and onward offseason events, 973 has competed with 2-3 robots at every event (aside from IRI). Sometimes there is a pre-rookie to try it out and get some experience, sometimes there isn't; but we've never been told we can't compete with them. Most of these events are hurting for teams (usually only about 15-20 attend), so there is never a competition for space.

Thanks, Adam.

Jane

Michael Blake

14-05-2012, 13:54

JaneYoung

14-05-2012, 14:01

THAT'S what I thought, Adam... THANKS for weighing-in !!

But.. as Jess has stated early on in this discussion - this is not the problem that TRR has and it is also not the vision. She is quite serious when she says that TRR is setting itself up to be the next IRI. When you go to IRI, talk to the teams about how they manage their drive teams and what they do there. I'd have to go back through some older threads but I think there are teams that field new drive teams and they switch them out, sometimes, so that team members can have access to the experience. Teams can correct me with that but, again, that is an option available to your team at TRR.

Jane

Michael Blake

14-05-2012, 14:24

But.. as Jess has stated early on in this discussion - this is not the problem that TRR has and it is also not the vision. She is quite serious when she says that TRR is setting itself up to be the next IRI. When you go to IRI, talk to the teams about how they manage their drive teams and what they do there. I'd have to go back through some older threads but I think there are teams that field new drive teams and they switch them out, sometimes, so that team members can have access to the experience. Teams can correct me with that but, again, that is an option available to your team at TRR.

Jane

I think it's FANTASTIC that Jess and Patrick want TRR to become another "IRI" and we'll FULLY support that how we can...

Its not my area of expertise as to how you achieve "IRI" legend-status as an off-season event, but, I do know that you can't refer to yourself as a "powerhouse" FRC team _unless_ a good amount of _others_ from the outside do it first... and I think the same rule may apply to TRR... SO, what do you do in the meantime? I think you conduct yourself to accommodate ALL the different _modes_ the teams (WHO WANT TO go to the trouble/expense of attending your event) want to use.

JUST my humble opinion... ;-)

ALSO, we don't have the option of rotating inexperienced students on our comp bot Drive Team... we're on a mission... we got a taste of CMP's elims and we "smelled" Einstein... ;-) HOPE I didn't just "jinx" ourselves... 8-i

Ravage457

14-05-2012, 14:27

The off season event is a great way to give other drive team experince, just like miss Janeyoung said, but is also a good way for the season driver, to get experince in managing the team, plus for them to see what the team coach goes through at regionals, when they have to make hard decisions, and to guide the newer drive team on what they can and cant do out on the field

Michael Blake

14-05-2012, 14:57

For teams who value IRI and want to be those teams who participate... take a look at their programs and what they bring, not only to their teams, but to their regions.

Jane, you said "I'm not referencing any teams. I'm referencing our state..."

But, I saw the quote above in your previous post which referenced specifically teams "who value IRI"... and, we all know the Texas teams who regularly go to IRI, have applied this season to IRI, and who aspire (like us) to go in future seasons... if you didn't mean to reference "any teams", I don't know why you put the IRI aspirational reference in?! Maybe I'm reading the original post wrong...

I'll factor in your clarification into my thinking on this...

As for "A word to the wise, sir... don't twist my words or try to turn them into something they are not. Jane"

I think that's a little over the top...

JaneYoung

14-05-2012, 15:09

Jane, you said "I'm not referencing any teams. I'm referencing our state..."

But, I saw the quote above in your previous post which referenced specifically teams "who value IRI"... and, we all know the Texas teams who regularly go to IRI, have applied this season to IRI, and who aspire (like us) to go in future seasons... if you didn't mean to reference "any teams", I don't know why you put the IRI aspirational reference in?! Maybe I'm reading the original post wrong...

I'll factor in your clarification into my thinking on this...

As for "A word to the wise, sir... don't twist my words or try to turn them into something they are not. Jane"

I think that's a little over the top...

Many many teams aspire to attend IRI, Michael. I'm addressing them, not the ones who already qualify. If you read my posts, you will see that I consistently reach out to the teams who aspire to be better, to dream, to create opportunities for themselves to achieve those dreams. There will be 72 teams chosen for IRI with some alternates reserved for any that drop out during the process. How many FRC teams are there world-wide, Michael? How many FRC teams are there in Texas? How many of those Texas teams who have applied but could potentially not be accepted - still aspire to attend and compete?

Look at the bigger picture. You want to achieve your goals for your team. That is what this discussion has been about. Only your goals for your team: Einstein. Nothing wrong with that. However, I've attempted to open the discussion up to a few broader goals and insights. So have the other posters who have contributed to this discussion regarding the value of off seasons for everyone.

Jane

JVN

14-05-2012, 16:17

Look at the bigger picture. You want to achieve your goals for your team. That is what this discussion has been about. Only your goals for your team: Einstein. Nothing wrong with that. However, I've attempted to open the discussion up to a few broader goals and insights.

Isn't a system where INDIVIDUAL teams are encouraged to achieve their goals for team betterment by definition a system where ANY team can achieve their goals? Or does it just depend on what the goal is?

Let's hypothetically say we can rank all the teams within FIRST using a "strength ranking" from 1 to 10. I won't quantify this ranking (that is a longer discussion) but I'm not just talking about "on field" successes.

It seems to me... there is emphasis within the community to advance teams from skill level 1 to 2, 2 to 3... but no one seems to care if they advance beyond about level 5 (especially those who are more interested in starting more and more and more and more level 1 teams).

Sorry for the somewhat off-topic post, but this is related to something I've been meditating on.

I guess I'm surprised to hear that the event is already full enough that 3481's request has been denied. Good for TRR! I hope that is the case, and the event managers just "aren't here to help 5's become 6's." Though, that is their prerogative.

-John

JaneYoung

14-05-2012, 16:36

Isn't a system where INDIVIDUAL teams are encouraged to achieve their goals for team betterment by definition a system where ANY team can achieve their goals? Or does it just depend on what the goal is?

Let's hypothetically say we can rank all the teams within FIRST using a "strength ranking" from 1 to 10. I won't quantify this ranking (that is a longer discussion) but I'm not just talking about "on field" successes.

It seems to me... there is emphasis within the community to advance teams from skill level 1 to 2, 2 to 3... but no one seems to care if they advance beyond about level 5 (especially those who are more interested in starting more and more and more and more level 1 teams).

Sorry for the somewhat off-topic post, but this is related to something I've been meditating on.

I guess I'm surprised to hear that the event is already full enough that 3481's request has been denied. Good for TRR! I hope that is the case, and the event managers just "aren't here to help 5's become 6's." Though, that is their prerogative.

-John

John,

Thanks for posting. This could be a good topic for a separate thread. How to get from 1 to 3, 3 to 5, and 5 to 10. What's the formula? Is there a formula? Can a team skip over some of the ranking steps?

Individual teams can achieve that, certainly. Regions have a harder time, especially when the regionals/Regionals are focused on the lower rankings because of the realities of the situation.

Before TRR began last season, how many years had it been since we've had an off season in Texas? Why did the off season stop? Why don't we have more off season events in Texas?

What's wrong with the event planners establishing the registration process in the manner that they see fit or that they envision? They are the ones who stepped up to fill the need for an off season in Texas and the use of practice 'bots as a second robot for a team is not a part of their plan this year.

I think your topic is a good one but I think TRR has the right to be the way it is, as decided by the event planning committee. One that I'm not a member of but that I try to support. (Please, don't anyone read anything into that statement and say I'm accusing them of not supporting TRR. That's not what I'm saying. But... I am saying that they set the rules, registration requirements, and process, and I'll support that and make my suggestions for future TRRs in the survey that will follow the event.)

