SCRIW (South Carolina Robotics Invitational and Workshops) 2011

[Billfred]

Save the date!
Teams 1293 and 2815 Present:
SCRIW
(South Carolina Robotics Invitational and Workshops)

-Saturday, October 29, 2011
-Irmo High School (6671 St. Andrews Road in Columbia) Moved to Columbia High School (http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=Columbia+High+School&hl=en&cid=7720982450788224691), 1701 Westchester Drive Columbia SC 29210
-24 teams (plus or minus some pre-rookies)
-$300 per team
-Official FRC field, pending all the paperwork and paying the related costs

Further details to come, both here and at http://scriw.org/.

On a personal note, two things:
1) I'm tremendously happy to be working with 1293 on this project.
2) After attending over a dozen off-season events in my time in FRC from Florida to Massachusetts to California, all I can say is this: FINALLY!

[Thermal]

Looks like I got to put my big boy pants on for this one. I'm quite eager towards helping host this event. Hopefully our fellow South Carolinian teams will turn out in good numbers, it is after all no more than a 2.5 hour drive from anywhere in South Carolina to get to Irmo. (Okay, maybe 3 hours from Myrtle Beach)

[Josh Drake]

I can't commit to anything yet, but will definately keep it in mind for our team. Maybe you guys could do a pre-ship scrimmage next year if 281 doesn't do it. The great thing about the midlands is location, location, location. See everybody in a few weeks!

P.S. Is it pronounced "Screw"

[Billfred]

Maybe you guys could do a pre-ship scrimmage next year if 281 doesn't do it. The great thing about the midlands is location, location, location.

We do think Columbia is a great location for an event--we're no more than about two and a half hours from anywhere in the state, making it an easy day trip for in-state teams (and still doable for teams coming from a little further away).

Pre-ship scrimmages are always a tough thing to pull off, and I applaud 281 for running theirs for as long as they have. (We actually intended to ask about their field before we found out this year's scrimmage wasn't happening.) I know 2815's a ways away from being able to do that, but maybe someday we'll pull that off.

P.S. Is it pronounced "Screw"Indeed it is--hopefully we'll avoid the confusion FIRST encounters with its name. (Besides, screw.org was taken. ;))

[Billfred]

Okay, so I try to avoid posting directly under my own posts, but it's been a month.

A few things I can confirm now (which have mostly been posted on scriw.org):

Pre-rookie and B-team discounts If you enter as usual and bring a pre-rookie team and robot, the pre-rookies will compete for free as space allows (and we will try our best to make sure it will). If you want to bring a B-team instead (more of your own team's kids versus the beginnings of a new team), they can compete half price (a total of $450 for both teams) if space permits after the regular teams and pre-rookies. We will be looking for bumpers on these robots, particularly on the corners, but we understand if your 2007 robot has an open front. Do what you can.

Refereeing I've got a handshake commitment from seven-year Palmetto head ref Terrell Burch to bring his skills to SCRIW. Train your newbie drivers well.

Registration is open, though we're not quite ready to take your money yet. (The perils of two separate school districts working together...) Visit http://scriw.org/team-registration-form/ to sign up; we'll contact you once we've got that sorted out. (Forms are also online if you're interested in volunteering or giving a quick workshop about basically anything FRC-related. Hint Hint. :))

Talking with teams in the pits at Palmetto and Peachtree, it seems like there are a great number of teams interested in SCRIW. I'm excited.

[JohnFogarty]

I can't say for sure yet. I forwarded this to my mentors and I'll take a look at this. This sounds like it would be a really cool event! :D

[Boydean]

Volunteer sign up? Done. I don't know where I'll be in the country during this time, but I'll try very hard to make it back for this.

I'm so excited.

[Billfred]

The first registrations have come in for SCRIW! Welcome 1553 (KC Revolutionists) and their B-team to the roster:

1293 - D5 Robotics
1553 - KC Revolutionists
1553A - KC Revolutionists B-Team
2815 - Los Pollos Locos

[ghostmachine360]

I would be up to volunteering for SCRIW; I know I'll be there already with 1002.

[Billfred]

I would be up to volunteering for SCRIW; I know I'll be there already with 1002.
Excellent! We're looking forward to a good group from Georgia (and, speaking for 2815, we're hoping to make GRITS two weeks prior).

