Make FRC History: WVROX

[MDAWG25]

http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b620/D_MAGE59663/531c0254-b8af-4a57-b98e-d9fc1806828a_zps82fe8f81.jpg

The first FRC Endurance event will take place August 1-2, 2014, West Virginia RObotics eXtreme is a 26 hour, 14 minute off-season event featuring continuous Qualification rounds . WVROX takes place in the city home to West Virginia University, Morgantown, and will be hosted in the University's Student Recreation Center by FRC Team 2614 - Mountaineer Area RoboticS (MARS).

This will be a continuous, high octane event! You will get tired!

Each registered team (up to 40 of them, minimum of 24) will play at least 20 matches in just over a day. For most teams, that is more matches than a team experiences in the average season. Expect a modified format for the Eliminations Rounds.

Like an endurance race team, teams must plan ahead and plan well. This event will require an entire TEAM to work together to compete well. Teams will be required to have multiple drive teams and multiple robot repair teams that alternate throughout the event.

There will be quiet areas for sleeping and for washing up. Please bring a sleeping bag. Local hotel blocks have been reserved for team members, coaches, mentors, and volunteers who want to reserve a hotel room for resting.

Along with Qualification Matches, there will also be some exhibition matches. These exhibition matches might include:

Flashlight Matches!
Lights will very dim to very dark and the field will only be illuminated by human players with flashlights, field lights, and by very bright robots with LEDs!
Robo-Tug-o-War
Alliances of robots will tie themselves together and try to pull the other alliance past the center line
Robot Drag Races
The name pretty much explains it all. Another area of the facility will host drag races where robots will race against each other for awards!
Human game
Humans play the game as the GDC designed it (safely of course). Humans take the field and score points for their alliance!
and More to Come! If you have a suggestion post it below! We will take a look at them and update this list to confirm them.


Don’t think there will only be FRC matches going on, there are plenty of things to do during the entire event:

The pool in the Rec Center will be available at times throughout the event.
Rock Wall Climbing (when guides are available)
Movies
Tours of the WVU campus, particularly the Engineering Complex
More details to come as we finalize them, check back!


Thanks to the WVU Catering, food WILL BE PROVIDED to all Students, Mentors, Coaches and Parents.

Team Registration is $100 dollars, go here to find the registration form.
http://www.marsfirst.org/?page_id=4613
The registration fee must be received no later than June 15, 2014.

Once the form is filled out and submitted, more team registration info will be sent to the email address provided in the form where the team lead mentor can finish registration and submit the registration fee.

We need LOTS of volunteers. Rest assured, you will not be expected to help the entire event. Quiet hospitality rooms for resting and sleeping will be provided to volunteers and judges. Volunteers register the same way team members do, by using the link above and selecting volunteer. Volunteers should also bring sleeping bags if they wish to sleep in the quiet rooms.

Directions to WVU Student Rec Center can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OhX0KaY3oJdbcum-H-XK0ouebNxES_c0-XlI-VSAUh4/edit?usp=sharing

Tentative Timeline for the WVROX Event:

Field setup will be July 31 in the afternoon/evening. Come by and help if you are in the area
Onsite registration will begin at 8am Friday August 1st
Practice matches from 9:30 to 11:30
Opening ceremonies at 11:30 to 12:00PM (Noon).
Then the extravaganza begins!
Event ends 2:14pm on August 2nd.


Register and help make FRC History!

Will your robot make it through?

Any questions or if you need some more information on something, don't hesitate to send an email to marvinmars2614@gmail.com or send me a private message.

This thread will be continuously updated, be sure to subscribe to it to receive all the updates. Important Event updates will be sent to email addresses associated with registered persons.

[joelg236]

This sounds insane! It's a long way, but I'm going to look into getting our team to do it.

[Pratik Kunapuli]

This sounds like a ton of fun.

[MARS_James]

This sounds insane! It's a long way, but I'm going to look into getting our team to do it.

My thoughts exactly

EDIT:
A fun idea for a challenge might be an obstacle course of the field challenges from previous games, the bridges of 2012, Regolith of 2009, dividers of 2010 etc.

[Max Boord]

This sounds EPIC! If only my team wasn't soo far away. but a few things to consider:
1. 4 member alliances for elims. (I see a lot of breaking robots)
2. a potential "filler line" for qualification matches (teams would not get qual points but its better than playing 2v3)
3. A community scouting system. yes teams can use there own but it might be a good idea to encourage teams to pick 1 system and split the work up.
4. Mentor matches! I doubt you will see Jim Zondag vs Adam Freeman here but it could be interesting to play the finals matches with student and then mentor drivers.

[Petzer]

Sweet! I've been waiting for this to happen for a while... Now to convince the coach to go :rolleyes:

[MrTechCenter]

If only we weren't so far away. This sounds incredibly fun!

[JohnFogarty]

Yessssssssss. Much excite.

[orangemoore]

You could also try matches with on board cameras only the drivers cannot look at the field or robot.

[The Doctor]

If only we weren't so far away. This sounds incredibly fun!

I wonder if someone could set something similar up in the northwest.. would love to participate!

[DanielPlotas]

EPIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
gonna see if we can go.

[bduddy]

Wow, I wish something like this existed when I was on a team!

At the same time, having tired people working on robots is not the safest thing imaginable. Hopefully everyone there realizes this, and you have ways to manage that if necessary.

[Koko Ed]

This could be pretty intense.

[DanielPlotas]

there should be a game where you drive another teams robot

[DampRobot]

As someone that's always wanted to see a humans vs. robots match, this sounds like the place to make that happen.

[cgmv123]

As someone that's always wanted to see a humans vs. robots match

Because that is safe...

[scooty199]

This honestly sounds like the robotics version of a Tough Mudder.


I love this idea.

[dubiousSwain]

Sounds fun...Now to convince the student council...

[billylo]

This is awesome. Suggestions for fun activities:

1. Ultimate Offense: 6 balls per alliance. Shoot like there is no tomorrow.
2. Home-run Derby: Who can score from furthest away? 3 outs. If you miss, you lose one "out".

[mizscience]

I VOLUNTEER!!! *cough*...i mean...is there information available about how people can volunteer to help out at this event?

