2007 Boston Regional!

[slickguy2007]

Looking forward to a great time at the boston regional again. This event was a rookie regional last year, but it sure didn't seem like it. So who's going (officially)?

The current list is:
88
97
121
125
155
246
1100
1403
1568
1626
1686
1735
1779
1909
1965
1975
2009

[JamesBrown]

If any one is not impressed by the team list(it looks good but not like last year) then wait until every one registers for second regionals, alot of teams I have heard from have said that they plan to go.

[slickguy2007]

So where are people staying? Team 1403 is staying at the Hyatt in Cambridge.

We are planning to host a team dinner night out of the Hyatt and we are inviting all teams to come join us. More details about that will be coming soon.

-Aroon

[Josh Goodman]

I believe 1511 will be attending again!!

[FreakyAntelope]

246 can't wait!

The high school I go to that is associated with 246, Boston University Academy, is literally one block from the Boston Regional, so I know the area VERY well. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask, or check out our website (burobotics.org) for more info (like mentor contact info).

Also, the official Boston Regional website is www.bostonfirst.org, and it also has a lot of useful information

- Toby

[Tom Bottiglieri]

So where are people staying?
On campus:p

[Greg Needel]

On campus:p

got space?

[Tom Bottiglieri]

got space?
I might. We can only have three people in at a time and I've told two people they can stay.

[KathieK]

I'm volunteering at it again this year and looking forward to it! :)

[Elgin Clock]

I'm planning on going again this year and joining me are a ton of cool friends.. w00t!!

[Erin Rapacki]

Looking for Volunteers! If you're interested in volunteering, please send me an email at erapacki.frc@gmail.com and register in VIMS. FYI: I may not be allowiing walk-ons this year, so please sign up ahead of time.


Thanks!

[ZZII 527]

Team 97 is looking forward to our journey across the river. Boston last year was amazing and I think it will be even better this year.

[Kim Masi]

I am attending the Boston Regional for my second time, as a volunteer!

It's really a great venue and great competition, hope to see you there!

[slickguy2007]

Team 1403 is planning to hold a team social at the Hyatt hotel in Cambridge for any interested teams in the area. It is not affiliated with the regional in any way. Our plan is to encourage everyone to meet new people and relax. More details about this will be coming soon.

[LauraN]

So where are people staying?
My own comfy bed in my dorm room. =)

You know you're nerdy when...you're looking forward to delaying spring break by a couple of days just to go to a robotics competition. ;)

[Greg Marra]

Team 1403 is planning to hold a team social at the Hyatt hotel in Cambridge for any interested teams in the area. It is not affiliated with the regional in any way. Our plan is to encourage everyone to meet new people and relax. More details about this will be coming soon.

I believe there is going to be an official team social this year at Boston...

[akshar]

in my dorm room, or with the team.
the boston regional should be exciting. lots of rookies are going once again looking forward to seeing those designs :D

[slickguy2007]

I believe there is going to be an official team social this year at Boston...

Great, now there will be two chances for everyone to hang out. ;)

[Laura 1547]

Unfortunately 1547 can't come but 2 of us will be there!! Sounds like a party to me...

[Waynep]

I believe there is going to be an official team social this year at Boston...

348s excited for the Boston Regional. And yes the Boston Regional Planning Committee is excited about throwing the official team social. Please keep Friday night open.
-wayne

[Rick]

No time for fun on Friday night. Friday night is for strategy....:D

[Elgin Clock]

No time for fun on Friday night. Friday night is for strategy....:D

Only for those who are there with teams. :p

PARTY FRIDAY NIGHT!! LOL

Just confirmed it last night, staying right over the river at the Hilton Doubletree.

[Jeremytice]

Sounds like a great regional. I wish that I could go....maybe next year I will come.

[Brandon Holley]

Only for those who are there with teams. :p

PARTY FRIDAY NIGHT!! LOL

Just confirmed it last night, staying right over the river at the Hilton Doubletree.

Ive stayed at the doubletree before when visiting colleges, its pretty sweet...


As for me, like tom i will be staying in my dorm room and then walking to the regional (which to me is one of the coolest thigns you can do). Ill also be helping with field assembly/take down....your welcome erin.

[Elgin Clock]

Ive stayed at the doubletree before when visiting colleges, its pretty sweet...

Does it have free wifi, or does that not even matter cause in a city like Boston there are enough open networks to not even care?

[kborer22]

i believe they do have wifi...but you can just walk to the window and pick up 10 others

[Brandon Holley]

Does it have free wifi, or does that not even matter cause in a city like Boston there are enough open networks to not even care?

they got wifi AND free cookies

[RoboMadi]

So here's my plan....

I'm not gonna be able to hit Boston for all three days (:( )
I'll be joining in only for Saturday, stayin in Hyatt, Cambridge.
I'll be doign my job (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50242) and volunteering at the same time.

Any teams who have done something extraordinary and would like to be part of documentation please let me know.

Thanks


Imad

[MikeDubreuil]

For those that didn't know I'm on the regional committee. Yesterday we did a walk through of Agganis Arena with their event management. I am more excited than ever now! We have a couple tricks up our sleeves and I think teams will really like it.

[RoboMadi]

There are change of plans for me. My midterms are moved to early march and now I can come to Boston Regional for all three days.
On that note, anyone looking for a room? anyone has a room to fit me in :)

I'm booked for Hyatt across the river, if someone wants to share a room; or if someone has the room and would like me to share it with them, please let me know. Thanks

Imad

[MikeDubreuil]

Your team coming to Boston? Check out the Team Welcome Letter (http://www.bostonfirst.org/2007%20Boston%20Welcome%20Packet.pdf) located on http://www.bostonfirst.org.

[FreakyAntelope]

Alright! Team social at the Museum of Science on Friday night! The museum of science is loads of fun, and will only more amazingly fun when it's packed full of FIRSTers!

