The Palmetto Regional's New Location

[JohnFogarty]

I just heard from a team member in the upstate, who was told by his mentor that the Palmetto regional might be moving to Myrtle Beach this year? I don't know if anyone who's connected to Palmetto Partners uses CD, but I'd just like to hear the SC's team's thoughts on this.
1. No engineering schools in Myrtle that I can think of off hand.
2. I was told this is because the Canadians wanted a beach competition....
that can't be it....
3. Tourism?
4. it's just a rumor and since no official event location is on the first website so I should just shut up.

[JohnFogarty]

....http://www.myrtlebeachconventioncenter.com/calendar.php
oh but I just confirmed it. Scroll to Feb/March 2013.
Thanks to the rumor competition schedule posts.

[Billfred]

The way I heard the story was that Myrtle Beach was willing to give the regional the convention center for free.

I have a personal preference for holding events in arenas--convention centers don't quite have the same feel--but you can bet that we'll be down there going for the threepeat!

[HumblePie]

Straight from a member of the Palmetto Planning Committee, I heard that while the original contract with the N. Charleston Coliseum was for 3 years, next year's dates conflict with an SC Stingrays hockey game. The game(s), against the Florida Everblades is (are) typically well attended and the hockey team wouldn't budge. Plan B was to shift to Myrtle Beach for 2013. Plans (so far) are to return to N. Charleston in 2014.

[JohnFogarty]

The way I heard the story was that Myrtle Beach was willing to give the regional the convention center for free.

I have a personal preference for holding events in arenas--convention centers don't quite have the same feel--but you can bet that we'll be down there going for the threepeat!

I see, hmm well it should be interesting.

I much rather like arenas than convention centers as well, however I've seen some convention centers that are arenas. So I have no idea what the Myrtle Beach convention center looks like...

Are you guys going to break the Omaha luck USC had?
I'm not speculating anything anymore considering a week one competition unnerves me a bit in whether or not we'll be at our "A" game.

[Gary Dillard]

The way I heard it, every city that has hosted the Palmetto Regional (what does this make, 6?) has asked the South Carolina teams politely not to come back so they have to keep moving :D

[Billfred]

I see, hmm well it should be interesting.

I much rather like arenas than convention centers as well, however I've seen some convention centers that are arenas. So I have no idea what the Myrtle Beach convention center looks like...

Are you guys going to break the Omaha luck USC had?
I'm not speculating anything anymore considering a week one competition unnerves me a bit in whether or not we'll be at our "A" game.

We're sure as heck gonna try! Our first-regional-of-the-year streak is hit or miss:

2009: Bayou (Semis, Rookie Inspiration)
2010: Bayou (No elims, J&J GP)
2011: Peachtree (Champions)
2012: Peachtree (Quarters)

The only time we really fell on our face at our first event was 2010 at Bayou; that was rough. 2011 saw us get better all of a sudden at eliminations (even I don't know how all the issues just stopped), and 2012 was surprisingly steady past a stupid first-match sit-out for bumpers (no comment :o ).

The way I heard it, every city that has hosted the Palmetto Regional (what does this make, 6?) has asked the South Carolina teams politely not to come back so they have to keep moving :D

Myrtle Beach will be four (Columbia 2004-2007, Clemson 2008-2010, North Charleston 2011-2012).

[JohnFogarty]

wasn't there a regional pre-2004?

[Billfred]

wasn't there a regional pre-2004?
Not in South Carolina. (Peachtree started in 2003.)

[JohnFogarty]

I only ask because 1102 has been around since 2001, I've never actually asked someone where our original regionals were held.

[Billfred]

I only ask because 1102 has been around since 2001, I've never actually asked someone where our original regionals were held.

Not quite. (https://my.usfirst.org/myarea/index.lasso?page=team_details&tpid=62395&-session=myarea:C77D640513e6833520sPLK1F4ECC) (2003 was the first year for four-digit team numbers...and it's not too far below 1293, which started in 2004.)

[jeser#1772]

If palmetto is confirmed for the Week 1 , 1772 is happy to go back to South Caroline in 2013!

[Mark McLeod]

1102 History (http://frclinks.frclinks.com/team/1102) says the team won Rookie All-Star in 2003 as Billfred indicated.
They began making their mark at the Peachtree Regional.

I only ask because 1102 has been around since 2001, I've never actually asked someone where our original regionals were held.

Not quite. (https://my.usfirst.org/myarea/index.lasso?page=team_details&tpid=62395&-session=myarea:C77D640513e6833520sPLK1F4ECC) (2003 was the first year for four-digit team numbers...and it's not too far below 1293, which started in 2004.)

[JohnFogarty]

1102 History (http://frclinks.frclinks.com/team/1102) says the team won Rookie All-Star in 2003 as Billfred indicated.
They began making their mark at the Peachtree Regional.
So as it seems I know nothing in terms of years.
Oh well. I gave it a guess.
I forgot to check the website before posting.

PS, 1772 we always want you guys back here in SC!

[Billfred]

So looking at the regional list (https://my.usfirst.org/myarea/index.lasso?page=teamlist&event_type=FRC&sort_teams=number&year=2013&event=scmb), I see some of the usual suspects and some returning and new-to-Palmetto teams:

346 (Last attended in 2007 in Columbia)
401 (Never attended before)
538 (Last attended in 2010 in Clemson, plus '07)
1598 (Never attended before)
2363 (Last attended in 2011 in Charleston, and they won it)
3959 (Never attended before)

Also on the list: 1102, 1293, and 1398 are the only ones to have signed up for all ten Palmetto Regionals. There are more teams that could join them, but they haven't yet. ;)

[David Guzman]

Rumor has it, we might be coming back to the Palmetto Regional :D

Would be our first time at a week 1 event.

[JohnFogarty]

For those teams that compete in FTC, I would like to point out that the planning committee at SC State University scheduled the FTC competition on the same day as the FRC competition.

[ttldomination]

It's just tentative, but the plan is for 1648 to make our way to Palmetto for week 1. Ought to be good.

- Sunny G.

[ttldomination]

Well, looks like we were able to grab a spot in the scramble for 2nd events.

Additionally, just noticed that 1398 is back. Hopefully they return the same way they went out.

- Sunny G.

[Greg Young]

587 is going to Palmetto this year. We managed to grab a slot in the two minutes before it filled up.

I didn't see 2059 or 2640 on the list so a repeat of SCRIW II can't happen.

This is going to be fun.

[jeser#1772]

1772 is Back!!

the Brazilian/South Carolina team is happy to see old friends!

[mrmummert]

Hey....

Anyone know what happened to 343 or did they morf into team 4452?

[Gary Dillard]

Hey....

Anyone know what happened to 343 or did they morf into team 4452?

According to their website (http://www.oconee.k12.sc.us/webpages/t343/index.cfm)they're still around (or were a few weeks ago). Looks like some overlap in territory between the 2 teams though.

[mandrews281]

Hey....

Anyone know what happened to 343 or did they morf into team 4452?

There was a lot of disruption of the Spark team (2751) over the off season. I think 4452 is an outgrowth of that.

[Billfred]

Well, looks like we were able to grab a spot in the scramble for 2nd events.

Additionally, just noticed that 1398 is back. Hopefully they return the same way they went out.

- Sunny G.Don't call it a comeback; they've been here for years (http://frclinks.com/t/1398).

Hey....

Anyone know what happened to 343 or did they morf into team 4452?

There was a lot of disruption of the Spark team (2751) over the off season. I think 4452 is an outgrowth of that.
I don't know what's going on with 343; I can only hope they're stuck on the Peachtree waitlist since it filled up during initial event registration. With the Myrtle Beach move, that's almost more their "home" regional than Palmetto is.

Without going into gory details, I've heard similar tales about 2751 and it seems likely they'll be inactive this year. 4452 does contain some ex-2751 people, though apparently not enough to prevent them from claiming rookie status. And they had their act together enough to attend SCRIW and reach alliance captain (and pick us after picking 1398), so there's that.