[dipmeinaluminum]

I just dropped my phone reading this. This... This is just EPIC!

[plnyyanks]

I VOLUNTEER!!! *cough*...i mean...is there information available about how people can volunteer to help out at this event?

Seconded. I'd love to try and swing this

[Fletch1373]

Seconded. I'd love to try and swing this

I'm definitely in!

[dipmeinaluminum]

Maybe we can add a secret end game? Hang on the truss for 30pts? :P

[Koko Ed]

My last two vacation days are already tied to MARC and IRI so I wouldn't be able to do the full event but I would be interested in coming by to help.

[JohnFogarty]

If 4901 can't manage it. I'll see if I can Volunteer.

[Kingland093]

That is an amazing idea!!!
Too bad we're too far away...

[escime]

Volunteers can register at the same website link. We'll do our best to make all our volunteers feel appreciated!

[MrTechCenter]

I'm almost considering flying out just to volunteer for this, if I had the money I soooo would!

[cadandcookies]

Sounds like crazy fun. Can't wait to hear how it goes.

[ehoyla]

TEAM 1311 totally is working out details to be able to come!!! Looking like a STRONG possibility :)

[scooty199]

So is the humans playing Aerial Assist contact or no contact?

I mean GDC did design for there to be contact during the game after all...

[Amo10]

The team members of 4468 are wanting to go now time to convince the mentors!

[who716]

Wow just wow I will be there.....

[ChuckDickerson]

Team 456 is very interested in coming to this event but it is quite a distance from Vicksburg, MS. If we come we will only be able to bring a small crew. Would you please expand on what you mean by “Teams will be required to have multiple drive teams and multiple robot repair teams that alternate throughout the event.”? Is there some minimum number of team members required to compete? Will teams be required to have separate drive teams and pit crews or is overlap required? Will teams be required to swap drivers/pit crews every, say, 6 hours or was this statement more of a suggestion?

[Mk.32]

This is quite the event... Hehe i wish it was local.... I can hear all the students going yay and all the mentors moaning a little.

You will probably want a filler lines since if a team only has about 20-30 mins between matches you might get a lot of no shows due to repair/damage issues.

[MDAWG25]

So is the humans playing Aerial Assist contact or no contact?

I mean GDC did design for there to be contact during the game after all...

Strategies aimed at and/or game play resulting in the damage,
destruction or inhibition of opponent HUMANS via actions
such as high-speed or repeated, aggressive ramming,
attachment, tipping, or entanglement of HUMANS are not allowed.

Violation: FOUL. If strategic, TECHNICAL FOUL. Potential YELLOW CARD.

[MDAWG25]

Team 456 is very interested in coming to this event but it is quite a distance from Vicksburg, MS. If we come we will only be able to bring a small crew. Would you please expand on what you mean by “Teams will be required to have multiple drive teams and multiple robot repair teams that alternate throughout the event.”? Is there some minimum number of team members required to compete? Will teams be required to have separate drive teams and pit crews or is overlap required? Will teams be required to swap drivers/pit crews every, say, 6 hours or was this statement more of a suggestion?

In an effort to keep everyone safe during the event, we highly recommend that every member get at least 3-4 hours of rest every 8-10 hours of working on, or driving, the robot.

[ChuckDickerson]

In an effort to keep everyone safe during the event, we highly recommend that every member get at least 3-4 hours of rest every 8-10 hours.

Thanks Matt. We will discuss more with the team and make a decision ASAP. It sounds like a great event and we know we would have a lot of fun!

[cbale2000]

This is awesome. Suggestions for fun activities:

1. Ultimate Offense: 6 balls per alliance. Shoot like there is no tomorrow.

On the flip side of that idea (and playing on a term I've heard a lot this year)...

Aerial Assault: 1 ball on the field. Can be scored by either alliance. Alliances must fight over it to score. A score then returns the ball to the opposing teams in-bounder (think basket ball). :rolleyes:

And if you really want a challenge, the "Hard Mode" version: Frame perimeter violation rules are waived for robots with the ball or robots attempting to get the ball from a robot with the ball.

[bduddy]

This is awesome. Suggestions for fun activities:

1. Ultimate Offense: 6 balls per alliance. Shoot like there is no tomorrow.
2. Home-run Derby: Who can score from furthest away? 3 outs. If you miss, you lose one "out".How about this: Grab some extra plexiglass or something, put it down in the middle of the field, and play FIRST Overdrive! Maybe not exactly the same, but close enough...

[Mason987]

Robot Tug o' war? You now have my full attention. I wish we were able to attend. Maybe someone could do something similar on the West Coast?

[Travis Hoffman]

And if you really want a challenge, the "Hard Mode" version: Frame perimeter violation rules are waived for robots with the ball...

I think "Hard Mode" was enabled for much of the regular 2014 season.

[Kevin Leonard]

Why does this have to be so far away? And just a few weeks after IRI?
I'll see what I can do, but the possibility is extremely small.
Maybe I'll head down to watch or volunteer or something. This sounds like the most fun thing ever.

[DanielPlotas]

Robot Tug o' war? You now have my full attention. I wish we were able to attend. Maybe someone could do something similar on the West Coast?

better bring a bunch of replacement wheels and motors

[Mason987]

better bring a bunch of replacement wheels and motors

I think a fresh set of tread would useful as well. :D

[JesseK]

This would be an interesting way to get new students up to speed. Getting school permission will be tough at that time of year, but we are interested nonetheless :D.

[Chi Meson]

Getting school permission will be tough at that time of year, but we are interested nonetheless :D.

Such a small percentage of people in FIRST understand what a hassle this actually is.

[orangemoore]

Such a small percentage of people in FIRST understand what a hassle this actually is.

I couldn't imagine how hard it must be for some teams to do certain events. With us as long as we have the money and enough student interest* we can do an event.

*students who are committing to go if we were to go to the event.

[ChuckDickerson]

Ok, 456 is in. We just registered and are looking forward to this event. It sounds epic!

[IKE]

Having participated in some endurance racing via 24 hours of Lemons and Chump car, I can say that around 2AM, it feels like a really long day, and then you realize you are only 1/2 way through... Get some folks on an out of sink schedule and be sure to get some sleep.