[Tom Bottiglieri]

Nice.. Free food and MoS. Should be a great time.

I thought the Boston regional was the most well planned and coordinated event I've been to. I expect it to be even better this year. Good job to the planning committee.

[Greg Marra]

With the help of Motorola and NASA, the Boston FIRST Regional is implementing a ‘video database’
system. This will allow teams to cue up video of any previous match as requested, on demand! More
information will be provided at the event. ** We highly recommend all teams bring at least one laptop
computer, along with an Ethernet cable, in order to utilize this system **

Oh man. That is the coolest thing ever. They are recording all of the matches as they happen and putting them on an internet server for teams to watch. This is going to make scouting and strategy meetings on Friday night very interesting.

[slickguy2007]

With the help of Motorola and NASA, the Boston FIRST Regional is implementing a ‘video database’
system. This will allow teams to cue up video of any previous match as requested, on demand! More
information will be provided at the event. ** We highly recommend all teams bring at least one laptop
computer, along with an Ethernet cable, in order to utilize this system **

The Boston Regional rocks! They seem like they will always have something new in store for the teams each year. This will be a HUUUGE help when doing strategy and alliance selections.

[BandChick]

I am volunteering as a referee for the upcoming FIRST Robotics Boston Regional Competition, and am looking for a place to stay between Wednesday and Saturday night of the event (March 21-25). I'm travelling from New Jersey for the event and am hoping to find an affordable place to stay. If anyone has an extra hotel room, or is willing to split a hotel room with me, that would be fantastic. Or, if anyone would be willing to let me crash on their couch for a few nights, even that would work. I'm more than happy to reimburse for travel and subsidize any boarding costs.

If you have any suggestions or can spare a college student a place to sleep, please PM me or email me back at sreffler@usfirst.org.

Thanks in advance!

[Heretic121]

With the help of Motorola and NASA, the Boston FIRST Regional is implementing a ‘video database’
system. This will allow teams to cue up video of any previous match as requested, on demand! More
information will be provided at the event. ** We highly recommend all teams bring at least one laptop
computer, along with an Ethernet cable, in order to utilize this system **

Wow... i don't have to sit in the stands all day Friday now... i can do it all within what an hour or so??? =D

[Tom Bottiglieri]

Wow... i don't have to sit in the stands all day Friday now... i can do it all within what an hour or so??? =D
Still need to watch them.. and you dont get all the angles.

[Rick]

The real March Madness will be at the Boston Regional! Who has their final four picks ready?

[akshar]

just want to point out that if your driving up and such, and planning on eating dinner out at a restaurant or what have you. the parking meters are free after 6. but a lot of streets might also be parking with a permit only.

less than 2 days!
good luck to all the teams!

[dtape]

or they are covered in snow

[Brandon Holley]

just want to point out that if your driving up and such, and planning on eating dinner out at a restaurant or what have you. the parking meters are free after 6. but a lot of streets might also be parking with a permit only.

less than 2 days!
good luck to all the teams!

and if u park at a meter overnight u gotta move it by 8am or put money in the meter or thats a 25 dollar ticket

[RoboMom]

** We highly recommend all teams bring at least one laptop
computer, along with an Ethernet cable, in order to utilize this system **

and if you are lucky, Bob Metcalfe can autograph the cable.;)

[Tom Bottiglieri]

and if you are lucky, Bob Metcalfe can autograph the cable.;)
Or, Steve Wozniak can autograph your MacBook!

[Waynep]

We are still looking for a few volunteers to help support the videodatabase system, as well as in crowd control, safety glass distribution, and spare parts attendant. So team members if you want the videodatabase to happen or are willing to volunteer for another position please e-mail me at waynep@bu.edu
We will also be accepting walk on volunteers if you find yourself available at the competition.

Thank you very much and I will be looking forward to seeing all of you in a few days.
Best,
-wayne

[slickguy2007]

We leave tomorrow at 3PM! Can't wait!!!

[MikeDubreuil]

The Boston Regional Committee would like to announce that Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick will be attending the competition Saturday!
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070320/20070320005684.html?.v=1

[Rosiebotboss]

The Boston Regional Committee would like to announce that Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick will be attending the competition Saturday!
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070320/20070320005684.html?.v=1

Thanks to the efforts of Agawam State Rep Rosemary Sandlin.....and the letter writers from MA FIRST teams.

[Brandon Holley]

Field setup begins in about 4 hours I believe......ohhh so close

I cannot wait for the 07 Boston Regional

[esquared]

Or, Steve Wozniak can autograph your MacBook!

** We highly recommend all teams bring at least one laptop
computer, along with an Ethernet cable, in order to utilize this system **

and if you are lucky, Bob Metcalfe can autograph the cable.;)

Better yet, see if you can get Bob Metcalfe to autograph your MacBook running Linux. Bob Metcalfe LUUUUUVVVVS Linux, as well as the taste of newspaper.

[Justin]

:mad: It looks more and more likely that I am going to have to work this weekend and miss what promises to be a very interesting and exciting Boston Regional. Certainly the folks down in Beantown are trying to out do last year's performance and seem right on track. The Governor will be there, FREE Museum of Science (I highly recommend all teams attend the Boston Museum of Science is a great place), I'm curious to see how the video system works. Unfortunately I may be watching the web cast from my desk. Oh well such is life as they say.

Good luck to all the teams at Boston and have fun!!

-Justin

[Tom Bottiglieri]

I'm leaving to set up the field in 20 minutes! Woo Boston!

[ChristinaR]

Team 88 is packed (almost), pumped, and ready to go! This regional is bound to be awesome. We're leaving at 6:45 tomorrow and looking forward to the nice, short bus ride (compared to the time it took to get to NJ!).

If you guys see a tie-dyed, crazy girl decked out in pins on Friday or Saturday, say 'hi'! I'd love to meet some CD FIRSTers. If you were in NJ, you'd recognize me (from several crazy dance parties on the field and mascot pit :) ).

