FRC Blogged - Information for 2013 - the What, When, Where & How

[Hallry]

Taken from the FRC Blog, 1/2/2013: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/blog-information-for-2013-the-what-when-where-and-how

Blog Date: Wednesday, January 2, 2013 - 16:58

With Kickoff only a few days away, we’re going post a good deal of information and documentation to help you hit the ground running. We recommend you download everything you need ahead of time to 1) beat the rush and help us even out the load on servers and 2) have what you need ready to go on Saturday when/where you may not have internet access.

Below is a quick summary of what will be available, when it will be available, where you can get it, and how it will be shared.

Available Now


2013 Development Environment Installation Instructions (WPI Lib ScreenSteps page) (http://wpilib.screenstepslive.com/s/3120): This site has additional control system information, but these instructions are particularly helpful for getting started. [Unencrypted]
2013 Game Manual (FRC Manual page) (http://frc-manual.usfirst.org/): The manual will be unencrypted immediately after Kickoff. [Encrypted]
2013 Field Drawings (FRC Manual page) (http://frc-manual.usfirst.org/): These drawings are included on the Manual page as “Supplemental Documentation” and will be unencrypted immediately after Kickoff. [Encrypted]
2013 Team Version Drawings (FRC Manual page) (http://frc-manual.usfirst.org/): These drawings are included on the Manual page as “Supplemental Documentation” and will be unencrypted immediately after Kickoff. [Encrypted]
2013 Robot Quick-Build Instructions (FRC Technical Resources page) (http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/2013-Technical-Resources)[Encrypted]
2013 KOP Checklists (FRC Kit of Parts page) (http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/kit-of-parts): Checklists will be unencrypted immediately after Kickoff. [Encrypted]
2013 FRC Bridge Configuration Utility (FRC Technical Resources page) (http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/2013-Technical-Resources): This is needed by all teams to configure the radio for home use. This application requires Java installed on the machine. [Unencrypted]


Available TBD


2013 Classmate Image Files (Intel) (http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/intel-learning-series/first-frc-image-system-overview.html): Exact go-live date/time for 2013 material is TBD. The intent is to make it available before Kickoff. We will be posting independent images for E09, E11, & 12 versions. [Unencrypted]



Available January 3


2013 C++/Java Software Updates (WPI Lib First Forge page) (http://firstforge.wpi.edu/sf/frs/do/viewSummary/projects.wpilib/frs): This is only needed by teams using C++/Java and will be unencrypted immediately after Kickoff. [Encrypted]
2013 LabVIEW Utility Updates (National Instruments) (http://joule.ni.com/nidu/cds/view/p/id/2262): This is needed by all teams and will be unencrypted immediately after Kickoff. Currently links to 2012 information, will change over to 2013 information once files are posted January 3. [Encrypted]
2013 Driver Station Application (National Instruments) (http://joule.ni.com/nidu/cds/view/p/id/2263): This is only needed by teams using LabVIEW and will be unencrypted immediately after Kickoff. Currently links to 2012 information, will change over to 2013 information once files are posted January 3. [Encrypted]
2013 LabVIEW Updates (National Instruments) (http://joule.ni.com/nidu/cds/view/p/id/2261): This is only needed by teams using LabVIEW and will be unencrypted immediately after Kickoff. Currently links to 2012 information, will change over to 2013 information once files are posted January 3. [Encrypted]
Kinect Server (WPI Lib First Forge page) (http://firstforge.wpi.edu/sf/frs/do/viewSummary/projects.wpilib/frs): Requires Microsoft’s SDK, V 1.6 (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=262831), installer will prompt user to install if not already on machine. [Encrypted]


Available January 5


2013 Field Tour Videos (FRC's YouTube Channel) (https://www.youtube.com/user/FRCTeamsGlobal) [Unencrypted]
Catalyst Game Simulation (Diamond Bullet Studios' page) (http://www.dbsgames.net/). [Unencrypted]
Additional 100 FIRST Choice credits assigned (FIRST Choice page (http://www.andymark.com/FIRST-Choice-s/273.htm)): Credits will be assigned at 4pm, Eastern.
2013 Q&A (FRC Q&A page) (https://frc-qa.usfirst.org/) [Unencrypted]
2013 Replacement Parts Reporting (TIMS) (https://my.usfirst.org/frc/tims/site.lasso): Replacement Parts must be reported by the time the system closes at noon Eastern on Jan 13.