To add, I think we've all heard enough from me. I'll try to stay off this thread and out of the discussion. Thanks for your patience.

Jane

JVN

14-05-2012, 17:11

steverk

14-05-2012, 17:27

John,

Thanks for posting. This could be a good topic for a separate thread. How to get from 1 to 3, 3 to 5, and 5 to 10. What's the formula? Is there a formula? Can a team skip over some of the ranking steps?

Individual teams can achieve that, certainly. Regions have a harder time, especially when the regionals/Regionals are focused on the lower rankings because of the realities of the situation.

Before TRR began last season, how many years had it been since we've had an off season in Texas? Why did the off season stop? Why don't we have more off season events in Texas?

Jane

I've been very impressed with the level of play at the Texas regionals this year, especially Alamo and Lone Star. The depth of quality teams was high and these regionals were among the most competitive of 2012.

Many people and teams had a part in this, and TRR is a major part of the improvement. I have a big heart felt thank you to everyone that contirbuted last year and again this year. Your efforts are paying off.

As far as practice bots and multiple entries for the teams, I don't really have much of an opinion other than we should all be thankful and supportive of the sponsors of this competition. They are doiong a great job and have influenced dozens of teams!

jessjank.

14-05-2012, 17:40

I will repeat part of my response from yesterday evening: "the decision to only allow each team to register with just one robot had already been made in order to ensure that there are enough slots for all interested teams and potential pre-rookie teams." With regard to pre-rookies, our aim is to provide a supportive environment for these new, interested teams to get a head start with the help of veterans and perhaps place themselves in a more sustainable, successful position before the beginning of the official FIRST season... not simply to create new teams. While we have not yet officially reached capacity, based on all the interest we've received we won't be hungry for teams. The decision to allow one robot entry per team is final. It is entirely up to teams to decide whether or not they choose to participate because of that constraint.

With regard to my earlier comment as well, my apologies if my intentions were not clear. I said: "While TRR is not an invitation-only event, the hope is that we can build this competition up to eventually be much like IRI." I intended this to mean that we are trying to grow TRR to be an off-season competition that teams from all over are excited to attend, based on the quality and merits of the event. I think this is a fine and reasonable goal to set. We may not yet be at that level, but we aspire to grow and develop in that manner. As such, we always welcome constructive recommendations and feedback that we will consider and utilize in a way that will best match the values and goals of this event.

Michael Blake

14-05-2012, 19:30

With regard to pre-rookies, our aim is to provide a supportive environment for these new, interested teams to get a head start with the help of veterans and perhaps place themselves in a more sustainable, successful position before the beginning of the official FIRST season...

Jess, 3481 Bronc Botz will help ANY pre-Rookie team get a working kit-bot ready for TRR _IF_ they make the trek to our shop.

For those pre-Rookie's not in a position (time/funding) to have a kit-bot but would like to get some competition experience @ TRR we would offer our practice bot, but with 3481 students as Driver/Operator... I cannot risk a $3,100.00 (plus $3k-$4k in donated sheet-metal labor) machine on getting broke/damaged via inexperience. HECK, we break-it enough ourselves... ;-)

So, please pass my contact info on to any interested TRR pre-Rookie teams: 210-858-8575 / michaelblake@insurancelabs.com / www.broncbotz.com

Michael Blake

14-05-2012, 19:59

It seems to me... there is emphasis within the community to advance teams from skill level 1 to 2, 2 to 3... but no one seems to care if they advance beyond about level 5.*

Before someone beats me to it.

* - Unless you're from Michigan. :)

EXACTLY, John. There's no "program" or group initiative in Texas for those who truly desire to get to all-around "Black Belt" level...

I know, even with acute desire and laser-like goals, we may never rise to the level of 148, 118, and 1477... but, our quest to get there SHOULD NOT be subordinated to someone else's "vision" of prioritizing our finite capacity/resources to elevating generic teams just for the sake of elevating generic teams...

AdamHeard

14-05-2012, 20:02

EXACTLY, John. There's no "program" or group initiative in Texas for those who truly desire to get to all-around "Black Belt" level...

I know, even with acute desire and laser-like goals, we may never rise to the level of 148, 118, and 1477... but, our quest to get there SHOULD NOT be subordinated to someone else's "vision" of prioritizing our finite capacity/resources to elevating generic teams just for the sake of elevating generic teams...

I agree with your sentiment and would be upset in a similar situation, but I think you've made your point clear, and Jess has made hers clear, and you made yours clear again, and she made hers clear again... so on.

Look for other events to attend that will allow multiple robots, and/or be content with a single robot for this event (or choose to not attend). We don't go to Calgames for that reasons as there are several other California events more reasonable priced that allow multiple entries.

Michael Blake

14-05-2012, 20:05

I agree with your sentiment and would be upset in a similar situation, but I think you've made your point clear, and Jess has made hers clear, and you made yours clear again, and she made hers clear again... so on.

Look for other events to attend that will allow multiple robots, and/or be content with a single robot for this event (or choose to not attend). We don't go to Calgames for that reasons as there are several other California events more reasonable priced that allow multiple entries.

Got it... I'll retire from this thread... THANKS, Adam!

Karthik

14-05-2012, 20:31

I'm not referencing any teams. I'm referencing our state, Michael. Teams like 1477, 3847, 118, 1587, 57, and, to an extent, 148.. are making strides in helping to strengthen our region by reaching out and helping other teams.

Is there a reason you felt the need to call attention to 148 and point out they're only helping strengthen your region "to an extent"? If you asked teams in Ontario "which Texas team has most affected the growth and learning experience of your team?", the answer would most likely be a unanimous vote for 148. I'm not trying to "twist your words or turn them into something they are not" [sic], but I did find this call out, quite puzzling.

Meredith Novak

14-05-2012, 20:47

- Teams too often only think about their own advancement and their own rate of success.

This is the definition of a team who will accept help. I wish ALL my teams cared passionately about their own success. My experience with 6 rookies this past season is that there is no lack of help, but lack of teams who take advantage of it or admit they need it.

(Sorry to be off-topic.)

JaneYoung

14-05-2012, 21:08

Is there a reason you felt the need to call attention to 148 and point out they're only helping strengthen your region "to an extent"? If you asked teams in Ontario "which Texas team has most affected the growth and learning experience of your team?", the answer would most likely be a unanimous vote for 148. I'm not trying to "twist your words or turn them into something they are not" [sic], but I did find this call out, quite puzzling.

It's funny, I didn't consider 148 a call out. In my opinion, again, 148 has done some work in Texas, directly, to help with the fast growth and sustainability issues that the region has faced in the past few years, since the Dallas Regional came into being. They have done superlative work at regionals, like the Alamo Regional, as far as trouble-shooting, problem solving, helping to get the teams up and working... at the regional. If I were to make a complete list of teams that have contributed to developing programs that help rookies, young teams, and struggling veterans teams, before they get to the regionals, I would have to include other teams that were excluded from that short list, including 2158, the ausTIN CANs, who have donated the space and team energies towards the development of TRR in Texas. It was not meant as a call out or a slight. 148 moves and competes on the global level, regarding competition for the Einstein glory. John's work and contributions with white papers, Championship conferences, and one-on-one behind the scenes mentoring with individuals and teams, impacts the FRC community.

There are some teams that have traveled to 148's facilities in the past few years and have been worked with and mentored by the team. The standard of excellence that 148 maintains impacts teams that pay attention and who learn about 148 via competing with or against them or by word of mouth or through videos, networking through Facebook, Chief Delphi, and other resources that I am unaware of.

What the team actually does to help with developing the program in Texas regarding sustainability and team development for the teams that are new and struggling, is not as evident as their other initiatives.