Speaking of Georgia, welcome the Gear Devils (FRC1379) to the roster of teams who've registered on SCRIW.org (http://scriw.org/team-registration-form/)!

1293 - D5 Robotics
1379 - Gear Devils
1553 - KC Revolutionists
1553A - KC Revolutionists B-Team
2815 - Los Pollos Locos

[JohnFogarty]

I have been talking to Billfred about also starting a FTC pre-season scrimmage since SCRIW will be about a month or 2 into our new 2011-2012 FTC game. If there is enough space that is. He will be letting me know soon. We would supply a full (WOOD) feild with a Samantha based control system.

Realizing how early in the season this would be I'm not sure of the intrest in it. If you have some FTC teams you know who might be intrested let me know. As it stands we would more than liekly be bringing our 3 teams.

@Billfred I should know by tommorow night about our attendance with M'Aiken Magic 1102.

John Fogarty
Surfingkidjohn@yahoo.com
Aiken County Robotics

[Vikesrock]

Hopefully I'll be able to convince 3573 to head over, but if not I'll almost certainly volunteer.

I've also given a presentation on Strategy/Design similar to Karthik's (though not nearly as good) at the MN Splash before and could probably be convinced to do so again if there is interest.

[Billfred]

Last night, the principals of the SCRIW planning committee met at Irmo High to plot, scheme, and get a feel for the facility. We'll be taking over the entire gym/cafeteria complex (to say nothing of the parking lots), and we're confident we can handle a great crowd of 24 teams.

(Yes, for those with basic math skills, that means there are presently 19 slots remaining. Get 'em while they're hot!)

[Josh Drake]

We met last night and are commiting to come, just need to replenish the coffers enough to pay. We definately are looking forward to what I hope to be a great event for years to come.:D

[Billfred]

Break out the blue and yellow, Flash (FRC 1319) has registered!

1293 - D5 Robotics
1319 - Flash
1379 - Gear Devils
1553 - KC Revolutionists
1553A - KC Revolutionists B-Team
2815 - Los Pollos Locos

18 slots left!

[Billfred]

At the risk of double-posting, two more registrations were added today while I was at work: welcome FRC 1539 (Clover Blue Eagles) and 1758 (Technomancers) to the roster!

1293 - D5 Robotics
1319 - Flash
1379 - Gear Devils
1539 - Clover Blue Eagle Robotics
1553 - KC Revolutionists
1553A - KC Revolutionists B-Team
1758 - Technomancers
2815 - Los Pollos Locos

16 slots left!

[Jacob Plicque]

Bill,
Mark Team Resistance (86) as a 95% probablity. We are waiting on a check from two different sponsors.
Mentor Contacts : Todd Lovelace 904-733-3227 &
Jacob Plicque 904-994-4051

[Billfred]

Bill,
Mark Team Resistance (86) as a 95% probablity. We are waiting on a check from two different sponsors.

And I was just saying to 342 that I wondered how long 1293 would be the lowest team number on the roster... (When you've hit the other 5%, go here (http://scriw.org/team-registration-form/) so that it goes in the official spot.)

Speaking of 342, welcome The Burning Magnetos to the SCRIW lineup!

342 - The Burning Magnetos
1293 - D5 Robotics
1319 - Flash
1379 - Gear Devils
1539 - Clover Blue Eagle Robotics
1553 - KC Revolutionists
1553A - KC Revolutionists B-Team
1758 - Technomancers
2815 - Los Pollos Locos

15 spots left!

[Billfred]

We're one step closer to a Palmetto finals rematch--2751 (SPARK) has registered!

342 - The Burning Magnetos
1293 - D5 Robotics
1319 - Flash
1379 - Gear Devils
1539 - Clover Blue Eagle Robotics
1553 - KC Revolutionists
1553A - KC Revolutionists B-Team
1758 - Technomancers
2751 - SPARK
2815 - Los Pollos Locos

14 spots left!

[JohnFogarty]

I noticed how nice those lights looked. Till I saw them on the picture for your website there. XD

[Billfred]

Summer isn't slowing the list down--welcome 281 (the EnTech GreenVillains) to the list!

