2009 Palmetto Regional

[DonRotolo]

Team 1676 is proud to be attending Palmetto again. We had so much fun in 2006 that, even though it's a different venue, we've been just waiting for an opportunity to return. (Hint: It's the people.)

I see that our friends from Gravatai, Brazil, will be there - I'll need to improve my Portuguese for the end of March.

Maybe we'll even get to see Billfred (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/25514)!

So who else is attending??

Don

[ttldomination]

HOLA!!! Spanish and Portueguese go hand in hand. I can communicate really well with someone who speaks portueguese by simply using spanish. :D.

Team 1261 is trying to attend. We are signed up and everything but there is a waiting list and unfortunately we are on that list. We sent a small crew last year and they bad a blast so this year we are definitely trying our 100% best to try and attend.

[Zflash]

1319 will be there. We have always enjoyed the event and the teams that attend. Does anyone know what the final number of allowed teams will be? I recall that it was somewhat crowded lat year. Can't wait to see everyone there and good luck to all in the 2009 season.

[Daiane]

Hi Guys,

My team 1772 is from Gravatai, Brazil.
Next year will be the first time that we participate in Palmetto.
We only participated in the Houston Regional.
Sure will be an exciting regional. Will be a pleasure meet them.

Bye!

Daiane

[Billfred]

Maybe we'll even get to see Billfred (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/25514)!
Even with the Capitals taking a Palmetto break (try Chesapeake, you'll like it!), I still found a way to make it to...that other school.

However, it is official (whenever our teacher punches it into TIMS): 1618 is making the three-hour drive up to that other school for the 2009 Palmetto Regional; we look forward to trying to overtake our last outing (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/28931) at Palmetto. It'll be great to see 1676 again, as well as our old partners in 801 and, I'm assuming, 1102. The addition of 1772 should also make for a good time; it'll be the first international team in the six-year history of the event, and the first team from beyond the Continental U.S. since now-defunct Puerto Ricans 780 made the trip (and the semifinals, with 433 and 393) in the inaugural event of 2004.

In short, I can't wait.

(PS: How 'bout them Gamecocks?)

[cziggy343]

343 will be there once again! we even get to sleep in our own beds :D. we are super-excited once again to visit the Palmetto regional.

[hipsterjr]

342 is expecting to go. It will take something big to keep us from seeing all our old friends. I'm still convinced that BillFred is LookingForward lol. See y'all there.



PS(1319 give us Mike Bryan back and no one will get hurt).:cool:

[Gary Dillard]

It looks like my team is attending Palmetto - I reckon I'll try to make the trek.

Is dancing allowed at that other school? I see that the Engineering display at the team social is in the Ballroom.

[rfolea]

Otto will be back in Black ...

[DonRotolo]

the team social is in the Ballroom.
Is that a room filled with trackballs? :ahh:

[roborat]

1249 is coming south again. We have enjoyed it the last few years and look forward to it again. 337 is on the waiting list but expected to join us this year after going to Hawaii last year. It will be their first year at Clemson after going to USC a couple of years before the move.

[Thermal]

1293 will be there of course...

and we will be ready to play

[Josh Drake]

It's great to have the diversity from so many states and countries attending. Which teams from the area will be attending the scrimmage at the Donaldson Career Center next Saturday? We'll be there, ready to play.:D

[Billfred]

It's great to have the diversity from so many states and countries attending. Which teams from the area will be attending the scrimmage at the Donaldson Career Center next Saturday? We'll be there, ready to play.:D
2815 will be there; 1618 might be there depending on some factors. (Such as, say, whether we have a robot ready to run.)

[cziggy343]

It's great to have the diversity from so many states and countries attending. Which teams from the area will be attending the scrimmage at the Donaldson Career Center next Saturday? We'll be there, ready to play.:D

is it at donaldson? or is it at the bonds career center like usual?

[hipsterjr]

grr, I wanted to go to the scrimmage, but Scott is saying no for us. Some of the students asked to just throw the bot in the back of my pick up and make a run for it lol. But that is still a long drive for us. So I'll just have to wait till March to see yall.

[Badflea]

1758 will be back.

Can't wait..haha

[Josh Drake]

is it at donaldson? or is it at the bonds career center like usual?

My bad, :confused:
Only been once.

[Billfred]

Turns out that it was at Bonds. It was the first trip up for all the Columbia-area teams that made it, to varying degrees of success. (For anyone curious, 1618 DID make it to the field for the very last match. We've got a couple of gremlins to shake out.)

My girlfriend took video of some of the matches--I'll see if I can get it off the camera and put the better parts online. Thanks to the folks on 281 for hosting!

[Gary Dillard]

My girlfriend took video of some of the matches


Girlfriend? Someone besides me loves you? :rolleyes:

[hipsterjr]

ok, now that ship date has passed, lets get pics of all the bots going to Palmetto in one place.

I'll start

342

4 wheel tank drive w/ 2 cims
pnumatic dumper w/ ~18 ball hopper
human and belt loaded
traction control
4 ultra sonic senors
and our famous "distracting autonomous dance"!!

http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/15/m_97385b0e376a48d385a63e8f36045447.jpghttp://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/44/m_e5b619759f934ed8af879e1b122e0806.jpg
http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/28/m_ec2451eef5334bdd850e9729adeb86fa.jpghttp://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/m_7008ce5cc7f348a1b581023c3d4fc285.jpg

[Josh Drake]

4 wheel swerve drive
ball pick-up from the ground and human loaded
holds about 8 balls in the top, and more in the pick-up
dumps 2-3 feet
delta control for traction control

let's get this party started!

[cziggy343]

anybody else want in on showing us what there robot looks like?:]

[Stephen Kowski]

anybody else want in on showing us what there robot looks like?:]

not really :p

[cziggy343]

not really :p

thanks stephen... big help there man:P

[ttldomination]

Have at it. Conveyor belt is roughly 27" wide, and about 65" inches long. We used unobtainium at the top of our rollers to keep the balls in and spit them out when needed.

http://www.team.prhsrobotics.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=1586

[hipsterjr]

Anyone notice that the majority of teams going to Peachtree are going to Palmetto? So I guess we can consider Peachtree a preview to possible outcomes at Palmetto? lol

[Shmee]

Anyone notice that the majority of teams going to Peachtree are going to Palmetto?

Actually, there's really only six-ish teams going to both. My team included :) It'll be our first year at Palmetto so we're pretty excited.

As for putting up pictures of our robot...well, I think we may be putting a video from scrimmage up soon. But don't count me on it.

[cziggy343]

Actually, there's really only six-ish teams going to both. My team included :) It'll be our first year at Palmetto so we're pretty excited.

As for putting up pictures of our robot...well, I think we may be putting a video from scrimmage up soon. But don't count me on it.

there are ten teams that are attending both. so not quite enough to constitute this to be both CJ:)

[Gary Dillard]

Here's (http://s601.photobucket.com/albums/tt99/Rockers2973/Weeks%20Five%20and%20Six/?action=view&current=IMG_3125.jpg) our robot

[hipsterjr]

Actually, there's really only six-ish teams going to both. My team included :) It'll be our first year at Palmetto so we're pretty excited.


there are ten teams that are attending both. so not quite enough to constitute this to be both CJ
You are both wrong. It is 13 teams going to both (which I admit isn't the "majority") but is still a good number.

Check me if I'm wrong:
1)442
2)2415
3)1746
4)342
5)1261
6)343
7)2362
8)900
9)1102
10)1398
11)1758
12)281
13)1319
To all the scouts, I hope this saves you 10 min of searching lol.

[team1102a]

Most of the same crew will be there from past years. We hope to make this the best Palmetto yet, and the best in the south. Some old rivals and alliances will be there. I think all the teams from SC will be there except Clover.

I will be announcing again, and I believe Terrel will be the Head Ref. As of now, the MC will be Chiniqua Gallop. She is a super energertic MC. I think she did Palmetto the first or second year and she has worked the Championship as well. She'll get you up and dancing.

The social will be at the student union again, with bowling, etc.

Post suggestions here and I will try to relay them to the volunteer coordinator and chairpersons. I think the event will be webcast.

The Palmetto Regional website is
http://www.ces.clemson.edu/main/FRC/index.html

The webcast link is at the top
or go directly there today to see if it works.
http://www.clemson.edu/tlt/stream/frc/
I see they switched from Quicktime to Flash this year.

There is one thing you need to know about the pit announcer (if we get the same one as years past). He LOVES creative request for parts, like bolt strechers, flux capacitors, but he wants to get some new ideas.

And as usual, I have to make my pitch for attending Clemson. If there is any way you can take a campus tour, please try to do so. I will be glad to take a group around on Thursday night.

See ya there!

[team1102a]

http://www.clemson.edu/visitors/scheduletour.html

Guided Campus Tour Schedule
Monday-Saturday 9:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.
Sunday 1:45 p.m. (during fall and spring semesters)

During your hour and a half tour of campus, your volunteer guide will give you an overview of the history of the University as well as the ins and outs of campus life today.

***NOTE: We will be offering an additional tour at 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday only, from March 30th through April 10th. We hope that this will help with high school spring break tour planning! Please use the regular online form, register for the 1:45pm tour time, and in the comments section, make note of your desire to take the 4:00pm tour on that same date. Your tour time will be confirmed in your return email.

Special tours and campus visits for groups larger than 10 are arranged upon request. We offer group guided tours of the campus for high school groups and above. These group tours are available September through April on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Call (864) 656-4789 or send an email for more information. tokelle@clemson.edu

[Josh Drake]

[url]During your hour and a half tour of campus, your volunteer guide will give you an overview of the history of the University as well as the ins and outs of campus life today.

I'm sure Billfred and the guys on 2815 have their dates booked for this.:)
GO TIGERS!

[Billfred]

I'm sure Billfred and the guys on 2815 have their dates booked for this.:)
GO TIGERS!
Hey, I'll (most likely) be wearing a Capital Robotics shirt at Palmetto. If either team has the right amount of time, though, I'll make sure that the appropriate amounts of garnet are distributed in time for such a tour.

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME!

[Thermal]

I have a feeling Palmetto this year will tend to be even more competitive this year than years past. I can't wait!

[Josh Drake]

If you're not one of the teams at Peachtree this weekend, it should be a good preview. There was talk about a webcast, but haven't seen a link yet.:confused:

[roborat]

The three teams from West Virginia 337, 1249 and 2614 will be at Pittsburgh this weekend and look forward to the trip south in two weeks.:)

[Graham Donaldson]

ATTENTION ALL TEAMS!

Team 1676 is considering integrating another team into our scouting system. We first kicked off our scouting program in full force at the 2006 Palmetto Regional, and are looking to continue our legacy. However, due to the small size of the group that will be attending (and the large personnel requirements), we would be tightly stretched to man all our stations. As such, we are looking for teams with at least 10 people who could be devoted (on rotation, no more than 6 at a time) to assisting us with scouting. We would be able to provide all necessary equipment (i.e. laptops- we have enough). Any teams interested in participating would just need to guarantee that their scouts would be available. As repayment, we would make all our scouting data available to the participating team, including the detailed ranking analysis we do each night and at lunch on Saturday.

If any teams are interested, please send me a private message with your name and team number, and let me know how many members you would be able to commit to scouting (as outlined above). Thanks for your consideration and help, everyone!



On a side note, all teams attending should remember that we make our raw data available to any team. We will have handouts available in our pit on how to access it, so feel free to come and ask us for it there. Or, you could just come find our team in the stands (under our banner, with the big yellow sunburst logo) and we'd be happy to give it to you.




See everyone in two weeks!

[rbrown1]

Team Driven #1730 from Lee's Summit Mo, is looking forward to attending the Palmetto Regional. This is our first time attending Palmetto and looking forward to making new friends and having a great time competing.