Good luck to all teams! Let the party begin! Woo!:D

[Greg Marra]

Two words:

Pixel Panels. (http://www.barco.com/projection_systems/images/ev_U2_Vertigo4_L.jpg)

[AV_guy007]

Two words:

Pixel Panels. (http://www.barco.com/projection_systems/images/ev_U2_Vertigo4_L.jpg)

I love pixel panels don't get me wrong. But you do have to ask why? seems a little too over the top.

Greg is Sargent productions running boston? Cause if it is... I need to ask Steve if we can barrow them.:rolleyes:

[Julia Magoolia]

I'm going to be there all day Friday and Saturday-- In fact, we'll be having an RCU meeting on Friday at 2!!
I'm so excited- Boston was fun last year, I can't wait to see it get even better :D

[DDAwg3]

We tried to sign up for Beantown since we had a blast there last year but was not in the cards....however will be on our list for sure next year.


Would like to wish all the teams the best of luck and hope to catch some of it...

S

[Elgin Clock]

Two words:

Pixel Panels. (http://www.barco.com/projection_systems/images/ev_U2_Vertigo4_L.jpg)

Didn't Boston get enough press coverage this year with Electronics based board devices?
http://msnbcmedia2.msn.com/j/ap/ny20302010030.hmedium.jpg



And, yes.. there is a reason I bring this topic back up.. It was rather amusing how a city can go crazy over the lack of electronics knowledge Boston really has.

Hopefully in the future, with FIRST as mainstream as it is headed, everyone will know the difference between a "bad" electronic device, and a simple LED cluster. It's all about raising awareness in science and tehnology, now isn't it?
:p

[Jay Trzaskos]

Somebody, please, anybody!!!! UPDATES!!!!

Who is good? Who is Great? Who is AMAZING?

What's the game play like so far? Is New England Defense raining true, or are there some real offensive powerhouses taking control?

We need INFORMATION people!

[akshar]

of the matches i saw, since i was busy in our pit:
defense wasnt really played, maybe tomorrow.
173, 125, 1626 were really consistent in placing rings.
didn't get to see 121 perform :-(

[Daniel Brim]

Quickly since I'm about to leave to go to today's action

I showed up somewhat late, but I got to see most teams go out at least once.

No defense being played at all, really, everybody was concentrating on tubes today.

The best tube scorer is 121, in my opinion. 126 is also pretty good, as is 1626. 173 had to exit the field when they were up, so I didn't see them in action. 69 has the best ramps so far. I expect a lot more defense today, so I think we're in for an intense regional.

[Jay Trzaskos]

Hopefully they'll have a webcast up today, then perhaps I can catch up on the action in English :p

[Priyadarshy]

the webcast was bad later in the day i tried it at five different places so it wasnt just my computer...anyone else have this problem?

[BenThompson]

the webcast was bad later in the day i tried it at five different places so it wasnt just my computer...anyone else have this problem?

I am also having this problem, the video and sound keep cutting out every few (20 or so) seconds, and I was disconnected from it a couple times. Hopefully it's fixed for elims tomorrow.

[Joel J]

Good robots:

2079: their roller gripper works, and it at a very good speed (fast). If they play smart, they could easily make it to the finals-- finals finals.

69: solid hybrid. Good ramps, good tube scoring, good autonomous. They could win this thing-- easily. If 1626 stays number one, then I wouldn't be surprised if 69 goes as the number one pick.

1626: I thought they'd be a sleeper, but they are undefeated. heh.

121: The gripper is good, but I think the robot itself is too slow. They'll do alright. Maybe the second or third pick of alliance selection, if they don't end up as the second seed themselves.

1403: These guys are playing the game out there. They should be a force in the elimination rounds. They are the next to go, after 121, IMO.

126: They are good, and I don't understand why. Sorry. I wonder how well they'll hold up under any sort of defensive pressure. I hope they are solid enough to not get knocked out in the first round!

[Greg Marra]

All of today's qualification matches can be found downloadable from SOAP (http://www.soap.circuitrunners.com/2007/movies/ma/) and streamable on The Blue Alliance Match Archive System (http://www.thebluealliance.net/tbatv/matchlist.php?eventid=28).

It was really exciting today, and few huge scores got put up. Check out Rage's match where they put up 260 (http://www.thebluealliance.net/tbatv/match.php?matchid=1981)!

[Todd Derbyshire]

Update on 88.............can someone post the standings and would share their possible forecast on selections?

[Rich Ross]

I only noticed this from TBA, but it 121 has played with 1626 3 times. They've won all three of those matches. One of them picking the other seems quite possible (why try to find a good alliance partner when the match shedule is already giving you one?)

[Cynette]

Update on 88.............can someone post the standings and would share their possible forecast on selections?Just 88?

You gan get all the standings at http://www2.usfirst.org/2007comp/events/MA/rankings.html

but 88 is currently 15 out of 49, with a 4-2-1 record.

[Daniel Brim]

I only noticed this from TBA, but it 121 has played with 1626 3 times. They've won all three of those matches. One of them picking the other seems quite possible (why try to find a good alliance partner when the match shedule is already giving you one?)Yeah, there have been some serious issues with the randomness algorithm. If I remember correctly, the lowest number 125 is ever partnered with is 1626. We will be against 1403 three times when all is said and done (I think), and against 1511 twice tomorrow (in two matches).

[Freddy Schurr]

What time does the Boston webcast start for Sat?

[The Lucas]

Yeah, there have been some serious issues with the randomness algorithm. If I remember correctly, the lowest number 125 is ever partnered with is 1626. We will be against 1403 three times when all is said and done (I think), and against 1511 twice tomorrow (in two matches).

The scheduling algorithm use an A, B, C, pooling system by team numbers (A all the lowest numbers, C the highest). Based on a quick look at the team list the only team with # < 1626 you could possibly be paired with are:
1350
1403
1511
1568

Lot of rookies there, almost fill (13/16) the C pool

[Joel J]

Good robots:

2079: their roller gripper works, and it at a very good speed (fast). If they play smart, they could easily make it to the finals-- finals finals.