281 - EnTech GreenVillains
342 - The Burning Magnetos
1293 - D5 Robotics
1319 - Flash
1379 - Gear Devils
1539 - Clover Blue Eagle Robotics
1553 - KC Revolutionists
1553A - KC Revolutionists B-Team
1758 - Technomancers
2751 - SPARK
2815 - Los Pollos Locos

13 spots left!

[Billfred]

Hey, folks! Since the last post in June, we've had a number of updates to discuss.

***On the move, and we haven't even started!***

Back in June, we were alerted to a scheduling conflict at Irmo High School. We have been working non-stop through summer to find a replacement venue for the event. After a lot of hard work and panicked phone calls, we are proud to announce that SCRIW has been moved to the recently-renovated Columbia High School just minutes from the original site (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Irmo+High+School+to+Columbia+High+School&saddr=Irmo+High+School&daddr=Columbia+High+School&hl=en&sll=34.000093,-81.017379&sspn=0.008823,0.01929&geocode=FcLUBwIdomgp-yHpMzL1RtdaRA%3BFTyOBwIdUKMq-yGzzkGooXAmaw&t=h&z=13). Columbia High was the home school of FRC 1618 (Capital Robotics) from 2005 through 2009, and they continue to have a strong program competing in the Ten80 Student Racing Challenge. With the Capitals' help, we look forward to staging an amazing event.

***Because that wasn't enough change: Rules adjustments!***

Some of you may have followed the Indiana Robotics Invitational last month. While we're not quite on the level of a 66-team tournament where the world champion is the second-to-last pick of alliance selection (true story!), we do like the balance between tubes and minibots that their altered rules created. As such, we are instituting them as seen here (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/2575), with the exception of the tournament rules. We will continue examining the tournament structure to maximize the number of teams playing in the elimination tournament. Stay tuned on that.

Additionally, you'll notice that the scoring grids will look a little different. FIRST had a set of scoring grids anodized red and blue as a trial to see how the finish holds up once a bunch of robots are turned loose on it. The reflective tape is still present, and nearly 100 teams have competed with these grids to no problems, but you've been warned in advance. (See http://chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/36986 for a taste of the anodization. It's actually pretty awesome.)

***Tell a friend!***

As of press time, we have officially registered 10 teams, plus one B-team. We've had teams contacting us from as far away as Orlando, and we have every aim of filling up our 24-team capacity--but we also don't want to leave any interested local teams out of the fun! If you know someone on a team not on the team list below, give 'em a nudge. Registration is still just $300, and our offers for B-teams and pre-rookies still stand (check http://scriw.org/faqs-for-teams/). Teams can sign up at http://scriw.org/team-registration-form/ .

Here's who we have signed up at this point:

281 - EnTech GreenVillains
342 - Burning Magnetos
1293 - D5 Robotics
1319 - Flash
1379 - Gear Devils
1539 - Clover Blue Eagle Robotics
1553 - KC Revolutionists (plus a B-team)
1758 - Technomancers
2751 - SPARK
2815 - Los Pollos Locos

For those of you already on board, don't forget to send in your registration fee--we appreciate those of you who have gone ahead and sent it, as it helps us out greatly with some things we have to pay upfront (such as, say, the field). If you need an invoice to get a check cut, just let us know.

Stay tuned for more exciting announcements, and be sure to follow the SCRIW thread on the ChiefDelphi forums: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93000 ed: Oh wait, you're already here ;)
87 days to go,


Billfred Leverette
SCRIW Planning Committee

[wendymom]

Count Bacon In!!!

[Billfred]

Count Bacon In!!!
Counted!

281 - EnTech GreenVillains
342 - The Burning Magnetos
1293 - D5 Robotics
1319 - Flash
1379 - Gear Devils
1539 - Clover Blue Eagle Robotics
1553 - KC Revolutionists
1553A - KC Revolutionists B-Team
1758 - Technomancers
1902 - Exploding Bacon
2751 - SPARK
2815 - Los Pollos Locos

12 spots left!

[Andrew Schreiber]

Count Bacon In!!!

How is Bacon getting there?

[Thermal]

How is Bacon getting there?

Equal parts magic and gasoline powered transportation vehicle.