[Billfred]

Team Driven #1730 from Lee's Summit Mo, is looking forward to attending the Palmetto Regional. This is our first time attending Palmetto and looking forward to making new friends and having a great time competing.If there's one thing the Palmetto Regional knows how to do, it's have a good time. Just remember: Unfortunately, Dancing is not allowed (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/18158).

(Oh, and wear garnet and black if you've got it. They love that stuff (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina-Clemson_Rivalry) up there in Clemson. ;))

[cziggy343]

(Oh, and wear garnet and black if you've got it. They love that stuff (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina-Clemson_Rivalry) up there in Clemson. ;))

jerk... :cool:

[team1102a]

From the wikipedia.......Clemson leads the football series 65-37-4. Clemson has more wins against South Carolina than any other program.

But we're not talking football, we're talking academics.

Despite having 2 degrees from Clemson, I must say I have met and worked with many qualified and friendly people from USC over the years.

Just go to college SOMEPLACE. Better if you get a degree in SC and stay in SC to improve the workforce in the state.

Rivalries make both sides stronger.

[Josh Drake]

I hope all teams have a great time next week. I'm excited to be competing with the teams that traveled too. We don't have everything in the pit, but if you need something, stop by and see if we have it. A lot of teams at Peachtree were able to find what they needed, even if it was Gene, our C-RIO expert. Our career center is about 20-30 min away, depending how desperate you are. 8 days to go:yikes:

[cziggy343]

Our career center is about 20-30 min away, depending how desperate you are. 8 days to go:yikes:

i dont even think it's that far josh :P but yes, im excited about competing once again with all the team that are making the trip to clemson once again this year! i think it will be another exciting regional!

[Kakashi1261]

We are so ready for Palmetto! Me and the rest of our drive team is making a new control panel, and we hope to have it lookin fresh for this regional!

[hipsterjr]

The team social last year was top notch, and I expect no less this year. This has always been my favorite regional. Grr, this week is going by so slow. I Can't wait!

[santosh]

1 bio lab project, 1 orgo lab final, 1 bio test, and 1 orgo test away (please kill me now) from Palmetto...

[RMS11]

1 bio lab project, 1 orgo lab final, 1 bio test, and 1 orgo test away (please kill me now) from Palmetto...

And then an epic five days with us kiddies!!! :D

[sdcantrell56]

I have great news to announce. Team 1771 made some last minute arrangements and we will be coming to Palmetto. Hopefully we will redeem ourselves. I can't wait to see a bunch of you again and meet some new teams.

[Zflash]

I have great news to announce. Team 1771 made some last minute arrangements and we will be coming to Palmetto. Hopefully we will redeem ourselves. I can't wait to see a bunch of you again and meet some new teams.

Good news for you, bad news for the already crowded pits. Hopefully they will be at least 9x9. I know the planning committee has arranged for more teams to attend this year so we should be fine. I look forward to the stiff competition at Palmetto, we seem to do better when we are playing with and against good teams. I say this because we ranked 5th at Buckeye and never had a team not run that we were playing with or against. This was not the case at Peachtree where the three matches that we lost one of our alliance partners were not working. So everyone at Palmetto please work on having a mobile robot. Only a little more time before the regional, who else wants to come (832 maybe?) Can't wait.

[RMS11]

I have great news to announce. Team 1771 made some last minute arrangements and we will be coming to Palmetto. Hopefully we will redeem ourselves. I can't wait to see a bunch of you again and meet some new teams.

Yae! I really want to see yall and your amazing robot again. Maybe this time we can be with yall rather than against in playoffs, if that ever worked out. I loved your robot this year. Like ours but pretty and more effective... Good Luck!!! :D

[ttldomination]

GEORGIA WILL TAKE PALMETTO THIS YEAR. 1771, 1261, and 1746. I'm calling it. RIGHT now. :D.

[1261scout]

Let's not get cocky Sunny... please?
But let it be known that 1261 is PUMPED!!!
Actually pumped is way too weak of an adjective for how excited I personally am.

[santosh]

how could you forget one of the Georgia teams that won the Regional 2415... We finally got our robot working completely when it counted the most.

And I will call against that all georgia alliance winning. There are too many South Carolina Teams that are Great to be held out of the way of a championship in their home state.

In my 6 years I have been in FIRST I have not been to Palmetto but have heard about it from my mentor friends on 1848 1746 and 832. I hope it is all they have pumped it up to be and more!

[DonRotolo]

GEORGIA WILL TAKE PALMETTO THIS YEAR. 1771, 1261, and 1746. I'm calling it. RIGHT now. :D.
Um, don't forget New Jersey will be in the house...

OK, 'nuff trash talk, I have a serious question for someone familiar with the Clemson area:

For work, who are graciously allowing me to leave for a few days to visit, I must participate in a Webcast on Friday. Is there any place within walking distance of the venue where I can get wideband internet access (even if it costs a few dollars)? I'm thinking "hey, it's a college campus, and there HAS to be a Starbucks or similar near by" but leaving with certain knowledge would really set my mind at ease. Anyone?
EDIT: OK, got it covered three different ways. Cool, and thanks!

TIA,
Don

[Thermal]

GEORGIA WILL TAKE PALMETTO THIS YEAR. 1771, 1261, and 1746. I'm calling it. RIGHT now. :D.

Don't underestimate SC teams.

This year has the potential to be 1293's best ever. 2815 is a spectacular bot by a rookie (by name only) team, they are packing some serious senior mentorship. There is always the magnificent 343, with an impressive swerve drive. Billfred's team 1618 which epitomizes the KISS saying, and always the consistantly good 1319.

I like to think SC will be represented very well....

[Kakashi1261]

This is going to be soooooo AMAZING! I am super psyched now!!
Yes, we can call it the North Ridge Alliance!!
1771, 1261, and 1746!

[Josh Drake]

Um, don't forget New Jersey will be in the house...

OK, 'nuff trash talk, I have a serious question for someone familiar with the Clemson area:

For work, who are graciously allowing me to leave for a few days to visit, I must participate in a Webcast on Friday. Is there any place within walking distance of the venue where I can get wideband internet access (even if it costs a few dollars)? I'm thinking "hey, it's a college campus, and there HAS to be a Starbucks or similar near by" but leaving with certain knowledge would really set my mind at ease. Anyone?

TIA,
Don
According to a member of the Palmetto Regional Planning commitee, the wireless internet should still be up and running at the venue. If for some reason it was down, the media table will have a landline for access. If that doesn't work, come by and see us, and well see what we can do. All in all I think we got you covered.:)

[Zflash]

This is going to be soooooo AMAZING! I am super psyched now!!
Yes, we can call it the North Ridge Alliance!!
1771, 1261, and 1746!

I think that the North Ridge Alliance has as much a chance at getting together as the Burning Flash of Metal, however if both did occur it would certainly be an epic battle with the advantge going to the home team as always;) See you there.

[ebarker]

VISITOR INTERNET ACCESS:

I just talked to the IT helpdesk at Clemson.

Here is the procedure.

Search for wireless networks. You will see a "Clemson Guest" network.

Connect to it and browse. You will get a screen that ask for you to create a username and then you enter an email address or a cell phone number.

Click 'submit'

The "Clemson Guest" system will send you a confirmation email or text message with password.

Then enter your username and password and you are on the net.

There is no charge.

Good Luck.

Clemson IT Helpdesk - 864 656 3494

[BenX02]

This is going to be soooooo AMAZING! I am super psyched now!!
Yes, we can call it the North Ridge Alliance!!
1771, 1261, and 1746!
Isn't that what you were trying to do at Peachtree also? I think it would be unbeatable alliance, although you will have to make sure one of you guys stays well out of the top 8.

[sdcantrell56]

Isn't that what you were trying to do at Peachtree also? I think it would be unbeatable alliance, although you will have to make sure one of you guys stays well out of the top 8.

Yeah we weren't really trying to do this since it would be very unlikely. I am going to go ahead and say that there is no way that all three of us can be on the same alliance. It would be cool but so unlikely. It would be as crazy as Burning Flash of Metal.

[tonoya]

team 1379.. GearDevils will be there!!!
its our first time at Palmetto

[Josh Drake]

Last year we were asked to stay late Thursday night for the local news. We ran around in the background. They wanted the upstate SC teams. I'm not saying the news will be there again, but it would be neat to have some unofficial 3-V-3 practice rounds. Then we could see some of those "over the top" alliances, and border battles.
Another option would be to Q-up on practice day together. I think the first 4 practice rounds at Peachtree were no-shows. I'm not sure if 343 can make an early one, but we can try (more mods, better bot). Something to think about.;)

[rfolea]

Last year we were asked to stay late Thursday night for the local news. We ran around in the background. They wanted the upstate SC teams. I'm not saying the news will be there again, but it would be neat to have some unofficial 3-V-3 practice rounds. Then we could see some of those "over the top" alliances, and border battles.
Another option would be to Q-up on practice day together. I think the first 4 practice rounds at Peachtree were no-shows. I'm not sure if 343 can make an early one, but we can try (more mods, better bot). Something to think about.;)

That's a great idea - count us in! Otto's wounds have healed and he is smiling and ready to go! Let's do it!

[ttldomination]

Let's not get cocky Sunny... please?
But let it be known that 1261 is PUMPED!!!
Actually pumped is way too weak of an adjective for how excited I personally am.

Who's this Sunny person?

:D.

Nah, just excited. and pumped up. :D.

I personally shall not be attending, but will be cheering it up all the way, and with the new wireless stuff, I'll the scouter sending me udpates. YEAH!!!.

[astallasalion]

Yeah we weren't really trying to do this since it would be very unlikely. I am going to go ahead and say that there is no way that all three of us can be on the same alliance. It would be cool but so unlikely. It would be as crazy as Burning Flash of Metal.

I can dream right? :S

A few hours before I heard the news, I left my cell at home so I had to borrow a friend's who didn't have my house number in his address book. I wasn't used to his keypad and typed in XXX-1771-XXX. When the call didn't go through, I looked down and felt a little sad, remembering that y'all wouldn't be joining us in Palmetto. I hopped on Gmail when I got home, checked someone's status, and rejoiced when I saw that you guys were coming! Heh heh.

I think I asked more than enough questions at 1746's practice field about your robot...; seeing it in action was awesome.

Cheers to another fun-filled weekend at Palmetto.

[ttldomination]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is probably the most number of users 1261 has had on chief delphi...ever.

I'm so proud.

Oh well. I'm actually quite scared because of the NC/SC teams that have yet to hold their first reigonal. I'm sure we can expect a bunch of good designs out of that.

[cziggy343]

Last year we were asked to stay late Thursday night for the local news. We ran around in the background. They wanted the upstate SC teams. I'm not saying the news will be there again, but it would be neat to have some unofficial 3-V-3 practice rounds. Then we could see some of those "over the top" alliances, and border battles.
Another option would be to Q-up on practice day together. I think the first 4 practice rounds at Peachtree were no-shows. I'm not sure if 343 can make an early one, but we can try (more mods, better bot). Something to think about.;)

that would be EPIC!! alright josh, we know the high up people, we HAVE to schedule that to happen! 1771, 1746, 1261 vs 343, 342, 1319! i dont care if it is after the whole practice rounds are done... it needs to happen!

and by the way... 1771, im so freakin happy that ya'll get to come to palmetto! i was sad that we were not going to get to see ya'll again this year!

dang, im ready for next week to come! palmetto is gonna be BEAST!!

[ttldomination]

North Ridge Alliance. WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION?????????

[PlatyPi Gunner]

We'd love to be in Palmetto, but we can't afford it and we're just getting our funds for nationals. It'd be great to see some new faces and some old ones, and don't be calling domination on the regional this early, remember the last time...