Also, please be safe:
People tend to make poorer choices after long periods of sleep deprivation and also are more prone to accidents:
http://oem.bmj.com/content/62/9/588.full

[kcy0511]

This sounds like fun! Will mention to rest of team.

[MDAWG25]

Teams that have already registered:

1) MARS - 2614
2) Titanium Titans - 4467
3) Siege Robotics - 456 - Vicksburg, MS
4) KELL Robotics - 1311

[MDAWG25]

*I can no longer edit the first post, so I will have to add exhibition matches in a new post.

New exhibition match


Mentor matches!
Mentors drive the robots! With the drive team coaching them!

[Cynette]

Team 456 is very interested in coming to this event but it is quite a distance from Vicksburg, MS. If we come we will only be able to bring a small crew. Would you please expand on what you mean by “Teams will be required to have multiple drive teams and multiple robot repair teams that alternate throughout the event.”? Is there some minimum number of team members required to compete? Will teams be required to have separate drive teams and pit crews or is overlap required? Will teams be required to swap drivers/pit crews every, say, 6 hours or was this statement more of a suggestion?

I know 1511 is looking at this with interest, but probably couldn't bring enough of the team to make the necessary swaps. Maybe smaller teams can form an alliance and share robot driving responsibilities either with one robot or even swapping out the robot based on the drive team. Based on seeding for eliminations, you could have a rule that determines which teams' robot is used. (ex: if you are the higher seed, your opponent gets to pick the robot, if you are the lower seed, your alliance gets to pick the robot.)

[Mason987]

*I can no longer edit the first post, so I will have to add exhibition matches in a new post.

New exhibition match


Mentor matches!
Mentors drive the robots! With the drive team coaching them!


We've been joking about doing this during a practice match so all of us students can heckle our mentors the way our drive coach does to us. :p

You guys make me really want to attend this event. Like i might have to buy a plane ticket just to witness this madness.

[jman4747]

When I first saw this I thought "man that would be amazing, but I seriously doubt my guys would go for it" then next day my dad is telling me half the team already wants to go no questions asked. I didn't even know they knew or went on CD. :p 4080 will be there. :)

[BandChick]

I know some of 1089's drive coaches & alumni are night owls. MAYBE we can convince someone to let us do this!

[colin340]

I'M SOOOOO PUMPED FOR THIS, after i saw a doc on 24 hr of Le Mans, i have wanted to try this.

HOPE YALL HAVE A GOOD PLAYLIST

[Kimmeh]

If anyone from Michigan decides to head out to this, and has room for an extra person, send me a pm please.

I'm definitely interested, I'm just not overly interested in making the trip out by myself.

Also, I'll be back in school then. Depends on what my schedule looks like then.

[Briansmithtown]

810 will copy it exactly... 81 hours, who up for it?



(Just kidding of course) when can we sign up? Just want to know,we're no signing up just yet, but when and if we do, I would go in and sign up..

[orangemoore]

810 will copy it exactly... 81 hours, who up for it?



(Just kidding of course) when can we sign up? Just want to know,we're no signing up just yet, but when and if we do, I would go in and sign up..

I believe that you can sign up right now In the first post there is a link to a google form.

[DanielPlotas]

810 will copy it exactly... 81 hours, who up for it?

I am!!

[Justin Montois]

Just registered! We can't wait to participate in this unique event!

[teku14]

Hey Matt :D

[cbudrecki]

If my team decides not to go, I may just have to make it out as a graveyard volunteer!

[M. Mellott]

I was very happy that so many of our students begged us to do this, so Team 3193, Falco Tech, is now registered...this is gonna be great!!

[CaptainDanger]

Let's see if I can convince my team to do this, it sounds like a whole lot of cray cray fun!
All the exhibition games sound super interesting too, especially because we finally get to have a robot rave, I've been waiting for this since I noticed the large number of teams that put lights on their bots this year :D

[Alex Cormier]

Just registered! We can't wait to participate in this unique event!

Really?

I'm interested in this too. We should try to get more from around Rochester. I'll see what 1405 thinks.

[Gregor]

Let's see if I can convince my team to do this, it sounds like a whole lot of cray cray fun!
All the exhibition games sound super interesting too, especially because we finally get to have a robot rave, I've been waiting for this since I noticed the large number of teams that put lights on their bots this year :D

Take me with you!

[safiq10]

OMG!!! This is going to be awesome! Why must my team live in Texas!!! If any teams in texas are too small and need an extra members I'd be happy to help! :D Also is this going to be live streamed?

[dellagd]

I wonder what Frank's comments on this are *inquisitive emoticon*

[Fletch1373]

Just registered! We can't wait to participate in this unique event!

You guys willing to adopt a volunteer? I'm looking to make the trip(and am already signed up), but long drives by myself are horrible.

[Mike Schreiber]

This sounds super fun. I'd be in if it wasn't super far away.

Someone in MI should do a similar event!

So is the humans playing Aerial Assist contact or no contact?

I mean GDC did design for there to be contact during the game after all...

Perhaps everyone should be required to wear silly looking bumpers? No contact outside the bumper zone.

I can't imagine trying to ref human matches...this may be one game that humans could be better at than robots. I suppose you could test it with a no defense allowed match human vs robot match, split the field down the middle, left half is robots, right is humans. Perhaps handicap the humans by taking away their ability to move in auton?

[Mk.32]

This sounds super fun. I'd be in if it wasn't super far away.

Someone in MI should do a similar event!



Perhaps everyone should be required to wear silly looking bumpers? No contact outside the bumper zone.

I can't imagine trying to ref human matches...this may be one game that humans could be better at than robots. I suppose you could test it with a no defense allowed match human vs robot match, split the field down the middle, left half is robots, right is humans. Perhaps handicap the humans by taking away their ability to move in auton?

You know those big sumo suits would be perfect for a human version of the game............

[Koko Ed]

You know those big sumo suits would be perfect for a human version of the game............

These would be more suited for the human version of the game. (http://youtu.be/xIl45f6i1PU)

[Koko Ed]

You guys willing to adopt a volunteer? I'm looking to make the trip(and am already signed up), but long drives by myself are horrible.