69: solid hybrid. Good ramps, good tube scoring, good autonomous. They could win this thing-- easily. If 1626 stays number one, then I wouldn't be surprised if 69 goes as the number one pick.

1626: I thought they'd be a sleeper, but they are undefeated. heh.

121: The gripper is good, but I think the robot itself is too slow. They'll do alright. Maybe the second or third pick of alliance selection, if they don't end up as the second seed themselves.

1403: These guys are playing the game out there. They should be a force in the elimination rounds. They are the next to go, after 121, IMO.

126: They are good, and I don't understand why. Sorry. I wonder how well they'll hold up under any sort of defensive pressure. I hope they are solid enough to not get knocked out in the first round!I forgot about 173. They've also been looking good towards the end of the day.

what do you think:

126+69
1626+121
2079+(173/1403?)

If hyper sneaks into 1st, I'm almost positive its going to be 69+121, then 1626+2079, and also 126+(173/1403?).

It looks like the only good ramp bots here are 69 and 121 (one ramp). If they end up together (69 and 121), I don't think they'd lose a match in the finals. 2079 looks like a big threat-- they'll be in good picking position, and they have the gripper to make it happen.

Its going to be interesting. Hopefully the action picks up tommorow.

[Daniel Brim]

I forgot about 173. They've also been looking good towards the end of the day.

what do you think:

126+69
1626+121
2079+(173/1403?)

If hyper sneaks into 1st, I'm almost positive its going to be 69+121, then 1626+2079, and also 126+(173/1403?).

It looks like the only good ramp bots here are 69 and 121 (one ramp). If they end up together (69 and 121), I don't think they'd lose a match in the finals. 2079 looks like a big threat-- they'll be in good picking position, and they have the gripper to make it happen.

Its going to be interesting. Hopefully the action picks up tommorow.As an aside, I love 1975s ramps. No drive train, and they "flop" backwards as they deploy. They may not be the most effective ramps, but it certainly takes some serious guts to go with that strategy.

[Hiteak]

Webcast is doing alot better today. Matches have been really good today. I've been surprised of how high scores have been in alot of the matches.

[Joel J]

I forgot about 173. They've also been looking good towards the end of the day.

what do you think:

126+69
1626+121
2079+(173/1403?)

If hyper sneaks into 1st, I'm almost positive its going to be 69+121, then 1626+2079, and also 126+(173/1403?).

It looks like the only good ramp bots here are 69 and 121 (one ramp). If they end up together (69 and 121), I don't think they'd lose a match in the finals. 2079 looks like a big threat-- they'll be in good picking position, and they have the gripper to make it happen.

Its going to be interesting. Hopefully the action picks up tommorow.

Well, the rankings have changed..

1626+69
2079+121
126+(1403/173)

If that happens, then I think 121 will win.

[Athleticgirl389]

Way to go 1626 on being the #1 seed!!!
The finals will surely be good :D Can't wait!!! Best of luck to all teams!!!

[Alex Cormier]

alliance pickings over?

[Nawaid Ladak]

my pics

1 vs 8
2 vs 7
3 vs 6
4 vs 5

1 vs 5
6 vs 7

5 vs 7

[DanDon]

my pics

1 vs 8
2 vs 7
3 vs 6
4 vs 5

1 vs 5
6 vs 7

5 vs 7

Can you post the alliances?

[Joel J]

my pics

1 vs 8
2 vs 7
3 vs 6
4 vs 5

1 vs 5
6 vs 7

5 vs 7
Do you have the alliances?

[Tom Bottiglieri]

Do you have the alliances?
1) 1626 121 1568
2) 2079 1403 97
3) 126 69 125
4) 1511 467 1350
5) 1922 88 2043
6) 1919 1768 2162
7) 1973 173 2084
8) 1686 1685 1100

[Nawaid Ladak]

1) 1626 121 1568
2) 2079 1403 97
3) 126 69 125
4) 1511 467 1350
5) 1922 88 2043
6) 1919 1768 2162
7) 1973 173 2084
8) 1686 1685 1100

thanks i was calculating my pics for waterloo sorry guys :-(

[Freddy Schurr]

When are the elimination rounds going to start?

[Tom Bottiglieri]

When are the finals going to start?
After semi finals are done.

[DanDon]

Elimination matches start at 1:00, correct?

[Nawaid Ladak]

elimination matches at EVERY Regional and at Championships start at 1:00pm local time

[Jay Trzaskos]

1) 1626 121 1568
2) 2079 1403 97
3) 126 69 125
4) 1511 467 1350
5) 1922 88 2043
6) 1919 1768 2162
7) 1973 173 2084
8) 1686 1685 1100

1 vs 8
2 vs 7
3 vs 6
4 vs 5

1 vs 5
2 vs 3 this ones going to go to three

1 vs 3 this one is going to go to three also

[Alex Cormier]

At home regional chat:

chat1174754445162

[Joel J]

Quarter Finals:

1. 1626 121 1568 vs. 8. 1686 1685 1100
4. 1511 467 1350 vs. 5. 1922 88 2043
2. 2079 1403 97 vs. 7. 1973 173 2084 -- This is going to be close, and great to watch!
3. 126 69 125 vs. 6. 1919 1768 2162

Semi Finals:

1. 1626 121 1568 vs. 5. 1922 88 2043
2. 2079 1403 97 vs. 3. 126 69 125 -- another good one to watch.

Finals:

1. 1626 121 1568 vs. 3. 126 69 125

Winner:

3. 126 69 125

[Joel J]

Quarter Finals:

1. 1626 121 1568 vs. 8. 1686 1685 1100
4. 1511 467 1350 vs. 5. 1922 88 2043
2. 2079 1403 97 vs. 7. 1973 173 2084 -- This is going to be close, and great to watch!
3. 126 69 125 vs. 6. 1919 1768 2162

Semi Finals:

1. 1626 121 1568 vs. 5. 1922 88 2043
2. 2079 1403 97 vs. 3. 126 69 125 -- another good one to watch.