[DonRotolo]

All in all I think we got you covered.:)
I'd say so! Between the responses I got by e-mail and what was posted here, the whole Internet will have to go down for this to not work.

Brings a whole new meaning to GP. Thanks guys, I really, really appreciate it.

Don

[sdcantrell56]

I really hope we get this border war match scheduled. It would be awesome to play it just for fun as I do like you guys from South Carolina as well.

I'm so excited to hopefully get to play with 343 again. You guys were an awesome alliance partner and hopefully if we can team up again we might set a new high score.

[Kakashi1261]

YES! North Ridge Alliance is sticking! 100 points for daniel.

[MikeReilly]

My guess is that the tournament folks would love this, great for P.R., great to get the crowd going. What about a special "lunchtime match" for entertainment?

[Josh Drake]

:eek: That idea took off like wildfire. The lunchtime thing would be good for the crowd, but we would be cutting into the break all of the volunteers get. Also, I'm not sure if other teams would feel like those teams were getting extra practice time, or special treatment. I was thinking of something more low key like showing up in the Q at the same time on Thuursday. We could always ask them to set up some practice matches on the schedule, but that is usually made early. Is this a GA/SC battle, or do the WV, NC, FL.... teams also set up alliances? Also, what about the other great teams attending the regional? That's why I keep coming back to a practice day matchup. It would be great to put together ideal matchups, and play it out however. We went to IRI in 2003, and replayed the championship finals with a different outcome.:yikes: So I guess what I'm trying to say is there are a lot of great teams and robots coming to this regional. It would be "epic" to see certain alliances go against each other, and I hope it works out, but I'm not sure we can set something up. I'm still a fan of the idea, and hope we can make it happen.

[rfolea]

It would be very interesting to see 343, 342, 1319 v 1771, 1746, 2515

Dumpers vs Shooters.

Answer the question once and for all ...

[Kakashi1261]

It would be very interesting to see 343, 342, 1319 v 1771, 1746, 2515

Dumpers vs Shooters.

Answer the question once and for all ...

Yea, this totally got our team fired up last night. We can't wait!

[hipsterjr]

On Thursday we should get the drivers or captains from teams 1771, 1746, 1261 & 343, 342, 1319 together and make a request for a exibition match during practices. I'm sure there will be a point some time Thursday (possiblly Friday) that they could squeze us in.
Hopefully the local news comes again! That mock match for the news last year was so much fun. Everyone basiclly ran untill their batteries were completly dead and could no longer move.:cool: Ah, good times.

It would be very interesting to see 343, 342, 1319 v 1771, 1746, 2515

Dumpers vs Shooters.

Answer the question once and for all ...

I don't think that 2515 is scedualed for Palmetto. Either I'm mistaken or you meant another team.

[brentmcjunkin]

It would be very interesting to see 343, 342, 1319 v 1771, 1746, 2515

Dumpers vs Shooters.

Answer the question once and for all ...
I will agree with u on that one that would be an insane match not being bias but i think the 343, 342, 1319 alliance would def. win :yikes: :] :ahh:

[Josh Drake]

Now that Brent has posted in the thread, it will go downhill fast;)

I know there is a thread about shooter-v-dumper, but my wife said "I would rather make 80% of 50 than 100% of 20." But there were definately some good shooters at Peachtree.

[sdcantrell56]

Hey Brent it's good to see you on here and I look forward to seeing you next weekend. I don't even know who 2515 is so I might have to say that the SC alliance would have the upperhand.

I'm also quite opposed to the shooter vs. dumper thing as I don't even know what to classify our robot as. Sure we can be a shooter, but most of the time we use it as a mega dumper. I think a border war match would be cool on thursday just for fun as long as we're all working. I certainly wouldn't mind crossing over and playing with some of the SC teams on Friday and Saturday.

[roborat]

In Pittsburgh last weekend, we were not allow to fill in on practice day unless we had completed total inspection and that was a long process with the number of teams we had being there for their first regional. We did not have any problems with inspection other than just finding time between practice matches to stand in line for the software and weight/sizing and then waiting for the inspectors to come to the pit to complete it. We got a couple of extra matches toward the end of the day.

[astallasalion]

In Pittsburgh last weekend, we were not allow to fill in on practice day unless we had completed total inspection and that was a long process with the number of teams we had being there for their first regional. We did not have any problems with inspection other than just finding time between practice matches to stand in line for the software and weight/sizing and then waiting for the inspectors to come to the pit to complete it. We got a couple of extra matches toward the end of the day.

Fortunately all of our robots are completed, and need some minor programming tweakage or a few screws tightened at best. I don't think inspection will take very long.

I think queing up at the same time is a much better idea.

[hipsterjr]

Fortunately all of our robots are completed, and need some minor programming tweakage or a few screws tightened at best. I don't think inspection will take very long.

I think queing up at the same time is a much better idea.

That match against 343 banged us up pretty good. We are going to bring an extra gather modual (only 12 lbs:D ) and if our current one gets too banged up, we'll just pop it off and pin in the new one.

The hardest part of the will just be getting all 6 teams up at the same time. We will have to get togeter work out at time good for us all.

[sdcantrell56]

Yeah maybe we should all meet early thursday morning and work out a plan. I know we will be replacing our front intake ramp since we destroyed our other one at Peachtree. We will also be transplanting the shooter head which should be quick.

[RMS11]

On Thursday we should get the drivers or captains from teams 1771, 1746, 1261 & 343, 342, 1319 together and make a request for a exibition match during practices. I'm sure there will be a point some time Thursday (possiblly Friday) that they could squeze us in.
Hopefully the local news comes again! That mock match for the news last year was so much fun. Everyone basiclly ran untill their batteries were completly dead and could no longer move.:cool: Ah, good times.



I don't think that 2515 is scedualed for Palmetto. Either I'm mistaken or you meant another team.

Is that 2415??? Our shooter is ready to go!

[Andrew Y.]

Hey guys looking for some parking informations. Cant seem to find anything on the Palmetto website.

We will be brining our trailer, but unfortunately our driver has to leave wednesday night and return on saturday to pick it up. I can not drive the trailer due to school insurance policies.

Is there a place to park the trailer close to the arena that we can keep there over night? Thanks, any help would be GREAT!

[Jeff Pahl]

In Pittsburgh last weekend, we were not allow to fill in on practice day unless we had completed total inspection and that was a long process with the number of teams we had being there for their first regional. We did not have any problems with inspection other than just finding time between practice matches to stand in line for the software and weight/sizing and then waiting for the inspectors to come to the pit to complete it. We got a couple of extra matches toward the end of the day.

You only have to complete the full inspection if you want to be in "The Filler Line" after lunch. However, there has been some confusion on this at times, so you may need to bring a copy of the manual with you...

In the morning you still have to meet the minimum practice requirements: bumpers, correct firmware, correct WPA key. Note that if you have competed at a prior regional, the WPA key still needs to be updated, you get a new one each event!



3.6.1.2 The Filler Line
Although teams may not switch practice times, there will be a designated Filler Line at
each Regional Competition. Teams whose robots are ready for practice may join the
filler line. Teams from the Filler Line will be used on a first come, first serve basis to fill
empty spots in practice matches left by other teams that do not show up for their own
practice match. Filler Lines will be limited to at most, six robots, but is dependent upon
space at venues. Criteria for joining the filler line are as follows:
- Teams must join the Filler Line with their robot
- Teams may not work on their robot while in the Filler Line
- Teams may not occupy more than one spot in the Filler Line
- If a team is queued up for their practice match, they may not join the Filler Line
- Robots in the Filler Line, after the lunch break, must have passed full inspection.

[Josh Drake]

Hey guys looking for some parking informations. Cant seem to find anything on the Palmetto website.

We will be brining our trailer, but unfortunately our driver has to leave wednesday night and return on saturday to pick it up. I can not drive the trailer due to school insurance policies.

Is there a place to park the trailer close to the arena that we can keep there over night? Thanks, any help would be GREAT!

Parking nearby:) . We will be dropping our trailer too. Look up Clemson University parking maps. The large one that most busses and trailers will be in is the West End zone parking lot next to Littlejohn Coliseum. If you get there early, you may be able to drop the trailer in a lot a little closer, but I'm not associated with that end of things. If you plan on dropping it Wednesday night, get with somebody official to make sure it's okay where you leave it.

[ttldomination]

:D. I found out I can come to Palmetto, now just for Parental permission...ouch. But that's pretty good.

As far as the epic match is concerned, I don't think we need to worry that much about it. The field crew/event organizers are probably nice enough to help us set up a match. Who knows, maybe one of them is reading the thread right now.

[rfolea]

Hey guys looking for some parking informations. Cant seem to find anything on the Palmetto website.

We will be brining our trailer, but unfortunately our driver has to leave wednesday night and return on saturday to pick it up. I can not drive the trailer due to school insurance policies.

Is there a place to park the trailer close to the arena that we can keep there over night? Thanks, any help would be GREAT!

Hey Andrew,

The Team contact should have recieved a packet of information via e-mail from the planning committee.

In it, you will find parking maps. There is a dedicated parking lot for trailers right next to the venue.

[rfolea]

* * * ANNOUNCING THE FIRST ANNUAL BORDER WARS TOURNAMENT * * *

We have spoken with the event staff and they are willing to accommodate us.

This will be at 5:00 Thursday evening. There will be a TV crew there from WYFF with John Cessirick.

Will make final arrangements on Thursday

Got game? BRING IT!!!!

Come find me Thursday and we'll pull it together (We're making this up as we go along).

The planning and event guys liked the idea of making this a fun annual tradition, so bring a positive attitude and a bucket of gracious professionalism!

We may even have a trophy!!!

See you in a few days!!!

- Rick

[sdcantrell56]

Rick,

This is going to be so awesome. I guess that means we need to be done with the improvements by 5 on thursday then. This should work well to speed us up. I can't wait for an all out showdown.

[ttldomination]

Mr. Folea,

can we confirm that it's 1261, 1771, and 1746 vs 343, 342, and 1319?

[hipsterjr]

Rick this is the best news I've heard all day!!:yikes:

The Burning Flash of Metal is ready to graciously accept a match against the Global Lion Alliance. I can't even begin to imagine the scores that would be put up in that game!!! This will be the best Palmetto ever!

[ttldomination]

I do believe it is North Ridge Alliance

[Billfred]

(cough)D-Capitals Locos(hack)

(wheeze)

;)

[hipsterjr]

I do believe it is North Ridge Alliance

Global Agenda Gamers, RoboLions, Forsyth Alliance

how do you get "north ridge"?:confused:

[Vikesrock]

how do you get "north ridge"?:confused:

From the High School names of 1771 (North Gwinnett High) and 1261 (Peachtree Ridge)

[astallasalion]

An annual occurrence would make me ridiculously stoked to be a sophomore. 8-)

Team names are kind of trivial, why don't we focus on making this one of the best memories at Palmetto?

[Graham Donaldson]

Guess we've got a annual grudge match on our hands... :D! I can't wait!

Pity there aren't other teams from the tri-state area that we know going down...I'd love to see us take you guys on.

[1261scout]

Personally, I like the name "North Ridge Alliance". It flows really well.

Who ever had the Border War idea: mad props. This is so excellent!

[ttldomination]

I do believe Kakashi1261 came up with "North Ridge Alliance", or he was the first one I heard using it.

[rfolea]

Please try to think of this as a friendly "Scoring Exhibition" as opposed to a "grudge Match."

Now for the important stuff - how BIG do you want this trophy to be?

