2006 NASA/VCU Regional!

[Lil' Lavery]

116 is happy to be attending the NASA/VCU regional once again (sadly, we missed it last year :( , our first time missing it ever).
Not to mention, it's the biggest regional in America!! 64 teams already, and still 5 more spots :ahh:

[Joe Matt]

Lets hope the field doesn't break again causing 2 hour delays. j/k ;)

Anyway, I love this regional, no matter how big and hectic it is. This will be my first year missing this regional in all the year's I've been in FIRST, so when March comes around I'm going to be pretty sad. I hope you guys all have fun.

I <3 Jeff Seaton :p ;)

[henryBsick]

222 is filling up our bus to head down to VCU for the first time ever!. We can't wait:)!

[Crebb]

Team 384, Sparky, is excited to be coming back to the VCU regional for our seventh time. We'll see you there.

[geeknerd99]

401 will also be there. I don't know about the orange Hokie hair though... it cursed us in Atlanta.

*Returns to working on the camera*

[SURVIVORfan44]

401 will also be there. I don't know about the orange Hokie hair though... it cursed us in Atlanta.

*Returns to working on the camera*


Wow, how did the orange hair curse you all in Atlanta?! I LOVE THE ORANGE HAIR!

Anyway, team 616 would have been there if it wouldn't have been for our School Board screwing us over. This will be the first time 616 has missed the VCU regional in a couple of years. I'll miss being there with my team, even though I'll be there, it just won't be the same. :(

[Metalhugginman]

Team 343 - Metal In Motion will be heading north again to gain valuable experience in the robot wars. We missed VCU last year, but look forward to coming back and seeing old friends and competing against world class teams. Good luck to everyone this year! :D

[Gene F]

Hey team 1829 is signed up I see. My son a former member of 343 is Coop'ing in VA and helping them out. I look forward to seeing them! Also our friends from R. D. Anderson, Team 1715 will be there. Sounds like it's going to be a great time. Hey if you're on one of these teams and need anything let us know!

[A.Lathrop]

1033 is going. Cant wait!

[Wetzel]

Looks to be a good year at VCU again! I'll be back for my 7th VCU regional. :ahh:

Wetzel

[Sachiel7]

1132 will be at VCU again this year....
I hope we progress a bit more than previous years...
We'll see....
See everyone there! Good luck!

[kjohnson]

Anyway, team 616 would have been there if it wouldn't have been for our School Board screwing us over. This will be the first time 616 has missed the VCU regional in a couple of years. I'll miss being there with my team, even though I'll be there, it just won't be the same. :(

There will be 6 former team 616 members volunteering at VCU this year, 5 of which were on the team last year. We will be working Field Control, Scorekeeping, and Field Repair/Reset.

If you remember us, make sure to stop and say Hi when you see us and we'll be sure to do the same!

[Mike o.]

I will be there for my 5th VCU Regional in a year, but this time I will be a Volunteer. Can't wait to see everyone there again, and hopefully to see my former team 1086 the Pirates go even further this year. Good luck to everyone, and see yall soon.

Mike

[alphastryk]

team 1002 will be there this year...we missed it last year, but it was the same week as peachtree...

[The1TrueDroopy]

1829 will b there!!!

[Sinryc]

Team 1598 is heading to VCU for our second year doing the compeititon. Its going to be great!

[Sam J.]

Team 435 is going to return for our 7th year at the NASA/VCU regional.

[Wetzel]

I'm here at VCU and the field looks pretty! I'll be on all day sitting at the scorekeeping table.

Wetzel

[soap108]

I'm here at VCU and the field looks pretty! I'll be on all day sitting at the scorekeeping table.

Wetzel


Very nice. Here's the webcast info.




Bit rates are as follows:

Windows Media (43kb, 148kb, 350kb)
----------------------------------
ARL: mms://a64.l1856648259.c18566.g.lm.akamaistream.net/D/64/18566/v0001/reflector:48259
Link: http://mfile.akamai.com/18566/live/reflector:48259.asx

Real (KSC/AMES)(34kb, 225kb)
----------------------------
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin...oder/firstva.rm

Streams will be up and down here this morning as things get rung out from the production house feed.

[Joe Matt]

For all those at VCU, make sure to stop by the Inspectors table and look for Tim Matt and say hi. He's my dad. My mom should be working the real time scoring Wetzel, so look for her too.

[Collin Fultz]

I like the new flip-up ramps that are on the entrances to the field.

One note...it seems like people are having problems distinguishing the periods...maybe just because it's practice day though.

Can I get a hoo-hah watching webcast and forgetting about class?!?!?!

/edit/

Anybody got insight on why they are running 60 second periods during the first practice round???

[Wetzel]

I like the new flip-up ramps that are on the entrances to the field.

One note...it seems like people are having problems distinguishing the periods...maybe just because it's practice day though.

Can I get a hoo-hah watching webcast and forgetting about class?!?!?!

/edit/

Anybody got insight on why they are running 60 second periods during the first practice round???

For practice rounds, we are running two matches per session. Each has a 10 second auto but the first time is 60 second periods for drive practice and then a 40 second period. It has to do with the way the scoring system behaves and giving the teams driving practice time.

Can you hear the whistle for the period change? WORST SOUND EVER. The sound guy had to edit the wav because it was 50% louder then the other files. Still finding a few bugs, but working them out.

Wetzel

[Dr.Bot]

NASA Real Media of VCU (http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/rrg2.pl?encoder/firstva.rm )

Note: this is not the NASA TV feed which is only on Saturday. This is direct from the Floor. Practice is under way.

[akshar]

i get a cannot render file error, can anyone help?

[Dr.Bot]

i get a cannot render file error, can anyone help?


Check firewall, reload realmedia player. Good luck.

[BoyWithCape195]

Yea, the web cast was working fine before, but now (in the last hour) the longest i have been able to watch without the connection eventually timing out it 1 min 45 seconds. Its not my Internet connection though.

[Dave Scheck]

The feed works fine for me. Mine's been streaming for over an hour now.

[Greg Marra]

i get a cannot render file error, can anyone help?

Make sure you're getting the actual .ram and not just the .pl file. Firefox was downloading the .pl for me. I had to use IE to get the .ram.

[PCole]

Yeah the webcast is working fine for me.. but I wish they'd change the camera position.. only shows 3/4's of the field.

[UCGL_Guy]

I would like to record this - is there anyway to get it done -

Thanks
ken

[Taylor_Ratliff]

Yeah the webcast is working fine for me.. but I wish they'd change the camera position.. only shows 3/4's of the field.

it was better before lunch, wonder why they changed it :confused:

/edit see there? all you had to do was ask! :ahh:

[Taylor_Ratliff]

I would like to record this - is there anyway to get it done -

Thanks
ken

ive got the second monitor RCA jack on my video card plugged into a VCR here and am recording it to VHS.

[TD78]

they changed the view! woohoo!

[PCole]

There!.. they changed it back to the overall field.. I hope they keep it there.. yeah a recording would be nice..

[Eldarion]

There!.. they changed it back to the overall field.. I hope they keep it there.. yeah a recording would be nice..

Is there a higher resolution version?

I can't even see the atom-sized robots! ;)

[UCGL_Guy]

Yea the overall filed is great - I would like to copy to the hard drive and the burn to a DVD -- I don't have a great video card.

[Greg Marra]

This program (http://r7cproj.euro.ru/indexe.htm) is free and claims it is able to record real media streams, but it sounds like you might need to pop open the .rm file and find the actual paths yourself. Worth a shot if you want a recording.

[UCGL_Guy]

Greg - thanks I'll give it a shot
Ken

[Wetzel]

We had some issues getting all the counters working at the same time, but we have the system working fine now. Well, fine enough to run and score the event. A few bugs still tweaking out but it works.