Also, for those of you that don't know, 88 (TJ^2 from Bridgewater, Massachusetts) registered today for Palmetto. I remember them fondly from when 1618 went to Chesapeake in 2008, but: Buy ear plugs. Lots of them.

[mrmummert]

I hope 343 gets in...but i don't even think they are registered in TIMS....Same thing with 388 here in Va. Well we had to sit out a year,(2009) but came back.

[Billfred]

I hope 343 gets in...but i don't even think they are registered in TIMS....Same thing with 388 here in Va. Well we had to sit out a year,(2009) but came back.

If a team is only on waitlists, they don't show on the site publicly.

[ttldomination]

Don't call it a comeback; they've been here for years (http://frclinks.com/t/1398).

Ah, I thought they took a hiatus. Well, this ought to be excellent. I heard there are some more good teams waiting for a couple more spots.

- Sunny G.

[Billfred]

Ah, I thought they took a hiatus. Well, this ought to be excellent. I heard there are some more good teams waiting for a couple more spots.

- Sunny G.

I have heard at least one team number lower than 88 is on the waitlist. No word on what true capacity is in the new venue, though.

[Akash Rastogi]

I have heard at least one team number lower than 88 is on the waitlist. No word on what true capacity is in the new venue, though.

Looks like they have made it into Palmetto.

[Billfred]

Looks like they have made it into Palmetto.

And they brought company! 52 is the largest Palmetto's ever been in its ten-year history. (Behind that was the 2006 event in Columbia at 48, which included some out-of-staters you might've heard of: 11, 16, 68, 108, 180, 247, 337, 818, 1251, 1676...)

[David Guzman]

We had to sign up for South Florida first for our second regional, so we are not sure that will make it into Palmetto once we can sign up for a 3rd event.

Palmetto 05-08 brings back good memories. :D

[SteveGPage]

We are so thrilled that we get to head south and join in the fun at the Palmetto Regional! This will be our first trip to this exciting regional event! I look forward to seeing many of our friends who have traveled up to our northern regionals, as well as meeting many new friends! I was so happy we got one of the 12 open slots that filled up in that first minute!

[kjohnson]

Can any locals provide the out-of-town teams a quick list of things to do or places to eat that can handle groups in the Myrtle Beach area, specifically within walking distance of the Convention Center? I'm just as good as using Google as anyone else, but its hard to know what will be open at the beach in February/March...

[ebarker]

Myrtle Beach is no longer a seasonal town. When I was your age you could take a nap in the middle of the street in the off season. They roll year round and there is not really an off season anymore.

The Convention Center is at the corner of 21st and Oak. If you walk east toward the ocean on 21st, then when you get to 17 business, you can go north or south and walk to any number of restaurants for lunch.

If you get out and drive up or down 17, then you can get to more places faster. I'd suggest going to 21st and 17 and go north/south and scout out the restaurants.and there is plenty to eat. If you cruise 17 between 10th and 30th or so there are plenty of places you can drive to in about 2 minutes.

If you go west on 21st toward 17 bypass, then it will take you to Hard Rock and other restaurants at Broadway at the Beach. Save that trip for the evening.

For lunch, I'd go up/down 17 business, near the ocean. It will be much faster.

[JohnFogarty]

I must be losing my mind. This thing says 61 teams registered.
That means South Carolina not only has the largest regional it's ever had. It's going to be the largest week 1 regional.

[Anupam Goli]

I must be losing my mind. This thing says 61 teams registered.
That means South Carolina not only has the largest regional it's ever had. It's going to be the largest week 1 regional.

Alot of people are willing to take the risk of a week 1 event looks like. That or they really want to beta test the field. :P

[JohnFogarty]

Or they just want to go to the beach. :cool:

[mrmummert]

So far Palmetto (61 teams) is the biggest regional until the week three Virginia regional (62 teams). I'd think the Atlantic Ocean just south of the mid atlantic area would be a bit cold in February. As long as the wind isn't blowing it should
still be nice. (I remember it snowing a little at the Nasa/VCU regional now known
as the Virginia regional in 2005)

[Elong451]

1772 is Back!!

the Brazilian/South Carolina team is happy to see old friends!

Happy to see you too! #1758 XD

Don't call it a comeback; they've been here for years (http://frclinks.com/t/1398).

Also, for those of you that don't know, 88 (TJ^2 from Bridgewater, Massachusetts) registered today for Palmetto. I remember them fondly from when 1618 went to Chesapeake in 2008, but: Buy ear plugs. Lots of them.

Wat? o. O

Can any locals provide the out-of-town teams a quick list of things to do or places to eat that can handle groups in the Myrtle Beach area, specifically within walking distance of the Convention Center? I'm just as good as using Google as anyone else, but its hard to know what will be open at the beach in February/March...

You will quickly find that it is really easy just to look out the window and find anything and whatever you need. Just make some local friends or ask around to where every one is going then tag along .If you've never been to myrtle beach there is a lot of fun things to do and see. Very touristy town but quickly growing. #FRC1758

I for one am excite for how close the regional is to us this year. Living in Florence which is only (exaggerating) 20 min away we may not even have to rent hotels. (Of course we will though). This is a very interesting thing though. With its closeness it may help our case for having a regional in Florence. The Florence civic center is massive with hotels and shopping surrounding it right next to the exit from the highway from 95 coming into Florence. Best of all we would be the host Team 1758. We have a mechatronics lab that we can help get things from and Otis an elevator company has just established itself on the other side of town. I pass it every day on the way to school laughing at the enormity of the elevator silo. I am very excited for South Carolina's recognition in technology with commercials like connect a million minds (supported by Will.i.am). I can't wait to make new friends and compete as the New Captain of FRC Team 1758. Also, anyone heard about new orleans?

[LittleRed]

This will be team 3824's first time at the Palmetto Regional. We have gone to Peachtree and Smoky Mountain in the past, so it should be nice to see some new faces!

Or they just want to go to the beach. :cool:

This wasn't our reason for going, but it is quite a bonus! :D

[Billfred]

Wat? o. O

The first quote I responded to was addressing the idea that 1398 had gone inactive. They've dialed back to one event the past few years, but they're still very much active. (They're hosting Columbia's FLL regional in a couple of weeks.)

As for the second: TJ^2 is always a lively group, and likely to give 1398 a run for their money as The Loudest Team In The Arena for most of the event if past years are any indication. As such, hearing protection is a good idea. :)

[Wetzel]

Looking forward to attending a new regional, in a new location! 2914 and 1915 will be traveling down from DC looking for a good time at the beach!

Wetzel

[Akash Rastogi]

We had to sign up for South Florida first for our second regional, so we are not sure that will make it into Palmetto once we can sign up for a 3rd event.

Palmetto 05-08 brings back good memories. :D

Well that's a bummer.

[ttldomination]

This will be team 3824's first time at the Palmetto Regional. We have gone to Peachtree and Smoky Mountain in the past, so it should be nice to see some new faces!

Well, there'll be quite a few old faces as well.

- Sunny G.

[JohnFogarty]

All of us old faces. Indeed.
I'm thinking this might be the year that 1102 comes up with a pit design that utilizes our extreme excess of 80/20.

[MOE]

HELLOOOoooooo from the North East :yikes:
John at 1102 M'Aiken Magic,back at your teams 1102 first kickoff held in NH 2001 (I think)I worked with your menter Pat (last name ????). He might be incharge of your HS now????. I helped to get your team started with there FIRST year. Showed him all about the gears,elec, etc. If he is still around tell him a BIG HELLOOoooo from OLD MOE from team 88 TJ2. My team will be at the Palmetto Reg. for the first time this year. Good luck to all of the teams. FROM Team 88 TJ2 and MOE::rtm::

[JohnFogarty]

Pat O'Neil is no longer involved with the program. As far as I'm aware he no longer lives in Aiken. Our mentor that still remain from the original season, Clyde Ward might remember you. Glad to see your teams are making the trip down to the SCPR!