We have something special in mind ... <grin>

Let's assume it will be the original concept:

Burning Flash of Metal vs North Ridge Alliance

Each team should invite a 4th robot to be prepared to stand in if one of the primaries dies ...

I'm hoping for a best 2 out of 3, but that will depend on how the day goes and how quickly we wear out our welcome ...

Expect it to be at the end of the day AFTER practice rounds.

Stay tuned ... Most of the details will be decided Thursday.

- Rick

[cziggy343]

Please try to think of this as a friendly "Scoring Exhibition" as opposed to a "grudge Match."

Now for the important stuff - how BIG do you want this trophy to be?

We have something special in mind ... <grin>

Let's assume it will be the original concept:

Burning Flash of Metal vs North Ridge Alliance

Each team should invite a 4th robot to be prepared to stand in if one of the primaries dies ...

I'm hoping for a best 2 out of 3, but that will depend on how the day goes and how quickly we wear out our welcome ...

Expect it to be at the end of the day AFTER practice rounds.

Stay tuned ... Most of the details will be decided Thursday.

- Rick

beast... thats all i have to say

[Graham Donaldson]

Ok, maybe "grudge match" wasn't the right word...actually, it definitely wasn't. I guess we should just stick with an annual trophy match.

Anyways, can't wait to see this go down! Does anything else like this really exist in FIRST?

Imagine if we were to make this something traditional at regionals...teams form alliances and for an hour each day, the field was open for competition- all you had to do was sign up in advance. If not at a regional, maybe at IRI or another big off-season? *hint*hint*

[Akash Rastogi]

"grudge match"

Maybe in 2010 MORT and 25 will come down with 1676. "Y'all" can give us a fancy beating in a match. ^_^

[team1102a]

* * * ANNOUNCING THE FIRST ANNUAL BORDER WARS TOURNAMENT * * *

We have spoken with the event staff and they are willing to accommodate us.

This will be at 5:00 Thursday evening. There will be a TV crew there from WYFF with John Cessirick.

- Rick


I presume you will need a game announcer. I will be happy to accomodate you. I had a 5:00 appointment on Thrusday to close on a house I am buying near Clemson, but I will change my schedule to accomodate you. Chiniqua won't be there yet, but I am sure we can find an MC.

regards
barry hudson

[Thermal]

(cough)D-Capitals Locos(hack)

(wheeze)

;)

We need a better name....

[Kakashi1261]

Rick, thanks for all the work you have put into this already! Leave it to "Iron Man" to do everything. From setting up and inviting us to your team's practice field, to talking to the event staff to set up this EPIC match. You ROCK!

[Tom Bishop]

Wow, this looks Epic:) Another good reason for 832 to go to Palmetto next year. Maybe make this a "home and away" type of series at Peachtree and Palmetto. Awesome! Have fun guys!

[cziggy343]

"Y'all" can give us a fancy beating in a match. ^_^

are you making fun of our southern talk? ;)

[Josh Drake]

I presume you will need a game announcer. I will be happy to accomodate you. I had a 5:00 appointment on Thrusday to close on a house I am buying near Clemson, but I will change my schedule to accomodate you. Chiniqua won't be there yet, but I am sure we can find an MC.

regards
barry hudson

Barry,
Moving into the area, or a second house? There are a couple of teams nearby if your moving. 2751 comes to mind, and then there's always us.:D

[santosh]

Each team should invite a 4th robot to be prepared to stand in if one of the primaries dies ...
Team 2415 is down to stand in.
I have a test and cant leave Emory till 12:45 Thursday but I might be able to make this. Andrew will be there i think... Or maybe there arent going to be any mentors thursday....

Regardless our kiddies will be intelligent enough to find you and try and step in. Every thing on our robot is completely working... finally (sans fully functioning autotracking)

Just give me a call or shoot me an email

[Gene F]

I presume you will need a game announcer. I will be happy to accomodate you. I had a 5:00 appointment on Thrusday to close on a house I am buying near Clemson, but I will change my schedule to accomodate you. Chiniqua won't be there yet, but I am sure we can find an MC.

regards
barry hudson

This sounds like fun! I wouldn't mind making a cameo reprisal in the role of MC. :)

[ttldomination]

Well, we're planning on playing best 2 outta 3 format. I'm sure there's room for more than 1 MC. :D.

[hipsterjr]

Ok, so 2415 has stepped up as the GA back up. Any nominations for the SC Alliance 4th pick?

[ttldomination]

:D. Welcome aboard 2415. :D. A SC pick?

Hm...This is interesting. Oh well, I must continue to scout the Palmetto teams. Muahahha.

[cziggy343]

:D. Welcome aboard 2415. :D. A SC pick?

Hm...This is interesting. Oh well, I must continue to scout the Palmetto teams. Muahahha.

hey billfred, we're calling you out here... any of the columbia teams want to stand as the 4th pick?

[ttldomination]

Just out of curiosity, some regionals play close to 11 qual. matches, but some, like p'tree only play around 9. So anyone know how many qualification matches we will be playing at Palmetto?

[Akash Rastogi]

NJ plays 7 usually.

[DonRotolo]

(cough)D-Capitals Locos(hack)
(wheeze)You better get that cough looked at by someone, it sounds contagious....

[Shmee]

Team 2415 is down to stand in.
I have a test and cant leave Emory till 12:45 Thursday but I might be able to make this. Andrew will be there i think... Or maybe there arent going to be any mentors thursday....



Indeeds, Santosh, there will be no mentors on Thursday until you and Giacomo arrive.

Team 2415 will try our best (we'll be working on autotracking almost all of Thursday), but we're having a substitute human player and coach...

[Billfred]

hey billfred, we're calling you out here... any of the columbia teams want to stand as the 4th pick?
Hey, I'm currently distracted with other things (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69682). (And doing pretty well to boot.) Let me get back to the right time zone, then we'll talk. ;)

[MikeReilly]

Just to give credit where it's due:

The "border war" concept was thrown down by Drake343, regarding the SC move to the Peachtree Regional:

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showpost.php?p=774829&postcount=11

It's going to be SO COOL! Since we're a late entry to Palmetto, many of our team can't be there Thursday. Please, someone post this match video!

[rfolea]

\*********************************************
\************** NEWS FLASH *******************
\*********************************************

OTTO SUFFERS "CRUSHING" DEFEAT

SCORE: FedEx: 1 OTTO: 0

Sorry I haven't been around guys .. we found out Thursday evening
that FedEx dropped a 1/4 ton skid of 2ft diameter, 4"thick steel
sprockets on Otto.

The skid was on top of a taller crate behind ours in the truck.
While in transit the skid came loose, crashed through the top
of our crate and smashed our robot.

The impact actually pressed the robot through the bottom of the crate.

Destroyed the right side of the robot, smashed the cRio, destroyed
the drive train, etc ...

FedEx, Show Ready Events and FIRST have been marvelous in helping
us try to recover. They have given us a few days to do CPR and apply
as many bandages as possible ....

You can see the large sprockets in the attached pictures ...

[rfolea]

Border Wars MC

Geezz ... I didn't know we had so many MC's available.

I was assuming I would have to do it (not pretty ..)

Barry, if you are available we would love to have you.

Otherwise, Gene and I will muddle through it ...


Trophy is designed - we just have to find time to fab it (we're a little distracted at the moment ..)


Now .. If we can just get PEACHTREE to do the same thing we could turn this into an annual spectacle. I'm working on it (like you had to ask ...<grin>).

[martin417]

Rick,

Do you need any help resurrecting Otto? 1771 is available! If you would like, I will call around and get some of our guys to drive over this morning and lend aid / perform CPR. I know you guys are quite capable, but if you need more hands, I am sure we have several willing to jump in.

Also, do you need parts? We may have some extra KOP items we aren't using. Let us know.

Martin

[Josh Drake]

If there is anything we can do to help, holler. We've had shipping problems in the past, but nothing this bad:eek:

[rfolea]

Thanks guys, I think we are in good shape. Just have a few long days ahead of us. We have to re-manufacture a LOT of custom parts to replace the damaged components. Very time consuming ...

We expect Otto to make a full recovery (although, somewhat untested ..).

May have some loose ends to tie off on Thursday, but otherwise should be ok.

Keep your fingers crossed.

- Rick

[ttldomination]

That's nice to hear. None the less, if you ever need anything, please give either Tanner or someone else on 1261 an email or holler and we'll surely find someway to help out.

[Graham Donaldson]

\*********************************************
\************** NEWS FLASH *******************
\*********************************************

OTTO SUFFERS "CRUSHING" DEFEAT

SCORE: FedEx: 1 OTTO: 0

Sorry I haven't been around guys .. we found out Thursday evening
that FedEx dropped a 1/4 ton skid of 2ft diameter, 4"thick steel
sprockets on Otto.

The skid was on top of a taller crate behind ours in the truck.
While in transit the skid came loose, crashed through the top
of our crate and smashed our robot.

The impact actually pressed the robot through the bottom of the crate.
...
You can see the large sprockets in the attached pictures ...

Ok, 3 things:


Wow, that really stinks- having to rebuild that in a week cannot be too fun.
I'm happy for you that FIRST is being considerate with this- do you have the robot back at your shop, and how's it getting to Palmetto?
Who uses SOLID STEEL SPROCKETS that are that big?!?!?! :ahh:


Good luck guys- hope to see you in fighting form on Thursday.

[santosh]

You probably should have built a better crate... haha just kidding.
You know that if you need anything we have you covered. Just give me or Andrew a call or Mr. Rosen or Dr. Bennet. We have a solid number of left over parts.
And If there isnt any room in your trailer to bring Otto up, we have our trailer which will more than likely have room for your robot. This way you wont have to sacrifice bringing anything else up

[team1102a]

Barry,
Moving into the area, or a second house? There are a couple of teams nearby if your moving. 2751 comes to mind, and then there's always us.:D

Buying rental property for my wife's sister to live in. I grew up in Seneca. Clemson Grad '77 and '78. Moved away after graduation. Still feels like home, though.

[team1102a]

Border Wars MC

Geezz ... I didn't know we had so many MC's available.

I was assuming I would have to do it (not pretty ..)

Barry, if you are available we would love to have you.

Otherwise, Gene and I will muddle through it ...

..<grin>).

With this much action, we'll need two Announcers and MCs. I would even encourage a team mamber to try their hand at either position.

[rfolea]

And If there isnt any room in your trailer to bring Otto up, we have our trailer which will more than likely have room for your robot. This way you wont have to sacrifice bringing anything else up

We can't bring Otto up in our trailer.

We have about 3 days to get this done, then it has to be on the FedEx truck for shipping.

We're being REAL careful to stay within the rules and guidelines so no one can claim we had an unfair advantage. (I'm still trying to find the rules about unfair DIS-Advantage ...)

How's THAT for irony ... <grin>

- Rick

[ttldomination]

Honestly, I wouldn't care if you guys bought a whole nother robot up to regionals, but I'm pretty sure others would. :D.

Couldn't you guys take the parts off your copy-bot and then simply replace the damaged ones instead making whole new parts..?

[hipsterjr]

Everone else has already offered, but I would still like to offer 342's assistance in anyway. We will send every student we can to help otto get back to prime proforming condition (so you can most likely come back and beat us:rolleyes: ).

[rfolea]

Couldn't you guys take the parts off your copy-bot and then simply replace the damaged ones instead making whole new parts..?

Actually, while they look similar, the two were built differently. It would actually be more work to take 09-B apart, modify the parts and adapt them to 09-A.

Also, we weren't sure about the legality of using those parts, so to keep everything simple and clean we are just fabing replacement parts from scratch.

We're doing pretty well, the mechanical guys have almost finished, now we have to reconstruct the electronics. We might even get to power it up today!

Then we find out what else is broken ...

Thanks again to everyone for the support!