:D

Wetzel

[Eldarion]

Whoever increased the resolution, thanks! :)

[Ryan Dognaux]

Any chance of a Windows Media feed? I know one was posted in another thread but it doesn't work.

[BoyWithCape195]

Does anyone know the number of the "spaz" shooter? The one that like launches 10 balls in like a second (cool looking) but has had some trouble with them not going in.

[Dr.Bot]

Hey - I am watching the practice.

It seems Sparky was hitting ball after ball smack into the 3 point goal,
but they were bouncing out?

Ouch.

I hope there is some kind of adjustment made on the ball arresters.

[PCole]

Can anyone else hear them talking in the background.. kind of funny..

[BoyWithCape195]

I think the problem is, they are putting a back spin on it and shooting it so hard that it is slamming into the back wall and coming right back out. I think that them coming out is part of the game challenge; you are getting two more points for each ball...

[BoyWithCape195]

Yea, I can, I've heard some interesting conversations ha ha

[DjAlamose]

........

(Condensed)

From what I see sparky is putting too much forward spin on the ball because the ball when it hits the ball arresters it spins up to the top of the goal and then because the goal is tilted forward, the ball falls out of the goal. The softer you hit those ball arrestors the better because the movement of the chains coming back to rest is enough to push those light poofs back out of the goal. It seems as though corner robots are ruling the field right now, but I still haven’t seen a whole lot of scoring... I hope it gets better tomorrow.

It certainly does look like there are allot of balls out on the field. I pretty sure the HPs are trying to score points by throwing the balls into the corner goals, with little success. But a few teams have gone back and forth to the drover station to reload their shooters. But one thing I did notice also is that allot of the shots that are being fired, they miss, often. Plus there’s the ever exciting auton with balls flying everywhere. But from what I have seen so far today, my view of the game completely changed and the strategies I have come up with are not as important as some of the ones that I thought would be useless.

[Stephen Kowski]

anyone else getting a big FIRST logo now? probably just temporary, but i wanna see if im the only one getting it

[Eldarion]

anyone else getting a big FIRST logo now? probably just temporary, but i wanna see if im the only one getting it
Yup, me too. :(

[Tom Bottiglieri]

OMG FIRST LOGO! GO AWAY!

[SizzelChest330]

I guess someone messed up

Hopfully the feed will be back up pretty soon

[JulieB]

OMG FIRST LOGO! GO AWAY!
i love the logo but please GO AWAY

[Tim Delles]

okay i keep getting that the page can not be found. can someone send me the direct link that i can just put into the web bar on real player?

[chinckley]

All I am seeing is the FIRST Logo.
Any ideas why? :confused:

[SizzelChest330]

Even worse

Im starring at the FIRST logo and being forced to listen to The Killers

[Tim Delles]

OKay thanks to Alex i have video, but its the logo. can;t they fix it :(

[KenWittlief]

they put the logo up when the camera video is not transmitting - if you see the logo you are getting what they are putting out.

[SizzelChest330]

ITS FIXED! :D

[pakrat]

Its back

Knock on wood everyone....

[Collin Fultz]

HORRAY!

[Eldarion]

OKay thanks to Alex i have video, but its the logo. can;t they fix it :(
Logo is gone. :)

[Stephen Kowski]

http://www.rit.edu/~us1stwww/chat.html - Tigerbolt Chat

if anyone is interested in chatting about the coverage, or just in general try the tigerbolt chatroom

[Eldarion]

Has anyone else noticed that there is something wierd about the scoring?

As in when the Autonomous mode starts, and only one robot actually does anything, somehow one alliance suddenly has 15 points and the other 1 point at the end of autonomous??? :confused:

Seeing as that one robot that actually moved and scored could only have 10 balls per the rules, what's going on?

[Imajie]

Has anyone else noticed that there is something wierd about the scoring?

As in when the Autonomous mode starts, and only one robot actually does anything, somehow one alliance suddenly has 15 points and the other 1 point at the end of autonomous??? :confused:

Seeing as that one robot that actually moved and scored could only have 10 balls per the rules, what's going on?

Yeah, I've noticed that and the periods were 1 min long before but it looks like they fixed that now.

[Wetzel]

Yeah, I've noticed that and the periods were 1 min long before but it looks like they fixed that now.
Each session the teams get two games. First one has 60 second periods, the second is 40 seconds.

Wetzel

[Imajie]

Each session the teams get two games. First one has 60 second periods, the second is 40 seconds.

Wetzel
OK I didn't realize that I guess whenever I looked at the time it was the 60 sec periods.

[BradL]

what has been the highest scoring match today.

[Nawaid Ladak]

where did they get the videos that they were showing on the WM feed I want a copy of those. and HORRAY! REAL TIME SCOREING IS UP!!!

Now if the new program could only show team #'s as well

Heres anouther idea, insted of puting the arrows up on the score program, they should put up the green lights, to tell us which side is on. bc the arrows don't help at all.

[Dr.Bot]

HMM......

SHOOTING TOO HARD?

Isn't there a limit to how fast you can shoot? If Sparky is shooting at the speed limit, and all the balls are bouncing out, that would be a nice thing to know for some of the upcoming competitions. Maybe we need to turn down the muzzle velocity.

Looks like so far scoring is going to be a lot harder than I thought. What seems to me strange is how hard it is to score in the corner goals. I though robots going for the corners would be 75% or more effective, but it looks like they score less then one in four. Human players are scoring less than 1 in ten. High goal shooters are also about 1 in ten, with even the best high goal shooters getting no better than 1 in four. So it seems a good low goal scorer needs to be only about 60% efficient to beat a good high goal scorer.

Winning strategy might be to get at least 1 point in the corner goal in autonomous so you win the 10 point bonus, defend like hell, and then go for three robots on the ramp. 10+1+25 + 36 points.

[Alan Anderson]

what has been the highest scoring match today.
They're playing for practice, so the scores really don't reflect the game anyway. Check again tomorrow.

[Koko Ed]

Whoa! The view changed!

[Billfred]

Whoa! The view changed!
Shocking.

Can someone who knows what's up explain those red or blue boxes?

<edit>And man, I had my hopes up for differently-colored crew shirts, what with the on-black logo this season. Ah well, I guess shirts are shirts. ;)</edit>

[Wetzel]

Shocking.

Can someone who knows what's up explain those red or blue boxes?
The bins on the side of the field near the start? Those they put 10 balls in for reset counting and robot loading.

Do I look pretty at the score table?

Wetzel

[Rombus]

i noticed something else wrong (somewhere between matches 24-26) one of the alliance bots was the only one moving during autonomous, and scored 12 points in one of the corner goals. That would be impossible with then 10ball limit per bot correct?

[Eldarion]

i noticed something else wrong (somewhere between matches 24-26) one of the alliance bots was the only one moving during autonomous, and scored 12 points in one of the corner goals. That would be impossible with then 10ball limit per bot correct?
That was the same question I had earlier, except it was 15 balls in question. :)
Maybe they were having problems with the ball counters when balls were dumped into the corner goals?

[Jonathan Norris]

HMM......

SHOOTING TOO HARD?


This is how it usually starts out, in the first days of the first few regionals, scoring is usually really low, but by Saturday most teams have figured it out. and by the last regionals you will see some very high scores. I am actually fairly impressed by the amount of scoring I have seen so far, No need to panic now :) . Remember back to last year... there was a big difference between tetra capping on thursday (where very few actually did) and Saturday.

[Kevin Watson]

I haven't had a chance to watch any of the feed today. Anyone done anything cool with the camera?