Michael Blake just said, "There's no "program" or group initiative in Texas for those who truly desire to get to all-around "Black Belt" level...." John talks about the strength ranking and getting past the 5. As an FRC World Champion in Texas, 148 is in a very small minority with those bragging rights. We have one WFA in Texas. Texas is a very big state and has had a boatload of new teams come into the program over the past few years. There are also good teams and there are strong teams. There are no other 148s around that are capable of helping Texas teams understand the value of an all-around "Black Belt" level or... how to get to that level, in my opinion.

I was coming in here to apologize about posting again and to encourage Michael Blake to look into starting such a program, gaining the support that he and the team would need from World Champions, CCAs, and WFAs. By working to do that, it would also bring in some of the Texas teams who are consistently competing well and bringing home the gold and recognition, and the teams who have succeeded in achieving a sustainable program. The 7s, 8s, and 9s.

I have great respect for 148 and for their contributions. I also have great respect for the teams in Texas who are working very hard to strengthen their areas/regions to help the teams reach 3s, 5s, 7s, and oh my gosh, wouldn't it be amazing... 10s.

If I've rambled, sorry, Karthik.

Jane

Edit: Meredith, you posted while I was writing. That post is not off topic. It's actually a good topic. I would say though, that not all teams are receptive to help or assistance.

Taylor

14-05-2012, 21:40

It seems to me... there is emphasis within the community to advance teams from skill level 1 to 2, 2 to 3... but no one seems to care if they advance beyond about level 5 (especially those who are more interested in starting more and more and more and more level 1 teams).

It seems to me the last sentence holds the flaw in this logic. These outreach programs and pre-rookie experiences are designed so that there will be no level 1 teams. Through the cameraderie and connections made through competitions, teams gain many resources more than the hunger that comes from winning and losing. They gain friends, associates, colleagues, possibly sponsors.

Events that treat teams evenly, regardless of veteran status or accolades, raise everybody up. Pre-rookies start as 3s and 4s, and together we rise. Perhaps some of these teams that start with a borrowed robot may create black-belt programs in the near future.

I am fortunate enough to be on the planning committee of an offseason event in October. We choose to focus on creating a warm, inviting atmosphere to those new to coopetitive robotics. In 2009, we had two pre-rookie teams play with borrowed "practice bots" - one of them now hosts their own annual VEX competition; the other became Rookie All-Stars. That team went on to help another team - whose first FRC experience came at our event - they became RAS as well. Another pre-rookie from 2010 - Rookie Inspiration, RAS, Regional Champs in their first year. This past year, we hosted three pre-rookies; two of them won Rookie Inspiration, one won Rookie All-Star, Regional Finalist, and Regional Winner.
I'm not arrogant enough to say our dog-and-pony show created these soon-to-be-pillar teams, but I think every experience is helpful. The more the merrier.

The TRR planning committee had a decision - should they allow one team the opportunity for more drive practice and experience, or should they allow a new team the opportunity to be inspired by the event. I feel they made the right choice.

Our team isn't as competitive as many of our neighbors on the playing field - we're getting there though. But the kids are still inspired, they still go on to postsecondary ed in STEM fields, they keep in touch and spread the mission of FIRST - that's better than a full trophy case.

Meredith Novak

14-05-2012, 21:44

Our team isn't as competitive as many of our neighbors on the playing field - we're getting there though. But the kids are still inspired, they still go on to postsecondary ed in STEM fields, they keep in touch and spread the mission of FIRST - that's better than a full trophy case.

Why assume a full trophy case and spreading the message of FIRST (mentoring rookies) are mutually exclusive? Team 16 supported 6 rookies this season and earned 5 banners - I am equally proud of both.

JVN

14-05-2012, 21:51

It seems to me the last sentence holds the flaw in this logic. These outreach programs and pre-rookie experiences are designed so that there will be no level 1 teams. Through the cameraderie and connections made through competitions, teams gain many resources more than the hunger that comes from winning and losing. They gain friends, associates, colleagues, possibly sponsors.

Events that treat teams evenly, regardless of veteran status or accolades, raise everybody up. Pre-rookies start as 3s and 4s, and together we rise. Perhaps some of these teams that start with a borrowed robot may create black-belt programs in the near future.

You can replace my quote that you mentioned with the number "4" and the point remains the same. :)
Of course you realize I'm not just talking about loaning robots at off-season events anymore, right? I'm waaaaay off topic at this point.

-John

Taylor

14-05-2012, 22:30

Why assume a full trophy case and spreading the message of FIRST (mentoring rookies) are mutually exclusive? Team 16 supported 6 rookies this season and earned 5 banners - I am equally proud of both.

Of course they are not exclusive; much like this year's game, balance is essential.

2789_B_Garcia

15-05-2012, 00:35

In talking about FRC teams, I once heard a wise man named Andy say that you can't judge a team unless you understand what it's goals are. In my few years in FRC, I'm glad to see that teams with different goals can still come together in this community and share a greater sense of connectedness. I know my team is humbled by the amount of work chairman's award-winning teams (yes, we do scout teams based solely on awards) put into helping other teams, and while my team helps out other teams when asked, I feel like we as a team are focused on getting our own house in order before we feel confident enough to take other teams under our wing. While that may sound self-serving, it is rooted in the belief that our team still has much to learn and accomplish before we will feel capable of being able to help other teams on a deep and meaningful scale.

Our team has traveled to three out-of-state events over the past few years. We have learned a great deal about the greater FRC community, and made connections with teams that run the gamut of any scale you could put on calibre of program. This coming year we plan on going to all of the Texas regionals so that we can participate more in the local community, and so that we can deepen relationships with friends we've made on other teams from here in Texas. It is my hope that in doing so, 2789 will continue to grow strong enough to someday be able to help other teams, rookies, rebuilding teams, or otherwise. Last year, the TRR was a great growing experience for us, and we are definitely looking forward to this year's roundup!

I would also like to point out that teams like 148, 118, 1477 and 16 mentor and inspire 2789 without even knowing it by not making it easy for us to beat them. :-)

Andy Baker

15-05-2012, 09:40

Paul Copioli

15-05-2012, 09:56

JVN

15-05-2012, 11:21

I like ice cream. If I walk into an ice cream store, I will choose one of my favorites to go into my waffle cone (or a cup, if I feel like it). Then, I may put a topping on it or I may not.

Each time someone else goes into the ice cream store with me, they never order the same thing I did. How can this be? I like ice cream, and so do they, but they don't like the same flavors! Aaaaah!

Also, there are times when the folks who run this ice cream store don't have the flavors I like. Can you believe that?!!! Although this really frustrates me, I get over this treachery and I still order something. After all, it is ice cream. I like ice cream.

Andy

Hi Andy!
I like ice cream too. I also like certain flavors more than others. Sometimes I like one flavor, other times I like other flavors. There are types of ice cream I really don't like (yes, not all ice cream appeals to me).

So the cool thing is, I'm part of this super-special ice cream club. A bunch of me and my ice cream liking friends get together and share our perspectives and opinions on ice cream. The result is, we work together to make BETTER ice cream!

Now, even after our club talks about it, sometimes there are flavors of ice cream I don't like. I don't eat these, and I just let the ice cream maker know I'm disappointed they don't have my flavor of ice cream. Sometimes the ice cream maker takes my feedback, sometimes they don't -- but at least they get to hear how I feel about the ice cream.

It is tough to make good ice cream without feedback from the ice cream community.

Ice cream is an iterative process. :)

-John

jessjank.

15-05-2012, 11:46

List of Registered Teams can now be found HERE (http://www.andersonrobotics.org/robot-roundup/registered-teams/)

(I really like ice cream... yum. Darn you guys are making me hungry...)