Finals:

1. 1626 121 1568 vs. 3. 126 69 125

Winner:

3. 126 69 125

BTW, if RAGE pulls the upset in the quarters, then they'll make it to the finals, IMO. 121 would have a bit more fire power, and would pull out the regional win.

[Freddy Schurr]

A new high score of Boston : 290

I believe the alliance was 126 69 125

[dez250]

Here are the Semis

1 1626, 121, 1568 -v- 5 1922,88,2043

2 2079, 1403, 97 -v- 3 126, 69, 125

[Fuzzy]

That's the 2nd wrap-around in a row by 126, 69, 125!

[Joel J]

That's the 2nd wrap-around in a row by 126, 69, 125!
Yea, man-- 69 was the best choice for a first pick at this regional. 1st and 2nd seeds missed out. 126 is still doing their part for the 3rd seeded alliance, very surprising.

[Freddy Schurr]

Good Luck 1626!

[DJCJX]

I hope they keep the high scores up there now this is exciting.:yikes:

[Frinkahedron]

Fun matches to watch :D

[Fuzzy]

Congrats 126, 69, and 125!

[soap108]

Best Finals To Date.

Congrats to both Finalists for a great 3 match set.

KA-108 :cool:

[Joel J]

Quarter Finals:

1. 1626 121 1568 vs. 8. 1686 1685 1100
4. 1511 467 1350 vs. 5. 1922 88 2043
2. 2079 1403 97 vs. 7. 1973 173 2084 -- This is going to be close, and great to watch!
3. 126 69 125 vs. 6. 1919 1768 2162

Semi Finals:

1. 1626 121 1568 vs. 5. 1922 88 2043
2. 2079 1403 97 vs. 3. 126 69 125 -- another good one to watch.

Finals:

1. 1626 121 1568 vs. 3. 126 69 125

Winner:

3. 126 69 125
;)

[Athleticgirl389]

Congrats to the winning alliance :)
Great job to the 2nd place finishing alliance as well!

[Freddy Schurr]

Congrats GaelForce, 126 for winning Chairmans Award

What is the song that plays for the Chairmans Award if I may ask?

[Carmine Rizzo]

Congrats 126, 69, and 125!

69 hopefully you'll be next to us again in Atlanta!

See you all in Atlanta

[Ericgehrken]

Well done 125,69,126
Those were some exciting final matches

[akshar]

That was an amazing finals to watch.

Congratulations 126,69, and 125.
Congratulations 126 on the chairman's.

[Brandon Holley]

Thanks to everyone for the congratulations, we really appreciate it.

Thanks to gael force and hyper for being the best partners we could have ever had for this regional. We had an amazing time with you guys.

Congrats to gael force for the chairmans, you guys totally rock.




Anyone have videos of the finals they'd be willing to upload?? I'm dying to see the last second ramp by us..

[Joel J]

Thanks to everyone for the congratulations, we really appreciate it.

Thanks to gael force and hyper for being the best partners we could have ever had for this regional. We had an amazing time with you guys.

Congrats to gael force for the chairmans, you guys totally rock.




Anyone have videos of the finals they'd be willing to upload?? I'm dying to see the last second ramp by us..
Its on SOAP, but as I was watching the webcast (what SOAP has online), I didn't see the last second ramp-- I just heard the announcer comment on it.

[Brandon Holley]

Its on SOAP, but as I was watching the webcast (what SOAP has online), I didn't see the last second ramp-- I just heard the announcer comment on it.

Thanks...maybe someone recorded it live at the regional?

[Larkinator]

http://www.soap.circuitrunners.com/2007/movies/ma/

Down at the bottom, Brando.

[ZZII 527]

Congrats 126, 69, and 125. You guys were awesome! And 125 hitting the ramp at the end - just insane! I was in the stands screaming: "Go back! Go back!" but apparently you had your timing down better than I did. Thanks for making the Boston Regional so much FUN!

[Brandon Holley]

Congrats 126, 69, and 125. You guys were awesome! And 125 hitting the ramp at the end - just insane! I was in the stands screaming: "Go back! Go back!" but apparently you had your timing down better than I did. Thanks for making the Boston Regional so much FUN!

video coming...ETA: 10 min

[darkorbit]

Thanks team 125 and 126 for being such great partners and congrats Gael Force for the chairmens award :) hehe I made a little something for you guys :) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/darkorbit/2007bostonregionalwinners.jpg
hehe the NU-HYPER-FORCE alliance rocks ;-P

[aallen88]

Congrats to my lovely boys up at Northeastern. You guys were capping tubes sooo well, I'm sooo proud. I hope you go far Nutrons :-D.

[Justin]

I can't let the night go any further without the sincerest congratulations to Team 126, Gael Force, for winning Chairman's, few up here in the northeast I think would deny it has been a long time coming for one of the great teams in FIRST. And one of the very few who have quite literally seen it all from 1992 to 2007 they're still here and have been hear every year between. Congratulations.

Also congratulations go out to teams 126, 69 and 125 as well as thanks for an absolutely amazing finals!!! The buzzer beating ramp climb by 125 in that last match was just amazing I think there were a lot of jaws on the floor for that one. Congratulations to a bunch of great teams from the "old guard" of FIRST. I'm glad we have the rookies but I am always happy to see the veterans represent!!!

Congratulations guys!!!!

-Justin

[Andy Grady]

I just returned home after the Boston regional, and I have to say it was an absolutely amazing event. The final match may have been the best single match I have ever seen. Just the thought of the last second ramp climb by 125 still gives me the chills. Congratulations to all the alliances involved...it was a hard fought competition and it will be one that will be remembered for years to come, I promise you that.