-Kevin

[Mark McLeod]

where did they get the videos that they were showing on the WM feed I want a copy of those.
Some are at http://www.usfirst.org/4vol/resourcectr/videoclips/index.html

Anyone done anything cool with the camera?
Hard to see on the tiny web feed, but it looked to me like several robots launched in autonomous from a fair distance and scored. I assume their accuracy was due to excellent camera work.

[Nuttyman54]

That was the same question I had earlier, except it was 15 balls in question. :)
Maybe they were having problems with the ball counters when balls were dumped into the corner goals?

I think they're just testing the scoring system. I remember practice day last year the scores weren't even close (153-1432 for one match) and they'd change by the second. I imagine it's a similar thing happening here.

[Ryan Dognaux]

It's just Thursday guys. Some of the teams might not even have their entire team or actual drivers there yet. Wait till matches get rolling tomorrow before we make any judgements about the game :)

Though I will say, excellent webcast thus far. Keep it up guys, I need some entertainment tomorrow!

[KTorak]

The Windows stream seems to be working well however the volume is really really low. Is there any way in windows media player to adjust it (that i dont know) or is it something with the broadcast?

[akshar]

hey, is the current feed live or a repeat because the match number is in the teens is this a error? I was in classes for the past 3 hours!!!

tomorrow BAE here i come

[sanddrag]

The Windows Media is now working as well. But I wish they'd put the camera such that we could see the blue goal also.

[Andrew Blair]

Is it over (7:18) ? Both the WM and RP are timing out.

[SURVIVORfan44]

Some teams waited until the last few practice rounds to actually show their robot because of their strategy. One team still hasn't practiced on the practice field.

[pyroslev]

I'm at VCU as scoring personnel. I'm on the center goal.

I scribbled the numbers of teams on my hand that were good overall and left an impression. Nine Teams were impressively performing.

The autonomous theory (auton is KEY) has held up. Simple autons have done better.

[Nuttyman54]

Is it over (7:18) ? Both the WM and RP are timing out.

It ended at about 5:30ish

[Andrew Blair]

Eh. I assumed so, but Sanddrag posted at almost 7:00, so I had high hopes. I'll just have to wait till tommorrow, unless it was recorded.

[kjohnson]

From my front row view as a scorekeeper:

Does anyone know the number of the "spaz" shooter? The one that like launches 10 balls in like a second (cool looking) but has had some trouble with them not going in.
That was either 435 (Robo-Dogs) or 401 (Hokie Guard). Both have amazingly fast shooters, but have to line up first. 222 holds a good amount of balls and shoots from the top of the platform so that they can't be blocked.

Kevin - nothing cool with the camera although I have seen some teams using (or attempting to use) it.

The scoring problems:
The scoring system is fully automated with cameras but there are alse human counters as backups at each goal. Some balls were being double counted by the cameras but this has for the most part been fixed and should not cause a problem tomorrow.

Highest scoring match? We didn't officially keep track but I would have to say a match where red scored 16 balls through the center goal. I'd say 10 were from 222, but I don't remember who else was on their alliance.

I tried to answer most of the questions that went unanswered so far. Anything else?

[Dillon Compton]

For tomorrow: what is the link to the WM stream? thanks.

[Dr.Bot]

I haven't had a chance to watch any of the feed today. Anyone done anything cool with the camera?

-Kevin
My team(668) uses the camera to aim and shoot
during regular mode. We steer the robot to the goal (about 10 to fifteen feet out), and then press the "fire and forget" button. The robot is aligned to the camera, and then the balls are automatically fed into the shooter by a combination of conveyer belts and pistons. Oh, and by the way, we can pick up balls from the floor, and we have a quick dump mode to score into the low goal, but don't know if we'll use this. Depends on how efficient the high goal scoring is. We hit the circle 80% of the time in practice, but I'm scared to see so many balls bouncing straight back out of the goal. Also I don't think anyone is going to let us take free shots at the goal in competition.

Can you say "lock and load?" Can't wait to see this in action at SVR.

[Tom Bottiglieri]

The whistle sound between rounds is really annoying.

[kjohnson]

The whistle sound between rounds is really annoying.

Yes its annoying, but it has to be loud enough for the drivers to hear. The Lexan for the driver's station blocks most of the sound.

[Greg Marra]

The whistle sound between rounds is really annoying.

I really agree.

I think it'd be cool if there was like a high-tech female voice saying something along the lines of "Red Alliance on Offense" like in the Unreal Tournament games.

I also would like to suggest that the arrows on the real-time scoring system be reversed so that instead of pointing to the teams alliance station, they point to their goals.

[Rohan_DHS]

I think it'd be cool if there was like a high-tech female voice saying something along the lines of "Red Alliance on Offense" like in the Unreal Tournament games.


LOL that would be awesome!

[Nuttyman54]

I think it'd be cool if there was like a high-tech female voice saying something along the lines of "Red Alliance on Offense" like in the Unreal Tournament games.

I second that!

[team222badbrad]

From my front row view as a scorekeeper:


That was either 435 (Robo-Dogs) or 401 (Hokie Guard). Both have amazingly fast shooters, but have to line up first. 222 holds a good amount of balls and shoots from the top of the platform so that they can't be blocked.

Kevin - nothing cool with the camera although I have seen some teams using (or attempting to use) it.

The scoring problems:
The scoring system is fully automated with cameras but there are alse human counters as backups at each goal. Some balls were being double counted by the cameras but this has for the most part been fixed and should not cause a problem tomorrow.

Highest scoring match? We didn't officially keep track but I would have to say a match where red scored 16 balls through the center goal. I'd say 10 were from 222, but I don't remember who else was on their alliance.

I tried to answer most of the questions that went unanswered so far. Anything else?

This is Henry_222 on Brad's account which auto logged me in on his name, I have to soon so I will post with his name.

The score on the screen was 144 at the end of the match, that doesn't count the 10 or 15 (not sure) points for 2 robots on the ramp and the auto mode points. There were more than 16 balls scored in the center goal. We scored 16 by ourself according to the one volunteer clicking balls at the center goal. 122 scored a lot. I am sure it was close to what we scored, but a few of their shots were blocked by our flag :p . 510 scored 10 balls in the lower goal in auto and many in the lower goal throughout the match.

From what I can tell, the actual score wasn't 164. It was, however around 100.

[Rombus]

I really agree.

I think it'd be cool if there was like a high-tech female voice saying something along the lines of "Red Alliance on Offense" like in the Unreal Tournament games.


Why stop there?
"RAMPAGE" for when the defense team is getting owned
"UNSTOPABLE" for a shooter who just keeps tossing balls in :D

Then you could even have the countdown done by the voice too!

This is a GREAT idea!

[akshar]

From my front row view as a scorekeeper:


That was either 435 (Robo-Dogs) or 401 (Hokie Guard). Both have amazingly fast shooters, but have to line up first. 222 holds a good amount of balls and shoots from the top of the platform so that they can't be blocked.

i suggest a strategy on blocking 222: Get on the ramp and push them around, make sure you don't do anything illegal :)

[Charlie222]

hmm...in theory that sounds like a good strategy but from what I hear about the robot design this year I don't think you'll have much luck pushing it around...you'd have better luck pushing around a grizzly bear...(Cliff would suffice) :D

- Charlie - Alumni Team #222

[akshar]

hmm...in theory that sounds like a good strategy but from what I hear about the robot design this year I don't think you'll have much luck pushing it around...you'd have better luck pushing around a grizzly bear...(Cliff would suffice) :D

- Charlie - Alumni Team #222

i dont know, 1568 can push robots around, because of the way its built, but ill take your word for it and good luck tomorrow

[Kevin Watson]

My team(668) uses the camera to aim and shoot
during regular mode. We steer the robot to the goal (about 10 to fifteen feet out), and then press the "fire and forget" button. The robot is aligned to the camera, and then the balls are automatically fed into the shooter by a combination of conveyer belts and pistons. Oh, and by the way, we can pick up balls from the floor, and we have a quick dump mode to score into the low goal, but don't know if we'll use this. Depends on how efficient the high goal scoring is. We hit the circle 80% of the time in practice, but I'm scared to see so many balls bouncing straight back out of the goal. Also I don't think anyone is going to let us take free shots at the goal in competition.