We are very fortunate - in a morbid sort of way - that this happened to us. We have the resources and ability to re-build. I'm just glad it didn't happen to a rookie team or someone that is less able to cope....

[DonRotolo]

The ultimate show of engineering expertise would be if you could incorporate the offending sprockets into the design in some way... (Might be hard to make weight, though).:D

Good luck, I am excited to get to see Otto 09-A/2 in person.

[BenX02]

"It would be very interesting to see 343, 342, 1319 v 1771, 1746, 2515

Dumpers vs Shooters.

Answer the question once and for all ..."

Man, I would love to see that, we're not going to be there, but I know you all from Peachtree. That would be one exciting match.

[martin417]

My biggest question is, what possible use could there be for 4" thick, 24" diameter sprockets? Is someone building a mine train? I would hate to have to deal with those things! A rough calculation says they weigh around 255 Lb. each. It's easy to see why they caused so much damage.

[ttldomination]

Those sprockets would be good defense. :D.

MUAHAHAHAH.

Folea - I see. We generally make copies but this year, our build season didn't go too well so the copy was actually better than the real one. :D.

Oh well, good luck. When do you have to have the robot out by?

[Zflash]

Keeping with the theme of dumpers vs. shooters, who is SCs fourth member for the alliance in case one breaks. I'm thinking 1102, 2815 both made it to the semis at thier previos events, or maybe even 2751 (this will be there 1st comp), all are solid dumpers that could help if needed.

Things probably want get to rough since it is at 5 and there will not be alot of time to get a broken robot fixed for qualifications, however these will be some intense matches. Best of luck to OTTO on getting that robot of yours functioning again. Only 3 more days till this epic battle, can't wait.

[RMS11]

Keeping with the theme of dumpers vs. shooters, who is SCs fourth member for the alliance in case one breaks. I'm thinking 1102, 2815 both made it to the semis at thier previos events, or maybe even 2751 (this will be there 1st comp), all are solid dumpers that could help if needed.

Things probably want get to rough since it is at 5 and there will not be alot of time to get a broken robot fixed for qualifications, however these will be some intense matches. Best of luck to OTTO on getting that robot of yours functioning again. Only 3 more days till this epic battle, can't wait.

So what are the alliances for this battle, and is it shooter vs. dumper or GA vs. SC? Or both???

[cziggy343]

So what are the alliances for this battle, and is it shooter vs. dumper or GA vs. SC? Or both???

i think that the alliances are going to be 343, 342, 1319 vs 1771, 1746, 1261 with both alliances having a back-up bot. coincidentally, this is GA vs. SC and shooters vs dumpers

[Zflash]

So what are the alliances for this battle, and is it shooter vs. dumper or GA vs. SC? Or both???

It is a SC vs. GA match however it will also decide the shooter vs. dumper debate, this is what makes it epic. I was just suggesting that the SC alliance pick another dumper as its backup to keep in line with the theme.

Any volunteers?

[RMS11]

Is 1261 a dumper or a shooter then?

[sdcantrell56]

1261 is a dumper. I really dont want to make this into a shooter vs. dumper match since I think the whole idea is bogus. I don't even know how to classify our robot according to most peoples notions.

I am definitely looking forward to the border war though. I think this will be an awesome sight.

[1261scout]

I agree, this is meant to be a GA vs. SC thing. I'm most excited about Thursday simply because of the border war. PLEEEEEEEEEAASE tell me there'll be video archived.

I think 1771's robot fits into the third category: "Whatever, the thing owns".

[sdcantrell56]

I agree, this is meant to be a GA vs. SC thing. I'm most excited about Thursday simply because of the border war. PLEEEEEEEEEAASE tell me there'll be video archived.

I think 1771's robot fits into the third category: "Whatever, the thing owns".

HAHA thanks man. I will try to get our video person there with his HD camera. I think he's coming up Thursday. It would be great if we can get other people videoing as well.

[ttldomination]

At the core, we're a dumper.

I believe this match is more GA vs. SC than shooter vs. dumper. :D.

[astallasalion]

Tanner (our lead programmer) is gonna try to attach his Flip Camera onto the bot. We should hopefully have a bot-cam for that match. Leave it to Tanner for awesomeness!! A mount shouldn't be terribly hard to make. :D

...and I think that you're allowed to attach a camera to your bot in regular matches too. I saw a team doing it. Idk though >_<.

and 1771, I think that you've invented your own category of robot yet again.

[ttldomination]

I'm sure Tanner will also be taping the match from the stands so that shouldn't be a big deal. :D.

[1261scout]

and we'll be taping from the driver's station. I forgot about that earlier.

[hipsterjr]

and we'll be taping from the driver's station. I forgot about that earlier.

Same here. It would be cool if we could compile everyone's video into one uber-epic video. PM me if you want to trade video Thursday night.

[Billfred]

Keeping with the theme of dumpers vs. shooters, who is SCs fourth member for the alliance in case one breaks. I'm thinking 1102, 2815 both made it to the semis at thier previos events, or maybe even 2751 (this will be there 1st comp), all are solid dumpers that could help if needed.

I'll be wearing a 1618 shirt at Palmetto (and, if you ask me who I'm with at Palmetto, I'll probably say 1618), but I can pass along the topic to the folks who'll be working more closely with Los Pollos Locos at Palmetto. Given how well Cocked and Loaded ran at Bayou (hardly any problems, just one small sprocket shield added inside the conveyors), I imagine it won't be a huge problem.

[ttldomination]

So I was interested to see who else is staying in the Fairfield Inn & Suites Anderson Clemson?

Team 1261 is there. I believe we have 6-7 rooms. I'm not entirely sure though.

[cziggy343]

So I was interested to see who else is staying in the Fairfield Inn & Suites Anderson Clemson?

Team 1261 is there. I believe we have 6-7 rooms. I'm not entirely sure though.

im sleeping in my own bed :) but i did just want to give a friendly reminder... from where that hotel is, it is right next to I-85 in anderson. i know that ya'll are from the atlanta area, but make sure that you leave early enough b/c over there traffic could get bad around 7:30-8:00.

[ttldomination]

:D. Thanks.

Our Robot doesn't really need any modifications. We may add some little things, but nothing major so we'll be leaving at around 7:30 and hope to get there around 9.

But we'll go directly to the stadium.

It'll be interesting to see the state of the stadium when we're roughly 1 hour late. :D. It's my first time at Palmetto, so seeing anything will be a wonder.

[cziggy343]

It'll be interesting to see the state of the stadium when we're roughly 1 hour late. :D. It's my first time at Palmetto, so seeing anything will be a wonder.

it will probably be in a crazed frenzy as usual:D

[Billfred]

It'll be interesting to see the state of the stadium when we're roughly 1 hour late. :D. It's my first time at Palmetto, so seeing anything will be a wonder.
You'll see fields. And pastures. And trees. Lots of trees.

(That's not even me sniping at Clemson--Barry, Chris, wanna vouch for me?)

[cziggy343]

You'll see fields. And pastures. And trees. Lots of trees.

(That's not even me sniping at Clemson--Barry, Chris, wanna vouch for me?)

he's right... lots of cows, lots of trees, a couple of golf courses, a big football stadium, and a lot of hills:)

[ttldomination]

and..and..Kangaroos???

:D.

[Jeff 801]

I agree, this is meant to be a GA vs. SC thing. I'm most excited about Thursday simply because of the border war. PLEEEEEEEEEAASE tell me there'll be video archived.

I think 1771's robot fits into the third category: "Whatever, the thing owns".

In General I know 801 will be there trying to archive the entire regional

[Andrew Y.]

Please try to think of this as a friendly "Scoring Exhibition" as opposed to a "grudge Match."

Now for the important stuff - how BIG do you want this trophy to be?

We have something special in mind ... <grin>

Let's assume it will be the original concept:

Burning Flash of Metal vs North Ridge Alliance

Each team should invite a 4th robot to be prepared to stand in if one of the primaries dies ...

I'm hoping for a best 2 out of 3, but that will depend on how the day goes and how quickly we wear out our welcome ...

Expect it to be at the end of the day AFTER practice rounds.

Stay tuned ... Most of the details will be decided Thursday.

- Rick


C'mon Mr. Folea... i leave for THREE days and you break your robot?!:eek: :D

But wow... my face was in disgust from those pictures....cant imagine yours when you got the call:ahh:

[team1102a]

You'll see fields. And pastures. And trees. Lots of trees.

(That's not even me sniping at Clemson--Barry, Chris, wanna vouch for me?)

I can't deny it. How do you get to Clemson?
Go North till you smell "it", East till to see "it", and then North again till you step in "it".
OR
Get a 1400 on the SAT.

[davidalln]

Does anyone with previous experience at Palmetto know whether or not they will allow teams on the field during lunch/after matches on Thursday to calibrate our camera? The refs allowed us to do this at Peachtree, but some extra preperations may be necessary if the rules are different here.

[cziggy343]

and..and..Kangaroos???

:D.

nice. i wish there were kangaroos:D

[ttldomination]

I wish there were kangaroos everywhere...:D.

As for trying to get onto the field during lunch, I'm not sure if anyone here can give an official answer. Your best bet would be to email the regional contact and ask him/her.

[team1102a]

Does anyone with previous experience at Palmetto know whether or not they will allow teams on the field during lunch/after matches on Thursday to calibrate our camera? The refs allowed us to do this at Peachtree, but some extra preperations may be necessary if the rules are different here.

I think this would be fine on Thursday, but not Friday or Saturday. I will campaign on your behalf if you need an advocate with the Field Reps. I do know that the lighting may be different during practice matches than during the competitions. Will that impact you?

[team1102a]

We can't bring Otto up in our trailer.

We have about 3 days to get this done, then it has to be on the FedEx truck for shipping.

We're being REAL careful to stay within the rules and guidelines so no one can claim we had an unfair advantage. (I'm still trying to find the rules about unfair DIS-Advantage ...)

How's THAT for irony ... <grin>

- Rick

I hope you got a tiny pair of crutches and somehow added them to your robot. If you can get photos of the damage to me on a flash drive at the event, I will see if we can do a story during some dead time.

[Tanner]

I certainly will be recording this border war, though I haven't decided how yet. A robot mount is a idea, but I have yet to build the mount or figure out where a good spot would be (or even if it is legal for that matter). I've got a control board mount for watching the field and will be watching another one to watch our drivers during the match, which I predict will be quite funny judging from the audio I got from Peachtree recordings.

Overall, I'm excited for Palmetto. First time to go, but it'll be fun. I can't turn down a chance to take another 3,000 pictures of a regional. Hope the weather is good though, I'd rather fly up than drive (even though it is a short drive).

-Tanner

[team1102a]

The high score for all events is 151. Who predicts they can beat that on Friday?

There will be an announcer's challenge to score all 4 Super Cells.

[Aidan F. Browne]

Does anyone with previous experience at Palmetto know whether or not they will allow teams on the field during lunch/after matches on Thursday to calibrate our camera? The refs allowed us to do this at Peachtree, but some extra preperations may be necessary if the rules are different here.

David,

This doesn't appear to be a local ruling - according to the follow Q&A post, this is available to teams at all events:

http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=11118

Aidan

[rfolea]

***************************************
- - - - - - - - - - NEWS FLASH - - - - - - - - - - -
***************************************

FIRST is asking us to postpone this friendly competition
for a more appropriate venue, like and off-season event.

So ...

We will still do a staged exhibition for the TV news media,
but it won't have anything 'official' about it

No name, no scoring, no trophy ... etc.

Please have someone from each of the 6 teams come
find me Thursday so we can coordinate.

- Rick

p.s. Your friendly neighborhood GeorgiaFIRST committee is
planning TWO offseason events. And YOU are invited!