If you are back at school I can take you Eric.

[mizscience]

These would be more suited for the human version of the game. (http://youtu.be/xIl45f6i1PU)

This video just changed my life. Also, this should definitely be included in the human matches!

[Fletch1373]

If you are back at school I can take you Eric.

I'll definitely keep that in mind Ed! I actually just signed a lease for an apartment in Brighton, so I'll be in the area for at least the next 12 months.

[ChuckDickerson]

Could we get an updated and running team list as teams register either here or on the WVROX webpage?

[MDAWG25]

Could we get an updated and running team list as teams register either here or on the WVROX webpage?

Here is a current list of registered teams:

1) MARS - 2614 - Morgantown, WV
2) Titanium Titans - 4467 - Canonsburg, PA
3) Siege Robotics - 456 - Vicksburg, MS
4) KELL Robotics - 1311 - Marietta, GA
5) Girls of Steel- 3504 - Pittsburgh, PA
6) Greater Rochester Robotics - 340 - Rochester, NY
7) Falco Tech - 3193 - Warren, OH
8) GaelHawks - 230 - Shelton, CT

[MDAWG25]

http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b620/D_MAGE59663/531c0254-b8af-4a57-b98e-d9fc1806828a_zps82fe8f81.jpg

Along with Qualification Matches, there will also be some exhibition matches. These exhibition matches might include:



New Exhibition event!


The FIRST ever Water game! Aerial Assist set up for humans in the Rec Center pool!

[Alex2614]

New Exhibition event!


The FIRST ever Water game! Aerial Assist set up for humans in the Rec Center pool!


Bump. We did this (much more informally with 30 people) in the pool of our hotel on Saturday night in St. Louis where we came up with this idea. We will get the refs in on it and everything. And there are many great viewing areas for spectators. I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS!!!

[Alex2614]

OMG!!! This is going to be awesome! Why must my team live in Texas!!! If any teams in texas are too small and need an extra members I'd be happy to help! :D Also is this going to be live streamed?

We are still working on all the details, but I believe NASA is taking care of the live stream. Please tell me you will be up in the middle if the night watching the stream...

[MDAWG25]

List of Registered teams! Minimum of 24, max of 40!
Registration fee must be received no later than June 15, 2014

1) MARS - 2614 - Morgantown, WV
2) Titanium Titans - 4467 - Canonsburg, PA
3) Siege Robotics - 456 - Vicksburg, MS
4) KELL Robotics - 1311 - Marietta, GA
5) Girls of Steel- 3504 - Pittsburgh, PA
6) Greater Rochester Robotics - 340 - Rochester, NY
7) Falco Tech - 3193 - Warren, OH
8) GaelHawks - 230 - Shelton, CT
9) Inverse Paradox- 1325 - Mississauga, ON Canada
10) Secret City – 4265 – Oak Ridge, TN
11) 4-H Palindrome Robotics – 4954 – Middletown, DE
12) PCCR – 2641 – Pittsburgh, PA
13) RoboJackets – 2402 – Fredricksburg, VA

[Justin Montois]

Great to see the team list expanding! Can't wait!

[orangemoore]

List of Registered teams! Minimum of 24, max of 40!
Registration fee must be received no later than June 15, 2014

1) MARS - 2614 - Morgantown, WV
2) Titanium Titans - 4467 - Canonsburg, PA
3) Siege Robotics - 456 - Vicksburg, MS
4) KELL Robotics - 1311 - Marietta, GA
5) Girls of Steel- 3504 - Pittsburgh, PA
6) Greater Rochester Robotics - 340 - Rochester, NY
7) Falco Tech - 3193 - Warren, OH
8) GaelHawks - 230 - Shelton, CT
9) Inverse Paradox- 1325 - Mississauga, ON Canada
10) Secret City – 4265 – Oak Ridge, TN
11) 4-H Palindrome Robotics – 4954 – Middletown, DE
12) PCCR – 2641 – Pittsburgh, PA
13) RoboJackets – 2402 – Fredricksburg, VA

With 1.5 Months left and over 50% to the minimum # of teams it might happen.

[vladtheimpaled]

I hope team 810 can get a mentor on board. This sounds awesome:]

[Samwaldo]

I can say, Team 1099, is looking into going. Hardest conflict is that were in CT, and thats a far ride to organize.

[asid61]

This sounds so cool. I feel bad that our team can't go... west coast.

[Mk.32]

This sounds so cool. I feel bad that our team can't go... west coast.

You could go.... be quite a trip. lol I kind of want to come out and see the "action"

[MooreteP]

I can say, Team 1099, is looking into going. Hardest conflict is that were in CT, and thats a far ride to organize.

But it's a beautiful drive.
Road Trip!

[MDAWG25]

Could we get an updated and running team list as teams register either here or on the WVROX webpage?

Here you go!

http://www.marsfirst.org/?page_id=4979

[Gregor]

Here you go!

http://www.marsfirst.org/?page_id=4979

Tiny request. Could you lead with team number, not team name, and sort numerically by team number? It's much easier to find teams in a list that way.

[MDAWG25]

Here is a current list of registered teams (We need 24 to be official!):
Registration must be received no later than June 15, 2014!


2614 - MARS - Morgantown, WV
3504 - Girls of Steel - Pittsburgh, PA
340 - Greater Rochester Robotics - Rochester, NY
3193 - Falco Tech - Warren, OH
230 - GaelHawks - Shelton, CT
1325 - Inverse Paradox - Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
4265 - Secret City Wildbots - Oak Ridge, TN
4954 - 4H Palindrome Robotics - Middletown, DE
2641 - PCCR - Pittsburgh, PA
4467 - Titanium Titans - Canonsburg, PA
456 - Siege Robotics - Vicksburg, MS
1311 - KELL Robotics - Marietta, GA
2402 - RoboJackets - Fredricksburg, VA
1708 - Amps Robotics - McKeesPort, PA
1629 - GACO - Oackland, MD
686 - Bovine Intervention - Fredrick, MD
384 - SPARKY - Henrico, VA

[1629GaCo]

This is going to be an amazing event. It will be well run and well organized by our friends from MARS 2614. 1629 GaCo cannot wait to compete with all of the teams attending. If you anyone has never been the to area and surrounding areas, you will be pleasantly surprised, there are a wide variety of activities to make the trip a mini vacation!