Can you say "lock and load?" Can't wait to see this in action at SVR.Cool. I'm hoping to attend the Silicon Valley Regonal this year. If so, I'll see you there.

-Kevin

[sanddrag]

I think it'd be cool if there was like a high-tech female voice saying something along the lines of "Red Alliance on Offense" like in the Unreal Tournament games.If I had some gaurantee they'd use it, I'd be willing to be the voice for that. I can do high tech female. However, I think a recorded voice might not be audible and fast enough.

[Rombus]

Tommorw they will be showing VCU on NASA TV correct? They still provide NASA TV feeds right?

No cable places in the area have nasa tv :(

[akshar]

Tommorw they will be showing VCU on NASA TV correct? They still provide NASA TV feeds right?

No cable places in the area have nasa tv :(

it will be webcasted

[Donut]

VCU is only on NASA TV on Saturday. Should still be webcasted both today and tommorow.

[chinckley]

What time does it start this morning? :confused:

[Swan217]

Is anyone else getting a "Max Headroom" Effect on the webcast when it's choppy (Actually, it's kinda cool when it's not annoying)? I assume it's because 6,403,602 people are trying to watch it at the same time.

[TD78]

Is anyone else getting a "Max Headroom" Effect on the webcast when it's choppy (Actually, it's kinda cool when it's not annoying)? I assume it's because 6,403,602 people are trying to watch it at the same time.

That happened to me too, but I found a link (http://mfile.akamai.com/18566/live/reflector:48259.asx) from SOAP on one of the other threads for windows media player and it works awesome.

-Tom

[DjAlamose]

The NASA webcast looks great and it isn't choppy. I’ve had the best connection with this WM source so far (I’ve tried about 10). But this is my recommendation for viewing the matches today.
http://robotics.nasa.gov/events/webcasts/regionals_2006.php

[Collin Fultz]

Are there three people announcing? One emcee, somebody introducing teams, and a game announcer (who I think is Mr. FIRST).

[Jack Jones]

Sorry if this is a repeat - haven't time to read thread

I hate to criticize, but the camera work on the web cast is not to my liking.
Maybe the camera man thinkers we want to see close ups of the bots playing rugby - but I'd rather see the wide shot - at least being able to see where shots go - hardly ever see the center goals.

PS: Better Dan? I was in a hurry out the door? No time for spall chek.

[DjAlamose]

Things that have happened so far that I found funny:

A robot got under another robot (because its chassis was up very high) and they spent the rest of the match trying to untangle themselves.

Allot of robots are shooting balls into the crowd

A robot dropped its battery as if to say it didn't need it.

[mechanicalbrain]

222 is filling up our bus to head down to VCU for the first time ever!. We can't wait:)!
VCU really rocks so far. Opening ceremonies just ended and the competition is just starting. :D just wanted to tell people to keep their eyes open for the giant silver robot, I love saying hi to CDers.

[TD78]

I saw that battery out on the field too...always got to remember to zip tip those connectors together tightly! Seems like the field reset is pretty smooth and quick. Anyone know how many matches teams have at this regional? It's one of the biggest, if not the biggest I think, so it may not be as many as the other smaller regionals. It is still really early, but scores seem very low, with the exception of one match with 435 (I think it was them) who owned their center goal and their alliance scored 80ish? points. Scores should go up as teams get some matches under their belts.

-Tom

[Ryan Dognaux]

Just got in on the webcast today, something I've noticed -

Where's the real time scoring that was on the screen yesterday?

haha, I like how the Jay Z + Linkin Park was playing during the beginning of the Aim High video. Dave should just make his video to rap/rock :]

[DjAlamose]

Wow I dont have sound but that would have been cool. Why did they play the animation again? O well. They seem to be really picky about if you can or cant see the balls before auton. Good thing we've changed the material were using for our hopper.

[Nuttyman54]

Wow I dont have sound but that would have been cool. Why did they play the animation again?

So the crowd has some clue as to how the game is played. Is anyone else having problems with the webcast dying every 15 minutes or so?

[Dillon Compton]

I <3 the WM stream, because my stupid school has some odd vendetta against Realplayer!

[TD78]

I havent had any problems using windows media player.

They played the animation again because apparently there were audio problems the first time around and you couldn't hear the game description.

[DjAlamose]

So the crowd has some clue as to how the game is played. Is anyone else having problems with the webcast dying every 15 minutes or so?
Im having no problems with the webcast, Im using nasa TV with WM format. Works great.

Also note the technical dificulties there having. I hope this gets sorted out and it doesn't affect everyone...

[Ted Boucher]

*plays taps* poor field...

Ya, there must be major problems with the field for them to put on a long video like this. It sucks, but you have to expect these kinds of problems at the first week regionals.

EDIT: Well at least they have the old software to rollback on. They should be back up soon.

[Swan217]

Are there three people announcing? One emcee, somebody introducing teams, and a game announcer (who I think is Mr. FIRST).
I know that Dan Green from Wildstang is one of the announcers. I wonder why he's in Virginia?

*plays taps* poor field...
Okay, who had "1 Hour" on the "First Major Field Malfunction" Pool? I had 2 hours:p

[pakrat]

116's animation is solid. i liked it a lot

edit: post number 279!!

[akshar]

hmm...at vcu the high score was 84 so far, i just got a call from my team at BAE high score 82, with the team, 1568 on the alliance

[Ted Boucher]

Well, it is 11:22 and I just lost the windows media player webcast due to "the server being busy". Anyone else get booted?

[TD78]

yea me too...seems like I'm going to have to resort to RP :(

[ducttapehaxor]

WM is down for me also.

[akshar]

Well, it is 11:22 and I just lost the windows media player webcast due to "the server being busy". Anyone else get booted?

i got disconnected as well, the real media is working, i just switched over


well WM is working now!!!

[Taylor_Ratliff]

I <3 the WM stream, because my stupid school has some odd vendetta against Realplayer!

good rule of thumb, never use RM if you dont have to.

[Jon K.]

Is it just me or are they scoring off side penalties wrong? They don't seem to be charging 5 pts for the initial, just for the time.

G 26Violations of this rule will result in a 5-point penalty against the offending ALLIANCE for the initial violation. An additional 5-point penalty will be assessed for every 5 seconds beyond the grace period that a BACKBOT is not “ON SIDES”.

[akshar]

Things that have happened so far that I found funny:

A robot got under another robot (because its chassis was up very high) and they spent the rest of the match trying to untangle themselves.

Allot of robots are shooting balls into the crowd

A robot dropped its battery as if to say it didn't need it.

the match that just happened: red bot tips over in front of their ramp, at the end team 540, for red, is trying to get up and tips backwards but another red bot supports it from the back, preventing a fall from the platform...

[pakrat]

Maybe this is a wrong assumption, but when i was trying to get a feel for how a HP can throw the best, two hands was way more stable, and all the HPs i see are onyl using one hand. I feel like they're losing a lot accuracy that way. The competition is pretty good though overall.

[Michael Long]

Can anyone tell how the balls are holding up?... are they chewed up or do they have enough spares to replace the bad ones?... just curious.