Keep an eye on www.gafirst.org for an announcement!

The great thing about this is we can organize SEVERAL different
match-ups to allow more folks to get involved!

Two days - We can't wait (FYI: Otto might actually make it!)

[Kakashi1261]

***************************************
- - - - - - - - - - NEWS FLASH - - - - - - - - - - -
***************************************

FIRST is asking us to postpone this friendly competition
for a more appropriate venue, like and off-season event.

So ...

We will still do a staged exhibition for the TV news media,
but it won't have anything 'official' about it

No name, no scoring, no trophy ... etc.

Please have someone from each of the 6 teams come
find me Thursday so we can coordinate.

- Rick

p.s. Your friendly neighborhood GeorgiaFIRST committee is
planning TWO offseason events. And YOU are invited!

Keep an eye on www.gafirst.org for an announcement!

The great thing about this is we can organize SEVERAL different
match-ups to allow more folks to get involved!

Two days - We can't wait (FYI: Otto might actually make it!)

Wow. This may not be good. Summer is PACKED for me. I will be going to England, Africa, Miami, then be a Camp Counciler. Umm. Also, If we do it off-season, will FIRST give us an official field to use? Televise it? Announce it? Keep it just our 6 teams?

[hipsterjr]

:( EPIC FAIL!!!:mad: I was so looking forward to this. This match may be the only way we see these 6 teams on the field at the same time.

[Tom Bishop]

We will still do a staged exhibition for the TV news media,
but it won't have anything 'official' about it

No name, no scoring, no trophy ... etc.

Please have someone from each of the 6 teams come
find me Thursday so we can coordinate.


Sounds like you can do the exhibition, just not make a big production out of it. Disappointing to be sure, but perhaps fairer to the other teams at the competition:)

[Josh Drake]

I still come back to the practice rounds. Things at Peachtree were first come first served. The first 4 rounds at Peachtree were no shows, and I mean all 6 teams. We will be making mods, but should be done by 10am if all goes well.
Our pit will be tucked away in our top secret hiding spot at Palmetto. If you ask the right people you may be able to find us. No, seriously, we will most likely be where the practice field was last year along with 3 other lucky teams. Make sure you stop by and see us:D

[ttldomination]

Oh well. We're still having the same teams. We can HAPPEN to keep score, and HAPPEN to keep it up.

[team1102a]

Oh well. We're still having the same teams. We can HAPPEN to keep score, and HAPPEN to keep it up.

The MC and Announcer have the OK from the event staff to be practicing and checking sound levels at that time as well.

[cziggy343]

The MC and Announcer have the OK from the event staff to be practicing and checking sound levels at that time as well.

im liking this just keeping it on the down-low thing. it could work...

[Kevin Thorp]

BAE Systems and Team 342 are hosting Autodesk Inventor and 3ds Max seminars all day Friday & Saturday morning at Palmetto. Information and a sign-up sheet will be at the registration table. Or you can email elizabethbarndollar@gmail.com.

Topics:

Intoduction to 3ds Max
Introduction to Inventor
3ds Max Workshop
Inventor workshop

The "Intro" seminars are aimed at total newbies. The workshops are where users can share and discuss their work, and solve problems. Bring your files on a USB drive.

Should be interesting!

[Gary Dillard]

It's supposed to rain all day tomorrow - does anyone know how much covered area there is around the venue? We're going to be unloading all of our stuff around 7:30 and I guess standing around outside until the pits open at 8:30. I would at least like to keep our electronics and computers dry.

[Josh Drake]

LATEST INFO:
The match durring the news will be somewhat low key. Be prepared between 5:00 and 6:30. Announcer, and scoring look to be available.
We may be able to get the t-shirt launcher indoors. The event would like to give out Lunacy shirts, and we offered this way to deliver them.
There is a large tunnel that leads into the venue, and will keep things dry. The road that is used to unload also has a large tent and practice field on it. So unloading will be done, and then trailers will have to u-turn to get out. Shouldn't be a problem. Make sure to come in from the East.
The 5th Gear simulator will be making an appearance at another venue, and not Palmetto.
The pits will be along the line of 9'X9', the overflow teams are the ones that registered later, and their pits will be more like 10'X10'

[Mark Jones]

PALMETTO WEBCAST INFO

This event will be webcast Friday and Saturday. Just point your browser to: http://www.clemson.edu/tlt/stream/frc/

[Mrs.Drake343]

All the robots have been tucked in for the night. They were a little restless at first because they were so excited about tomorrow!!

[Thermal]

Hey, we're pitting beside 1319 again this year!

I'll be bringing the radio playing Queen's Flash Gordon theme all day ;-)

[Gary Dillard]

We just pulled into Anderson, SC. Is it 7:45 am yet?

[Gary Dillard]

VISITOR INTERNET ACCESS:

I just talked to the IT helpdesk at Clemson.

Here is the procedure.

Search for wireless networks. You will see a "Clemson Guest" network.

Connect to it and browse. You will get a screen that ask for you to create a username and then you enter an email address or a cell phone number.

Click 'submit'

The "Clemson Guest" system will send you a confirmation email or text message with password.

Then enter your username and password and you are on the net.

There is no charge.

Good Luck.

Clemson IT Helpdesk - 864 656 3494

Uh, how do you check your email for the password if you can't connect to the network without it?

[Billfred]

Uh, how do you check your email for the password if you can't connect to the network without it?
I checked my email on my iPhone when we did control system training.

[team1102a]

Uh, how do you check your email for the password if you can't connect to the network without it?

You can have a text message sent to your cell phone.

.......then you enter an email address or a cell phone number.

[ebarker]

Uh, how do you check your email for the password if you can't connect to the network without it?

a) you can tell it to send the info via text message to your cell phone

b) or check your email on a working computer.

That is why they did the cell phone thing. It is in my instructions...

[Kevin Thorp]

It appears that most of the Palmetto Links on the USFIRST site are broken:

http://www2.usfirst.org/2009comp/events/SC/matchresults.html
http://www2.usfirst.org/2009comp/events/SC/rankings.html
http://www2.usfirst.org/2009comp/events/SC/awards.html

I know there is no information to post yet (9:45 am Thursday) but for the other regionals they have placeholder web pages. Only for Palmetto do you see a "Not Found" message.

[Graham Donaldson]

^is loving having internet while sitting watching practice matches at Palmetto.

My only question is...if Clemson has a wireless network, why does FIRST not allow teams to have them? Or is there not a rule against them this year?

[MikeReilly]

Any chance they need to test the webcast when the emcee's are practicing, and some teams from, say, Georgia and South Carolina, all happen to be practicing?

Not going to be there, but would love to watch "practice".

[Jeff 801]

Team 801 has a Ustream of the regional currently running

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/first-palmetto-regional-2009

[Kevin Thorp]

From the FIRST people:
"The links are not broken, there just aren't any pages available to view yet. The placeholder pages may not have been uploaded due to an internet issue at the venue, but they will be up when the matches begin."

It appears that most of the Palmetto Links on the USFIRST site are broken:

http://www2.usfirst.org/2009comp/events/SC/matchresults.html
http://www2.usfirst.org/2009comp/events/SC/rankings.html
http://www2.usfirst.org/2009comp/events/SC/awards.html

I know there is no information to post yet (9:45 am Thursday) but for the other regionals they have placeholder web pages. Only for Palmetto do you see a "Not Found" message.

[BenX02]

Yay! The webcast is up!

I'm super excited about watching all the teams I met at Peachtree, specifically 2415, 1771, 1776, and 1261 (speaking of which just won the first match). I'm rooting for all you guys, and hope to see you in Atlanta.

[cziggy343]

well... day one of the competition was pretty awesome! i hope that day two will be amazing (and im sure it will be:D) im super excited!

[MikeReilly]

It was a great day 1! Personally, I'm very impressed with the driving of 801, you're awesome. Of course, the usual suspects are impressive (342, 343 and many other SC teams), and 425 is a pretty cool surprise, love the hats. If the standings remain similar to the overnight, should be very interesting selections. Thanks to Uncle Jake's BBQ for some free food out front!

[BenX02]

I can't tell you how jealous I am of you guys. :( I'm sitting here in NC being bored when everyone is there.

And why was the Peachtree team social canceled? When I was watching the Webcast last night, they are like "Team Social at 6:00", my jealousy level went up by 10 points.

Very exciting matches, a lot of unexpected outcomes. Can't wait to see the picking and finals.

[BenX02]

YES!!! 2415!! Congrats guys. Congrats.

Oh, and 1771 and 21 too. :P

[draconar]

Congratulations to 1676 and to all the winners! After watching 1771 and 2415 at Peachtree, I'm glad they get to be at Championships.

@Ben: I get the feeling the Peachtree social didn't happen because of the economy, but I'm not sure on that.

[Barry Bonzack]

congrats 2815 for your allstarness! hope to see you all in Atlanta

[speedbuggy76]

Congrats to 2415, 1771, and 21 for the big win! Wish I could have been there!

[Akash Rastogi]

Holy crap MORT is so happy right now! First 1771 wins! Then friggin 1676 with CHAIRMANS!!! WOOOOOT!:D :D :D :D :D

1771 is EWCP and 1676 is our sister team!

[ttldomination]

Team 1261 had an off regional, and things simply didn't go our way and we lost..we lost a lot.

So going into finals, we were really hoping for a second pick, and thanks to the 4th seeded alliance, we were able to join the finals.

Giving thanks where it's due, I would like to thank 1052 and 1746 for picking us. It was the highlight of a relatively "down" regional, and the alliance was AMAZING. With 3 scoring robots, we easily passed the quarters, and
in the semis, one of teams acquired a second yellow card and got an automatically loss, a match we should have won. Coupled with a loss in the third match, we were out of the championship, a proud, but still hungry alliance.

So I am most grateful to 1746 and 1051.

Congratulations to 1771, 2415, and 21 on the win. 1771 was due for one, and they deserve it. We were hoping to be aboard that epic GA alliance, but 4th seed really gave us a warm welcome, one we couldn't refuse. :P

Now to worlds. We have minor things to do, and I hope that 1746, 1771, and 1261 are in the same division so we can give this GA alliance another try. :D

[ebarker]

And why was the Peachtree team social canceled? When I was watching the Webcast last night, they are like "Team Social at 6:00", my jealousy level went up by 10 points.

Nearly the entire system is not having socials this year due to the economy. There are only 3 or 4 system wide.

It is easier for a university to pull it off if they use their facilities. Much harder if you have to rent a venue.

[alicen]

On behalf of Team 1379 I would like to once again thank Teams 3025 and 2815 for choosing us to join their alliance. You both are amazing rookie teams, and have managed to best some well-worn veterans, we hope to see you again in coming years.

I'd also like to thank 1771, 2415, and 21 for some amazing final matches. We are honored to have lost to such great opponents. I hope you do well at championships.

I'll be there at championships giving VIP tours and be ready because i'll be around telling the VIPs how amazing all of your robots were and how well you compete as teams.

[santosh]

Thanks guys. We were really worried about things when we were 1-3 but were able to close out with a 5 match winning streak thanks to some GREAT alliance partners. Some times not the best alliance but great strategy helped us prevail.

I want to especially thank 1771 for picking us team 21 for being such phenomenal alliance partners. Yall were great and we worked nearly flawlessly together. I would especially like to congratulate all the Georgia teams. In my 6 years in FIRST, I have never seen that many Georgia teams going that far in a regional. FIVE TEAMS. Norcross 1379, Forsythe Alliance 1746, Peachtree Ridge 1261, North Gwinnette 1771, and us Westminster 2415.

I would like to thank all the volunteers for helping getting everything to fit in littlejohn... sort of haha.