Michael Blake

15-05-2012, 12:13

List of Registered Teams can now be found HERE (http://www.andersonrobotics.org/robot-roundup/registered-teams/)

Jess, what's the team count cap this year? Last year I believe it was 32?

THANKS!

jessjank.

15-05-2012, 13:04

Jess, what's the team count cap this year? Last year I believe it was 32?

THANKS!

The cap is set at 40 for veteran team registration; we are reserving an additional 2 slots for pre-rookies that are in the works. 26 teams have completed registration. I have received expressed interest from more teams than spots still left.

We are currently in the Early Registration period until May 25th. Regular Registration closes officially on June 29th, after which the event committee may accept additional teams on a wait list.

Last year the cap was set at 30 teams. 29 teams registered. Two backed out before the event due to circumstances out of their control, two were no-shows.

JohnSchneider

15-05-2012, 14:47

...Ice cream is an iterative process. :)
-John

I feel like this should be on tshirts.

Taylor

15-05-2012, 17:23

When I'm eating ice cream with loved ones, one of my favorite things to do is to trade and share. Somewhere is a photograph that I think exemplifies summer. It's an empty bowl with about a half dozen spoons in it.

kramarczyk

16-05-2012, 15:14

What I don't get are the folks that keep pushing on the door to the ice cream shop when the door is clearly labeled, "PULL".

lynca

16-05-2012, 16:43

I had no idea so many people like Ice Cream on CD.

Maybe those people should start an ice cream thread :ahh:

In the meantime, can we channel this discussion back to TRR ?

waialua359

16-05-2012, 20:59

Pjohn1959

16-05-2012, 21:09

You will be missed. But I think you need to keep a little sanity. Traveling back and forth over 5 time zones have got to wear a person down.

JaneYoung

16-05-2012, 22:00

familyguyfreak

16-05-2012, 23:38

Pjohn1959

17-05-2012, 21:27

Jess,

I ran out of ice cream, so can you give us any new updates on the team list?

Thanks.

jessjank.

21-05-2012, 12:05

Jess,

I ran out of ice cream, so can you give us any new updates on the team list?

Thanks.

Sorry to keep you waiting on an update! Hopefully you found some more ice cream to hold you over! ;)

The current list of teams officially registered for Texas Robot Roundup 2012 can be found here: http://www.robotroundup.org/registered-teams
I update it with newly registered teams as soon as I have the opportunity to send out registration confirmations to those teams.

For your quick reference, here's the current list:

57 – Leopards (Washington HS & HS for Engineering Professions) – Houston, TX
118 – The Robonauts (Clear Creek ISD) – League City, TX
148 – Robowranglers (Greenville HS) – Greenville, TX
418 – Purple Haze (LASA) – Austin, TX
457 – Grease Monkeys (San Antonio HS) – San Antonio TX
624 – CRyptonite (Cinco Ranch HS) – Katy, TX
647 – Cyberwolves (Robert M. Shoemaker HS) – Killeen, TX
1296 – Full Metal Jackets (Rockwall HS) – Rockwall, TX
1429 – Team KAOS (Galena Park HS) – Galena Park, TX
1477 – Texas Torque (4-H Robotics) – The Woodlands, TX
2158 – ausTIN CANs (Anderson HS) – Austin, TX
2468 – Appreciate (Westlake HS) – Austin, TX
2583 – RoboWarriors (Westwood HS) – Austin, TX
2587 – DiscoBots (Lamar HS) – Houston, TX
2789 – TechXsplosion (Manor New Tech HS) – Manor, TX
2833 – Robo-Scorpions (Brownsville Early College HS) – Brownsville, TX
2881 – Lady Cans (Girl Scouts of Central Texas) – Austin, TX
2952 – Brackenbots (Brackenridge HS) – San Antonio, TX
3103 – Iron Plaid (Duchesne Academy) – Houston, TX
3320 – Miracles & Machines (Eastside Memorial HS) – Austin, TX
3481 – Bronc Botz (Brandeis HS) – San Antonio, TX
3676 – Warrior Robotics (Martin HS) – Arlington, TX
3679 – Rattlers (San Marcos HA) – Marcos, TX
3735 – Klein Bots (Klein ISD) – Klein, TX
3847 – Spectrum (St. Agnes/Strake Jesuit College Prep) – Houston, TX
3997 – Screaming Chickens (BSA Robotics Explorers Post 42) – San Antonio, TX
3999 – Shadetree Mechanics – Killeen,TX
4271 – Gladiators (Reagan HS) – Austin, TX
4282 – Cowboys (Gladys Porter HS) – Brownsville, TX

Just a reminder: FRIDAY is the last day teams may sign up for TRR during Early Registration and pay the Early Registration fee of $200. (NOTE: your check does not need to be received by Friday. You simply need to register and get it out in the mail as soon as possible to take advantage of the reduced cost.) After Friday, the registration goes up to $250.

Pjohn1959

21-05-2012, 14:22

Thanks Jess.

Where is Team Black Hawk?

Pjohn1959

21-05-2012, 15:43

Where is Team Black Hawk?

Ooops.. I forgot

Nevermind.

Time to go get some more ice cream!

JohnSchneider

21-05-2012, 16:19

Thanks Jess.

Where is Team Black Hawk?

Were going to IRI - as well as Ozark. We didn't really have the funds or time to attend 3 off seasons - and the team wanted to travel a bit. Its not anything against TRR, we love it :) maybe/hopefully next year!

midway78224

21-05-2012, 17:26

Hey Jess,

My team was wondering if there is going to be a table provided to the teams or do we have to plan on bringing our own.

Elizabeth Waters

22-05-2012, 16:50

Good luck to all the teams at this event.
I wish we could go, but the robot shipping logistics nightmare is just too much to worry about.
We intend to just do IRI the week before as we try to find possible alternatives to not having the same shipping company handle our robot just for that event.

Since 624 is attending IRI, too, the week before attending this event--and we plan to drive up in vehicles--we'd be MORE than happy to extend our help to you guys by bringing 359's robot/supplies back with us to Texas after IRI if you guys supply the trailer (i.e. you guys rent a trailer of the correct size in Indianapolis that we can haul back to Houston with us).

You guys have been fantastic all season, and we'd love to see you back in Texas! If this seems like an attractive/reasonable offer, let us know. 624 would be honored to help you in any way.

waialua359

22-05-2012, 17:31

Thanks for the gracious offer.
Unfortunately for us, we already bought our airline tickets last week, since it got a little cheaper and we didnt want to lose out on prices possibly climbing again. i.e. $820 plus taxes per person...:(
118 also offered to help us (which reminds me I need to reply to Justin as well!) and had space in their trailer to hold theirs and ours.

Assuming we have a good season in 2013 and get invited back to IRI next year, we can definitely plan this out better and attend the TRR. It would've worked out this year as our students would have still been on summer break.

As I look at the list of great teams attending, especially the addition of 148, it woud've been pretty cool to participate in such a stacked lineup of teams back to back weekends with IRI.

-Glenn

jessjank.

22-05-2012, 23:17

Hey Jess,

My team was wondering if there is going to be a table provided to the teams or do we have to plan on bringing our own.

We supply every team with a table and full 10'x10' pit space. However, if you plan to do any work that might damage the table (drilling, for example), you are encouraged to bring an additional surface to work on.

Additional Note: Last year, we had special charging stations available for teams to charge batteries and use power tools. This year, we are working on having a power supply for each pit!

jessjank.

22-05-2012, 23:20

Assuming we have a good season in 2013 and get invited back to IRI next year, we can definitely plan this out better and attend the TRR. It would've worked out this year as our students would have still been on summer break.

As I look at the list of great teams attending, especially the addition of 148, it woud've been pretty cool to participate in such a stacked lineup of teams back to back weekends with IRI.