[DjAlamose]

YAY RTS is back up! Lets hope it stays up today. Looks to be more accurate than yesterday too. But I wish I was there because i would like to see what truly is going on in person. The balls seem to be holding up (i haven’t seen any confetti yet :p )

Edit:
I don't know the match number but they were with the bot that looks like a dump truck (literally). But anyways, the bot was fine, it was "balanced" on the ramp but it moved a little too much and fell on its TOP. The camera looked to be smashed :( as it was in a cardboard tube. And the match before that a robot fell over and their battery just rolled around inside the bot looking like it was tearing up the electronics! :ahh: I really hope none of this is too bad of damage (pyro I know you like destruction well there you go)

[Figment]

Do they have a score archive anywhere and a list of upcoming matches for this regional other than at the event in the pits? I haven't found one yet but I might not be looking hard enough.

[Ryan Dognaux]

435 Robodogs are tearing it up! Wow, now that's a great robot, keep it up guys.

343 Metal in Motion is a fast one too.

Also, this year scoring is a lot faster than previous years because all the balls are automatically counted. This is nice, VCU is basically doing back to back matches and making up for lost time.

[Joel J]

435 Robodogs are tearing it up! Wow, now that's a great robot, keep it up guys.
That is one incredibly fast shooter!

[Tim Delles]

1731 is looking like a pretty good rookie bot. They look like they know how to play defense and they can shoot pretty quick. Just if they would slowly drive forward as they shoot to make up for the lose of speed on the poof balls they could make them all.

[Jack Jones]

I thought there was a speed limit?????

[Jon Jack]

I thought there was a speed limit?????

Are they even enforcing the exit velocity rule? If they are how?

[Arefin Bari]

I have been watching the webcast (on and off) since 9 in the morning. Three robots caught my eye. Team 435... what a fast robot, very nice shooter. Team 343, Metal in Motion, very nice machine, and the Dump truck (I am not sure about the team number of that team). Looks like a very exciting regional.

[Jack Jones]

Are they even enforcing the exit velocity rule? If they are how?
Looks like not. Some are near or over twice the speed.

[TD78]

Three robots caught my eye. Team 435... what a fast robot, very nice shooter. Team 343, Metal in Motion, very nice machine, and the Dump truck (I am not sure about the team number of that team). Looks like a very exciting regional.

You're definitely right. I too have been watching all day and 435 has been a model of consistency. Metal in Motion has been strong too. As typical to a first week regional, scores have been all over the place. Seems though that winning scores have been somewhat one sided, but there have been a few exciting, high-scoring, closely fought matches. Shooters with shooting devices low on their robots (ie., using gravity feed with a wheel down low) have seemed to have problems scoring on the center goal. Opponents have had little trouble blocking any of their scoring attempts. I do like seeing a lot of balls on the field in most of the matches; means theres plenty to scoop up without having to rely on human players :)

-Tom

[SizzelChest330]

Does anyone know the current standings?

I just got home from school and the standings page on FIRST wont load

[jlevans]

There seems to be some issues with the ranking algorithm in the scoring system. They are aware and are working the issue... more to come.

[Andy Baker]

Looks like not. Some are near or over twice the speed.


It's the head referee's job to enforce this, I believe. However, they need to have the correct measuring devices to see this speed. Is there a ball speed measurement tool at these 1st week events?

Andy B.

[sanddrag]

means theres plenty to scoop up without having to rely on human players :)

Means you need a mechanism to "scoop" them up with. :(

[Jack Jones]

It's the head referee's job to enforce this, I believe. However, they need to have the correct measuring devices to see this speed. Is there a ball speed measurement tool at these 1st week events?

Andy B.

I could be wrong, since I didn't try to capture video and time them.
But after putting about 5,000 rounds through ours, and clocking a bunch, I think some are way fast.

I know how hard the referee's job is. Maybe they are looking elsewhere. There's a whole lot of pushing to keep an eye on.

[Squirrelrock]

supposedly, there is a set of infared sensors that are being used to measure ball speed, but i'm not sure if the are in place and/or functioning. The highest score i've seen soo far was in the 90's, something like 96. The poof balls seem to be holding up well.

Look for me - the only guy on 617 with long hair - blond. If u yell Keegan, i'll look around. :D


Squirrel

[MikeDubreuil]

It's the head referee's job to enforce this, I believe. However, they need to have the correct measuring devices to see this speed. Is there a ball speed measurement tool at these 1st week events?
My understanding is this...
FIRST is not requiring every robot be tested for violation of the muzzle velocity rule. On a case by case basis robots will be checked. It is done by positioning a robot at a predetermined distance from the goal. Then they will be asked to use their shooter to aim and score a ball into the center goal. The goal software has the capability of measuring the speed of the ball.

I am not a fan of FIRST's position on this because it's an important safety requirement that should be checked on every robot. I suspect a team that may be violating this rule probably doesn't even know it. By not creating a non-objective approach to testing the rule each individual regional will probably enforce the rule a different way. FIRST's method of enforcement wastes precious field time. I have on good word from the head inspector at the Boston regional teams should anticipate being checked by police style radar gun as a part of the inspection process.

[Jack Jones]

Love that truck! :D

[Dave Scheck]

It is done by positioning a robot at a predetermined distance from the goal. Then they will be asked to use their shooter to aim and score a ball into the center goal. The goal software has the capability of measuring the speed of the ball.Are you positive about this? My understanding was that the only sensors in the goal are in the exit tube that goes down to the drivers. If that's the case, then I don't understand how this could measure muzzle velocity.

[Jack Jones]

My understanding is this...
FIRST is not requiring every robot be tested for violation of the muzzle velocity rule. On a case by case basis robots will be checked. It is done by positioning a robot at a predetermined distance from the goal. Then they will be asked to use their shooter to aim and score a ball into the center goal. The goal software has the capability of measuring the speed of the ball.

I am not a fan of FIRST's position on this because it's an important safety requirement that should be checked on every robot. I suspect a team that may be violating this rule probably doesn't even know it. By not creating a non-objective approach to testing the rule each individual regional will probably enforce the rule a different way. FIRST's method of enforcement wastes precious field time. I have on good word from the head inspector at the Boston regional teams should anticipate being checked by police style radar gun as a part of the inspection process.

Are you aware that Doppler radar will catch the ball spin. Close range means narrow beam width. If it reflects off the top of an over-spinning ball, it will add the rotation to the translation.

They should do it the way "Myth Busters" does. High speed cameras against a patterned background is the best way. Even 60 FPS would be more reliable than radar at close range.

[MikeDubreuil]

Are you positive about this? My understanding was that the only sensors in the goal are in the exit tube that goes down to the drivers. If that's the case, then I don't understand how this could measure muzzle velocity.
My information comes second hand from someone who listened to the FIRST conference calls last week. I am 90% confident that information is correct.

[Alex Cormier]

any standings and such for VCU?

[StephLee]

Anyone else noticing an alarming frequency of tipping so far?

[Nawaid Ladak]

Anyone else noticing an alarming frequency of tipping so far?

yup, i noticed that too. Someone's battery came off in one of the matches thanks to the ramp, I think the real "wedge" in this game is that ramp

435 is doing pretty good, havn't seen 222 yet. but hopefully tommorrow.

Hey is the VCU the ONLY webcast this week

And if you look on the NASA TV Listings it says that the Arizona Regional will be held on Sat Mar. 11, 2006 at 9AM EST. can anyone explain this to me because ilast time i checked, Arizona is Pacif Standard Time, therefore, wouldn't that really mean 12PM, or are they gona show some of the Florida Regional because they are also webcasting that.


Wouldn't it be awsome if NASA TV came in HD

[Nuttyman54]

Anyone else noticing an alarming frequency of tipping so far?

I think that's just inherent in the game design. With so much contact and defense going on, plus the ramp, teams are bound to tip. Obviously, top-heavy robots are more in danger, but even the lower COG robots are jumping a little. It makes for some interesting matches though!

[Nawaid Ladak]

Do we get the award ceromonies for today on the webcast?