For the encrypted files, the decryption code (it’s the same code for all encrypted files) will be disclosed at the end of the Kickoff broadcast. Meanwhile, we recommend you bookmark the FRC Technical Resources (http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/2013-Technical-Resources) page where all of these links (and others to information already posted) will also be available.

EDIT: There was an error in this blog post. Please see the correction here (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1206926).

[Steven Donow]

As having to reset a bridge many times, often trying to do it from memorization, I am overjoyed that FIRST has finally released the bridge configuration utility for public use.

Also, hopefully this 2nd round of FIRST Choice will go much better.

[Andrew Lawrence]

Looks like the Kinect will be in this game.

[apples000]

2013 Driver Station Application (National Instruments): This is only needed by teams using LabVIEW and will be unencrypted immediately after Kickoff. Currently links to 2012 information, will change over to 2013 information once files are posted January 3.

Why do only the LabVIEW teams need the driver station? I think it's a typo.

[Hallry]

Why do only the LabVIEW teams need the driver station? I think it's a typo.

You can ask them directly if it is a typo by commenting on the official blog post (http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/blog-information-for-2013-the-what-when-where-and-how).

[Saberbot]

The labview updates all point to the 2012 versions, anybody else seeing this?
Edit: Nevermind, it says it will change on January 3rd. I probably should have read... ::rtm::

[ttldomination]

I have zipped up all the files (manual, field information, checklists) and zipped them up. I've hosted them on Dropbox and Google Drive for convenience.

Dropbox: Click Here (https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1452690/2013Robotics/2013GameSpecificInformation.zip)
Google Drive: Click Here (https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByOiy1KZWzzRc0gtc3daR25oY1E)

Enjoy,
- Sunny G.

[ehochstein]

Looks like LabView has a robot simulator inside of it this year... Interesting.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/screensteps_live/images/Wpilib/88414/3/rendered/862C4EA5-9DF1-4716-B736-CD518183DCEA_display.png?AWSAccessKeyId=19JMR1FABX NXQR79AGG2&Expires=1357251756&Signature=25E8bo8h3ocVk09SOldTUxWgWSk%3D

[MrTechCenter]

Looks like LabView has a robot simulator inside of it this year... Interesting.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/screensteps_live/images/Wpilib/88414/3/rendered/862C4EA5-9DF1-4716-B736-CD518183DCEA_display.png?AWSAccessKeyId=19JMR1FABX NXQR79AGG2&Expires=1357251756&Signature=25E8bo8h3ocVk09SOldTUxWgWSk%3D

This AND Catalyst 2013? I think planning and making bot decisions will be quite simple this year..

[R.C.]

I have zipped up all the files (manual, field information, checklists) and zipped them up. I've hosted them on Dropbox and Google Drive for convenience.

Dropbox: Click Here (https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1452690/2013Robotics/2013GameSpecificInformation.zip)
Google Drive: Click Here (https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByOiy1KZWzzRc0gtc3daR25oY1E)

Enjoy,
- Sunny G.

Awesome,

You rock man!

-RC

[Tom Line]

Looks like LabView has a robot simulator inside of it this year... Interesting.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/screensteps_live/images/Wpilib/88414/3/rendered/862C4EA5-9DF1-4716-B736-CD518183DCEA_display.png?AWSAccessKeyId=19JMR1FABX NXQR79AGG2&Expires=1357251756&Signature=25E8bo8h3ocVk09SOldTUxWgWSk%3D

Check the Beta test link in my signature for more info on the simulator.