Thank you MARS for embarking on this endeavor!!!

[M. Mellott]

Not to nitpick, but Team 3193, Falco Tech, is from Austintown, OH, not Warren, OH...that would be Team 48 from Warren.

[MDAWG25]

Not to nitpick, but Team 3193, Falco Tech, is from Austintown, OH, not Warren, OH...that would be Team 48 from Warren.
Thank you!

Registration must be received no later than June 15, 2014!
Only 3 more registrations to be official!


2614 - MARS - Morgantown, WV
3504 - Girls of Steel - Pittsburgh, PA
340 - Greater Rochester Robotics - Rochester, NY
3193 - Falco Tech - Austintown, OH
230 - GaelHawks - Shelton, CT
1325 - Inverse Paradox - Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
4265 - Secret City Wildbots - Oak Ridge, TN
4954 - 4H Palindrome Robotics - Middletown, DE
2641 - PCCR - Pittsburgh, PA
4467 - Titanium Titans - Canonsburg, PA
456 - Siege Robotics - Vicksburg, MS
1311 - KELL Robotics - Marietta, GA
2402 - RoboJackets - Fredricksburg, VA
1708 - Amps Robotics - McKeesPort, PA
1629 - GACO - Oackland, MD
686 - Bovine Intervention - Fredrick, MD
384 - SPARKY - Henrico, VA
291 - CIA – Erie, PA
1249 – RoboRats – Mingo, WV
3492 - PARTS - Winfield, WV
2615 - MARS Beta - Morgantown, WV

[Jscout11]

2615 - MARS Beta - Morgantown, WV


;)

[Kevin Leonard]

We had a team meeting recently and WVROX is actually being considered as a possibility!
Still extremely unlikely, but you never know! :cool:

[Alex2614]

21 teams! So close! Later today I will try to post pictures of the venue and surrounding area. It's an awesome space, and I can't wait for the event!

[Alex2614]

I have taken some of the pictures from the Rec Center, and compiled them into a quick collage of sorts for you to look at, to give you a preview. I don't know the exact layout of the competition, but this gives you an idea of the facility as a whole, which participants will have access to (such as the pool and possibly the climbing wall). We will have a promo video (hopefully) soon, that will also feature the surrounding area, competition venue, etc. I can't wait to see everybody there!

[fb39ca4]

This looks really cool. Hopefully a similar event in the Pacific Northwest will happen someday.

[Alex2614]

IMPORTANT UPDATE!

Registration deadline EXTENDED UNTIL JULY 9. As requested, this will hopefully allow a few teams time to get approval to travel.

Hope to see you there! As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to email us, Facebook message us, PM me, smoke signals, etc.

[jijiglobe]

secret endgame: climb over the truss.

[Justin Montois]

Is this event happening?

[rutzman]

Is this event happening?

Yes.

[Alex2614]

August 1-2 in Morgantown :)

[Justin Montois]

When can we expect a final team list?

[AgarHarsh]

Just wondering, is the match schedule going to be available before the event? It would really make a big difference.

Also, are there any rule changes we should know about? I know IRI did a bunch of cool stuff, just wondering if you guys are implementing any rule changes.

__________________
The University of Pittsburgh - Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Religious Studies on the Pre-Med Track
Parallel Universe- 1257: Drive Coach, Summer 2014
RoboRaiders Team 75 Alum

2011-2014: Excel Wizard, Stands Scouting Genie

2014- Third Annual Central Jersey Science Fair Coordinator/Founder
2013- Second Annual Somerset County Science Fair Coordinator/Founder
2012- First Annual Hillsborough Township Science Fair Coordinator/Founder
2011- Strategy Sub-team
2007-2010- FLL Member

[Alex2614]

Just wondering, is the match schedule going to be available before the event? It would really make a big difference.

Also, are there any rule changes we should know about? I know IRI did a bunch of cool stuff, just wondering if you guys are implementing any rule changes.

__________________
The University of Pittsburgh - Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Religious Studies on the Pre-Med Track
Parallel Universe- 1257: Drive Coach, Summer 2014
RoboRaiders Team 75 Alum

2011-2014: Excel Wizard, Stands Scouting Genie

2014- Third Annual Central Jersey Science Fair Coordinator/Founder
2013- Second Annual Somerset County Science Fair Coordinator/Founder
2012- First Annual Hillsborough Township Science Fair Coordinator/Founder
2011- Strategy Sub-team
2007-2010- FLL Member

To my knowledge, we will not have access to the software that would be able to generate the schedule until setup for the event, especially because we have so many breaks, longer cycles, and other tweaks we would need to make, which as far as I know can only be done in the FMS system, which we won't have until Thursday and/or Friday.

[JOEL340]

Will there be a live stream of this event?

[nuclearnerd]

Will there be a live stream of this event?

Or at least youtube videos of the matches. I am really looking forward to seeing some of the exhibition matches - flashlight, tug of war, human player etc.

[Joe Ross]

To my knowledge, we will not have access to the software that would be able to generate the schedule until setup for the event, especially because we have so many breaks, longer cycles, and other tweaks we would need to make, which as far as I know can only be done in the FMS system, which we won't have until Thursday and/or Friday.

FYI, the matchmaker software (at least standalone) will only generate schedules with up to 20 matches per team. Not sure if it behaves differently when it's called from FMS.

[M. Mellott]

Will there be a live stream of this event?

Team leaders were sent an email today with this note:

NASA – has agreed to host a webcast of this event. The web address is:
http://robotics.nasa.gov/events/livestream/index.php?stream=wv_0802-0314

[DJB11]

I was waiting for a 24+ hour long event, sounds like fun.