[ebarker]

While you are getting ready to go to Myrtle Beach you should track a Great White Shark called "Mary Lee".

Mary Lee was tagged with a satellite GPS location transmitter near Cape Cod.

You can go to the following site and tell it you want to track Mary Lee and look at her track for the last year or so.

She seems to be persistent in hanging out in that area, obviously waiting for FRC teams to show up for dinner.

http://sharks-ocearch.verite.com/

[Billfred]

While you are getting ready to go to Myrtle Beach you should track a Great White Shark called "Mary Lee".

Mary Lee was tagged with a satellite GPS location transmitter near Cape Cod.

You can go to the following site and tell it you want to track Mary Lee and look at her track for the last year or so.

She seems to be persistent in hanging out in that area, obviously waiting for FRC teams to show up for dinner.

http://sharks-ocearch.verite.com/Thank you, Ed, for simplifying my dealings with rowdy students. ;)

[JohnFogarty]

How's the build going for everyone?

[MOE]

HELLOOOooooo from the North East::ouch::
Great to see that some want to know how things are going. TJ2 is comming along we will be ready and looken forward to the REG. Hope all are well
seeee yaaaaa soooooon oh yeah ?????? OH YEAH !!!!
TYE-DYE for ever
MOE ::rtm::

[Anupam Goli]

How's the build going for everyone?

Coming along nicely, we're moving on to prototype 3.0 for our shooter, our chassis is being assembled, and we're seriously looking at our intake system. We're looking to be ready to roll for the week 1 event.

[Billfred]

Chassis is largely together, CAD is underway for our shooter gearbox (yeah, we're dipping our toes back into the waters of custom gearboxes), superstructure and hopper are coming together on paper with metal coming tomorrow.

And yes, we have some name ideas too. ;)

[JohnFogarty]

If it has the word "$@#$@#$@#$@#" in it. You're good right? Because your robot names and USC are the only time where it can feel at home.

We have our drive base and hopper complete, were working on shooter prototypes still as well. As well as our vision system coding.

[MOE]

YEP::ouch:: things are great getting cold up here but thats when TJ heats up.OH YEAH TJ2 might look different this time around????. But don't worry -- TYE-DYE will be in full view.
KEEP going forward good luck Seeeeeeee Yaaaaaaa Soooooooon
for those who have them keep your SOCKS on.
OH YEAH !!!!!! TYE-DYE forever.......
MOE::rtm::

[JohnFogarty]

Are any of us Full-Court shooters?

[Billfred]

I know of a team around here that had it in the plan at one point, though I think they've gotten off that.

We've been ambitious this year with some elements of our design, and with that comes a learning curve. I know we've taken some 20-plus-footers in testing...though we also just ripped apart our superstructure today for another rework since some things weren't quite right.

Just remember what happened the last time a Gamecock encountered a measurement gone afoul (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC44nP7ClxM)...

[Anupam Goli]

All will be revealed in due time. :)

[JohnFogarty]

Basically.
Me asking that question is a hint itself.

[MOE]

HELLOOooooo from the North East :D
We have had elec. problems at school:ahh: after the snow of 22+ in. Now more on WED-THUR ???? oh well :cool: But we will get TJ2 finished or is it done NOW??!! :yikes:
We will be ready for Palmetto or should I say is Palmetto ready to see Team 88 TJ2 for the FIRST time ever in liven color !!!! TYE-DYE -- oh yeah????
OH YEAH !!!!
MOE and Team 88 TJ2::rtm::

[JohnFogarty]

I think someone should give us a cookie or something, we have the most viewed regional thread in this section. :O

Here's an exciting update, we managed to get our non-pneumatic vacuum system working yesterday! Floor pickup land, here we come!
Today hopefully we will get our 10 point climbing method working.

[JohnFogarty]

By the way, if you haven't looked again....We're at 65 teams total.

[Anupam Goli]

By the way, if you haven't looked again....We're at 65 teams total.

Yup, it's going to be a full house. I'm expecting AT MOST 9 qualification matches per team. There's just no way, with the complicated field reset, and the massive amount of teams, that we'll get in 10 matches per team. It might go down to 8, who knows?

[JohnFogarty]

Palmetto Regional Harlem Shake video?

[EricDrost]

Palmetto Regional Harlem Shake video?

Oh boy, I hope not.

[JohnFogarty]

We have to make it robotics related. You bring the inflatable robot dinosaurs and I'll bring the giant wizard hats.

[Billfred]

We have to make it robotics related. You bring the inflatable robot dinosaurs and I'll bring the giant wizard hats.

Don't forget the space shuttles.

Is anyone intending to hit the 281 scrimmage today? We're still working on ours (yes, that's four years out of five), but I'm sure there will be some interesting stories coming out of there...

[MOE]

HELLOOOooo from the north east :D
Hope that all of the teams are READY for next week because TJ2 is on the move south... Get some warm weather for us, Team 88 will see ya in 7 days.
TYE-DYE oh yeah ???? OH YEAH !!!!
TYE DYE for ever MOE::rtm::

[JohnFogarty]

Looks like Flash 1319 has a 30 point climber and full court shooter!

[Anupam Goli]

Looks like Flash 1319 has a 30 point climber and full court shooter!

Our first test to see whether the full court shooter is inherently a good approach or not.

[MikeE]

I'm personally very much looking forward to visiting South Carolina for the first time, renewing friendships with some familiar teams and meeting lots of new members of the FIRST family.
Due to time lost from the winter storm we weren't able to make our usual Week 0 scrimmage at Suffield this year, so Palmetto will also be our first look at a real field and to see how the game is actually played.

All that and live shark tracking!

Just 8 days to go...

[Zflash]

Our first test to see whether the full court shooter is inherently a good approach or not.

We have the capability but it by no means is our strategy.

[Anupam Goli]

We have the capability but it by no means is our strategy.

sorry, the post above that one made me think that was your strategy. Your robot looks amazing by the way!

[Zflash]

sorry, the post above that one made me think that was your strategy. Your robot looks amazing by the way!

No worries, thanks for the compliment. Where are all the other pics of the palmetto bots. I believe this could be the most competitive Palmetto regional to date, of course that is only fitting since this will be the 10th year for the event.

[Anupam Goli]

No worries, thanks for the compliment. Where are all the other pics of the palmetto bots. I believe this could be the most competitive Palmetto regional to date, of course that is only fitting since this will be the 10th year for the event.

Our bot is under the poncho until the event, mainly because we couldn't get any good snapshots of the painted competition bot with everything on it, but our practice bot is running and being tuned as I speak. Bring on the competition.....

[SteveGPage]

No worries, thanks for the compliment. Where are all the other pics of the palmetto bots. I believe this could be the most competitive Palmetto regional to date, of course that is only fitting since this will be the 10th year for the event.

We'll be releasing the "buzz" video on this year's bot this weekend. I'll make sure we link it to this thread. We're very excited to be headed that way next Wednesday and looking forward to the competition!

Go 'Bees!

Steve

[JohnFogarty]

As for 1102. Our team is finishing out our vacuum floor pickup arm to get ready for a possible 6 disk auto by some point in quals. We unfortunately didn't have time to put our 10 point hanging system into effect, but we're confident in our ability without it.

[EricDrost]

As for 1102. Our team is finishing out our vacuum floor pickup arm to get ready for a possible 6 disk auto by some point in quals. We unfortunately didn't have time to put our 10 point hanging system into effect, but we're confident in our ability without it.

10 point hang is easy. We assembled ours in ~3 hours this weekend because our 30pt climb isn't up to snuff yet. I'd be happy to help your team assemble one in the pits if you need help!

I believe (don't quote me on this) that 11 will be bringing a couple ready-to-assemble passive 10 pt hang mechanisms in case one of our elimination alliance partners is without.

I'm looking forward to seeing how many teams can pick up frisbees - we're human fed only and would do well with teams that can floor load.

[JohnFogarty]

How much does the mechanism weigh?