-Glenn

Best wishes at IRI! We're really sad that you won't be able to join us at TRR 2012, but hope that things will work out next year. If you are still interested in 2013, definitely get back in touch with us near the end of the competition season so that we can help you plan and make arrangements!

Were going to IRI - as well as Ozark. We didn't really have the funds or time to attend 3 off seasons - and the team wanted to travel a bit. Its not anything against TRR, we love it :) maybe/hopefully next year!

If you end up changing your mind over the next month or so, definitely let us know! We would of course love to have 3310 join us at TRR 2012, but entirely understand that it's tough to go to two events back to back, as is the case with IRI and TRR, in addition to simply time and money. Hopefully we will see you all at TRR 2013! Have a great off-season and help make Texas proud! :)

Kyler Hagler

22-05-2012, 23:53

Best wishes at IRI! We're really sad that you won't be able to join us at TRR 2012, but hope that things will work out next year. If you are still interested in 2013, definitely get back in touch with us near the end of the competition season so that we can help you plan and make arrangements!

If you end up changing your mind over the next month or so, definitely let us know! We would of course love to have 3310 join us at TRR 2012, but entirely understand that it's tough to go to two events back to back, as is the case with IRI and TRR, in addition to simply time and money. Hopefully we will see you all at TRR 2013! Have a great off-season and help make Texas proud! :)

We defiantly will let you know if the circumstances allow it. We would love to play with some of our competitors from previous regionals! Good luck to 57, 118, 148, 624, 1296, 1429, and 1477. ( Also everyone else) If i can make it i will travel down there myself and help our sister team 1296! Goodluck!

Michael Blake

23-05-2012, 13:09

jessjank.

23-05-2012, 13:24

Okay... at the risk of melting someone's "ice cream"... here's the VERY REASONABLE response I got from the folks running the Cow Town ThrowDown/KC off-seasoner on using our practice bot as a 2nd entry:

"Teams can enter a second robot with a second entry fee, however the second robot will be placed on the waiting list. (A team will need to indicate which robot is their primary robot) We will fill the 48 spots with as many individual teams as possible, and fill with teams entering a second robot as needed. Thanks for your understanding of this as our goal is to have as many different teams compete that are interested. Please note that last year there were only 32 slots and this year we’re increasing the field to 48 so there’s a very good chance a second robot will get in. The deadline for teams for pay is Oct 1. If there are slots, your second team will come off the wait list and onto the roster."

I think this a well thought-out approach that is fair and balanced... and I would respectfully ask the organizers of Texas Robot Roundup to _consider_ adopting this same approach... THANKS!

I entirely agree that that is a very reasonable and well thought out approach. It is actually something the planning committee is considering should we end up with openings at the end of June.

Based on the responses of interested teams, we predict that we will be very close to, if not at, full capacity by that point. Additionally, because it is more difficult for pre-rookies to get their footing, any openings at that time may be reserved for pre-rookies who have not yet "officially" registered.

We thus do not want to get any team's hopes up for getting a 2nd robot in to TRR. We are very aware of your interest and will certainly let you and other teams know when and if this option becomes available. Thanks for your understanding.

Michael Blake

23-05-2012, 13:45

We are very aware of your interest and will certainly let you and other teams know when and if this option becomes available.

I can't ask for anything more than that... THANKS, Jess! ;-)

jessjank.

24-05-2012, 16:24

Tomorrow is the last day of early registration for the 2nd Annual Texas Robot Roundup!

By registering before the end of the day tomorrow, teams can take advantage of the reduced registration fee - only $200 - before it rises to $250. If your team is interested in attending TRR 2012, I encourage you to register as soon as possible so that you don't miss out on this opportunity to compete. Register at: www.robotroundup.org/team-registration (http://www.robotroundup.org/team-registration)

There are only 5 slots (out of 40 total) still available to teams. An updated list of registered teams can be found here: www.robotroundup.org/registered-teams (http://www.robotroundup.org/registered-teams)

midway78224

26-05-2012, 20:24

I was wondering if there will be any rule changes like to the co-op bridge or a money ball added for the last 30 secs.

JohnSchneider

26-05-2012, 21:42

I was wondering if there will be any rule changes like to the co-op bridge or a money ball added for the last 30 secs.

I doubt it, but you'll know when the IRI rules come out

Michael Blake

29-05-2012, 21:22

There are only [B]5 slots (out of 40 total) still available to teams.

Jess, is there an update to the team count yet?

Also, will there be a webcast of the competition? THANKS!

androb4

30-05-2012, 02:35

Also, will there be a webcast of the competition? THANKS!

Aah yes, a great question!

BTW, I know of someone that could webcast it for you guys....that has experience in streaming in full HD. :D

jessjank.

06-06-2012, 17:24

Jess, is there an update to the team count yet?

We have 3 slots left for teams!

Also, will there be a webcast of the competition?

YES!

BTW, I know of someone that could webcast it for you guys....that has experience in streaming in full HD. :D

We're working through the logistics and will certainly be in touch to see how you all can be of assistance. Thanks!

jessjank.

18-06-2012, 22:57

Email sent out to registered teams today:

Hello Texas Robot Roundup Teams!

The TRR Planning Committee is working diligently to ensure that the 2nd Annual Texas Robot Roundup will be a great experience for all your teams. With TRR 2012 now less than 2 months away, I wanted to share some important information with all of you. Please take the time to review these details and respond as necessary.

CONTACT REQUEST:
Please let me know if I may share your contact information with members of the planning committee and Central Texas teams. We are working on something special for teams traveling to Austin for TRR!

REGISTRATION FEES:
Reminder, make sure to send in your registration fee! Tax Forms and W-9 are available upon request. Mail your registration check (made payable to "ausTIN CANs Supporters"), with your team number and name, to:
ausTIN CANs Supporters
2438 West Anderson Lane, C-7
Austin, TX 78757

TRR PUBLIC AGENDA:
See attachment! Schedule is still subject to change.

WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS:
Based on team feedback from the registration survey and planning committee discussions, we are tentatively planning for the following workshops and meetings at TRR. We are finalizing workshop presenters and will send additional information at a later date.

Workshops/Presentations:
- Robot Design
- Strategy
- Scouting
- Chairman's Award
- Business Plan
- FIRST Progression & Values

Meetings:
- Non-Engineering Mentors Organization (NEMO)
- Central Texas Robotics Alliance (CTRA)
- Rookie Meet & Greet

SPECIAL EVENTS:
TRR will have a special Mentors Tournament on Friday the 27th at 4:30pm and a Skills Challenge on Saturday the 28th during the lunch break. Plans are also being made for a Team Social on Friday evening. Stay tuned for more details on all special events.

TRR PEER-JUDGED AWARDS:
The TRR Planning Committee has decided to recognize teams with the following peer-judged awards (official award names TBD):
- Team Spirit
- Gracious Professionalism
- Safety
- Creativity in Design
- Play of the Day
- Rookie Recognition

We will have a special Mentor Recognition. Stay tuned for more information.

CANNED FOOD DRIVE:
Host team ausTIN CANs invite you to participate in their annual Canned Food Drive. Please encourage your team to participate. Teams competing in the Mentor Tournament will be ranked for alliance selections based on the number of canned goods their team donates.

PIZZA PARTY CONTEST:
"Like" Alamo FIRST on Facebook and Win a Pizza Party! A week before TRR, we will select one name from all the people who "like" the Alamo FIRST Facebook page. That person's team will win a Pizza Party. Make sure to pass this information on to your team! Increase your chances by getting everyone on your team to like the page! https://www.facebook.com/alamoFIRST

FLAG DISCOUNTS:
Dixie Flags is offerring a 10% discount off all purchases of flags by Texas FIRST Robotics teams! Visit www.dixieflag.com. Contact Vanessa Va de Putte with purchase inquiries - vanessa@dixieflag.com, 210-227-5039.