[Kevin Selavko]

1 291 CIA
Erie, PA

2 340 G.R.R.
Rochester, NY

3 456 Siege Robotics
Vicksburg, MS

4 686 Bovine Intervention
Frederick, MD

5 888 Robotiators
Glenelg, MD

6 1249 Roborats
Mingo, WV

7 1257 Parallel Universe
Union City, NJ

8 1325 Inverse Paradox
Mississuga Ontario

10 1629 GACO
Oakland, MD

11 1708 Amp'd Robotics
McKeesPort, PA

12 1731 Fresta Valley
Hume, VA

13 2614 MARS
Morgantown, WV

14 2641 PCCR
Pittsburgh, PA

15 2655 The Flying Platypi
Coalfax, NC

16 3193 Falco Tech
Austintown, OH

17 3260 SHARP
Pittsburgh, PA

18 3492 PARTs
Winfield, WV

19 3504 Girls of Steel
Pittsburgh, PA

20 4080 Reboot Marietta, GA

21 4265 Secret City Wildbots
Oak Ridge, TN

22 4505 McDonogh Eagle
Owings Mills, MD

23 4924 StemPUNKS
Chattanooga, TN

24 4954 4H Palindrome Robotics
Middletown, DE

[K519_1325]

The Canadians are coming!

[jman4747]

We are here!

[rees2001]

Any updates? I'm on the road and don't have access to the webcast.

[1629GaCo]

#1 seed of 340,1629, and 291 lost the first match of elims 165-163

[1629GaCo]

The lower seeds have won 3 of 4 matches. I did not get to see one match as my feed dropped. q2's coming up.

[1629GaCo]

#1 seed won the second match big, the match ended and they have decided to replay q 1-2 for some unknown reason. I guess the "controversy" was that a truss shot went into the goal and then the volunteer gave the ball back to the HP who put the ball back in play while another ball was put into play back at the driver station. So hence the replay??? Even though the second ball stay in possession of a robot and never advanced down the field.

[Brian Maher]

Alliances:
1) 340(1), 1629(2), 291 (20) (QF) (dat upset)
2) 4954 (3), 1325(7), 4505(23) (W)
3) 2614(4), 4265(6), 888(21) (QF)
4) 132(5), 356(8), 4080 (22) (QF)
5) 1249(9), 3492(16), 1708 (19) (?)
6) 3504(10), 3260(15), 2641(18) (?)
7) 686(11), 1731(14), 4924 (24) (QF)
8) 4467(12), 3193 (13), 2655 (17) (?)

[1629GaCo]

#1 seed lost

[EricDrost]

Are the results from the qualification matches going to be posted anywhere?

I'd be VERY interested to see how stats like "Descending OPR" compares to "Seeding Results" with the very large sample size of matches that are accrued over 24 hours.

Estimated:
24h * 60m/h * 1 match/9m * 6 teams on field * 1 TOF/24 teams = 40 matches/team

Assumptions: 9 minute turn around time, no breaks, hours still contain 60 minutes after you've been playing with robots for 24 hours straight.

40 qualification matches per team (estimated) is unprecedented, and could be a good indicator of what would happen to seeding at a regular season FRC event with an increased sample size of matches.

[Akash Rastogi]

Are the results from the qualification matches going to be posted anywhere?

I'd be VERY interested to see how stats like "Descending OPR" compares to "Seeding Results" with the very large sample size of matches that are accrued over 24 hours.

Estimated:
24h * 60m/h * 1 match/9m * 6 teams on field * 1 TOF/24 teams = 40 matches/team

Assumptions: 9 minute turn around time, no breaks, hours still contain 60 minutes after you've been playing with robots for 24 hours straight.

40 qualification matches per team (estimated) is unprecedented, and could be a good indicator of what would happen to seeding at a regular season FRC event with an increased sample size of matches.

All I have is this, from Justin Montois' facebook page http://i.imgur.com/4Y0SSSE.jpg

[EricDrost]

All I have is this, from Justin Montois' facebook page http://i.imgur.com/4Y0SSSE.jpg

Ah, not quite 40 but 26 is still more than double a standard district event. The fact that seeds 7-12 all have the same record is pretty interesting, I expected fewer ties than a standard event.

[BigJ]

Ah, not quite 40 but 26 is still more than double a standard district event. The fact that seeds 7-12 all have the same record is pretty interesting, I expected fewer ties than a standard event.

Because it is random pairings and not something like comparing current rank to match teams it's not that crazy that all the records settle together.

[ThunderousPrime]

#1 seed lost

With out knowing a majority of teams at the event or watching the matches (the NASA stream would not work for me :( ) I would assume that this was another death by serpentine. 1511 Also went to a 24 team offseason event (Beantown Blitz) where we as the the 8th seed upset the 1st seed in part due to death by serpentine.

For those not familiar "death by serpentine" the term refers to top seeded alliances where the captain and first pick are great robots but the second pick is not resulting in upset elimination matches. This is especially prevalent at small events, which this event was, (24 teams) because there is simply not enough teams to allow a deep draft with better robots making elims. As a result the lower seeded alliances present legitimate challenges because matches can end up with 2 great robots and a poor robot vs 3 medium robots. This especially hurts in aerial assist with pt bonuses more assisting.

Also I hope some or all of the matches are archived I would love to see them.

[EricH]

#1 seed won the second match big, the match ended and they have decided to replay q 1-2 for some unknown reason. I guess the "controversy" was that a truss shot went into the goal and then the volunteer gave the ball back to the HP who put the ball back in play while another ball was put into play back at the driver station. So hence the replay??? Even though the second ball stay in possession of a robot and never advanced down the field.

If that is the case, then I would agree on a replay. Here's why.

I'm assuming that the event was played under standard FRC rules. Under standard FRC rules, any robot scoring a ball must be between the truss and the goal. Thus, there should have been a no-goal, hand the ball back to the HP, DO NOT light the pedestal. Error on the ref's part, or the HP's part. (I'll get to the potential foul points in a moment.) But if you're under IRI rules, if you make a low goal on a truss shot you get the points. Error on the volunteer's part.

And about those fouls: For taking a ball off of an unlit pedestal, technical foul. For entering it into play, another technical foul, and the ball is field debris. Not pretty.


Because you now have a no-goal that was treated as a no-goal by one "end" of the field and as a goal by the other end of the field, the head referee would have no choice but to huddle up, get some clarity from the refs and possibly the reset, and then call for a field fault. Field faults are by definition replays under T16 if the outcome of the match was affected (and this one sure could have been). I'd go with a good call to replay that one.