[EricDrost]

How much does the mechanism weigh?

A passive hang can be made for under 5lb.

[JohnFogarty]

For any interested in sending out links to team members and family members that will not be attending the regional. The Palmetto Regional's website has a link on the home page to where the event will be live streamed.

http://www.myrtlebeachfirstrobotics.com/

[Wetzel]

Our bus has been confirmed! Whoo-hoo! 2914 and 1915 are sharing a charter down from DC and will arrive late Wednesday night. See you all there!

Wetzel

[robochick1319]

Our bus has been confirmed! Whoo-hoo! 2914 and 1915 are sharing a charter down from DC and will arrive late Wednesday night. See you all there!

Wetzel

By the end of it you'll be saying "y'all" :)

[JohnFogarty]

Well I figure I'll start this out for this season.
Pictures or videos it doesn't matter.
11
88
245
281 (https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/18198_439413442805753_1728861402_n.jpg) [Dedicated 30 Pt Climber/dumper]
342
343
346
401
415
435
538
539
587
619
836
1027
1051
1102 (http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/226967_466914160028629_364480156_n.jpg)
1261
1287
1293
1319 (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/img/383/383bc24a2ae0aaa2e7e197689ce8a987_l.jpg)
1398
1539
1553
1598
1610
1648
1758
1772
1915
2059
2187
2363
2483
2632
2655
2815 (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/img/7da/7da2b46ededdd006b33dd1e9fa0fc80d_l.jpg)
2914
3140
3196
3242
3459
3475
3489
3490
3506
3824
3959
3976
4073
4074
4075
4083
4243
4261
4267
4451
4452
4533
4582
4722
4748
4823
4847

[Anupam Goli]

I'll get pictures of the practice bot by tomorrow, and perhaps video.

[KeeganP]

2059 has gone for an offensive bot, with a accuracy of 4 discs in the 3pt goal from 30ft away in under 4seconds, extremely consistent. We've also got a fast 10pt climb at the end. Here's a CAD rendering of the bot -- my very first time attempting a build of this size, so I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. Look for an official release video soon.
http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/3513/feb22at8pm2.png

[ttldomination]

Updated with 1648's beauty shot. The comp. bot is definitely a lot hotter.

We're still tuning things, but the basic gist of things is 10 point hanger plus your run of the mill feeder + shooter.

- Sunny G.

11
88
245
281 (https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/18198_439413442805753_1728861402_n.jpg) [Dedicated 30 Pt Climber/dumper]
342
343
346
401
415
435
538
539
587
619
836
1027
1051
1102 (http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/226967_466914160028629_364480156_n.jpg)
1261
1287
1293
1319 (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/img/383/383bc24a2ae0aaa2e7e197689ce8a987_l.jpg)
1398
1539
1553
1598
1610
1648 (https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1452690/2013Robotics/10-pnts.jpg)
1758
1772
1915
2059 (http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/3513/feb22at8pm2.png)
2187
2363
2483
2632
2655
2815 (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/img/7da/7da2b46ededdd006b33dd1e9fa0fc80d_l.jpg)
2914
3140
3196
3242
3459
3475
3489
3490
3506
3824
3959
3976
4073
4074
4075
4083
4243
4261
4267
4451
4452
4533
4582
4722
4748
4823
4847

[JohnFogarty]

*Updated with the link to the Robobees reveal thread.*


11
88
245
281 (https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/18198_439413442805753_1728861402_n.jpg) [Dedicated 30 Pt Climber/dumper]
342
343
346
401
415
435
538
539
587
619
836 (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=114331)
1027
1051
1102 (http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/226967_466914160028629_364480156_n.jpg)
1261
1287
1293
1319 (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/img/383/383bc24a2ae0aaa2e7e197689ce8a987_l.jpg)
1398
1539
1553
1598
1610
1648 (https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1452690/2013Robotics/10-pnts.jpg)
1758
1772
1915
2059 (http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/3513/feb22at8pm2.png)
2187
2363
2483
2632
2655
2815 (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/img/7da/7da2b46ededdd006b33dd1e9fa0fc80d_l.jpg)
2914
3140
3196
3242
3459
3475
3489
3490
3506
3824
3959
3976
4073
4074
4075
4083
4243
4261
4267
4451
4452
4533
4582
4722
4748
4823
4847

[ttldomination]

How much does the mechanism weigh?

We just finalized our pieces and will be making 2-3 extras. Really depends on how you prefer to attach it, but what we have right now weighs less than a pound.

- Sunny G.

[JohnFogarty]

Okay...Now you need to come see me with that one.
That would work. I'm going to guess you're using quarter inch lexan for it aren't you...

[JohnFogarty]

*Updated with Team 2363's Picture from their Week 6 YouTube video*

11
88
245
281 (https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/18198_439413442805753_1728861402_n.jpg) [Dedicated 30 Pt Climber/dumper]
342
343
346
401
415
435
538
539
587
619
836 (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=114331) [30 Point Climber/Shooter]
1027
1051
1102 (http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/226967_466914160028629_364480156_n.jpg)
1261
1287
1293
1319 (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/img/383/383bc24a2ae0aaa2e7e197689ce8a987_l.jpg)
1398
1539
1553
1598
1610
1648 (https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1452690/2013Robotics/10-pnts.jpg)
1758
1772
1915
2059 (http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/3513/feb22at8pm2.png)
2187
2363 (http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz25/FRCOMG/FRCTripleHelix.png)
2483
2632
2655
2815 (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/img/7da/7da2b46ededdd006b33dd1e9fa0fc80d_l.jpg)
2914
3140
3196
3242
3459
3475
3489
3490
3506
3824
3959
3976
4073
4074
4075
4083
4243
4261
4267
4451
4452
4533
4582
4722
4748
4823
4847

[ttldomination]

Okay...Now you need to come see me with that one.
That would work. I'm going to guess you're using quarter inch lexan for it aren't you...

Some nice 3/8" wood (or 1/2", not sure) with standoffs. It's surprisingly light, but after a competition's worth of hangs, it's starting to wear.

- Sunny G.

[JohnFogarty]

Hmm. I'll make sure we bring some wood with us then, and some 1/4" Lexan. Just for fun. I'll be coming by to check it out for sure.

[ToddF]

*Updated with Team 2363's Picture from their Week 6 YouTube video*


Here is a better picture for you.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gbvv2Ykkt_k/USTPyO5YKLI/AAAAAAAAFk4/Dvj93Fuco-A/s1024/IMGP4341.JPG

I've been holding off on releasing anything to give the multimedia team time to finish the robot release video. They are running a bit behind.

[MOE]

HELLOOoooo from the North East :D
Well this the last night for team 88 to sleep in the cold weather:ahh: . I am
sure things will HEAT up when the TYE DYE team shows up!!!! oh yeah !!!!:yikes: TJ2 is in the BOX and starting to heat up the question is how will TJ get out of the box
guess time will tell?????
WOOD or LEXAN ???????Hmm what is this for the box ??we like metal;)
Love all the pictures think this will be a great Reg. our FIRST time at this one been in FIRST sence '95.....
MOE and TEAM 88 TJ2 ::rtm::

[waialua359]

Good luck everyone!

We are looking to come to Palmetto and NC in 2014, hoping itll be back to back events.

[Billfred]

Good luck everyone!

We are looking to come to Palmetto and NC in 2014, hoping itll be back to back events.
I'll have to see if I can find any of the old 1618ers--they loved you guys at Chesapeake back in 2008. And I know we'd love to have you in 2014!

[JohnFogarty]

The Brazilian Trailblazers (1772) were with us at our meeting tonight in Aiken and I know they are ready to go!! I've seen videos of their robot and it is pretty impressive!

[Akash Rastogi]

MORT is shipping out at 3am in the morning.

I'll be watching eagerly from home!

[team1102a]

I am excited to return for my 9th year as Game Announcer.
We've got Ted Creech from 2 years ago as MC.

Both Ted and I are fighting sore throats this week and might not last the competition, but we are going to give it all we've got.