Thanks to all the Georgia teams and mentors (Jeremy Roberts and Mr. Rosen) who were continually texting me throughout with support from home. And for Mannie Lowe who was there for us as well at competitions. Wasting my unlimited texts...

Congrats to 1676 for winning Chairmans and 281 for winning EI. I hope that one day our team can match yours in involvement and in embodying the values of FIRST.
Thanks to the Spartans, 425, for helping cheer us on as well at 2438 for helping us as well.

and Congrats to my little "Kiddies" for winning the Entreprenuership award AGAIN and a Regional Championship AGAIN. Maybe we can go for 3 of each in a year at Championships haha...

It was a lot of fun. Kinda like a roller coaster, but without all the wind

[ttldomination]

Hm...Just a comment about the venue,

I think it's time that Palmetto Found another place. Maybe like a convention center or something. Clemson is great, but their court simply doesn't work anymore. The pits are tight, and heck, some of the pits weren't even with the regular pits, they were in the back.

Just a thought, but still none the less, a GREAT regional.

[Magiciandude]

Congrats 1771, 2415, and 21!!!

I can't wait to see you all at the world competition!!!

I would also like to thank team 1051 and 1261 for being such awesome alliance partners in the finals! Thank you for picking us as well!

Congrats to team 1676 as well on the chairman's award! Maybe I'll get a rematch in Smash Bros. now ;)

It was an awesome weekend and a great regional!
I hope I can come back and visit next year :D

-Chris
P.S. Are you happy that you got your Fork Trick, Santosh?

[santosh]

To Magiciandude... thanks for the congrats and Hell yeah I am happy. I have been waiting a long time for the trick. FINALLY.
And yeah ttldomination, I am sure that Clemson gives Littlejohn to FIRST at incredibly discounted rate (which is important during this time), and in turn they were able to plug the univ. of Clemson (which ALL you Juniors in hs should definitely look at (this is coming from an Emory univ Student)), I think they should consider lowering the # of teams or just keep it how it is. It wasnt that bad in all honesty. at first it seemed that way but I think it was fine.

and that is also why they had a social here. the university has the facilities just like Mr. Barker was saying

[Akash Rastogi]

Working with 1771 this season has been awesome, and I look forward to our collaboration in years to come. Good stuff Sean, good stuff. See you in Atlanta dude.:cool:

2415, you guys owned, 2 regionals...i mean c'mon:cool:

2815...holy $@#$@#$@#$@#!

[PlatyPi Gunner]

Congrats to 2415 on two in a row! and congrats to 1771 for getting a championship! and to 21, whom we might see in Atlanta

[RMS11]

Congrats to 2415 on two in a row! and congrats to 1771 for getting a championship! and to 21, whom we might see in Atlanta

Thanks. It all started with you picking us, when things started to finally fall into place!

[rspurlin]

Some thanks and congratulations:

First, congratulations to 3025 for a great run, winning highest rookie seed by being #1 at the end of quals, and for being a regional finalist in their first ever event by captaining an alliance through some truly tough competition. Thanks to you for choosing us to share your moment of glory.

Congratulations also to our regional finalist alliance partners, team 2815, also a rookie who are cherishing their well deserved rookie allstar award along with their finalist medals.

Both of these rookie teams are very impressive and we hope to see much more of you in the future.

Congratulations also go out to team 1771, a team we share some history with. We hope we can strengthen those bonds as we both go forward. After some tough luck at Peachtree, you guys certainly deserved the win.

I cannot say enough great things about 2415 from Westminster. After winning Peachtree, you come north and take a second regional banner home. You're going to need a lot of wall space if you keep this up.

And finally congratulations to Team 21, a great partner for the two of our local teams I'm so familiar with. I hope to learn much more about you and see you again at coming events. I was the one who was honored to help you with your team pictures in the parking lot after the event. I hope they came out all right.

Congratulations are also due to both 1746 and 1261, teams we also consider close members of our local family. Beside both being excellently well run teams that consistently perform well, both overcame adversities in South Carolina to reach eliminations. I'm especially proud of all our Georgia teams that came to Palmetto and all five found their way to the semis. Seeing 1771, 1746 and 1261 together would be a treat at Championships.

I'd also like to add a special thanks to Clemson for their hospitality, along with the Palmetto Regional Planning Committee for staging an excellent event. Don't be surprised if you find some of your ideas adopted a little further south. The team social was great and hopefully a lot like what we'll do at Peachtree when we bring it back.

[Andrew Y.]

Congrats 1771, 2415, and 21!!!
P.S. Are you happy that you got your Fork Trick, Santosh?


WHAT!!.... Santosh? forget santosh...i was sad! I wanted my second fork trick. what am i going to do with one fork....i need two....i expect 4 at championships:yikes:

WOW....Thanks to 1771 and 21 for a GREAT run! Cant say enough on the teamwork and strategy that was going on.

THANKS to everyone for your phone calls and texts!

THANKS to all the teams who helped us out and offered help when me.....um....flipped our robot over befo a mach:D

THANKS to the parents teachers and staff of WESTMINSTER schools AND all our sponsors for supporting us!

SEE ALL YOU GUYS AT CHAMPIONSHIPS

[MikeReilly]

Too sleepy still to write coherently, but here goes a try:

Thanks to 1379 for giving us our start, literally housing our team for the first couple of years, sharing tools, even feeding us. A privilege to face off in a finals with you.

Thanks to 1261 (especially Val and Mary) for their input and guidance on the growth and opportunities for our team.

Thanks to 1746 for sharing their practice facilities, advice, and FIRST spirit with us, we still have a lot to learn from OTTO (except in the case of shipping, we're good there.)

Thanks to 2415 and 21 for a great match, an amazing strategy!

Thanks to Meggitt Training Systems (http://www.meggitt.com) and Gwinnett County (with encouragement from Cisco) for finding that last minute funding to come to Palmetto, and of course GlobalAgendaGame.com for their new sponsorship ( and a really cool game! ).

Finally, we have rocking mentors: Martin, Sean, Jon, Bobbi, Gerald, and many others, we could not do this without you.

For those I left out, sorry, it's early. Pretty cool stuff.

[Billfred]

Don't ask me how I still have my voice, but I do.

Today was a rollercoaster of a day on all levels, one that's thrown the gauntlet down to all of the teams I've worked with. Some shouts:

1293, my alma mater, for finally making the elimination rounds. The kids that were freshmen my last year mentoring them are now seniors, and it's been three LONG seasons. (And, as someone who was there at the start, a LONGER five.) This year, everything just came together. Even if it was just two matches, I hope it's the beginnings of something much more.

1676 for winning Chairman's. They were 1618's neighbors at Palmetto and nothing but a class act. I hope it takes them less time to come back to Palmetto again. (They medal every time they do!)

1730 for helping out all the folks they've helped out. If someone told me they'd helped every other team in the arena, I would probably believe them. It got to the point that I had to ask if they brought a kitchen sink. (They hadn't.) Teams like yours save teams like mine from all sorts of calamities.

The Clemson Ph.D. student who inspected 1618 for not failing our inspection as my self-restraint with regard to Clemson jokes started to slip. :o (He gave as good as he got, though.)

Everyone who complimented 1618's shirts. It seemed that every time I would go over to other pits to talk strategy, the topic came up. Even if our robot wasn't quite delivering the goods, it was good to know that we'd hit something out of the park. Thanks. :)

1746 for owning up to their coach touching the controls in SF1-1. I can only hope I'd have the same nerve to admit that in the same situation (their alliance had won the match). Also, congrats on the Imagery award--we were gunning for you hard on 1618 (see above), but I was nodding my head in agreement as the citation was read.

2815 for a hell of a run at Palmetto. I didn't rejoin them until eliminations, after my duties with 1618 were done, but they took the lessons learned from Bayou and used them to reach that much higher. Their RAS efforts were much improved, their robot was driven better (in my view), and the team was that much louder. No team I've worked with, past or present, has worked as hard to earn their spot in Atlanta, and nothing thrills me more than to know they got it. Now, um...anyone happen to have $5,000 lying around?

[Jeff Pahl]

Congratulations to 1771 on a very well deserved win!


Thanks to 1379 for giving us our start, literally housing our team for the first couple of years, sharing tools, even feeding us. A privilege to face off in a finals with you.

It's been a lot of fun watching your team develop and mature over the last few years. One of the highlights of my time in FIRST was getting to see you guys pick up the very well deserved Xerox Creativity Award at the Championship last year. You have come a long way from building a robot from the scrap aluminum from the old school bleachers!!

However, I don't think I ever want to try and keep two Kits seperate in the same room ever again :)

Looking forward to seeing you, 1261, and 1746 at Championship.

And congratulations to 1379 for making the Finals for the first time ever!

And thanks to 801 for making the webcast available, so that I was able to see all the fun from up here in MN.

[team1102a]

To Magiciandude... I am sure that Clemson gives Littlejohn to FIRST at incredibly discounted rate (which is important during this time), and in turn they were able to plug the univ. of Clemson (which ALL you Juniors in hs should definitely look at (this is coming from an Emory univ Student)), I think they should consider lowering the # of teams or just keep it how it is. It wasnt that bad in all honesty. at first it seemed that way but I think it was fine.

and that is also why they had a social here. the university has the facilities just like Mr. Barker was saying

We has 36 teams last year (and 10 matches) and decided to go up to 44 this year (9 matches). Thus the pits in the back room and a practice field outdoors. But I think it was worth it. It just occurred to me to put Pit Admin in the back and free up another 6 positions out fron, but that would put the Admin a long way away.

If you have ever been to the Champs, anything beats the 1/2 mile walk from the pits.

[rbrown1]

Billfred, we would have brought the kitchen sink but would have had to leave a couple of kids at home to fit it on the bus. If you need a part in Atlanta look us up. We had a great time at Palmetto and enjoyed meeting some new team's.

[team1102a]

Team 1261 had an off regional...

Giving thanks where it's due, I would like to thank 1052 and 1746 for picking us. It was the highlight of a relatively "down" regional, and the alliance was AMAZING. With 3 scoring robots, we easily passed the quarters, and
in the semis, one of teams acquired a second yellow card and got an automatically loss, a match we should have won.

Actually, it was not a second yellow card, but a G41 violation -non-pilot operating the controls. The player who did it was devestated. The refs told me it was just a quick nudge,and he readily admitted it when the Head Ref went over to verify. I think his GP was admirable.

As for 1261, I was astounded to read your stats. As the announcer, I remember you making may great plays and always being in the thick of it.

Congrats on your achievements.

[emmell]

Thanks to all the Georgia teams and mentors (Jeremy Roberts and Mr. Rosen) who were continually texting me throughout with support from home. And for Mannie Lowe who was there for us as well at competitions. Wasting my unlimited texts...


Thanks for the props Santosh!

Congrats to the winning alliance teams 21, 2415, and 1771! What a great day for the regional (except the weather) and a great day for Georgia teams. Five GA teams came to Palmetto and all 5 of them made it to the semis - it was a great season.

Congrats to the Palmetto planning committee for putting on a great regional. You all rock and its fantastic how Clemson rolls out the red carpet for FIRST. Sure, the pits are tight, but it surroundings and hospitality can't be beat. It was fun volunteering for you and counting moon rocks.

Finally congrats to 2815, 281, and 1676 for RAS, EI, and Chairman's. You all deserve this and I'm looking forward to seeing you at Championships. Don't forget to check out DaVinci and the FTC competition while you're down there!

[Billfred]

Billfred, we would have brought the kitchen sink but would have had to leave a couple of kids at home to fit it on the bus. If you need a part in Atlanta look us up. We had a great time at Palmetto and enjoyed meeting some new team's.Oh come now--think like an engineer! You stick the sink in the seats, then the two smallest freshmen in the sink. ;)

I wonder if I could stand traveling two thousand miles round-trip with the team to Cow Town Throw Down...