[XaulZan11]

With out knowing a majority of teams at the event or watching the matches (the NASA stream would not work for me :( ) I would assume that this was another death by serpentine. .

You are likely correct, but with 2 ball autos and how easy it is to retro fit a robot to deflect a ball (and get the 3rd assist), the only real difference between the 17th and 24th robot comes down to defensive ability, which isn't super significant at most events.

[orangemoore]

So...Who Won?

[Fletch1373]

If that is the case, then I would agree on a replay. Here's why.

I'm assuming that the event was played under standard FRC rules. Under standard FRC rules, any robot scoring a ball must be between the truss and the goal. Thus, there should have been a no-goal, hand the ball back to the HP, DO NOT light the pedestal. Error on the ref's part, or the HP's part. (I'll get to the potential foul points in a moment.) But if you're under IRI rules, if you make a low goal on a truss shot you get the points. Error on the volunteer's part.

And about those fouls: For taking a ball off of an unlit pedestal, technical foul. For entering it into play, another technical foul, and the ball is field debris. Not pretty.


Because you now have a no-goal that was treated as a no-goal by one "end" of the field and as a goal by the other end of the field, the head referee would have no choice but to huddle up, get some clarity from the refs and possibly the reset, and then call for a field fault. Field faults are by definition replays under T16 if the outcome of the match was affected (and this one sure could have been). I'd go with a good call to replay that one.

We were playing with a slightly modified version of the standard rules. Truss-shot goals were allowed for this event(Source, I was at the scoring table for about 23 hours of it...). The reason for the replay was simply due to shear confusion. The refs dropped the ball(not literally) by not catching it happening at the time and stopping it. The field reset crew dropped the ball(again, not literally) by not realizing what should've happened instead of what did happen. I'm not here to point blame, just to clarify it a little. I'm sure you could understand how tired everyone was, and beyond that, it was a first year event, which took on a lot of rookie volunteers. While there were many of us with extensive FIRST experience, there was also a significant number of people that were just getting their feet wet, and I applaud them for that. It's unfortunate that it happened, but the replay was the correct course of action, and I believe it was well executed.

[Fletch1373]

Assumptions: 9 minute turn around time, no breaks, hours still contain 60 minutes after you've been playing with robots for 24 hours straight.

We were running 10-minute matches and had quite a few breaks in the schedule(lunch, dinner, midnight break, etc.).

[Brian Maher]

So...Who Won?

2) 4954 (3), 1325(7), 4505(23) (W)

Glad to see a MAR team on the winning alliance :)

[EricH]

We were playing with a slightly modified version of the standard rules. Truss-shot goals were allowed for this event(Source, I was at the scoring table for about 23 hours of it...). The reason for the replay was simply due to shear confusion. The refs dropped the ball(not literally) by not catching it happening at the time and stopping it. The field reset crew dropped the ball(again, not literally) by not realizing what should've happened instead of what did happen. [...] It's unfortunate that it happened, but the replay was the correct course of action, and I believe it was well executed.

IRI rules, as I noted. (Or a variant.) I agree, correct course of action just because of all the confusion, probably at least partly brought on by tiredness. I fully understand that part.

[rutzman]

Head ref for the elimination shift here, just waking up. I'll try to clarify what happened to the best of my memory- almost every elimination match had multiple teams in the question box, and a lot of deliberation on close calls.

In the driver meeting, we announced that the pedestal would be done on the honor rule and that bounce-ins over the truss would count as goals.

This match was a hectic one. Before the bounce-in, I had called 5 fouls. The added confusion of the bounce-in made it difficult for the referees to reach a consensus on what fouls we saw. I didn't want to double count a foul, and I didn't want to punish a student for playing the game the way they had played it all year, in case there had been a miscommunication about the rule change, so after huddling with the refs, I called for a replay.

[nomad725]

We had a great time competing through all of our qualification matches and then making it to the finals and winning. We stayed in the top 3 ranking spots for most of the qualifiers. We want to thank FRC Team 2614, MARS, for organizing such a great event and also West Virginia University for hosting it. Our biggest thanks goes to our amazing alliance partners FRC Team 1325 and FRC Team 4505. We had a lot of intense and close matches in the eliminations. I got to say that the 8th Alliance was amazing. From winning against the 1st Alliance and then making it all the way to the finals. The finals matches were really close.

[sraque]

I was the red-side scoring ref for the match with the bounce-in replay. Even though we had said that pulling balls from the pedestal was on the honor system, I tried to punch up the score in each cycle as fast as possible to give the human players that extra level of comfort that they were being fair when they saw the pedestal light up. That ball bounced in; I punched the score; the screen reset; I watch the screen for a second or two to ensure that it actually took the button pushes, and then I saw the human player across from me calling for the ball. I tried to flag that it was scored (but honestly not effectively enough and quickly enough), and before anyone saw or heard me, the ball was back in play, and the human player at the other end of the field saw the lighted pedestal and got the new ball. It was impossible to recover from there forward with two balls in play to come up with what the score should-be in a fair manner.

With the length of the event, I think it's pretty understandable that we had players on the field who didn't recall that nuance from the drivers meeting. I think it's pretty understandable that we had many volunteers who were not familiar with the off-nominal rules situations and had less experience in the game than most of the players, so when they see a player calling for something, they would tend to react.

[escime]

On behalf of MARS, thanks to all the teams who attended this event. These were the first FRC matches ever played in the state of WV. We couldn't be more proud of the students of MARS, their friends and families, and all the out of town volunteers who showed up to make this event a success. West Virginia University really came through with an incredible venue and support for the event. Congratulations to the winning alliance and to the students who will receive academic scholarships to WVU. Also congratulations to all the teams that won judged awards. We were a tad over 26 hours and 14 minutes, but we came really close to hitting our time target. Next time I'll remember to shift into low gear in the mentor match.....