[JohnFogarty]

That's what you have my sister for. ;)

[team1102a]

That's what you have my sister for. ;)

So there is no misundertanding.... John's sister pulls my "Cheat sheet cards" before every match so I can spout out all kinds of trivia and items of interest for each team introduction. With 65 teams I need all the help I can get.

[MOE]

HELLOOOOooooooo :D
Well we made it and now its time for the fun to start.. You will hear and see us with out a problem and with TJ's eyes it will see you....TO :ahh: Hope to met new teams that we have never played with before. Good luck to all I think this will be a fun reg. Lets have a FIRST great time what a HOOTTTT this will be.
TEAM 88 TJ2 oh yeah???? OH YEAH !!!!
MOE TYE-DYE for ever ::rtm::

[Billfred]

What a day, what a day. We've worked through more electrical problems than we've seen in a long time today (our cRIO kept losing power and rebooting), but we're pretty sure those problems are behind us. Hopefully we can do a little more convincing tomorrow and get the threepeat!

[team1102a]

i appreciate all the support i got from the teams with remedies for my hoarseness. Mints, hi\ugs, candy, water, fruit punch, cough drops, etc.

i have had a cold all week and i finally caught up with me.
Ted and Jack did a great job with the MC and Game Announcer jobs.

As of 9:30 pm Friday I can talk again and plan to rest my voice to be ready to do the elims on Saturday afternoon.

[EricDrost]

What a day, what a day. We've worked through more electrical problems than we've seen in a long time today (our cRIO kept losing power and rebooting), but we're pretty sure those problems are behind us. Hopefully we can do a little more convincing tomorrow and get the threepeat!

Just cozy up to whoever ends up in 1st seed tomorrow. That strategy seems to work. :p

[Anupam Goli]

Just cozy up to whoever ends up in 1st seed tomorrow. That strategy seems to work. :p

Don't worry, we're saving that seat nice and warm for you guys :P

[Billfred]

Just cozy up to whoever ends up in 1st seed tomorrow. That strategy seems to work. :p

Don't worry, we're saving that seat nice and warm for you guys :P

Well, seeing that first backup team is looking highly unlikely... ;)

Hopefully we'll give y'all a show in our three matches today.

[EricDrost]

Congratulations to all the teams this weekend! Everybody was fantastic and it was a pleasure to work with every team we were aligned with.

I love this new venue. This was one of the greatest events I've ever been to.

[Akash Rastogi]

Aside from the regular congratulations, BIG congrats to 4451 for being such an excellent rookie team. What an awesome machine and strategy. Glad that you are qualified for St. Louis.

[Brandon Holley]

It's a special kind of awesome to see the team that helped shaped you go out and perform at the top of their game. Congrats to my home team, MORT, for battling the demons and pulling out an impressive victory!!

Kudos to 11s partners as well. As we all know, these events are won as a team and that's exactly what you guys pulled off.


GO MORT!

-Brando

[ttldomination]

I'm proud of my team in that we ended as the first seed, but it seems that our luck had to run out at some time. The winning alliance (and even the finalists) were truly brilliant and the cream of the crop at the event.

Now, for the usual thank yous:

@2363: Thanks for joining our alliance. I had hoped we could put up the same numbers as our qualification run, but alas it was not to be so. On a slightly separate note, you guys are one of the nicest teams I've had the honor to work with. Good luck at Virginia.

@539: Thanks for joining our alliance and trying to fix your errors. It takes a lot to admit that you're not going to hold up and take a seat.

@2914: You guys are truly an exceptional defensive team. It was an honor to play against and with you guys.

@11: Thanks for being up front with us about alliance selections. I suppose if we had taken your advice, this post would have a slightly different tone, but I hate to dwell on what could have been.

- Sunny G.

[mandrews281]

I just have to share my favourite moment from Palmetto. It's our last match of the qualifying and we (281) are playing with 1598, and 4748 against teams 435/3140/3506. It's a tough match for us (final seedings: 24th/30th/64th vs 4th/46th/21th). We play some tough defense on 435, 1598 does our scoring, and I have no clue what 4748 did. As the match ends, the unofficial score shows 25-14 our favor.

We get a bit excited to have done so well against 435 and one of the kids on 4748 (I think he was acting as coach) starts asking "did we win? did we win?" We start to calm him down by saying we don't know yet and it really looks like the opposing teams has three 10 point hangs, so probably not. The refs come out to inspect the hangs, we watch, and the thumbs go down for all three hangs. They are all touching the ground, so we start to cheer a bit more. The kids asks again "did we win? did we win?" and we say, yes it looks like we did.

He goes crazy with joy. He starts jumping around "we won!!, we won!". It's like he just won the finals on Einstein!! His team mates are trying to unplug their drivers station and he jumps up on their back, "we won, we won". By this time, I heading to retrieve our cart; but I can't stand to watch this kid not get any love back. So I hold out my arms for a hug. He takes a couple of steps towards me and JUMPS into my arms. I have my arms wrapped around his waist and his legs are wrapped around my waist. I think there were some more "we won"s in there too. It's a good thing he was a bean pole, because if he had any mass to him, we would have been on the floor.

A second or so later, he's down and I'm on my way to get the cart. I start talking to his team mate who also has cart duty, and I start to put 2 & 2 together. This is one of those over-whelmed rookie teams. Any veteran team recognizes them. A drivable plywood base, with poles on the corners which held plastic meshing block discs. No dumper, no climbing, and the drivers are still figuring out how to drive it because it's only been running since practice day. They were 0-7. They had lost a couple of close matches, but had also lost a few blow outs. This was their last match of the season and they had WON IT!! The kid had won on Einstein!

I doubt anyone from 4748 reads Chief Delphi regularly, and I still don't know his name. But the joy in this kid just brought tears to my eyes as I read this to my wife, and it has made my season.

[Billfred]

I doubt anyone from 4748 reads Chief Delphi regularly, and I still don't know his name. But the joy in this kid just brought tears to my eyes as I read this to my wife, and it has made my season.
I saw this as I was posting up to film one of 2815's matches, and I wish I was filming! I've seen that raw enthusiasm on just a few occasions, most of them involving the finals. (I recall a kid from the long-defunct 803 back in 2006, who happened to walk by inspection right as 1293 nipped its weight problems. He was just as psyched as I was.)

2815's performance at Palmetto was not to our expectations. We came in wanting to kick butt and get our third straight Palmetto title, but our problems were just too much to merit being picked. Our laundry list for South Florida is already underway--we've got a lot to do to punch our ticket to St. Louis.

I'd like to give thanks to all the teams that gave us help and pointers as we worked through our problems.

Shoutout to MORT for beating us to a third win at Palmetto. We'll race you to four. :)

Additional shootout to ROBOTZ Garage for their Rookie All-Star win and their comeback from that terrifying fall in SF2-1. A lot of teams would've thrown it in after that, but these guys took a timeout and parked that robot right back up on Level 3. Orlando had better watch out.

Time to lick our wounds and make our plans for South Florida. See some of you there, see some more of you at SCRIW!

[ttldomination]

To comment purely on the venue,

It was excellent to say the least. With 65 teams, seating was plentiful, the pits were nice and open, and I really cannot think of a major complaint.

One thing that was extremely off-putting was the single doorway between the stands and the pits. Not entirely what the rationale behind that was, but it was frustrating to say the least. Not to mention that I almost ran into someone going the other way a few times.

- Sunny G.

[EricDrost]

To comment purely on the venue,

It was excellent to say the least. With 65 teams, seating was plentiful, the pits were nice and open, and I really cannot think of a major complaint.

One thing that was extremely off-putting was the single doorway between the stands and the pits. Not entirely what the rationale behind that was, but it was frustrating to say the least. Not to mention that I almost ran into someone going the other way a few times.

- Sunny G.

There were two! One was a direct doorway, the other was out the pit entrance and through the hallway. The latter was much quicker for us.