[rbrown1]

Now you just need to think like a parent. Take the kids to an all-you-can eat buffet, then put them on a bus and travel all night. The trips are much quieter when a high school student has food and sleeps.

[BIG Dakota]

I just wanted to say that I had a lot of fun at the palmetto regional and hope to see every single one of those teams again because you were all great.
Congrats to 1771, 2415, and 21, for winning the regional as well as every other team for the great competition. And to 1553 and 1102, thanks for the great alliance, If we had a little more luck we may have done a lot better, but sadly luck wasn't on our side; hope to be allies again next year. To the Pioneers, congrats on Chairman's; we'll see you at nationals, Hope you win chairman's there too. My only complaint with the whole competition is that the pit area was pretty small, but I could cope with that because of all of the fun I had. I hope to participate in the palmetto regional again in my next 3 years on my team.

[Billfred]

The tape thread made me realize I'd missed one shout I meant to make:

Mike Bryan for showing our team the best way to apply our vinyl lettering. We were just getting ready to apply them to the robot as he was walking by, and his advice saved us all a lot of frustration (and a potentially crummy-looking job). I shouldn't expect anything less from someone who had spent so much time with (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/30424) the (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/27360) Burning (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/21364) Magnetos (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/24310). After a couple of years of carefully-protected plotter-created graphics, I think we might be making the switch. :)

[Drivencrazy]

All I can say about the Palmetto Regional is Wow! We went all the way from Missouri and I am so glad we did. It was a blast! There were amazing volunteers, great teams, and a wonderful host. THANK YOU CLEMSON! I know our whole team had a blast and can't wait to go back.

I would like to congradulate all the teams for competing and doing so well and all of those who managed to recieve an award in this amount of incredible competion.I would especially like to congradulate teams 1676 for an awesome Chairman's award win, 1771, 2415, and 21 (Who dat bat, COMBAT) for winning the game and team 281 for the engineering inspiration award.

Lastly I would like to thank all the teams that came out and gave us something to cheer about. I would like to thank all of the volunteers for helping FIRST be able to put on such an event, and I would like to thank not only Team Driven's mentors, but the mentors for all the teams. For without you it would be truly impossible to have such a great program.

Good luck to all who are attending the Championship in Atlanta, and for those who are not, good luck in all years to come.

[rspurlin]

I have some video of selected matches. All are 640x480 resolution at 30 frames/sec, so they're a little on the large side. If anyone is interested in having a copy for yourself, PM me and I'll arrange it.


2009 Palmetto Match 4 - R 2362 2092 3025 B 1553 1676 1771.AVI 290,908 KB
2009 Palmetto Match 5 - R 1398 1746 343 B 1102 281 1379.AVI 409,016 KB
2009 Palmetto Match 12 - R 1287 1772 1379 B 1369 1758 1618.AVI 303,644 KB
2009 Palmetto Match 17 - R 1102 1676 2751 B 1771 1249 1287 .AVI 290,932 KB
2009 Palmetto Match 18 - R 2430 21 2187 B 3025 1379 1730.AVI 430,208 KB
2009 Palmetto Match 27 - R 900 1287 1553 B 442 1379 1959.AVI 324,308 KB
2009 Palmetto Match 33 - R 2751 1379 425 B 801 1225 2362.AVI 305,696 KB
2009 Palmetto Match 38 - R 1771 342 801 B 2973 1466 1369.AVI 303,344 KB
2009 Palmetto Match 40 - R 1261 1379 2187 B 1249 1959 2415.AVI 470,100 KB
2009 Palmetto Match 45 - R 2092 342 2483 B 804 1379 801.AVI 302,928 KB
2009 Palmetto Match 56 - R 2614 342 1225 B 21 1771 1746.AVI 304,092 KB
2009 Palmetto Match 58 - R 1319 1293 425 B 1249 1379 2092.AVI 308,252 KB
2009 Palmetto Match 60 - R 2483 2614 1746 B 1772 1261 1959.AVI 299,936 KB
2009 Palmetto Match 61 - R 1771 2415 442 B 21 1730 425.AVI 298,240 KB
2009 Palmetto Match 62 - R 1676 1293 1379 B 1051 337 281.AVI 301,664 KB
2009 Palmetto Q1-1 - R 2815 1379 3025 B 1758 1676 337.AVI 291,820 KB
2009 Palmetto Q1-2 - R 2815 1379 3025 B 1758 1676 337.AVI 282,360 KB
2009 Palmetto S1-1 - R 3025 1379 2815 B 1746 1261 1051.AVI 289,488 KB
2009 Palmetto S1-2 - R 3025 1379 2815 B 1746 1261 1051.AVI 308,344 KB
2009 Palmetto S1-3 - R 3025 1379 2815 B 1746 1261 1051.AVI 288,744 KB
2009 Palmetto F1-1 - R 3025 1379 2815 B 2415 1771 21.AVI 290,228 KB
2009 Palmetto F1-2 - R 3025 1379 2815 B 2415 1771 21.AVI 309,848 KB

[Billfred]

I have some video of selected matches. All are 640x480 resolution at 30 frames/sec, so they're a little on the large side. If anyone is interested in having a copy for yourself, PM me and I'll arrange it.

Any chance you could pass these on to The Blue Alliance?

[ttldomination]

team1102a, thanks for the aknowledgement, the team was mentally devastated by the end of the qualification round and we needed the strong final performance that we had in order to kick us back up.

1746's coach came over to apologize to us after the match, and I said, "Man, Thank You for picking us. You don't have to say sorry, we're just happy to be here." and that's how I truly feel. During the season and competition, we've always felt that 1746 and us had a great relationship, and us joining up in the finals was simply solidifying that fact.

I'm already looking forward to Palmetto next year, although there's still one year, college applications, AP test, SAT tests, etc. to do. Hopefully we won't be in the back room next year :P.

[rfolea]

Actually, it was not a second yellow card, but a G41 violation -non-pilot operating the controls. The player who did it was devestated. The refs told me it was just a quick nudge,and he readily admitted it when the Head Ref went over to verify. I think his GP was admirable.
.

I have to take the hit for that one ...

Most of you know we rotate 3 drive teams to give as many kids the opportunity to experience the thrill as possible (we also don't allow mentors on the field for the same reason).

We tried something new in finals this year - we collapsed it to TWO drives teams (THREEis too many to manage during the hectic finals ..)

The Captain that touched the OI was normally a Manipulator person, so in the heat of the moment he did what he had been trained to do ...

Ugh .. I've been kicking myself all night about that one ...

CONGRATS TO EVERYONE - WE HAD A BLAST!

- Rick

[Graham Donaldson]

Any chance you could pass these on to The Blue Alliance?

Billfred- 1676 plugged in one of our spare laptops and recorded the entire webcast that Clemson was putting out. Everything will be uploaded to TBA (I'm assuming that's where we'll upload it) within the next week or so, if not the next two weeks (week after this coming one is our April break, so it'll definitely be done then). I'll let you all know on the thread when it's up.

[Billfred]

Billfred- 1676 plugged in one of our spare laptops and recorded the entire webcast that Clemson was putting out. Everything will be uploaded to TBA (I'm assuming that's where we'll upload it) within the next week or so, if not the next two weeks (week after this coming one is our April break, so it'll definitely be done then). I'll let you all know on the thread when it's up.And you wonder why these guys are figuring out where to hang another Chairman's banner. :)

[RMS11]

Billfred- 1676 plugged in one of our spare laptops and recorded the entire webcast that Clemson was putting out. Everything will be uploaded to TBA (I'm assuming that's where we'll upload it) within the next week or so, if not the next two weeks (week after this coming one is our April break, so it'll definitely be done then). I'll let you all know on the thread when it's up.

Thanks!!!! I appreciate it so much. Still waiting for peachtree... lol. I guess I cant complain cause i didnt do it myself :D

[rspurlin]

Any chance you could pass these on to The Blue Alliance?I'm uploading them all to filedropper.com right now. I'll be PMing the file links to those who requested them. If there's a better way to get them to thebluealliance, I'm certainly up for it.

[RMS11]

I'm uploading them all to filedropper.com right now. I'll be PMing the file links to those who requested them. If there's a better way to get them to thebluealliance, I'm certainly up for it.

Thanks! Much appreciated!

[Thermal]

Team 1293 and I especially (1293 driver) would like to thank Team 801 and 1369 for choosing us for your alliance during eliminations. Tough luck seems to follow us, so sorry for rubbing off on you 801 during our second quarterfinal match ;-). It was great fun and 801, you guys rock.

As Billfred noted earlier, this year is the first time 1293 has reached elimations, which seems to be a great achievement but an unfortunate realization at the same time. 1293 has always had the potential to do great things, it just seems that this year is the first time we've gone out and achieved what we should of done all along. Build a great bot, do well at competition, avoid bad luck and make it to elims. Next season we hope will build on our successes this season and maybe we'll get past the quarterfinals, who knows :-D. As this years bot co-designer and driver, I feel as though we peaked on saturday but had an unfortunately short lived run in the elimination rounds. Such is luck, but big props to the robolions and their alliance for the win against us.

I'd like to give a shoutout to 342 for beating us by 1 point in the most heartbreaking match of the weekend for us, 343 for the sexy bot and the compliments towards us, 425 and 1319 for achieving the highest qualifying match score at Palmetto with us of 111, and the ever so lovely 1319 for that JB weld that practically cemented a troublesome bearing in place (at least until the final quarterfinal match when it got smacked super hard for the 10th time). Also a shoutout to 1618 for the battery chargers/battery for elims and Billfred, because his sideburns are just so wickedly awesome. (Also, sexy bot and t-shirts)

Also, i'd like to give a shoutout to 1771 especially. Each match they proved to be the best bot at the regional, and its refreshing to see an obviously dominating bot actually win a regional. I really do love to see the best bot or best alliance win at a regional, but it seems to be more often than not that some mishap happens and they end up falling short of the victory after a spectacular weekend. (See: 342/343 alliance last year, and 1251's alliance).

We'll see you guys next year for hopefully bigger and better things. As always palmetto was great fun and Billfred, stay sexy my man ;-)

[Graham Donaldson]

And you wonder why these guys are figuring out where to hang another Chairman's banner. :)

Thanks!

[Zflash]

425 and 1 other alliance (sorry) for achieving the highest match score at Palmetto with us of 111,


That was 1319 and yes JB weld is great stuff. Congrats on your new found success.

[Thermal]

That was 1319 and yes JB weld is great stuff. Congrats on your new found success.

Lol my apologies. I had a strong hunch it was you guys but my memory pretty much only remembers 425's wildly animated and energetic coach haha.

[rspurlin]

425 and 1319 for achieving the highest match score at Palmetto with us of 111,
That was match 58 against us (1379, with 1249 and 2092). Awesome performance. Glad to be of service. Sorry we weren't able to supply some more ranking points for you.

[santosh]

If you have ever been to the Champs, anything beats the 1/2 mile walk from the pits.
Oh trust me I know haha...

I cant wait to see everyone at champs. maybe 6th time is the charm to win something for us (the college mentors of 2415 from 1002) haha...
And Mr. Ray I think the highest score might have been set at 114 for Palmetto but I am not too sure. I think it was teh 2nd semi with us against 425 but I may have made that one up completely haha

[rspurlin]

Good memory Santosh - highest score was indeed 114

2:50 PM Semi 2-2 2614 1319 425 21 2415 1771 65 114

full match results: http://www2.usfirst.org/2009comp/events/SC/matchresults.html

uploaded automatically after each match by the FMS software. Did anybody follow the Twitter feed?