2016 KoP for Rookies vs Veterans and AM PDV

[seg9585]

I may not be looking in the right place, but I can't find any information yet on whether the 2016 KoP will include a new roboRio and associated electronics (PD Board, regulator, new router, etc) or if we need to purchase new electronics as a veteran team who wishes to keep their 2015 robot intact?

This is particularly important because I am supporting a number of new teams who do not qualify as rookies (their teams folded and were restarted with new leadership and branding). These teams pay for the veteran registration but no longer have any 2015 KoP items. They need to know if they should be ordering electronics ahead of time or if it will be in the KoP.

[Knufire]

Also, around this time last year we were provided the option to opt-out of the KoP drivebase and get an AM voucher instead, but I no longer see this option in TIMS. What is the status of this option?

It closed on Friday, October 16th. I believe it defaulted to opting in to the KoP drivebase.

[TJP123]

Also, around this time last year we were provided the option to opt-out of the KoP drivebase and get an AM voucher instead, but I no longer see this option in TIMS. What is the status of this option?

Opt-out expired last Friday at noon.

[seg9585]

I just noticed that on the FIRST calendar. I don't remember seeing the option in TIMS but it may only be visible to the main, not alternate contact. Is it supposed to be viewable on the right side of the screen near the "Additional Parts" menu? Either way, doesn't matter.

My main concern if the first question, if anyone has any insights to electronics not included in the Veteran KoP?

[orangemoore]

I just noticed that on the FIRST calendar. I don't remember seeing the option in TIMS but it may only be visible to the main, not alternate contact. Is it supposed to be viewable on the right side of the screen near the "Additional Parts" menu? Either way, doesn't matter.

My main concern if the first question, if anyone has any insights to electronics not included in the Veteran KoP?

I don't think there is any information that specifically states whether they will be included or not yet. My guess is we will receive a VRM, and PDP, possibly a PCM. The radio is 100% guaranteed since it will be new this year. My assumption is that the RoboRIO will not be included.

This is probably a good question Frank to answer on the blog.

[cadandcookies]

Those "veteran" teams without a 2015 control system might try contacting FIRST about their situation if they haven't already-- I don't know how FIRST works on these issues, but it seems possible they could work something out.

[Mark McLeod]

I just noticed that on the FIRST calendar. I don't remember seeing the option in TIMS but it may only be visible to the main, not alternate contact. Is it supposed to be viewable on the right side of the screen near the "Additional Parts" menu? Either way, doesn't matter.

I believe the TIMS home page is the same one for both Main and Alternate contacts.
Here's what it looked like before the Friday deadline:

[FrankJ]

Pretty much the only thing the alternate contact cannot do is invite a replacement for the main contact. The opt out was on the alternate contacts account.

We paid for & received a rooky kop in our second year. So that at least was possible.

[seg9585]

Pretty much the only thing the alternate contact cannot do is invite a replacement for the main contact. The opt out was on the alternate contacts account.

We paid for & received a rooky kop in our second year. So that at least was possible.

How did you request the Rookie KoP? Do you need to call FIRST and request it, or is it an option in TIMS?

[Knufire]

How did you request the Rookie KoP? Do you need to call FIRST and request it, or is it an option in TIMS?

I would email frcteams at usfirst.org

[EricH]

One thing that I think FIRST should do (eventually) is to offer three KOPs. Not Rookie and Veteran, but as follows:

Basic: Motors, "free stuff", FIRST Choice. All teams get this with registration.
Drive: Either 1 KOP drivetrain OR 1 PDV for an equivalent dollar amount. Included with registration. (Option to decline, possibly... but I can't think of a single team that would decline BOTH.) Just for the sake of argument, this could eventually become an optional item similar to the Control kit (thereby potentially saving FIRST money in shipping the drive kits and saving teams money in getting the drive).
Control: One complete control system (less laptop?) for the season, less any "all-team" items included in Basic. This one would be some extra cost, probably about $800-$1000--and ship straight to the team (hopefully).

Rookies would automatically get all three; veterans would have to opt into the Control kit before a certain date (start of 2nd event registration, maybe, or at initial registration if after that date).

[FrankJ]

How did you request the Rookie KoP? Do you need to call FIRST and request it, or is it an option in TIMS?
It was before I was actively involved in administration of the team. It is not a TIMs option now. As others has suggested, contact First. There is a team advocate the other Frank mentioned some blogs ago. Sooner would be better than later.