[protoserge]

Myrtle Beach Convention Center is an awesome venue. Bring it back next year!

All the teams were great and we had an amazing time! There was some awesome action all weekend long. My favorite 836 match was #51 and the dual-bot blockade (4582 and 3976) on 836 and our under-the-pyramid blockade running. You guys made for some awesome action!

Also, thanks to the honest person who turned my iPad camera adapter in to Pit Admin/Lost and Found :)

[ttldomination]

There were two! One was a direct doorway, the other was out the pit entrance and through the hallway. The latter was much quicker for us.

I suppose that depends on which side of the pits/stands you were camped on.

But even a two-door passage on the direct doorway would've been infinitely better.

- Sunny G.

[SoccerTaco]

Team 3824 would like to thank the RoboBees for the opportunity to play with them and the Hokie Guard in the elims. Our team had a blast! The RoboBees are a top notch organization.

One moment that impressed me from off the playing field...
With all three of our teams being large, by the time the last of our kids made their way down to get the Finalist medal, the venue had run out of the medals. A little while later after we were all back up in the stands, one of the RoboBees came up with an armful of medals for those kids on our team that did not get one. Not sure who all gave up theirs so our kids could have one, but that was very classy.

Big Congrats also to the RoboBees for winning Chairman's and good luck at Nationals!

[SteveGPage]

What a great event this was!

I would like to first thank Mr. Jack Moore and the Palmetto Regional Committee for such a great event! We look forward to heading south again!

Thank you to the dedicated volunteers, judges and referees! There will always be "week one" issues that pop up, but you handled those issues quickly and efficiently! This was one of the smoothest events I've ever attended!

I want to congratulate the winning alliance 11, 245, and 2187 - M.O.R.T - Mort, Mort, Mort!!! You showed everyone how this game is played! I was thrilled we made it to the finals to face off on opposites of the glass - but hope someday we will be on the same side of the glass with you all!

To our alliance partners - 3284 (RoHAWKtics!) and 401 (Hokie Guard!) - you were both amazing partners and did everything we asked of you! We fell a bit short, but it was a blast to play alongside of you! We were honored to have you!

One last shout out to 4451 - ROBOTZ Garage! I know that you will climb higher and higher in years to come!

For those of you who have additional competitions - Good luck!

See you in St. Louis!!!

[RoboMom]

One moment that impressed me from off the playing field...
With all three of our teams being large, by the time the last of our kids made their way down to get the Finalist medal, the venue had run out of the medals. A little while later after we were all back up in the stands, one of the RoboBees came up with an armful of medals for those kids on our team that did not get one. Not sure who all gave up theirs so our kids could have one, but that was very classy.


Nice! Here is the latest FRC blog post on the subject of medals and pins at events. http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/blog-practice-day-and-pins-medallions-and-trophies

[SteveGPage]

Nice! Here is the latest FRC blog post on the subject of medals and pins at events. http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/blog-practice-day-and-pins-medallions-and-trophies

I was so proud of our kids! When they found out that there were not enough medals for our alliance partner, almost every single one of them pulled theirs off to give it to them! In the end, we had enough to give them from just the mentors, so all the kids were able to keep theirs.

[JohnFogarty]

Of course the first thing I'd like to do is thank 2059 (The Hitchhikers), and 3196 (Team Spork) for being such great alliance partners. We enjoyed the run with you guys!

Secondly I'd like to thank the Palmetto Regional planning committee because out of my 5 years in the FRC program this has been the best regional venue I've seen.

Of course team 1102 will be considering highly attending SCRIW III this year with an upgraded version of our robot. It has been one of our most successful competitions to date with our very first top 8 seeding finish after qualifications. It is unfortunate that we can not afford another FRC regional this season because if we followed our past chain of success we could have done even better at our second regional.

I'll still take the fact that we were the only team scoring all 3 frisbees in the high goal autonomously during qualifications match 1. :)

Well, I'm off to work with FTC 3864 to prepare them for the South Carolina FTC Championship in 3 weeks, and you might see me around at Peachtree Week 3. That isn't confirmed yet, but it might happen.

[MikeE]

Our team got back to Massachusetts in the early hours of Sunday after an exciting time in South Carolina.

Firstly I'd like to join the voices applauding the choice of Myrtle Beach convention center. It was an outstanding venue: the pits were very spacious, the separate entrances for red & blue alliances made for easy flow of robots onto and off of the field, and proper seating in the stands made life much more comfortable for our scouts.

I'd also like to give a shout out to all the volunteers, especially the inspectors who did an awesome job with a maximum field of 65 teams in a week 1 regional and the practice field staff who were exceptional at keeping it both a safe and productive space.

Congratulations to all teams who performed well, especially 836, 4451 and the winning alliance of 11, 245 & 2187. It was a pleasure to be located between both Mort & Adambots in the pits and to see up close how well you prepare for each match. It's not a coincidence that the results reflected this.

Our robot did not perform as well as we hoped or expected, but our drive team did get plenty of practice removing a tenuously balanced robot from the top of the pyramid as we discovered that gravity is shockingly similar in South Carolina and New England. We worked out most of the gremlins from our machine and should have a very reliable climber ready for the Boston campaign.
Finally, despite our best efforts we proved to ourselves that it's hard to trip the main breaker just by adding more and more
colored (http://tj2.org/gallery/2012_2013/2013%20Palmetto%20D3P1/images/DSC_1615.JPG) lights (http://tj2.org/gallery/2012_2013/2013%20Palmetto%20D3P1/images/DSC_1598.JPG):D

[team1102a]

He goes crazy with joy. He starts jumping around "we won!!, we won!". It's like he just won the finals on Einstein!! His team mates are trying to unplug their drivers station and he jumps up on their back, "we won, we won". By this time, I heading to retrieve our cart; but I can't stand to watch this kid not get any love back. So I hold out my arms for a hug. He takes a couple of steps towards me and JUMPS into my arms. I have my arms wrapped around his waist and his legs are wrapped around my waist. I think there were some more "we won"s in there too.
.......

They had lost a couple of close matches, but had also lost a few blow outs. This was their last match of the season and they had WON IT!! The kid had won on Einstein!

I doubt anyone from 4748 reads Chief Delphi regularly, and I still don't know his name. But the joy in this kid just brought tears to my eyes as I read this to my wife, and it has made my season.

Well written.
This is why i volunteer as well. Try to make 1 person at a time create a memory and inspiration.

[kjohnson]

This was 1610's first trip to Palmetto and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The Myrtle Beach Convention Center is an excellent venue with great seating and allowed for spacious pits.

Thanks to 1772 The Brazilian Trailblazers for picking us to be on your alliance and to 1287 Aluminum Assault for completing an awesome alliance. Together we were able to win some close quarterfinal matches and defeat the #1 seed. Good luck to 1772 in Orlando and Western Canada, and to 1287 in North Carolina.

To 1648, 2363, 539, and 2914, what a set of quarterfinal matches! They couldn't have been any closer. Thanks for the great competition.

Congratulations to 11, 245, and 2187 on the regional win. 11 and 245 has two of the best shooters in Palmetto and made a great alliance. 2187 was a great 2nd pick to help the #3 alliance go undefeated.

Special thanks to everyone who offered assistance after our problems in SF 2-2. Turns our that our Digital Sidecar failed near the beginning of the match. We were able to get it replaced and get everything back working before bagging up. We look forward to competing in Richmond in two weeks.

[mdstjohn]

Congrats to all the teams that traveled near and far to the Palmetto Regional. I had a great 3 days working with the teams getting them inspected (finding spare parts and paint for some) and out on the floor.

To the Mentors, Students and Parents: Keep working hard and having fun doing what you do. The end result will be an enriched life for everyone involved.

Michael D. St.John
Palmetto Regional Robot Inspector 2012, 2013
CTO and Tech Fellow, SAIC

[Anupam Goli]

Recorded some videos of 1648's matches. Enjoy:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNFpYq5PSoA9ywD2V1nY2OnGABzIyCjUT

Team 1648 had a blast and is looking at improving so we can have another attempt at a blue banner at peachtree!