[jlevans]

yes the webcast will continue until after the award ceremony.

[SizzelChest330]

Its been brought to my attention that every robot that tries to help another robot up the ramp, gets them up but tips themselves.

And some of the robots with casters are losing control going caster side first

any thoughts?

[soap108]

NASA Real Media of VCU (http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/rrg2.pl?encoder/firstva.rm )

Note: this is not the NASA TV feed which is only on Saturday. This is direct from the Floor. Practice is under way.


Alan, any chance you can get the background music attenuated??

KA-108 :cool:

[Alex Cormier]

Its been brought to my attention that every robot that tries to help another robot up the ramp, gets them up but tips themselves.

And some of the robots with casters are losing control going caster side first

any thoughts?
i too have noticed that. also i see some robots that seem to be one side heavy and start to go up the side that is not so heavy.

[Joe Johnson]

Anyone else noticing an alarming frequency of tipping so far?

Yes. I know it is just Week 1 and it is only Friday, but I have to call 'em as I see 'em, the matches I've seen (say 10-20 throughout the day) are not as exciting as I had hoped for.

Other thoughts:


Surprisingly low scoring.


I was very surprised at how few teams can negotiate the ramp effectively (I would estimate less than 1 in 5 is able to do it reliably, 1 in 10 able to do it against the will of a defender)


I like that some teams are scoring in auton -- not as many as we'd like, but it is happening (and mostly in the low goal -- some the far low goal which is cool, some nice bowlers)


The field problems are troubling


It is hard to know without being there, but it seems like penalties are being assigned after the match (not live). I hope that I am wrong on that count.


I think we've had an increase in the number of robots that spend the match running in a circle due to one or other set of drive wheels dying. I thought we had licked that last year with the kitbot chassis, but teams seem to have forgotten whatever they learned last year.


There are a lot of effective low goal scorers -- that is nice to see. Sometimes MASSIVE ball dumps are going on. Nice Job!


The flags aren't working for me. I would rather go back to the beacons -- I was never one who was opposed to them though like so many so I am clearly biased.


There are some pretty nice shooters out there. I am impressed with a few in particular -- a team in the 1600's (1610?) and 222 come to mind. The shooters are not being left alone to shoot, so they are not making a lot yet, but I think that they will get faster at aiming and teams will learn to protect their 3 pt shooters with picks as the season progresses. Kudos to 222 who can shoot effectively on the ramp -- with so few ramp climbers, they are freer to shoot unhindered.


The whistle that marks the periods is sort of bush league. The field PA should make the sound, shouldn't it?


The Low Goal scoring system is pretty cool and seems like it works fine -- some sort of back lit ramp with a vision system I think from the few shots that the web cam gave. Nicely done.


I am having to get used to the periods. It may be just a web cast thing but it is hard/impossible to keep track of who is on offense or defense. The fact that the ramp and the goals are of opposite color is confusing me but I think I will get used to this.
Finally, I am sorry that the notes are generally negative. I wish I could be more positive. Hopefully robots and drivers and autonomous and strategies will improve as the regionals continue.

Joe J.

[Ricky Q.]

Note this thread was merged with the 'VCU Real Media is Working' thread to keep all VCU discussion in one place.

Thanks!

[Don Knight]

The field problems are troubling


Could you please elaborate?

Is the field falling apart?
Is the scoring system not working consistently?

Thanks

[Alex Cormier]

Awards Friday:

Imagery Award - 843 WOW

RadioShack Award - 1541 Midlothian HS

Xerox Creativity Award - 343 Metal -In- Motion

Delphi Driving Tomorrow's Technology Award - 1086 Deep Run

Entrepreneur Award - 1002 GT/Wheeler HS

Judges Award - 1054 The Knightmares

Website Award - 623 Oakton HS

Woodie Flowers Award - Toss Cline 620

[Dr.Bot]

Alan, any chance you can get the background music attenuated??

KA-108 :cool:
I don't work for NASA any more. Try PM to jlevans or Jeff Seaton.

[Joe Johnson]

Could you please elaborate?

Is the field falling apart?
Is the scoring system not working consistently?

Thanks

I don't know what was going on but there were quite a few times where they delayed the match start while they got the field fixed, there were more aborted matches in the random few matches I've seen today than I saw all last season.

I am not sure what the problem was or whether it was a lot of different problems but there definitely were problems.

Joe J.

[soap108]

Can anyone at Virgina take a digital snapshot of the Qualification match assignment sheet? PLEASE!!!!

We have some holes in our data regarding who played in what match, and I dont see the FIRST website posting results yet (the links are still broken)...

THANKS!!!!

KA-108 :cool:

[Metalhugginman]

Congratulations to all Friday award winners!
The action tomorrow should be even better. I can hardly wait.
Good luck to all teams everywhere in the coming weeks! :)

[soap108]

Which team was DQ'd in Match 32?

Thanks.

[Stephen P]

Which team was DQ'd in Match 32?

Thanks.

It was my team 1093. Our trap door was malfunctioning and didn't come back up after we dumped balls, so as we were emptying into the corner goal the door passed through the goal about 6 or so inches. That is apparently enough to be "dangerous" and also trip the scoring system, so we were DQ'd.

[dubious elise]

Could you please elaborate?

Is the field falling apart?
Is the scoring system not working consistently?

Thanks
The announcer mentioned that they were having problems with the scoring systems. After resetting one of the qualifying matches 3 times, there was a break to recalibrate the scoring system which took about 30 minutes. As far as I know, there were no other errors for the rest of the day.

[soap108]

The announcer mentioned that they were having problems with the scoring systems. After resetting one of the qualifying matches 3 times, there was a break to recalibrate the scoring system which took about 30 minutes. As far as I know, there were no other errors for the rest of the day.

Yeah, Match #9 was played 3 times. That worked to 384's advantage. 1st time their autonomous shooter aimed too far right; the 2nd time it shot too far left. The 3rd and final one they scored a few balls.


KA-108 :cool:

[soap108]

It was my team 1093. Our trap door was malfunctioning and didn't come back up after we dumped balls, so as we were emptying into the corner goal the door passed through the goal about 6 or so inches. That is apparently enough to be "dangerous" and also trip the scoring system, so we were DQ'd.

Thanks! There were some no-shows in the first few matches. Did the HP at least report to the field? The emcee didn't mention who was in the missing spot.

KA

[kjohnson]

It was my team 1093. Our trap door was malfunctioning and didn't come back up after we dumped balls, so as we were emptying into the corner goal the door passed through the goal about 6 or so inches. That is apparently enough to be "dangerous" and also trip the scoring system, so we were DQ'd.
I was working beside that goal - the door to dump the balls was down and most of it passed into the goal. If anything goes more than 1-2 inches into the goal you risk the chance of being DQed because then it begins to interfere with the scoring system.

The announcer mentioned that they were having problems with the scoring systems. After resetting one of the qualifying matches 3 times, there was a break to recalibrate the scoring system which took about 30 minutes. As far as I know, there were no other errors for the rest of the day.
The 30 minute break was to reset the field software to the previous version that was being used yesterday. FTA Mike recalibrated the scoring system on the blue side today but that didn't take any more than 5 minutes.

Its been brought to my attention that every robot that tries to help another robot up the ramp, gets them up but tips themselves. And some of the robots with casters are losing control going caster side first any thoughts?
Some bots are able to get up the ramo easily, and some are able to push others up the ramp, but there are many more that tip than can get up easily. 345 and 122 were having problems getting on the ramp (as well as many others) because they were running over balls at the foot of the ramp and throwing themselves off balance.