[Andrew Schreiber]

Equal parts magic and gasoline powered transportation vehicle.

Well, I was trying to be subtle and ask if I could catch a ride with them since I REALLY don't want to drive to SC alone.

[Billfred]

Equal parts magic and gasoline powered transportation vehicle.
WRONG!

Haven't you seen their logo?

http://explodingbacon.com/images/header_left.png

Rocket or minivan, we're thrilled to have them. :)

[O'Sancheski]

How is Bacon getting there?

Equal parts magic and gasoline powered transportation vehicle.

They are getting there on the magic rocket ride.

[Billfred]

We're finally getting the youngin's in the mix--welcome the Palmetto Regional Rookie Inspiration Award winners, Category 5!

281 - EnTech GreenVillains
342 - The Burning Magnetos
1293 - D5 Robotics
1319 - Flash
1379 - Gear Devils
1539 - Clover Blue Eagle Robotics
1553 - KC Revolutionists
1553A - KC Revolutionists B-Team
1758 - Technomancers
1902 - Exploding Bacon
2751 - SPARK
2815 - Los Pollos Locos
3489 - Category 5

11 spots left! If you're on the fence, register at SCRIW.org (http://scriw.org/team-registration-form/) soon!

[Andy Baker]

How is Bacon getting there?


Oink, Oink, ZOOM!

[Andrew Schreiber]

Oink, Oink, ZOOM!

Well, I'd go more with Oink, Oink, Vroom.

I also now feel compelled to say Ka-chow!

[Billfred]

The Florida invasion continues! Welcome FRC 86, Team Resistance, to the SCRIW roster!

86 - Team Resistance
281 - EnTech GreenVillains
342 - The Burning Magnetos
1293 - D5 Robotics
1319 - Flash
1379 - Gear Devils
1539 - Clover Blue Eagle Robotics
1553 - KC Revolutionists
1553A - KC Revolutionists B-Team
1758 - Technomancers
1902 - Exploding Bacon
2751 - SPARK
2815 - Los Pollos Locos
3489 - Category 5

10 spots left!

[wendymom]

Oink, Oink, ZOOM!

So apparently you have seen me drive

[wendymom]

SO: Who do we make the check out to......and where do we send it?

[Taylor]

SO: Who do we make the check out to......and where do we send it?

That's the most beautiful sentence a robotics mentor can read.

[Billfred]

Since this seems to be a popular question, I made it easy:

http://scriw.org/scriw-payment-instructions/

If you're in need of an invoice, just hit that form at the bottom and I'll send one out as soon as I catch it.

[Billfred]

With school starting back, the registrations are starting to come in again--welcome Team 1051 (Marion County FIRST Robotics) and Team 2187 (Team Volt) to the SCRIW lineup!

86 - Team Resistance
281 - EnTech GreenVillains
342 - The Burning Magnetos
1051 - Marion County FIRST Robotics
1293 - D5 Robotics
1319 - Flash
1379 - Gear Devils
1539 - Clover Blue Eagle Robotics
1553 - KC Revolutionists
1553A - KC Revolutionists B-Team
1758 - Technomancers
1902 - Exploding Bacon
2187 - Team Volt
2751 - SPARK
2815 - Los Pollos Locos
3489 - Category 5

8 spots left!

[torihoelscher]

is it too late to sign a team up?

[Billfred]

is it too late to sign a team up?
Definitely not! The nominal deadline* to register for SCRIW (http://scriw.org/team-registration-form/) is September 30, or until we reach our 24-team capacity.

*Caption contest people, please note that nominal here and nominal there may have differing fudge factors...

[wendymom]

Bacon is considering riding the Amtrack Silver Star up and back. No hotel costs. The train leaves from South Florida, runs through Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville and lands in Columbia.

If enough of us take the train, we can get a bus from USC for ground transportation to and from the venue and for breakfast and dinner.

Then we ride the train home. Total cost 125.00ish per person. (depending on where you leave from)

How much fun would it be to have 6 or so Florida teams traveling on the train!

[torihoelscher]

Bacon is considering riding the Amtrack Silver Star up and back. No hotel costs. The train leaves from South Florida, runs through Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville and lands in Columbia.