[ArzaanK]

Team 1325 had an amazing time competing at WVROX. We would like to thank Team 2614 for hosting the event. Everything was very well organized, and the venue was great! In addition, we would like to thank every single team who came out to the event and made the experience of the inaugural WVROX event special. We would also like to thank our alliance partners, Team 4954 and Team 4505, the three of us worked very well together, and all contributed towards the big win. Moreover, we would really like to thank Team 3504, Girls of Steel and Team 4467, Titanium Titans for using their timeouts in the elimination rounds to give us time to fix our robot.

[Kevin Selavko]

I have a little bit of footage from the event's special matches here: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6_OzFPsMy_nTaPbG_eST1dQxo96zHtpq

[ChuckDickerson]

Team 456 would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the host team, 2614, West Virginia University, the army of volunteers, the AndyMark crew and other FTAs, scoring table crew, field crew, referees, judges, and everyone else that had a roll, no matter how small, in making this inaugural WVROX such a wonderful, outstanding, incredible, memorable, and just plain epically fun event that it was. If you weren’t there you missed out! Team 456 could not have had a better time and I suspect the feeling is mutual with all the teams there. The WVU venue was outstanding and provided some welcome distractions including an awesome rock climbing wall. The music was excellent and kept everyone pumped up and excited from beginning to end. Everyone played 26 qualifying matches at one event which is unheard of in FRC and that was at a leisurely 10 minute turn around. This was only possible due to the truly tireless effort put forth by all involved in planning and executing this event. As an example, I know for a fact the Jerry Budd (FTA) and the AndyMark team and 456’s own Eddie Melton (FTA) kept the field running flawlessly throughout the entire event without once laying down or taking a nap from Friday morning until Saturday evening. Folks, that is true dedication to FIRST! All of the “special matches” (6 ball, mentor, flashlight, silent) were a blast! I think the flashlight matches were my personal favorite. Kudos to Team 2614 and WVU for pulling off the first FRC endurance event in spectacular fashion. Their off season event model is one to emulate and I highly support this 24+ hour endurance concept for more off season events. Hopefully WVROX will return in the future! 456 drove over 1000 miles each way to go to this event and we are ready to do it all over again! 2614 has raised the bar, so now, who’s going to be the first to pull off a 48+ hour FRC event???

Congrats to 4954, 1325, and 4505 for pulling off the well-deserved win in the first ever FRC endurance event!

[ks68]

Final Results

Alliances:
1) 340(1), 1629(2), 291 (20) (QF)
2) 4954 (3), 1325(7), 4505(23) (W)
3) 2614(4), 4265(6), 888(21) (QF)
4) 132(5), 356(8), 4080 (22) (QF)
5) 1249(9), 3492(16), 1708 (19) (SF)
6) 3504(10), 3260(15), 2641(18) (SF)
7) 686(11), 1731(14), 4924 (24) (QF)
8) 4467(12), 3193 (13), 2655 (17) (F)

[Alex2614]

I'd like to thank everyone for the generous words. We are all still recovering here at MARS, and we can't wait to see what happens in the future. We have been planning this event for more than a year, and I couldn't have been happier with the way it turned out.

I would like to thank WVU for all their generous support, even if they won't see it here. We approached them with the idea, not really expecting much, and they really went above and beyond. Not only did they provide arguably the nicest facility on campus, but they also provided four full-tuition scholarships to the winning alliance teams and the Earl Scime Award winner's team. The facility is incredible. I have never been to another FRC event with a track three stories above the field and pits, a climbing wall, and awesome swimming pool all open to participants. WVU even fed all the participants, mentors, and volunteers! All for a $100 entry fee! President Gee and the Mountaineer (late at night) even showed up. When the Mountaineer started up a match with his musket, it finally became a "real" Mountaineer event.

I was working at the scoring table, and I can attest that each and every person there, whether from AndyMark or those volunteering their time are some of the greatest in FIRST. We could not have had this event without their (literally) tireless dedication to the students at the event. While we all had a lot of fun, they really put the teams and students first, and on the technical side, everything ran flawlessly for 26 hours.

This was WVU's first experience with FRC, but also the first FRC event EVER to take place in the state of West Virginia. We have really opened some doors for the future of FIRST here, and I would like to thank each team for making that happen. But, because there were a lot of firsts here (no pun intended), we all knew going in that there would be some mishaps (like when WVU realized that the grandstands wouldn't fit through the doors... sorry about that everyone). We all knew that we would have to run the event with very inexperienced volunteers (even down to the reffing), but people still decided to compete here!! I am incredibly thankful that everyone was very understanding through the whole event, even in the elimination rounds. You truly helped us in a way that cannot be expressed. And, as Earl said in the opening ceremonies, the mentors at MARS will have a long "lessons learned" meeting to make sure that if we do this event again, it will be even better! Thanks to the whole FIRST community for being so great! Now we got to show our community how great FIRST is!

[1629GaCo]

1629 had a wonderful time at this event, everything was well run and very well organized. We would like to thank 2614 MARS for the countless time and effort they put into running this crazy off season event. Another thank you goes to WVU for recognizing the importance of this competition and for offering a full academic scholarship to one student from each of the winning alliance teams. That is huge.

The volunteers were amazing, full of energy and always ready to help. The field seemed to work the whole time with no issues (other than the flashlight matches) where the field had to be reset due to too much bandwidth being consumed from the cameras!!! But once that was fixed, they went off without a hitch! More explanation on penalties would have been nice, but hey, you can't have it all!!

All around a great job, and we look forward to doing this again next year!

[blakeelias]

Hey, is this event happening again? Cause I'd love to see if I could go/volunteer this time around, didn't end up going last year though I'd really gotten excited at the possibility.

[Alex2614]

Hey, is this event happening again? Cause I'd love to see if I could go/volunteer this time around, didn't end up going last year though I'd really gotten excited at the possibility.

Unfortunately, not this year. We decided to hold the event on a bi-annual basis, so keep an eye out for WVROX 2016! Registration site for 2016 will be open soon.

[carpedav000]

Unfortunately, not this year. We decided to hold the event on a bi-annual basis, so keep an eye out for WVROX 2016! Registration site for 2016 will be open soon.

Woo! Now to convince our coach to register...

EDIT: Wouldn't it be interesting if FIRST required (as part of competition season) that teams go to at least one endurance event?