[DRH2o]

I just have to share my favourite moment from Palmetto. It's our last match of the qualifying and we (281) are playing with 1598, and 4748 against teams 435/3140/3506. It's a tough match for us (final seedings: 24th/30th/64th vs 4th/46th/21th). We play some tough defense on 435, 1598 does our scoring, and I have no clue what 4748 did. As the match ends, the unofficial score shows 25-14 our favor. .

This was a fun macth for us to watch from the stands. We had written this one off to a loss, but thanks to your tough defense our guys were able to score enough to pull out an upset. We have made enough improvements now that we should be a contender at the VA Regional.

I am posting video of this match from the prospective of our loader -- he scored two this match :)

http://youtu.be/5VRJMKfxOwY

[Wetzel]

2914 had a good time down south at Palmetto. We took our arm off Thursday when we realized it had a fundamental flaw, and put on a ten point hanger, and managed to implement a 4 point autonomous by Saturday. When we took our arm off on Thursday, we thought we were sunk as we were at that point a box on wheels, but the students dug in and got to work. We are much more prepared now for the DC regional.

1648, 2363, sorry we couldn't do just that little bit more to break the tie and move on.

1610 thanks for sharing your scouting system with us, we look forward to implementing it at DC.

Wetzel

[Anupam Goli]

Wetzel,

The moment I saw 2914's robot on Friday, I knew it was going to be the top defender in the regional. Your drivetrain was one that was simple, yet very effective. I still recall the extremely defensive match where your robot stopped our robot in its tracks. You guys were number 1 on my personal pick list for the serpentine round of the draft. Your defense in the last match was one of the reasons we were able to tie in the first place. I wish you guys the best of luck at DC, and hopefully your defensive ability and effective drivetrain will be valued extremely high up there.

[am.wenig]

The Platypi had an awesome time at Palmetto! It was our first time attending the event and we absolutely loved it. And of course with every great regional, there are plenty of people to thank.

3196 - For being super awesome and picking up our robot when we fell from level two. That was extremely gracious of you.

281 - You guys are always a pleasure to compete with! The Platypi are such huge fans of yours and it was great to be at another regional with you all.

There's at least one other team that lent us parts after our robot fell but I can't for the life of me remember who. But thank you so much!

Huge congratulations to the RoboBees on Chairman's! I had the pleasure of talking with a couple of you and I hope to see you all in St. Louis!

[mandrews281]

281 - You guys are always a pleasure to compete with! The Platypi are such huge fans of yours and it was great to be at another regional with you all.



Thanks very much. We love you guys. You are doing some amazing things up there and fully deserved the Engineering Inspiration Award. Congratulations and good luck in St. Louis.

[SteveGPage]

Huge congratulations to the RoboBees on Chairman's! I had the pleasure of talking with a couple of you and I hope to see you all in St. Louis!

Thanks! Congratulations on the EI award! We look forward to seeing you in St. Louis!

[tim-tim]

WOW, what a Regional!

The venue and southern hospitality were amazing. I don't think I have ever been to a week 1 Regional that was run as smoothly as Palmetto. I met a lot of new friends on and off the field, especially all of the volunteers. I was given the opportunity to fill in as a referee, and became really good friends with many of the volunteers.

The FTA's, field reset crew, and everybody else really did a phenomenal job keeping everything running smoothly. Yeah there were a few minor hiccups, but I have seen worse delays in later parts of the season.

Now on to the teams:
11 - you have an amazing robot and team. I wish you well in your future competitions. Hopefully you can figure out your climbing mechanism; that would make for a really deadly combo. Congrats on the well deserved win, and see you at Championships!

245 - I am glad you were able to work out the bugs in the robot. By the time eliminations came around you had one fine tuned shooter. You were shooting lights out all Saturday. Good luck in FiM. I think you guys will do well and have great success.

2187 - a midst a pair of great shooters was another great shooter. You were nearly 100% during elims and couldn't be stopped. Congrats for making showing the world that the 2 pt goal is actually a worthwhile strategy.

2655 - you are an amazing team that continue to great and big things. Keep up the good work. You really are a role model team.

To our alliance members 3824 and 401: It was a fun ride through eliminations. Sorry we couldn't go all the way and win, but I hope you had as much fun as we did. Good luck to both of you in your future competitions. You both will do great!

4451 - you have really made a splash in FIRST. Your robot was amazing, I had a hard time believing it was built by a rookie team. It is amazing that you were able to overcome ~7ft free fall and 20 minutes later climb to the top again. You had one of (if not THE) most consistent robot at the Regional. I hope to see you guys again at Championships.

Thanks everybody for making the event fun and entertaining! Hopefully we return to Palmetto next year; can't wait.

[mwilbur]

Triple Helix, Team 2363, enjoyed our time at the Palmetto Regional. The venue was fantastic -- much better than we expected for a regional at a convention center. As noted elsewhere, getting to the pits was difficult at times due to the single door access to the one side of the pits. The queueing schedule was also a bit overdone, as they often had two matches queued inside the field area and two queued outside. During one set of matches that we had that were five matches apart they were calling us to queue as we left the field. Beyond that it was a great experience.

We would like to thank the following:

- All of the volunteers and judges who put on such a great regional
- Team 1648, Grady Gearbox Gangstaz, for selecting us to compete with you in the elimination matches. We're sorry that that didn't work out better than it did. We knew you were counting on us to perform, and we had the worst three matches you could possibly imagine.
- Team 539, The Titans, for rounding out our elimination match alliance.
- Team 2915, Tiger Pride, for filling in when the Titan's climbing mechanism could not be repaired.
- Teams 1772, 1610, and 1287 for sticking it to us in the quarterfinals. We have plenty of things to work on before we get to Virginia.
- Team 1610, B.O.T., for sharing the us ride down from Virginia with us. It was fun getting to know you guys better.
- Teams 11, 245, and 2187 for proving that good shooters can readily take down good climbers. Your performance validated our own analysis of the game, and you did an admirable job of setting the bar for weeks 2 through 7.

Congratulations to the winning alliance and to all teams that won awards at Palmetto!

[D.Allred]

ROBOTZ Garage had a great time at our first regional! We send a huge thank you to Frank Lanford and the Regional Steering Committee on organizing an excellent event. The Myrtle Beach Convention Center held all 65 teams without issue.

Congratulations to the RoboBees for winning the Regional Chairman’s Award. Definitely a class act team with a great program. Thank you for giving me a personal tour of your automated scouting application. I hope to use it in the future as our program grows.

Also, congratulations to 11, 245, and 2187 for winning the regional. MORT has been to South Carolina several years and achieved a well deserved win to go with your 2006 Palmetto title. I thoroughly enjoyed working with your team and appreciate all the help you gave us. Our first 129 point match with you and 1398, the Robo-Raiders, is now a permanent part of our team’s history. That was a huge confidence builder.

Thanks to our Alliance Captain 3490, Vyper Drive, and team 1539, Blue Eagle Robotics, on memorable elimination matches. We went down gunning (literally) to the eventual champions and there is no shame in that. We look forward to playing with you again at SCRIW III.

Our team definitely enjoyed meeting the in-state and great variety of out-of-state teams. South Carolina puts on a great event, and we hope to see teams travel to visit next year.

Special thanks to 11, 245, 2187, and all the other teams that came to our aid after our semi-final accident. You definitely showed our students what FIRST is about!

Orlando is next. See you Thursday.

[Mr Ryans Dad]

I just have to share my favourite moment from Palmetto. It's our last match of the qualifying and we (281) are playing with 1598, and 4748 against teams 435/3140/3506. It's a tough match for us (final seedings: 24th/30th/64th vs 4th/46th/21th). We play some tough defense on 435, 1598 does our scoring, and I have no clue what 4748 did. As the match ends, the unofficial score shows 25-14 our favor.