If enough of us take the train, we can get a bus from USC for ground transportation to and from the venue and for breakfast and dinner.

Then we ride the train home. Total cost 125.00ish per person. (depending on where you leave from)

How much fun would it be to have 6 or so Florida teams traveling on the train!

I know Krunch is interested!!!

[Billfred]

Bacon is considering riding the Amtrack Silver Star up and back. No hotel costs. The train leaves from South Florida, runs through Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville and lands in Columbia.

If enough of us take the train, we can get a bus from USC for ground transportation to and from the venue and for breakfast and dinner.

Then we ride the train home. Total cost 125.00ish per person. (depending on where you leave from)

How much fun would it be to have 6 or so Florida teams traveling on the train!

The USC bus is not confirmed at this point--still working the details on that, but if anyone's game please post or let me know so we can get a picture of the demand.

All that said, Amtrak is an exceptionally attractive deal for Florida teams thinking about SCRIW. Figure on this:

-Groups of 20 or more can get group rates (http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am/Layout&cid=1241267371744), which according to Amtrak run as much as 20% off.
-Your 15-and-under kids ride half-off (http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1241305459996)--limit two per paying adult. (If you ever needed hard data that freshmen are cheap labor...)
-Anyone 62 and up gets 15% off (http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1241305460008).
-Both the child and senior discounts are compatible with group rates.
-For those of you lucky enough to be able to foist watching the kids off on some other unlucky folks, sleeper cars are available. (But I've also slept reasonably well in coach even without the benefit of being able to order silence from my neighbors.)

SCRIW's schedule, though not quite finalized, is expected to run through dinner; a few miles away from the school is Frankie's Fun Park (http://www.frankiesfunpark.com/home-co), a fairly standard mini golf/laser tag/go-kart/arcade establishment that also does group packages. They close at midnight, just about right to make the 15-20 minute trip back downtown to the Amtrak station and catch the 1:44 AM southbound Silver Star.

(Do note: Florida is also served by the Silver Star's sister train, the Silver Meteor. The Silver Meteor largely follows the same New York to Miami route, but travels through South Carolina via Charleston, about two hours away, and skips Tampa. Unless you're dying to check out the beach or REALLY have something against Tampa, make sure you're looking at the right train!)

That said, I know this plan was evolving while I was on the ground in Tampa (and that I had to bail directly after Finals 2 at TNT to catch my own train home), so it may not have gotten around to all the teams that initially heard about SCRIW on Friday night while I was in shameless plug mode. Tell a friend! :)

[Jacob Paikoff]

That said, I know this plan was evolving while I was on the ground in Tampa (and that I had to bail directly after Finals 2 at TNT to catch my own train home), so it may not have gotten around to all the teams that initially heard about SCRIW on Friday night while I was in shameless plug mode. Tell a friend! :)

You were able to sell me on it at TNT and hopefully this weekend I'll be able to sell it to my North Carolina team, 2059.

[Billfred]

And now, I have even more good news!

As I mentioned earlier, our hosts at Columbia High School competed in FRC from 2005 through 2009. Most of those robots were disassembled after the team's dissolution, and the parts went to help many student projects at USC. One robot stayed at the school though: their 2007 robot, Uppercut...which they've decided to bring out of retirement.

For one weekend only, welcome back FRC 1618, Capital Robotics!

86 - Team Resistance
281 - EnTech GreenVillains
342 - The Burning Magnetos
1051 - Marion County FIRST Robotics
1293 - D5 Robotics
1319 - Flash
1379 - Gear Devils
1539 - Clover Blue Eagle Robotics
1553 - KC Revolutionists
1553A - KC Revolutionists B-Team
1618 - Capital Robotics
1758 - Technomancers
1902 - Exploding Bacon
2187 - Team Volt
2751 - SPARK
2815 - Los Pollos Locos
3489 - Category 5

7 spots left!

[Josh Drake]

Uppercut...which they've decided to bring out of retirement.

For one weekend only, welcome back FRC 1618, Capital Robotics!
7 spots left!

Cool, will they have a C-Rio or IFI controller? I guess they could take their '09 and put it in. Then there's all the code... I hope it works out.
C'mon people, 7 spots left, let's fill this event up!!!