TRR WEBSITE:
Visit www.robotroundup.org for additional information, including the list of registered teams. More information will be added in the coming weeks!

Additionally, I've attached an Public Event Flier that you can print, share, and post and use to invite guests to TRR.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions! We look forward to seeing you all at TRR 2012!

Elizabeth Waters

26-06-2012, 11:28

I was wondering if there will be any rule changes like to the co-op bridge or a money ball added for the last 30 secs.

So, just to make sure, should we assume no rule changes since we haven't heard anything yet?

jessjank.

26-06-2012, 12:45

So, just to make sure, should we assume no rule changes since we haven't heard anything yet?

Like last year, TRR waited on IRI's release of rules changes to review and decide if they will be adopted for our event. We have a planning committee meeting on Thursday, after which any adjustments to the rules will be announced. However, at this time I don't foresee us making any significant rules changes for TRR.

AllenGregoryIV

26-06-2012, 13:50

Like last year, TRR waited on IRI's release of rules changes to review and decide if they will be adopted for our event. We have a planning committee meeting on Thursday, after which any adjustments to the rules will be announced. However, at this time I don't foresee us making any significant rules changes for TRR.

Not that my opinion matters, but I'm all for adopting the IRI rules change.

JohnSchneider

26-06-2012, 17:50

Not that my opinion matters, but I'm all for adopting the IRI rules change.

I would have a vote on this, unlike what the IRI staff did...it's causing a little controversy over there.

JaneYoung

26-06-2012, 18:31

I would have a vote on this, unlike what the IRI staff did...it's causing a little controversy over there.

I wouldn't worry about it. Let's wait until after Thursday and see what is decided.

Jane

AdamHeard

26-06-2012, 18:43

I would have a vote on this, unlike what the IRI staff did...it's causing a little controversy over there.

You are unfairly criticizing the IRI planning committee here.

The planning committee has always made rule changes of varying degree, and is run by some very qualified people for the job. They solicited input on chiefdelphi, they probably considered that input, and then made a decision. The fact that their decision upsets people does not mean it was made without input, nor does it mean it was an unfair decision.

JohnSchneider

26-06-2012, 20:15

You are unfairly criticizing the IRI planning committee here.

The planning committee has always made rule changes of varying degree, and is run by some very qualified people for the job. They solicited input on chiefdelphi, they probably considered that input, and then made a decision. The fact that their decision upsets people does not mean it was made without input, nor does it mean it was an unfair decision.

My comment was worded a bit harshly, and incorrectly I suppose.

When IRI asked for input and took a vote, the voting went the other way of their decision. That's what got so many people riled up. I was suggesting that TRR do whatever the participants want...its just a fun off season event, plus things like the Co-op bridge may matter more to participants at TRR over that of the participants at IRI. Just a thought.

But that's my $0.02 which isn't really worth much since we aren't going to TRR (:()

I however did not mean to offend if I did.

jessjank.

29-06-2012, 15:16

Reminder:
Registration for TRR 2012 closes after today!

The TRR planning committee met last night. I will send out an email with important information to all TRR teams this weekend and will post the details here. It will include the committee's decisions on rules changes, the TRr Skills Challenge rules, and options for additional robot entries for any remaining spots following the close of the "official" team registration period. Until then, let me know if you have any questions about registration.

TheMadCADer

30-06-2012, 21:56

Any news on where a webcast might be hosted? Some of us are going to be out of the country for TRR. :(

jessjank.

02-07-2012, 00:18

I just sent this email out to TRR Teams:

Texas Robot Roundup in now less than a month away! I have lots of important information for you. After reading over this email, make sure to fill out all requested forms/respond as necessary! If you have not yet, please send in your registration fee. I'm still working on getting a PayPal option available for those of you who need it. Thank you for your patience!

First, a quick request: If you have not yet responded to my previous request, please let me know if I may share your contact information with the other members of the Planning Committee. We're trying to plan something special for everyone coming in from out of the Austin area.

TTR Game Rules Changes:

+5 pounds allowed. Honor system unless referees question you.
Alliance selection is 1-8, 8-1, 8-1. Alliances select a 4th robot to play on their alliance. Use of this 4th robot is at the discretion of the alliance captain.
All other rules will be per the 2012 FRC Rebound Rumble game rules as interpreted by the TRR referees.

Opportunity to Register 2nd Robot:
Following the end of the Registration period, we have 4 slots available. One team dropped and all out of state teams initially expressing significant interest could not make it; we are still working with potential pre-rookies. The TRR Planning Committee has decided on the following:

Teams are asked to fill out this form: goo.gl/A7LEv by the end of next Friday, July 7th, regarding their interest in entering a 2nd (practice, backup, etc) robot
If no more than 4 teams already registered wish to register a 2nd robot, we will allow teams to enter 2nd robots
If more than 4 teams wish to enter a 2nd robot, we will not allow teams to enter 2nd robots
If the criteria above are met, interested teams will need to register their 2nd robot by Wednesday, July 11th
Teams must pay the regular registration fee of $250 for their 2nd robot by Thursday, July 26th

Skills Challenge Rules:
See the attached document. Interested teams will be asked to sign up for a Skills Challenge time slot at registration. The Skills Challenge will occur at noon on Saturday, July 28th.

Mentors Tournament & Canned Goods Drive:
The Mentors Tournament will take place on Friday, July 27th, starting at 4:30pm. Alliance selection ran will be based on the number of canned goods donated to the host team's (ausTIN CANs, 2158) annual canned food drive by 4:00pm on Friday. Teams must select alliance partners outside the top 8. All other rules will be per the 2012 FRC Rebound Rumble game rules as interpreted by the TRR referees. The team who donates the most Canned Goods by noon on Saturday will be recognized with the Austin CAN Award.

I will continue to send additional information your way over the next few weeks. Please read them carefully! As always, let me know if you have any questions. We're looking forward to seeing you all at TRR 2012!

jessjank.

02-07-2012, 00:19

Any news on where a webcast might be hosted? Some of us are going to be out of the country for TRR. :(

We're still working on this and will make sure to let everyone know as soon as we have that information available. Thank you for your patience!

jessjank.

02-07-2012, 10:32

Notes and Amendment regarding 2nd Robot Entries:

The intent for allowing a 2nd robot to participate for a team is to make sure that students get great opportunities at TRR. It is far from the intent of the committee to allow teams to get an unfair advantage. The following amendment is being put in place:

The three students comprising the 2nd robot's drive team must NOT have previous experience driving at an official FIRST Regional or Championship event.

If interested or necessary, teams may combine to enter a 2nd robot in order to have enough students available to drive. Let me know if you have already responded to the survey and this changes your original answer. The original information on this topic can be found above.

lynca

03-07-2012, 21:49

Skills Challenge Rules:
See the attached document. Interested teams will be asked to sign up for a Skills Challenge time slot at registration. The Skills Challenge will occur at noon on Saturday, July 28th.

I'm a big fan of skills challenge ! Thank you for holding a skills challenge.

I had a question about the rules,
make 4 baskets in the bottom hoop from a distance

I'm confused about bottom hoop, can this be any hoops or just the bottom hoop ?

jessjank.

03-07-2012, 22:43

I'm a big fan of skills challenge ! Thank you for holding a skills challenge.

I had a question about the rules,

I'm confused about bottom hoop, can this be any hoops or just the bottom hoop ?

You're welcome. We hope this poses an interesting challenge for teams!