We get a bit excited to have done so well against 435 and one of the kids on 4748 (I think he was acting as coach) starts asking "did we win? did we win?" We start to calm him down by saying we don't know yet and it really looks like the opposing teams has three 10 point hangs, so probably not. The refs come out to inspect the hangs, we watch, and the thumbs go down for all three hangs. They are all touching the ground, so we start to cheer a bit more. The kids asks again "did we win? did we win?" and we say, yes it looks like we did.

He goes crazy with joy. He starts jumping around "we won!!, we won!". It's like he just won the finals on Einstein!! His team mates are trying to unplug their drivers station and he jumps up on their back, "we won, we won". By this time, I heading to retrieve our cart; but I can't stand to watch this kid not get any love back. So I hold out my arms for a hug. He takes a couple of steps towards me and JUMPS into my arms. I have my arms wrapped around his waist and his legs are wrapped around my waist. I think there were some more "we won"s in there too. It's a good thing he was a bean pole, because if he had any mass to him, we would have been on the floor.

A second or so later, he's down and I'm on my way to get the cart. I start talking to his team mate who also has cart duty, and I start to put 2 & 2 together. This is one of those over-whelmed rookie teams. Any veteran team recognizes them. A drivable plywood base, with poles on the corners which held plastic meshing block discs. No dumper, no climbing, and the drivers are still figuring out how to drive it because it's only been running since practice day. They were 0-7. They had lost a couple of close matches, but had also lost a few blow outs. This was their last match of the season and they had WON IT!! The kid had won on Einstein!

I doubt anyone from 4748 reads Chief Delphi regularly, and I still don't know his name. But the joy in this kid just brought tears to my eyes as I read this to my wife, and it has made my season.
Thanks for the great story mandrews28. I was coaching 435 during that match and for some reason a disk got stuck in the shooter. Now I am wondering if someone from above was holding it :)

Our driver said she saw and congratulated them when she went to get the cart but did not know the entire story till now.
Congrats and great job to not only the alliance but all the teams that helped get them there.

[DRH2o]

Thanks for the great story mandrews28. I was coaching 435 during that match and for some reason a disk got stuck in the shooter. Now I am wondering if someone from above was holding it :)

Our driver said she saw and congratulated them when she went to get the cart but did not know the entire story till now.
Congrats and great job to not only the alliance but all the teams that helped get them there.

There is video of this match from our loaders head and two others from our GoPro here.

http://www.youtube.com/user/teamtalon1598

[team1102a]

ROBOTZ Garage had a great time at our first regional!
Special thanks to 11, 245, 2187, and all the other teams that came to our aid after our semi-final accident. You definitely showed our students what FIRST is about!

.

do you have any video of your climbs, and do you have one of the fall?

[D.Allred]

do you have any video of your climbs, and do you have one of the fall?

Barry,
I'll see if we can find some good video of several matches. One of the parents posted our first qualification match with MORT. We were a little slow at the wall and the first pyramid bar, but managed to finish in time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8c4R3nOAakU

[protoserge]

Here's the playlist of 836 matches: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvDZrG_4Oaidp2BZ8ZtnFbgBEG8UqpKSS

[notmattlythgoe]

Did anybody else at the regional have drivers complain about some control lag? We suspect we were exceeding our bandwidth limit because our second camera was shutting off, but wanted to check with other teams to see if they had any problems also.

[Wetzel]

Did anybody else at the regional have drivers complain about some control lag? We suspect we were exceeding our bandwidth limit because our second camera was shutting off, but wanted to check with other teams to see if they had any problems also.

Check the logs on your driver station, there is useful information there.

[JohnFogarty]

The FTAs told us during our last match that our Dashboard program was exceeding the bandwidth and we had to shut it off. I don't believe that for a second. I'd also love for someone to explain to me with today's technology why teams are limited to only 8Mbs connection anyway. Even the world's crappiest router/switch can give me at least 10Mbs.

[MikeE]

The FTAs told us during our last match that our Dashboard program was exceeding the bandwidth and we had to shut it off. I don't believe that for a second. I'd also love for someone to explain to me with today's technology why teams are limited to only 8Mbs connection anyway. Even the world's crappiest router/switch can give me at least 10Mbs.

I don't know if you were using C++ but it looks like the mandated C++ update (http://wpilib.screenstepslive.com/s/3120/m/8559/l/92653-2013-software-notes#MandatoryUpdateMarch4,2013) that was just released addresses several network usage/bandwidth bugs.

As to why the bandwidth is limited, each robot is running on a separate VLAN which shares bandwidth with other robots, so I assume we're really working under a 42Mbs limit. Your question might be answered in the FMS Whitepaper (http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/uploadedFiles/Robotics_Programs/FRC/Game_and_Season__Info/2013/FMSWhitePaper_RevA.pdf)

[JohnFogarty]

I use Java, and SmartDashboard.

I'll read into that document. Thanks.

[protoserge]

Did anybody else at the regional have drivers complain about some control lag? We suspect we were exceeding our bandwidth limit because our second camera was shutting off, but wanted to check with other teams to see if they had any problems also.

We had one match where the driver indicated there was a lag in control loop. I do not know if this was field related, but the datalog showed the robot control system was responding appropriately to the input.

We did not use a Kinect during this regional, so our bandwidth should have been very low.

Which match did you have issue with?

[mandrews281]

Thanks for the great story mandrews28. I was coaching 435 during that match and for some reason a disk got stuck in the shooter. Now I am wondering if someone from above was holding it :)

OK so we had a little help on the defense :).

I also noticed this in the team updates from yesterday:

General note: TEAM Members may not lift other TEAM Members in the ALLIANCE STATION (either up on shoulders or otherwise) as this is a safety issue and will yield a Yellow Card per Section 5.5.4.

I guess I shouldn't have mentioned the part about it being a good things he was a bean pole or we'd have ended up on the floor. Even so, with it all happening so fast, I guess I would have gotten the yellow card, and I still think it would have been worth it.

[ToddF]

Just posted videos (http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-G2KllxqYo-UFhjLJXSOieGzNMF0-GrC)of all quarterfinals except 1.3. We had cameras pointed at the blue and red sides of the field, so I combined both cameras into each video. Somehow, we missed the red side of QF 1.3, so I didn't post that match.

More to follow.

[Emiller8]

Most of Team 11's matches are up on our youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/MORTTeam11?feature=mhee

[JohnFogarty]

Where else is team 11 competing this season? After seeing your team's robot code I'm really excited to see if the real climber works out. I obviously only saw the code and the drawing of the real climber, but if it works. That will be the coolest climber yet.

[Emiller8]

Where else is team 11 competing this season?

We will be competing at the Mount Olive District Event, the Bridgewater district event, MAR championships(if we qualify), and at World Championships.

[mandrews281]

I guess I shouldn't have mentioned the part about it being a good things he was a bean pole or we'd have ended up on the floor. Even so, with it all happening so fast, I guess I would have gotten the yellow card, and I still think it would have been worth it.

From Frank's FIRST Blog:

I’ve seen some of the chatter on Chief Delphi. The note in yesterday’s update about team members lifting other team members, leading to yellow cards, was made in response to an issue from at least one event over the weekend. In this incident, team members were climbing onto each others‘ backs and shoulders to gain a better vantage point for throwing discs during the last 30 seconds of a match. The note was not intended to stop hugs or celebratory lifts – in fact, we love hugs! As long as they are safe, and, of course, everyone involved in the hug is a willing participant.

:D Thanks for the clarification Frank. :D

[mwilbur]

Which match did you have issue with?

Our team seemed to experience some amount of control lag in most matches, but there was at least one match in which the driver told me afterwards that the robot was almost uncontrollable because there was so much lag. The driving was erratic that match -- running into the pyramid, spinning in place way past the desired stopping point, etc. They were told by field personnel during a different match that they should close down the smart dashboard, which they did. It wasn't clear to the drive team that this made any difference in the control lag. With the control loop being the highest priority task in the robot code, it's not entirely clear to us why this is an issue.