[sdcantrell56]

So there's a chance we might be joining the competition from Atlanta. Should no very soon if the kids are going to be free to head on up.

[Billfred]

Cool, will they have a C-Rio or IFI controller? I guess they could take their '09 and put it in. Then there's all the code... I hope it works out.
C'mon people, 7 spots left, let's fill this event up!!!
The working plan is to use the 2007-spec control system and simply bypass them in FMS each time; if they got autonomous running, I'd be surprised. For everything else, there's GP.

Edit: Blast! Just received an email that much of their team will be out of town that weekend and they're forced to scratch the robot. 8 spots left!

So there's a chance we might be joining the competition from Atlanta. Should no very soon if the kids are going to be free to head on up.

Awesome! We loved playing with you guys at Peachtree and were almost starting to wonder if Florida would bring more teams than the far-closer Georgia! :D

[torihoelscher]

The working plan is to use the 2007-spec control system and simply bypass them in FMS each time; if they got autonomous running, I'd be surprised. For everything else, there's GP.

Edit: Blast! Just received an email that much of their team will be out of town that weekend and they're forced to scratch the robot. 8 spots left!



Awesome! We loved playing with you guys at Peachtree and were almost starting to wonder if Florida would bring more teams than the far-closer Georgia! :D
Krunch is certainly interested in this competition. We are waiting for an all clear from our supervisors!! :)

[Billfred]

North Carolina is in the house--welcome 2059, Hitchhikers Robotics Group!

86 - Team Resistance
281 - EnTech GreenVillains
342 - The Burning Magnetos
1051 - Marion County FIRST Robotics
1293 - D5 Robotics
1319 - Flash
1379 - Gear Devils
1539 - Clover Blue Eagle Robotics
1553 - KC Revolutionists
1553A - KC Revolutionists B-Team
1758 - Technomancers
1902 - Exploding Bacon
2059 - Hitchhikers Robotics Group
2187 - Team Volt
2751 - SPARK
2815 - Los Pollos Locos
3489 - Category 5

7 spots left! Register at http://scriw.org/team-registration-form/ today!

[Jacob Paikoff]

North Carolina is in the house--welcome 2059, Hitchhikers Robotics Group!

86 - Team Resistance
281 - EnTech GreenVillains
342 - The Burning Magnetos
1051 - Marion County FIRST Robotics
1293 - D5 Robotics
1319 - Flash
1379 - Gear Devils
1539 - Clover Blue Eagle Robotics
1553 - KC Revolutionists
1553A - KC Revolutionists B-Team
1758 - Technomancers
1902 - Exploding Bacon
2059 - Hitchhikers Robotics Group
2187 - Team Volt
2751 - SPARK
2815 - Los Pollos Locos
3489 - Category 5

7 spots left! Register at http://scriw.org/team-registration-form/ today!

You can just call us The Hitchhikers and I know that the team is excited to attend SCRIW.

Do you know of any hotels near the venue that you would suggest staying at because I know that I'm planning on driving down Friday night?

And do you have a estimated start time on saturday?

[Billfred]

You can just call us The Hitchhikers and I know that the team is excited to attend SCRIW.

Do you know of any hotels near the venue that you would suggest staying at because I know that I'm planning on driving down Friday night?

And do you have a estimated start time on saturday?

With regard to hotels: Google maps yields this map of hotels within 2 miles of Columbia High (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Hotels+near+1701+Westchester+Drive,+Columbi a,+SC&hl=en&ll=34.041067,-81.103992&spn=0.031152,0.077162&sll=34.048535,-81.096032&sspn=0.008214,0.01929&vpsrc=0&t=h&z=14). If you're willing to tack on just a couple more miles, I would definitely suggest looking at the Harbison Boulevard district (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Hotels+near+Harbison+Boulevard,+Columbia,+S C&hl=en&ll=34.074417,-81.153345&spn=0.031139,0.077162&sll=34.000091,-81.017373&sspn=0.008219,0.01929&vpsrc=0&t=h&z=14); Harbison is the main shopping and entertainment area near the venue, and frankly I think it's the best pick for keeping a group of kids busy and entertained on that end of town. (I also grew up within view of that second map, which skews my biases a bit.)