The rule means just the very bottom hoop only. This was decided as a special challenge for teams as the bottom hoop is rarely utilized during the course of the real game. If you have any additional questions or concerns, I can point you specifially to our Special Tournaments subcommittee in charge of the Skills Challenge and Mentor Tournament. Just let me know!

lynca

05-07-2012, 15:53

You're welcome. We hope this poses an interesting challenge for teams!

The rule means just the very bottom hoop only. This was decided as a special challenge for teams as the bottom hoop is rarely utilized during the course of the real game. If you have any additional questions or concerns, I can point you specifially to our Special Tournaments subcommittee in charge of the Skills Challenge and Mentor Tournament. Just let me know!

I'm a bit worried about this bottom hoop rule skills challenge. But maybe I'm the only one...:ahh:

I would prefer if we could just score on any hoop and get the corresponding points (3 for top, 2 for mid, 1 for bottom).

I would like to discuss the skills challenge rules more with your contact offline.

midway78224

05-07-2012, 21:18

Michael Blake

09-07-2012, 16:20

Opportunity to Register 2nd Robot:
Following the end of the Registration period, we have 4 slots available. One team dropped and all out of state teams initially expressing significant interest could not make it; we are still working with potential pre-rookies. The TRR Planning Committee has decided on the following:

Teams are asked to fill out this form: goo.gl/A7LEv by the end of next Friday, July 7th, regarding their interest in entering a 2nd (practice, backup, etc) robot
If no more than 4 teams already registered wish to register a 2nd robot, we will allow teams to enter 2nd robots
If more than 4 teams wish to enter a 2nd robot, we will not allow teams to enter 2nd robots
If the criteria above are met, interested teams will need to register their 2nd robot by Wednesday, July 11th
Teams must pay the regular registration fee of $250 for their 2nd robot by Thursday, July 26th

Jess, can we now officially enter our practice bot? THANKS!

jessjank.

09-07-2012, 16:27

Jess ,

I have a question about the skills challenge. If i understand correctly that all balls have to be touching your robot and two of the balls have to be in contact with the robot and key. My questions is at the start of the match can we harvester the other two balls so we have all four balls in our system and then take our shots or do we have to go by FIRST rules and only can have 3 balls in the robot.

From the committee: The robot may not possess more than three balls at a time.

Jess, can we now officially enter our practice bot? THANKS!

Yes, you may!

I have been unreasonably busy recently. Thank you all for your patience with regard to my delayed responses!

jessjank.

13-07-2012, 20:57

Just sent this email out to teams:

Hi TRR 2012 Teams!

I hope you're all getting excited for the 2012 Texas Robot Roundup! We're looking forward to seeing you all in just 2 weeks. I know this email is long, but please read it carefully to find out about and share many valuable opportunities with your team and attending supporters.

Pay your Registration Fee - Online or by Check:
If you haven't do so yet, please send in your registration fee! Details can be found at www.roubotroundup.org (http://www.roubotroundup.org) (the website is being updated this weekend as well). If you can pay online through PayPal, this option is now available. Payments should be made to the following account: austincansbooster@gmail.com

Friday Night Team Social:
TechXsplosion, Team 2789 from Manor, TX, is hosting a social at TRR on Friday, July 27, at 7:00 PM. The goal of this social is to have a fun time with all the teams going to the 2nd Annual Texas Robot Roundup. Entry to the social is free, but during the social they will have jars around the room for donations to a local library that is in desperate need of books. They will be providing an assortment of desserts and punch to all the teams. Please RSVP here: http://goo.gl/9AkYc

Win a FIRST Xbox! Win a Pizza Party for your team!
The new Microsoft Store in Austin will be raffling off a FIRST Xbox to one lucky team member! All team members will receive a raffle ticket at check-in. To see a picture of this special FIRST Xbox, head to the Alamo FIRST Facebook page: www.facebook.com/alamoFIRST (http://www.facebook.com/alamoFIRST) and while you're there, "like" the page! One team will receive a Pizza Party! We will draw the name of one person who has "liked" the page at the end of next week and their team will win the Pizza Party. Encourage your members, mentors, parents, sponsors, and supporters to "like" Alamo FIRST!

Mentor Recognition Award sponsored by National Instruments:
This year, we are beginning the tradition of recognizing an outstanding mentor at TRR. Nothing needs to be done by your teams in advance. When you check-in on Saturday morning, your team will receive a prompt and your students are asked to respond to it in a half page space regarding a mentor they wish to recognize. Entries will be read by a group of non-team affiliated judges.

TRR Trading Post:
Central Texas teams are pilotting a fundraising activity that we may open up to all participating teams in years to come. Throughout a portion of the day on Saturday, teams will be selling a variety of cool tech-oriented things like FIRST logo and recycled electronics jewelry and key chains, t-shirts, buttons, bristle bot kits, pictures in a carnival cut-out robot, and more!

VIPs/Invited Guests & Student Ambassadors:
If you have invited any VIPs or special guests to TRR, let me know so that they can be included in some special activities we're arranging for invited guests. Additionally, if you have any team members who would like to serve as student ambassadors to give tours to these guests and answer their questions about FIRST, Rebound Rumble, and more, please send me their names (in addition to your team number).

Special Tournaments & Canned Goods Drive:
In my last email, you should have received rules for the TRR Skills Challenge that will happen on Saturday. Let me know if you need me to send you the rules sheet again. Additionally, please remind your team to collect canned goods to donate to the host team (ausTIN CANs - 2158) food drive that will determine team alliance selection ranking for the Mentor Tournament. When you check-in at TRR, interested teams will be asked to sign your team up to compete in the Skills Challenge and Mentor Tournament.

Workshops, Presentations, & Meetings:
Throughout Saturday, attendees have a chance to go to a variety of workshops, presentations, and meetings designed to inform, support, and inspire your teams. We will have some very interesting speakers, a panel discussion from some of Texas' most competitive teams, workshops and presentations on robot design and how to create a business plan, and meetings for the Non-Engineering Mentors Organization and the Central Texas Robotics Alliance. Detailed overviews of each session will be sent out a week before the event.

At the end of next week, I will send out an email that will include attachments of some very important instructions and documents for your teams. Please make sure that this email address (robotroundup@gmail.com) is added to your address book if you haven't done so already so that my email doesn't end up in your spam folder!

As always, let me know if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you all in two weeks!

jessjank.

13-07-2012, 21:03

Any news on where a webcast might be hosted? Some of us are going to be out of the country for TRR. :(

Additionally, there WILL be a webcast! Representatives from the DiscoBots, team 2587, will be providing the webcast. We will post a link here and to www.robotroundup.org (http://www.robotroundup.org) once we have it available so that those of you who can't make it to TRR can still enjoy the event!

jessjank.

24-07-2012, 00:48

Part A of email I just sent out to teams:

Hi TRR Teams! PLEASE READ THIS EMAIL AND ATTACHED DOCUMENTS!

We're looking forward to seeing you all on Friday (optional Practice Day) and Saturday at Anderson High School in Austin! If you still need to get your event payment in, please get in touch with me so we can figure things out. Basic event information can be found at www.robotroundup.org.

Reminder: RSVP for the Friday night team social here: http://goo.gl/9AkYc

Attached you will find a number of helpful documents (pdf format). Review them before the event and share them with your team! Note: all documents are subject to minor changes. Updated, official versions will be provided at check-in.

LOAD IN: Basic map of where to enter Anderson High School to Load-in your robot and supplies, and check-in.

Event Map: Outlines all important rooms/locations at Anderson High School, including Check-In, Pits & Pit Admin, general Queuing Area, Playing Field, Meeting Room, Auditorium, Practice Field, TRR Trading Post, Concessions, Bathrooms, and Team Social.

Pit Map: Shows the pit layout. Use this to figure out where to load-in your robot and supplies.