[ehochstein]

Check the Beta test link in my signature for more info on the simulator.

Ahhhhh I see it! So are the field objects modifiable? Or are they set by NI?

[dellagd]

Looks like the Kinect will be in this game.

They did say that the kinect would be back in the FRC live videos. No one believed me... :p

[MrTechCenter]

They did say that the kinect would be back in the FRC live videos. No one believed me... :p

I also recall Woodie Flowers mentioning that we should all "Brush-up on our Kinect skills in the off-season" or something along those lines at Championships.

[apalrd]

Available January 3

2013 C++/Java Software Updates (WPI Lib First Forge page): This is only needed by teams using C++/Java and will be unencrypted immediately after Kickoff. [Encrypted]
2013 LabVIEW Utility Updates (National Instruments): This is needed by all teams and will be unencrypted immediately after Kickoff. Currently links to 2012 information, will change over to 2013 information once files are posted January 3. [Encrypted]
2013 Driver Station Application (National Instruments): This is only needed by teams using LabVIEW and will be unencrypted immediately after Kickoff. Currently links to 2012 information, will change over to 2013 information once files are posted January 3. [Encrypted]
2013 LabVIEW Updates (National Instruments): This is only needed by teams using LabVIEW and will be unencrypted immediately after Kickoff. Currently links to 2012 information, will change over to 2013 information once files are posted January 3. [Encrypted]
Kinect Server (WPI Lib First Forge page): Requires Microsoft’s SDK, V 1.6, installer will prompt user to install if not already on machine. [Encrypted]


Realistically, what prevents them from releasing all of this now?

I mean seriously, it's really really annoying to have to learn the specifics of the new library every year after kickoff, and beta teams already have it, so why can't we have it too?

[MattC9]

Now does any one know if kick off is pre-recorded this year? Like it was last year?

I know this is a little off topic but it seemed like the best place to put the question/ I didn't want to start a new thread.

[ENIAC]

Now does any one know if kick off is pre-recorded this year? Like it was last year?

I know this is a little off topic but it seemed like the best place to put the question/ I didn't want to start a new thread.

Ooh! Yes, I was wondering about that. I hope it isn't. I liked it when it was live. But then, I'm a bit nostalgic.

[jason701802]

Now does any one know if kick off is pre-recorded this year? Like it was last year?

I know this is a little off topic but it seemed like the best place to put the question/ I didn't want to start a new thread.

Considering the kickoff workshops are going to be pre-recorded (http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/blog-kickoff-and-transition-from-kickoff-workshops-to-season-workshops) and they have said nothing about kickoff itself being any different than last year (that I've seen, but it's hard to keep track with all these 'official' sources), I'm going to bet that kickoff will be pre-recorded.

[ttldomination]

Now does any one know if kick off is pre-recorded this year? Like it was last year?

I know this is a little off topic but it seemed like the best place to put the question/ I didn't want to start a new thread.

I don't see why not.

And I don't see why it matters to anyone except for the comparatively small number of people who end up traveling to NH for the kickoff.

- Sunny G.

[Hallry]

And I don't see why it matters to anyone except for the comparatively small number of people who end up traveling to NH for the kickoff.

If there is a full field set up there, which there commonly is, those in attendance get to examine it in much detail (measure objects, etc.)

[dellagd]

I also recall Woodie Flowers mentioning that we should all "Brush-up on our Kinect skills in the off-season" or something along those lines at Championships.

I hope you all did! Its a shame the kinect wont work with the Raspberry pi though....

[ttldomination]

If there is a full field set up there, which there commonly is, those in attendance get to examine it in much detail (measure objects, etc.)

I meant why it matters whether the feed is live or pre-recorded. I assume people going to NH will get to the field either way?

- Sunny G.

[Hallry]

I meant why it matters whether the feed is live or pre-recorded. I assume people going to NH will get to the field either way?