Also a side note, congrats to Gael Force on winning the Chairmans Award. As a former student and mentor of 126, I just want to say that they really put their hearts into FIRST in Clinton, though it is not always apparent to the world. The mentors on the team would give the world for you, and I am thankful for all they have done for me. I couldn't be happier to see you guys finally get your due on the Chairmans end.

I can't wait for Atlanta already.

Way to be all Boston Regional teams!

[Larkinator]

Thanks 69, 126, the rest who supported 125 through the day.
I didn't think I'd be able to pull off that climb when I saw that there were only 3 seconds left, but somehow we made it work!

And nice pic, darkorbit- It's my new wallpaper :)

[Nuttyman54]

anyone have video available of that last second climb? that was just amazing! congrats to 126, 69 and 125, we were rooting for you!

also congrats to 1626, 121 and 1568 for putting up a good fight and making those THE most intense finals I've seen this year.

[Josh Goodman]

Very nice job to all teams! We just got back and I had a blast! I would like to say congratulations to the Nu-trons for that amazing defense/ramp within 2 seconds move.

[Brandon Holley]

Very nice job to all teams! We just got back and I had a blast! I would like to say congratulations to the Nu-trons for that amazing defense/ramp within 2 seconds move.

I am trying my best to get the video we have up so everyone who missed it can check out that maneuver...i could not believe we were able to pull it off

[Fred Agnir]

I just returned home after the Boston regional, and I have to say it was an absolutely amazing event. The final match may have been the best single match I have ever seen. Just the thought of the last second ramp climb by 125 still gives me the chills. Congratulations to all the alliances involved...it was a hard fought competition and it will be one that will be remembered for years to come, I promise you that.


When 125 was still available for our 2nd pick, that gave me chills. We are next to each other year after year in the pits and having the chance to partner with them was very gratifying. I watched every one of their matches from the pit screen, and saw them getting stronger and stronger, especially on Saturday. Their radar blip apparently wasn't strong enough.

So....

Was high powered offense a key at Boston? Sure was. Without scoring, you don't win. Plus, the "wow factor" pumps up the teams and the entire arena. And raising the roof attracts more students, volunteers, and governors.

Was banging defense a key in Boston? Sure was. Offense often gets trumped by defense. Brawn must be mixed with strategy.

Was the Spoiler a key in Boston? Absolutely. Just one spoiler knocks down a 64 pt score to 12. Boom. Just like that. The decision to ramp for 30 or remove a spoiler to retake the 52 pts. is a tough one to make in the heat of the moment. And if you can't remove a Spoiler, then it becomes huge. 121 scored a Spoiler on us in FM-3 to take away a 10pt lead down to no lead in the final seconds.

Were ramps a key in Boston? Watch the final match. We were tube tied in the end. Had there been no penalty on the red alliance, the last second ramp was the whole ball (tube) game.

Was speed a key? Someone tell me how many seconds it took for 125 to go from mid-field to the top of the ramp. I really have no idea, but I thought it wasn't more than 7 seconds. edit: just checked the video. It was an amazing 3 seconds left from mid-field. Wow!

And finally, was scoring in Autonomous a key? Well... the one time our alliance partner scored in Autonomous (69, in F-2), we lost. FWIW.

Also a side note, congrats to Gael Force on winning the Chairmans Award. As a former student and mentor of 126, I just want to say that they really put their hearts into FIRST in Clinton, though it is not always apparent to the world. The mentors on the team would give the world for you, and I am thankful for all they have done for me. I couldn't be happier to see you guys finally get your due on the Chairmans end.

Thanks Andy. You're the berries, kid. And if you ever decide to fly down to Atlanta, I'll make you a nice hot cup off cocoa so you can sleep on the plane.

Best,

Fred

[Andy Grady]

And if you ever decide to fly down to Atlanta, I'll make you a nice hot cup off cocoa so you can sleep on the plane.




Fred,

Man doesn't need wings when he has a sleeper car on an Amtrak! ;)

See ya in Atlanta.

[kborer22]

im working on getting the vid i have up, its a perfect view of the last second ramp climb, we were at the bottom of the ramp with 1 second

[Daniel Brim]

I've been holding off on this post to watch the reactions of everybody, but wow. I haven't had a chance to see the video that Kevin is talking about (need hosting space?), but those last seconds were amazing. Those videos give no indication of the crowd noise. The Agganis Arena was absolutely electric during those final few seconds, especially when 125 climbed onto 69's ramp as time expired (literally so, since we were still on our way up when time expired; our momentum carried us up the rest of the way).

With that said, I have to give huge thanks to 126 and 69 for picking us. Thank you for helping us to realize our potential. I was getting concerned when we fell down that far without getting picked. The NU-Hyper-Force (or as I called it, team lead screw) was certainly a force to be reckoned with.

Also, thanks to 1626, 121 and 1568 for putting up such a great fight. Those finals matches were amazingly intense. The use of spoilers made it all the better, in my opinion. They turned out to be key in all of the matches.

[Corey Balint]

Congrats to the winning alliance! You guys were amazing, I was shocked 125 went that late in the drafting. I had them rated as the 7th best robot there. That was an incredible alliance, their style will most likely be what Einstein will be comprised of.

A huge congratulations to 1626! I'm very proud of them. #1 seed, great alliance selections, only 1 loss throughout qualifications. They had some great luck with alliances, but their strategy was some of the best I've seen in a while.

[Tom Bottiglieri]

A huge congratulations to 1626! I'm very proud of them. #1 seed, great alliance selections, only 1 loss throughout qualifications. They had some great luck with alliances, but their strategy was some of the best I've seen in a while.
1626 pulled the "sneaky" strategy, ala HOT in 2005. They paired up with 121, who took all of the heat. 1626 was able to sneak around on their side of the field and put up tubes all over the place. 1626 was one of the best bots I've seen in a while, and hearing about their build conditions only bolsters my respect for their amazing team. Bravo, Falcons!