Team List: Updated list of the 36 teams competing at TRR 2012. Includes team #, name, school/organization, and location.

Public Agenda: Updated agenda, now includes workshops/presentations/meetings times, topics and locations, Saturday Mentor Breakfast, and TRR Trading Post.

jessjank.

24-07-2012, 00:51

Part B of email I just sent out to teams:

PresentationsWorkshopsMeetings: Provides an overview of each of the presentations, workshops, and meetings at TRR, including times, locations, and presenters.

Queuing Notes: Outlines important information and considerations for teams with regard to methods, rules, important cart considerations, and more.

Local Area Map: Basic map (not to scale) of important locations (food, hardware stores, drug stores, etc) very close to the event.

iPhone Locations: PDFs of Austin that are georeferenced, meaning that they have spatial coordinates embedded in the actual pdf document. You can load these documents on a GPS enabled smart device and find where you are on the map. Document includes directions for iPhone or iPad, but similar applications exist for Android devices as well. Includes a variety of locations in Austin, such as restaurants, hardware stores, entertainment, emergency care, and more and lists their contact info and hours. We are adding more locations tomorrow - please email me if anyone wants an updated version.

Please see my last email for more information on the team social, registration fee payment, Xbox raffle , awards, TRR Trading Post, and special tournaments.

As always, let me know if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you all at the end of the week!

jessjank.

26-07-2012, 01:40

In case anyone misses Edward's thread, the TRR webcast will be available at:
www.roll24productions.com/watch (http://www.roll24productions.com/watch)

This link will also be posted to the TRR website:
www.robotroundup.org (http://www.robotroundup.org)
Check out the website for additional resources and up to date information.

We're looking forward to seeing everyone soon! And for those of you who can't make it to TRR, definitely check out the webcast. A great big thank you to Edward and the DiscoBots for making the webcast happen!

midway78224

26-07-2012, 18:07

Jess,

Do have any idea on how many matches TRR plans to run for each team or is that still up in the air.

Pjohn1959

26-07-2012, 18:29

With the time allowed and 40 teams, I would think that each team could get in 8 matches pretty easily. We will be packing up tomorrow for that early trip Saturday morning.

jessjank.

26-07-2012, 20:22

Jess,

Do have any idea on how many matches TRR plans to run for each team or is that still up in the air.

By the estimates of our AndyMark crew, we should have at least 8, perhaps 9, matches per team!

JaneYoung

27-07-2012, 06:48

About to head up to Anderson High School!

Travel safe, everyone. See you later on today or early tomorrow!

Jane

Brant Bowen

28-07-2012, 17:39

For those of you following at home here are the TRR Alliances:
Teams are listed as Alliance Captain, 1st Pick, 2nd Pick and 3rd Pick (Backup Robot)

1 118 624 457 4332
2 1477 148 2833 4271
3 2789 1296 418 4335
4 2158 3679 57 4300
5 2587 3847 3735 653
6 647 3481 3997 3320
7 2583 1429 2936 2881
8 2468 3482 3103 3999

Gregor

28-07-2012, 19:18

Incredible finals match. Congratulations to the number 1 seed on their win.

jessjank.

29-07-2012, 02:07

For anyone who is interested, the 2012 TRR results and awards can be found at www.robotroundup.org/results (http://www.robotroundup.org/results)

I owe a wealth of gratitude to so many people for helping make the 2nd annual Texas Robot Roundup a fantastic event. Thank you to (in alphabetical order):
- Alamo Regional Director: Patrick Felty
- AndyMark crew: Brandon Maris and Brant Bowen
- Event Manager: John Sperry
- My team (the hosts): the ausTIN CANs - 2158 members, mentors, and parents
- Planning Committee (a fabulous crew spanning across 6 central Texas teams!)
- Presenters, Panelists, and Workshop/Meeting hosts
- Sponsors & Contributors: Title Sponsor - National Instruments; Platinum Sponsor - Time Warner Cable-Connect a Million Minds; Gold Sponsor - Geekdom; and Silver Sponsor - Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union
- Team members, mentors, and supporters of our 35 Texas teams in attendance
- Volunteers... all the referees, queuers, field crew, pit crew, check in crew, mentor awards judges, and more
- Webcast crew: Edward Morris, Paul Chaguine, and team 2587
And all other supporters who I might be neglecting due to being pretty exhausted. Thank you all so very much!

I hope everyone had a great time. I will be sending out feedback forms soon so that we can determine what we can do to continue to grow TRR into an even better event. I look forward seeing y'all again soon at some of the upcoming FIRST events in Texas this fall. Now off to go rest for a few days. :)

rsisk

29-07-2012, 11:07

Jess,
On the website you link above it says the 1477 alliance was the champs at TRR. Is that correct?

midway78224

29-07-2012, 11:13

Jess,
On the website you link above it says the 1477 alliance was the champs at TRR. Is that correct?

This is not correct. The result are backwards. 624 alliance won TRR and 1477 alliance were the finalist.

JaneYoung

29-07-2012, 11:36

I would just like to say that Cyberwolves earned the Spirit Award and they truly earned some of that at the check-in/information table with the help of Shadetree Mechanics and all of the songs they were all singing - loudly. (Yes, I lost control of the check-in/information table yesterday afternoon. Totally.)

Special shout out to Gatorzilla, FRC 2936, for graciously helping to facilitate an index card quilt for TRR. The theme for this quilt was: What do off-season competitions mean to you? The quilt is small but it is the perfect size for Mr. Sperry's classroom, serving as a thank you from everyone who attended the 2012 Texas Robot Roundup off-season.

It was a fun and well-planned event. Safe travels, everyone!

Jane

jessjank.

29-07-2012, 12:26

Jess,
On the website you link above it says the 1477 alliance was the champs at TRR. Is that correct?

Oops, that was me incorrectly copying and pasting things way too late last night when I was exhausted. It's corrected now. My apologies everyone!

AllenGregoryIV

29-07-2012, 14:29

Spectrum 3847 would like to thank everyone that helped organize and run TRR this year. It was an amazing event. It's great to get so many Texas teams together once a year to battle it out in the sport we all love. It's great to get to see so many of our friends.

We're already looking forward to next year.

Ravage457

30-07-2012, 00:23

Like to say thank you to team 118 and 624 and 4332 for inviting us to thier alliance, unfortunately i wasnt able to make the event, but was well inform through tex message of wat was going down, and also congratulate also 1477, 148, 2833, 4271 alliance for making all the way to finals, much respect to them and thier robots, cant wait till next season to begin

dna1990

30-07-2012, 12:08

I had an absolute blast...and I was just there to watch. Good job CANs and Jess!

All the teams should be very glad to have such opportunities like TRR.

Keep it up, can't wait to see what all yall come up with in 2013.

Mr. Rip

30-07-2012, 15:05

Texas Torque had a great time at the second annual Texas Robot Roundup. Those two matches in the finals were really exciting and it was nice that everyone seemed to be playing without any big breakdowns.

There are so many people to thank for putting on such a well-run event. I'll just add my thanks to all those that helped, especially Jess Jankowitsch.

Congratulations to 118 for repeating as TRR champions. It's quite amazing to watch your robot zip around the field.

Congratulations to 624 for having such a great year, including winning just about everything at TRR: Mentor Match, Can Drive, the Xbox, Skills Challenge, and the Roundup. It was fun winning the Skills Challenge with you.

457 played terrific defense in the final's matches. I'm glad you were on our side at the Alamo Regional. Too bad we had to play against you (and lose) at TRR and OMB.

Thanks to 148, 2833, and 4271 for being part of our alliance. We finally got to be part of a triple balance!

Scott Rippetoe
Lead Mentor
Texas Torque