- Sunny G.

I believe they did in fact have a full field there last year for people to examine, even though it was recorded.

[Mark McLeod]

I was in Manchester last year.
They always have the full field setup to wander around, measure, photograph, bounce balls,...

We watched the Kickoff video just like everyone else.

The exception was that part of the Kickoff video with Dean's speech. That was pre-recorded in front of a live audience the night before at Dean's home during the Founder's Reception.

[Dale]

Yes, I asked FIRST about the kickoff recording length (we're trying to coordinate folks going to the local kickoff and watching it back in the lab.) The kickoff is recorded this year and will last "30-45 minutes." It will be on NASA TV as usual. It starts at 10:30 EST.

[bugynerd]

Yes, I asked FIRST about the kickoff recording length (we're trying to coordinate folks going to the local kickoff and watching it back in the lab.) The kickoff is recorded this year and will last "30-45 minutes." It will be on NASA TV as usual. It starts at 10:30 EST.

May I ask where you found this info? I've been searching far and wide for the same reasons!

[Hallry]

Why do only the LabVIEW teams need the driver station? I think it's a typo.

Bill just posted that there was an error in this blog post. All teams do in fact need the 2013 Driver Station Application. Please see the correction here (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1206926).

[Dale]

May I ask where you found this info? I've been searching far and wide for the same reasons!

I sent a message to frcteams@usfirst.org and asked. Here is what I got in response:

Hello Dale,

Thank you for your email. The broadcast will begin at 10:30AM EST. The broadcast will be on NASA TV again this season.

Information on the Kickoff broadcast will be posted to our website here: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/kickoff#Video when it is available. In the meantime, the direct link for the broadcast will be: http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/.

I apologize for any inconvenience. Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions at frcteams@usfirst.org.

Sincerely,

Go Teams!


and then:

Hello Dale:

Thank you for your email. The Kickoff broadcast will run for about 30-45 minutes.

I hope this helps! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any additional questions.

Go Teams!

Sincerely,

FRC Team Support

[sanddrag]

Thank you for your email. The Kickoff broadcast will run for about 30-45 minutes.Wow, that's short. I remember back in the day when it would run about two hours. I can see the 2013 Kickoff broadcast now: "Hello Teams. Welcome back. Gracious Professionalism. Here's some homework. Here's the animation. Here's what the actual field looks like. RTFM. Peace."

[ttldomination]

Wow, that's short. I remember back in the day when it would run about two hours. I can see the 2013 Kickoff broadcast now: "Hello Teams. Welcome back. Gracious Professionalism. Here's some homework. Here's the animation. Here's what the actual field looks like. RTFM. Peace."

I, for one, am glad that they are keeping this short and simple.

- Sunny G.

[BigJ]

For anyone waiting around, all the items listed under "Available Jan 3rd" are now available.

[apalrd]

Wow, that's short. I remember back in the day when it would run about two hours. I can see the 2013 Kickoff broadcast now: "Hello Teams. Welcome back. Gracious Professionalism. Here's some homework. Here's the animation. Here's what the actual field looks like. RTFM. Peace."

That would be fantastic.


We used to record the broadcast, clip all of the speeches (not completely delete, but almost entirely delete), and watch the broadcast as a team later in the day. This also told us who the most dedicated members were, since they had already watched the game on their own. I remember someone saying "I know you're all anxious to see the game, so I'll make this short" then skipping directly to the next person.

[Grim Tuesday]

I'm kinda sad they'll be clipping it. I enjoyed seeing the many supporters of FIRST and hearing their speeches. It also raised the tension and excitement for when the game would really be released. I wonder if this year will feel like an anticlimax when it is revealed a paltry 30-45 minutes into the broadcast. It's always been a great bonding experience for our (now 75 member) team to await the reveal of the game and I hope this isn't hurt by the shortness of the videos this year, maybe they'll be better produced (not that they weren't before but more production value never hurt).