[gam3fr3ak1]

VCU is goin good, thanks for all the compliments on the 435 robodogs bot (im on 435), if any of the earlier comments on excessive muzzle velocity were directed toward us, we are within the legal limit, we were challenged by the referees twice on this matter and our calculations are exactly on, our velocity is exactly on the legal limit. we are just able to shoot repeatly but we are under the speed. to check this the reffs had us shoot a ball with our launcher at 30 deg (they had us prop up our robot on a crate and measure it to a 30 deg. angle.
)and it shot 30 feet but our launcher is fixed at a 60 deg. angle so its way different

[Sachiel7]

I wish VCU had an underdog award, cause we might get it tomorrow, heh.
We've had a rough day today, but due to some wrenchwork, we think we'll be able to perform much better tomorrow.
If so, I really hope someone gives us a chance and at least considers us for finals.
If all goes well we will be moving the 1 pointers we've been scoring in the corner to the center.
Only time will tell....

Help support Team #1132!

We've only got 2 QM's left, and we'd like to win 'em :)

I do thank everyone for a great year at VCU so far, and hope that everyone has a great time tomorrow :)

[rocdelsol]

I think the scoring system is screwed up. On match #53 today. As the match finished i'm pretty sure the screen flashed a score of 32 Red and 28 blue. Then they have to subtract penalties and add points for robots on the ramps.. after all was added together. There were no penalties given. and Red had one bot on and blue had 2 bots on. Making the score 37 to 38. Blue team wins. but final score showed something like 37 to 19. How'd that happen?

[pyroslev]

The scoring was turned off on the main screen when an error occured. That should account for most of the errors that appear to those watching.

[santosh]

The joys of VCU. Nothing like that kareoke and crowd surfing with 1002. Too bad we didn't get to sing the Eye of the Tiger. Besides the one or two issues we had with the field early on, the matches have been moving along very quickly.

[kjohnson]

New rankings for VCU this morning!!!

1 - 384
2 - 1222
3 - 1610
4 - 1731
5 - 1541
6 - 975
7 - 414
8 - 1054
9 - 116
10 - 1137

Other teams of interest:

11 - 510
22 - 435
25 - 343
32 - 401
34 - 222
40 - 122

[Tim Arnold]

Webcast working fine for me; just wanted to mention that the feed is also available on NASA TV, available on DirecTv channel 376. Tell your friends and family!

[Alex Cormier]

any ideas why the webcast is not running anymore?

/it's back

[team222badbrad]

any ideas why the webcast is not running anymore?

/it's back


It is working for me and I am at the competition in the pits watching it!

LOL

http://www.virginiafirst.org/webcast.shtml

[Squirrelrock]

so far, the scoring system has messed up for us at least twice that we know of. We have won more than the matches that the scoring system says we have (2-6) and should have won the last one but the red bot in 79 was ruled ot be on the ramp and the driver of 1095 and i saw that it had at least one wheel on the ground. the ref's disagreed (head ref would not go back and look at it anyways, grr). go figure.

Anyways, good job to all. And good luck in the Finals.

Squirrel

[Joe J.]

NASA / VCU Regional Top eight seeds:

1. 1731
2. 414
3. 1222
4. 1541
5. 384
6. 1137
7. 1610
8. 510


Tournament Alliances

1. 1731, 414, 401
2. 1222, 1086, 1002
3. 1541, 975, 539
4. 384, 435, 1522
5. 1137, 222, 122
6. 1610, 343, 1598
7. 510, 540, 587
8. 928, 1908, 1793

Next 8 highest seeded teams:

1. 1907
2. 1054
3. 611
4. 116
5. 1885
6. 405
7. 1095
8. 339


Good Luck Everyone!

[Dr.Bot]

Anyone know what's up? NASA TV was not showing any competition here on the west coast, and I can't get to any NASA web sites, including www.nasa.gov.

Did FRC crash the NASA web? That would be funny, especially since I don't work for NASA anymore.

[Collin Fultz]

Way to go team 1731...rookie #1 seed!

[Tim Delles]

wow. I was watching alliance selection and i just can't believe that Epsilon Delta (116) wasn't picked.

[Alex Cormier]

I like 1,4,5,6 to go far in this regional.

[Joe J.]

I couldn't get on the NASA webcast site this morning but the Virginia FIRST site (http://www.virginiafirst.org/webcast.shtml) has the webcasts running.

[Tim Delles]

I like 2 and 5 to make it deep into the regional. I wouldn't be suprised if number one alliance lost in the first round.

[Joel J]

Speaking of which, did 343 get picked!? That alliance with 435 is going to work up a storm.

[Alex Cormier]

Speaking of which, did 343 get picked!? That alliance with 435 is going to work up a storm.
6. 1610, 343, 1598

I was also impresed with thier bot.

[Adam Richards]

wow. I was watching alliance selection and i just can't believe that Epsilon Delta (116) wasn't picked.I couldn't believe the number of double picks/higher alliance captain picks the team reps were making.

[Alex Cormier]

I couldn't believe the number of double picks/higher alliance captain picks the team reps were making.
exactly what i just posted, that's probably what happened to 116, they get thrown down the list and not picked because a few alliance captains were fumbling their lists. Bad thing to happen to 116. Good luck at next competition.

[Joel J]

Hi.. it seems you have been paying attention. If you have the 8 alliances written down, then can you make a post here listing them? I missed some bits here and there.

[RoboMom]

Believe it's on the VCU website.

[Alex Cormier]

NASA / VCU Regional Top eight seeds:

1. 1731
2. 414
3. 1222
4. 1541
5. 384
6. 1137
7. 1610
8. 510


Tournament Alliances

1. 1731, 414, 401
2. 1222, 1086, 1002
3. 1541, 975, 539
4. 384, 435, 1522
5. 1137, 222, 122
6. 1610, 343, 1598
7. 510, 540, 587
8. 928, 1908, 1793

Next 8 highest seeded teams:

1. 1907
2. 1054
3. 611
4. 116
5. 1885
6. 405
7. 1095
8. 339


Good Luck Everyone!
there ya go Joel.

[MattB703]

When are the finals supposed to start?

[Alex Cormier]

When are the finals supposed to start?
11 minutes at 1:15.

[David Guzman]

This was the worst alliance ceremony I have ever seen, it was unbelievable how unprepared some of the team representatives were. Because of this many teams that should have been picked weren't.

Just my opinion.

[aenggeorge]

team 401 should stay focous cause at home(mcps/hokietown) its rockin!

[aenggeorge]

well sorta rokcing here! 1:16 lets go HOKIES!

[Joel J]

Let's see if I can still do this..

Quarterfinals:

(1. 1731, 414, 401) vs. (8. 928, 1908, 1793)
(4. 384, 435, 1522) vs. (5. 1137, 222, 122)
(2. 1222, 1086, 1002) vs. (7. 510, 540, 587)
(3. 1541, 975, 539) vs. (6. 1610, 343, 1598)

I'm not confident about the 3. vs 6. round, at all.

Semifinals:

(1. 1731, 414, 401) vs. (4. 384, 435, 1522)
(2. 1222, 1086, 1002) vs. (3. 1541, 975, 539)

Finals

(4. 384, 435, 1522) vs. (3. 1541, 975, 539)

Winner: 4. 384, 435, 1522

Should be a good one, these finals. Hopefully I'm not completely wrong.

[aenggeorge]

A LITTLE FUZZY ON THE VIDEO ONLINE SCREEN!

[aenggeorge]

I THINK TEAM 401 WILL ADVANCE CUASE OF THE FANS! HOLLERIN OKIES AND ORANGE EFFECT ARE GONNA BE ROCKING!

[Tim Delles]

Well Joel that is one heck of a good pick. I don't know if im any good at this but lets see.

