Team update 12

[lukevanoort]

Update 12 (http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Community/FRC/FRC_Documents_and_Updates/2008_Assets/Team_Updates/Team%20Update%2012.pdf) is up.

No rule changes this time; the inspection sheet is updated, FIRST is recommending that teams add labels for their main breaker and pressure release valves, and (probably the most important part of the update) FIRST will have someone at each competition who can reprogram corrupted IR boards on practice day.

[Richard Wallace]

FIRST will also make the required resources for PIC reprogramming available at the FRC Regional Competitions. A designated volunteer or FIRST staff member at the event will provide the reprogramming service. Teams are not invited to do it themselves. The PIC reprogramming will be effective for FIRST IR boards that are otherwise in good shape. Reprogramming the PIC will not be effective if the board has been fried, dropped, drowned, eaten, burned, frosted, or otherwise damaged.

PIC reprogramming will be offered on the practice day of the event from 12pm to 2pm. The location will be determined and announced at the event. PIC reprogramming is only necessary once and is a quick process (less than 1 minute per board).

Having your FIRST IR PIC reprogrammed is completely optional, and is not required for use of the FIRST IR board in the Competition. Also, reprogramming a PIC on a functioning board is not necessary, but recommended, as the upgraded PIC code February 26, 2008 includes added safeguards against PIC code corruption.

It is important to remember that once your PIC has been reprogrammed, you must re-train your FIRST IR board for the remote with which it will be used.Note that the time for reprogramming is noon until 2pm on Thursday. If you have eaten your board you are out of luck.

[eugenebrooks]

Note that the time for reprogramming is noon until 2pm on Thursday. If you have eaten your board you are out of luck.

I downloaded the HEX file currently on the FIRST web site and
compared it to the one that was previously posted. It does not
appear to be changed. In particular, it does not appear to have
the patch that Kevin Watson suggested trying.

Eugene

[Racer26]

I like the references to those of us who've damaged our boards irreparably... One of note is "burned", no doubt referencing the blow torched one shown here on CD.