[Arefin Bari]

It's going to bug me until I make a post in this thread. I have been thinking since yesterday after finals.

Those were some very exciting final matches I have seen in a while. The robots that were in the finals were quality bots. I love 1626's robot, 121 as always a very good scorer. On the other hand, I was very happy to see 126, 69, and 125 win the regional. Team 126 let me work on their robot at IRI 2006 without hesitating. That was very gracious of them and it still boggles my mind sometime when I think about it. You never know where you find a good friend. Thank you Tim. Also... i was speechless when they announced team 126 as the chairmans award winning team. I couldn't be more satisfied with the outcome of the regional.

Some other teams that caught my eyes were 1403, 97, 88, 173, and 1511. You guys did an amazing job. Here is my honest opinion about Boston regional, when I saw the teamlist, I was thinking how boring it will be with 20+ rookie teams at a regional. But the rookie teams proved me wrong big time. You all had a good robot that ran around the field, either scored points or pushed others around or deployed ramps. The teams at the regional proved me wrong and showed me how exciting it was at Boston Regional and made me think twice about why I changed my plan and didn't go there.

[kborer22]

The vid is on the way, tom will be posting it soon, When i watched the playback on my camera it worked fine, and it also worked fine in Mplayer, for some reason the Audio was like 15 seconds fast when i looked at it in WMP, so just let me know if you have any problems.

Kev

[koolaid74]

THE VIDEO HAS ARRIVED

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5122284098205386354

i apologize for the horrible quality, but the video was taken from within the crowd...however watch until then where you get a plain view of us going from midfield to the top of 69 in the last 3 seconds of the match.

[Larkinator]

Pretty cool to see that from a different point of view. Thanks for posting it, Conry.

[darkorbit]

does anyone know where can I get some of those wicked cool IED displays? :)

[ZZII 527]

Those videos give no indication of the crowd noise.

I know I for one was speechless for at least 10 seconds after it happened. I was standing in the second row, right in line with the blue home zone, so I had a perfect view. That play will go down in history. Congratulations again.

[Conor Ryan]

We just got home from Boston (Not bad we left at 8:15, home by 1, not bad for Jersey.. on a bus).

Anyway that regional was phenomenal, watching the matches and standing around the field talking to people I was constantly hearing the same reaction:

This regional showed the game being played the way it was meant to be played.

Rack robots out numbered Ramp robots 5:1 in competition. Defense, as always made a difference, but strategy is what won this regional. If you plan on going to Boston next year, make sure you have an offensive robot, this was my second year there and again they have shown that offense is what wins matches.

Thanks for all the comments on 1403, we had a ton of fun and we are really happy how the tournament turned out. Great job to all the volunteers, especially the Boston Regional Planning Committee, lots of innovation in running the competition and was very efficient too, everything from Pit Announcements to Match Queuing was great. On a side note, Color Kinetics did a great job with the curtain, that was pretty wild.

People can say what they can about the match making algorithum, yes we did get matched up with 125 quite a few times, but I would say it works right now. If it became more 'random' than you would be sacrificing pit time between matches, and there was one point on Friday where we had 3 matches in exactly 1 hour. The schedule had more of a variety of teams but it was tough on the drive team and scouting team. I expect though at much larger competitions, particularly Atlanta, there should be no repeats at all since they have a large enough team pool to select from.

There were several teams that stood out:
2079: our 2nd Seeded alliance partner, highest rookie seed, and rookie all-star. Their robot Jaws, is awesome, they use 7 4" IFI traction wheels to pick up tubes and manipulate them to get them on the rack. This team had it together, by the end of Saturday they were able to strategize like Veterans and had a Robot to back it up. Watch them in Atlanta, now that they have a competition's worth of experince they can prove to be a vital alliance member.

1626: The other Jersey team, this was their own competition this year, but once they got on the field Friday they started winning well. They got a nice smooth quick way of picking up tubes, and getting them on the rack in a very quick way, making them one of the major stand outs at competition.

121: After they opened their robot on Thursday morning they found out that people really did watch American Robot and were the team to watch all 3 days of the competition. Like many of the high performance teams on this list will be one of the ones to watch in Atlanta.

126: My little brother is 8 and was watching the webcast from home yesterday, he can't get over how the wheels at the end of their manipulator pick up tubes on to the rack so well. It's fast and as results show very effective. I think it's too early to make predictions about Einstein.

69: Ramps that get you points, a manipulator that can make a difference when needed, plus one of the only scoring autonomous programs makes this one scary robot. Strategically this robot was a very strong pick.

173: I don't know why they fell to the 7th seeded pick, its probably because the RC they fried due to 'static'. When the RC was working this robot couldn't be stopped easily. Their defense was also some of the best I've ever seen, but they needed more offense on their alliance to win.

[Erin Rapacki]

Big congrats to Team 125, the NU-TRONS. I'm proud of you guys :)

[Andy Grady]

2079: our 2nd Seeded alliance partner, highest rookie seed, and rookie all-star. Their robot Jaws, is awesome, they use 7 4" IFI traction wheels to pick up tubes and manipulate them to get them on the rack. This team had it together, by the end of Saturday they were able to strategize like Veterans and had a Robot to back it up. Watch them in Atlanta, now that they have a competition's worth of experince they can prove to be a vital alliance member.

Believe me when I say, this team 2079 will be a future superstar. The robot was built like a tank, the grip was effective, and they played smart all weekend long. I think if the same team came into the competition with 3 or 4 years of experience behind them, they would be Boston Regional champs right now. For now, however, they'll do just fine as a rookie. They certainly stand a chance at championships, and they have a great foundation to work off of. Congrats on an amazing first showing to team ALARM. Get used to hearing that name...they will be the future powerhouse of New England along with the Uberbots. You heard it here first.

About RAGE slipping to 7th selection...