Quarterfinals:

(1. 1731, 414, 401) vs. (8. 928, 1908, 1793)
(4. 384, 435, 1522) vs. (5. 1137, 222, 122)
(2. 1222, 1086, 1002) vs. (7. 510, 540, 587)
(3. 1541, 975, 539) vs. (6. 1610, 343, 1598)

I'm not confident about the 3. vs 6. round, at all.

Semifinals:

(1. 1731, 414, 401) vs. (5. 1137, 222, 122)
(2. 1222, 1086, 1002) vs. (3. 1541, 975, 539)

Finals

(5. 1137, 222, 122) vs. (3. 1541, 975, 539)

Winner: 5. 1137, 222, 122


Good luck to everyone

[aenggeorge]

GOOD GAME

[Alex Cormier]

Well i now have to post something. I say go JOEL! i do agree with what joel posted and tim your goign down in FF!

[Kyle A]

Does anyone know what happened to the nasa feed it went out about at 1:20?

[team222badbrad]

Well Joel that is one heck of a good pick. I don't know if im any good at this but lets see.

Quarterfinals:

(1. 1731, 414, 401) vs. (8. 928, 1908, 1793)
(4. 384, 435, 1522) vs. (5. 1137, 222, 122)
(2. 1222, 1086, 1002) vs. (7. 510, 540, 587)
(3. 1541, 975, 539) vs. (6. 1610, 343, 1598)

I'm not confident about the 3. vs 6. round, at all.

Semifinals:

(1. 1731, 414, 401) vs. (5. 1137, 222, 122)
(2. 1222, 1086, 1002) vs. (3. 1541, 975, 539)

Finals

(5. 1137, 222, 122) vs. (3. 1541, 975, 539)

Winner: 5. 1137, 222, 122


Good luck to everyone

I hope so this is the only regional we are going to and we need a win to make it to nationals, that is if we can get funding.

Well our first match is about to start. :)

[aenggeorge]

HEY THAT WAS OURT THEME SONG YOU GUYS WERE PLAYIN: ENTER SANDMAN= MATELLICA! THE RUESLT= 6-0 ANOTHER SHUTOUT BUT HEY NICE PLAY ALL!

[aenggeorge]

ok game 2 match 2

[Tim Delles]

Now I have to say Joel has the right picks.

[Joe J.]

Quarterfinals 1 and 2 saw the red alliances shutout their blue alliances, that was some awesome gameplay.

[Nuttyman54]

Close match (QF4-1 i believe)! Great gameplay by both teams!

Edit: Close until apparently some penalties were assesed...oh well

Edit #2: it looks like they still are having problems with the scoring/ranking system. "Ladies and Gentlemen, please ignore what's on the screen until we annouce the official scores."

[Tomasz Bania]

If anyone just saw that, it looked pretty funny.
What did you think of it?

Tomasz Bania

[Mike]

If anyone just saw that, it looked pretty funny.
What did you think of it?

Tomasz Bania
I looked away from my TV and missed it :(

I did see the judge's table get shot at, that was funny.

[Tim Delles]

wow amazing. Alliance 4 still has a chance.

[Tomasz Bania]

If anyone just saw that, it looked pretty funny.
What did you think of it?

Tomasz Bania
Who deleted the topic, this topic is too long for someone who opens it to see what I was to talk about. (confusing but true)

Tomasz Bania

[Nuttyman54]

Who deleted the topic, this topic is too long for someone who opens it to see what I was to talk about. (confusing but true)

Tomasz Bania

Agreed.

As soon as i heard that starting sound twice in a row, i knew something was wrong...

Edit: Did anyone else's WM stream just die?

[Tim Delles]

One of the mods moved your topic into here. They want to keep all the things about one regional in one thread.

[Adam Richards]

Agreed.

As soon as i heard that starting sound twice in a row, i knew something was wrong...

Edit: Did anyone else's WM stream just die?Yup, mine just did. I think they lost hosting or something.

http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/rrg2.pl?encoder/firstva.rm

^ Real Media stream incase anyone doesn't have it.

[Ricky Q.]

Agreed.

As soon as i heard that starting sound twice in a row, i knew something was wrong...

Edit: Did anyone else's WM stream just die?

WM is dead for me.

RP is working.

[pakrat]

yeah, mine did. and the Real media one isnt working either

[Joe J.]

Edit: Did anyone else's WM stream just die?

yeah mine just did, and doesn't want to reconnect on either the Virginia FIRST or the NASA sites.

[Alex Cormier]

science.ksc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/rrg2.pl?encoder/firstva.rm

Real Player working fine.

[Nuttyman54]

RP is working for me aswell, but the WM stream appeared to be clearer.

[pakrat]

Firefox is saying that the server is taking too long to respond.

edit (its working now on RealPlayer)

[Nuttyman54]

Firefox is saying that the server is taking too long to respond.

For the RM feed, you need to use IE. Something about firefox tries to download the .pl file..

[Kevin Kolodziej]

SF 1.1 resulted in a DQ for the red alliance due to incursion in the corner goal during autonomous mode. Was that the correct call? Without seeing what exactly happened, I know its difficult to say, but no where in the rules or Q/A is it stated what happens during autonomous incursion. Typically there is a grace period or some sort of minor penalty and temporary disablement if a team breaks a rule during autonomous and not a DQ. Any idea?

Kev

[Nuttyman54]

SF 1.1 resulted in a DQ for the red alliance due to incursion in the corner goal during autonomous mode. Was that the correct call? Without seeing what exactly happened, I know its difficult to say, but no where in the rules or Q/A is it stated what happens during autonomous incursion. Typically there is a grace period or some sort of minor penalty and temporary disablement if a team breaks a rule during autonomous and not a DQ. Any idea?

Kev

Discuss it it THIS (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=44989) thread

[Steve S.]

wow, 68 to 37 round
red did great, congrats!

[Tomasz Bania]

RP is working for me aswell, but the WM stream appeared to be clearer.
This is because the bitrate was 3 times as great but it had a 8 second delay.

Tomasz Bania

[Tomasz Bania]

At least SOAP is going to have a fun time recording these matches.

Tomasz Bania

[Tomasz Bania]

Are both of the webcasts down now?
EDIT:Fixed

[Tim Arnold]

The windows media stream is working fine for me at the moment
http://mfile.akamai.com/18566/live/reflector:48259.asx

[Adam Richards]

Congrats to 1610, 343, 1598!

Nice try 384, 435, 1522!

[Joe J.]

Congratulations to the NASA / VCU Regional Champions:
1610
343
1598

[Joel J]

Let's see if I can still do this..

Quarterfinals:

(1. 1731, 414, 401) vs. (8. 928, 1908, 1793)
(4. 384, 435, 1522) vs. (5. 1137, 222, 122)
(2. 1222, 1086, 1002) vs. (7. 510, 540, 587)
(3. 1541, 975, 539) vs. (6. 1610, 343, 1598)

I'm not confident about the 3. vs 6. round, at all.

Semifinals:

(1. 1731, 414, 401) vs. (4. 384, 435, 1522)
(2. 1222, 1086, 1002) vs. (3. 1541, 975, 539)

Finals

(4. 384, 435, 1522) vs. (3. 1541, 975, 539)

Winner: 4. 384, 435, 1522

Should be a good one, these finals. Hopefully I'm not completely wrong.
3/7 :(

[Tim Delles]

Congrats to the 2006 VCU Regional Champs.

1610 - 343 - 1598

Also to the 2006 Finalists

384 - 435 - 1522

[Tim Delles]

3/7 :(


Its okay joel. Just make the right picks for FLR. :)

[K.Shaw]

Congrats to 1610, 343, 1598!

[Steve S.]

Congrats and good job to the 2006 NASA/VCU Champs:
1610
343
1598

[Martinez]

Some fun matches. Gratz to 1610, 343, 1598!

[aenggeorge]

ok on to the hardware awrads!