WOW. Nothing against any of the teams picked before them...but they were a top 3 pick to me. Maybe even a number 1 depending on the robot who was picking them. I know they had control issues on friday and missed a few matches, but you would figure putting 260 points up in the first match that they returned would silence the critics. I guess not.

Oh...and one last thing, 260, 285, 290, the three highest scores of the weekend. Yet another powerful offensive showing by the region known for heavy defense. Can you say "We score wicked haaahd!"

Watch out Atlanta, New England is comming...

;)

[BandChick]

What a great event! I'll admit, like Fin, I was a bit hesitant about how competitive this regional would be. But all the veterans and even some of the rookies truly proved me wrong! Congratulations to 126, 125 & 69 on a well-played finals round! Thank you to 2079 for offering me a place to stay, you really do shine as Rookie All Stars, and I hope to see you all in Atlanta!

And finally, thank you to all the teams, you made this an easy event to referee & definitely an event I am more than excited to return next year for!

[Tim Baird]

Was high powered offense a key at Boston?
Was the Spoiler a key in Boston?
Were ramps a key in Boston?


Fred, you nailed all of my thoughts right on the head. Since kick-off, I kept thinking that with 3 fast enough scorers, you could run a tube-blitzkrieg on the opposition and overwhelm them with tubes. I'm glad to see that I was partially correct, but I was humbled to see that the ramps were still needed for that final extra push up the point scale.

Spoilers were and still are huge in my mind. When the tube count is low, they're inconsequential. But the fact that one well place tube can slice a score in half is insane. Plus, I like the fact that a spoiler induces so much fear in the other drivers' minds that when they see it coming, they immediately send 1-2 bots to play D on the spoiler-bot, leaving 1-2 of your alliance's robots free to continue scoring tubes or ramp-climb.

I still feel that you need 3 scorers to win Einstein in 3 weeks, but it'll be teams like 69, 121, 190, and all of the other ramp bots with a good arm that will be integral to the winning alliance.

[slickguy2007]

Congratulations to teams 69, 126, and 125! You guys had a powerhouse stacked alliance and it was great to have the honor of competing against you in the SF matches (plus we can say we lost to the winners :D ).

Congrats to team 126 for the Chairman's award!

Thank you to team 2079 for picking us and congrats for the Rookie All Star award! You guys were great! Thank you team 97 for also being a great alliance partner!

Thank you to Wayne and to the Regional Event Coordinators for letting me thank the mentors on the field. That was an unforgettable experience and it was a blast!!

Congrats to everyone who competed and we'll see you all in Atlanta!

[Jessica Boucher]

Boston once again was a joy to watch. Thanks to all of those who made it happen!

Furthermore, a huge congratulations to Team 126 for their dual win. From the amount of time I have spent in Clinton over the years, to my interactions with the team, they have always been a passionate, professional bunch that is well-overdue for a Chairmans win. I only wish every team had such a strong foundation as 126!

JAB

[ChristinaR]

Big congrats to 69, 126, and 125! You guys certainly Racked AND Rolled in Boston.

Gael Force, you all definitely deserved the Chairman's award. You're always so full of the FIRST spirit, and are exceptional examples of what the program is all about.

Thank you to teams 1922 and 2043 for being our excellent alliance! We put up a good fight (those matches were intense!).

Thanks to the Boston Regional Planning committee- we had a blast all because of your hard work.

The rookies were amazing at this regional. Watch out Atlanta! (2079 had one of the best looking rookie bots I've ever seen)

Experiencing Boston '07 was something to behold. Once the quarterfinals came, the feeling of excitement in the air was palpable. I was able to meet so many wonderful people, and look forward to seeing them in Atlanta. This is an event that will be in our memories for quite some time.

[Tim Baird]

Team 126 let me work on their robot at IRI 2006 without hesitating. That was very gracious of them and it still boggles my mind sometime when I think about it. You never know where you find a good friend. Thank you Tim.

Dude, if you've worked with me once I've entered "the zone" and see what I'll do to complete 10 minutes worth of work in the 3 minutes between rounds, and you still want to be my friend and work with me again, then you're welcome back anytime! ;)

[Joe Menassa]

This was a great regional! I took photos during most of it and many of those photos are now on my website. I split them up between Team 121 photos and everyone else.

http://www.joemenassa.com/robotics2007.html

Scroll down to after all of the daily build season photos to get to Boston.

Congrats to 126, 69, and 125. You guys were amazing!

[BandChick]

Joe, these are some great photos! Come to more events! Take pictures! Man, what I could do with photos like that ....

[TD78]

I wanted to congratulate 126, 69, and 125 on their impressive win and an awesome finals round. I've seen a few competitions so far, and the elimination rounds in Boston were definitely one of the best! Both alliances were evenly balanced, but I thought you guys were just a tad quicker. Alliance picking for the elims though were some of the most stressful and high strung I've ever experienced. There were so many options and scenarios, we couldn't decide what to do! But in the end, I think we made the best choice. A big thanks goes out to 1626 and 1568 for an awesome alliance. I had never heard of 1626 before this past weekend and I certainly won't forget them from now on. What a great, quick, fast-scoring robot. I definitely hope to team up with you guys again.


Congrats on 126 winning CA too...I couldn't believe that it was your first one! I'm sure there will be many more to come. :) I look forward to seeing y'all in Atlanta.

[soap108]

I have the last match with the last second ramping via my kodak digicam. I'll post it later tonight.

KA-108

[Brandon Holley]

PLEASE DO!! Im dying to see another perspective

[soap108]

I have the last match with the last second ramping via my kodak digicam. I'll post it later tonight.

KA-108


quicktime, 30 MB
http://www.soap.circuitrunners.com/2007/movies/ma/100_7632.MOV

wmv, 14 MB
http://www.soap.circuitrunners.com/2007/movies/ma/ma_fm3_ken_digicam.wmv

Still misses most of the action of ramping, but i did get some crowd reaction. :)

Enjoy!
KA-108