If you're traveling solo, you'd also be served to look at downtown Columbia hotels. Downtown has a lot of different districts; the Vista is the more grown-up area with a good mix of bars and restaurants, and is in range of the SC State Museum and EdVenture Children's Museum. Five Points (where I've lived for a little over two years) is tipped decidedly towards the college crowd, and definitely adults regardless; some issues over here with kids causing trouble late at night led to a youth curfew. The heart of USC lies in between, with all the ensuing energy and late-night eateries. (I endorse Beezer's, which makes reasonably-priced sandwiches insanely fast and until 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning.) If you're looking at a place and want to get a feel for the surrounding areas, I might suggest local free weekly Free Times' Bites & Sights (http://www.free-times.com/index.php?cat=11010810104504873&ShowArticle_ID=11010810104488843) issue. (Or just PM me and I'll throw in my two cents.)

Schedule is still getting finalized and will be published soon. :)

[Thermal]

May I also recommend River Banks Zoo, which is on the way towards Columbia from Irmo off of I-126.

The Harbison Blvd area contains just about every chain restaurant joint around (you know, the longhorns, outbacks, applebees, carrabas, etc), two cinemas, and countless other deals including Columbiana Mall. Definitely would be the area i'd pick a hotel to stay at.

[Billfred]

Just received word that the Gear Devils won't be able to join us next month. Blast!

86 - Team Resistance
281 - EnTech GreenVillains
342 - The Burning Magnetos
1051 - Marion County FIRST Robotics
1293 - D5 Robotics
1319 - Flash
1539 - Clover Blue Eagle Robotics
1553 - KC Revolutionists
1553A - KC Revolutionists B-Team
1758 - Technomancers
1902 - Exploding Bacon
2059 - The Hitchhikers
2187 - Team Volt
2751 - SPARK
2815 - Los Pollos Locos
3489 - Category 5

8 spots left!

[Billfred]

The magic is here--welcome FRC 1102, M'Aiken Magic!

86 - Team Resistance
281 - EnTech GreenVillains
342 - The Burning Magnetos
1051 - Marion County FIRST Robotics
1102 - M'Aiken Magic
1293 - D5 Robotics
1319 - Flash
1539 - Clover Blue Eagle Robotics
1553 - KC Revolutionists
1553A - KC Revolutionists B-Team
1758 - Technomancers
1902 - Exploding Bacon
2059 - The Hitchhikers
2187 - Team Volt
2751 - SPARK
2815 - Los Pollos Locos
3489 - Category 5

7 spots left! Register today at http://scriw.org/team-registration-form/ while you still can!

[torihoelscher]

Unfortunately, Krunch cannot make SCRIW this year. Maybe next time! :( Cant wait for the 2012 Build Season to start!!!

[Billfred]

Here's the update that went out to teams last night. (If you want a copy of any of the attachments referenced in the email, let me know.)

Happy October, everyone!

We've been working furiously on making SCRIW the best off-season event in the state. (Being the first doesn't hurt there!) We now have a few things we can share:

***Settle up if you haven't!***

Holding this event is a challenge for a few reasons, including financial. We send our thanks to the teams that have sent in their registration money (you guys can skip to the next section), but we know we're not at 100% yet. If you haven't paid, we'd really appreciate it if you can send it on as soon as possible (this week if you can). If you need an invoice, just reply to this email and let us know.

***Schedule of Events***

We're going to have a lot of fun on October 29th, and we can finally announce the event schedule. It's a full day, but we're looking to pack in as much fun as we can into one day:

0730: Pits open
0745: Practice matches/sync checks
0830: Check-in closed, qualification match schedule posted
0850: End practice matches
0900: Opening Ceremonies
0930: First Match
1200: Lunch Break
1245: Resume Qualification Matches
1400: End Qualification Matches
1405: Alliance Selection
1430: Elimination Rounds Start
1800: Elmination Rounds End
1810: Awards & Breakdown

We are planning to keep the awards ceremony brief (no more than three awards, plus finalists and champions), and we will do all we can to get everyone into the eliminations bracket. A schedule of workshops will be posted soon.

***Food!***

The head of our food operations is a pro, both in his day job and as a parent in the Irmo High School band program. We're going to have a nice variety of food available, and we're offering teams the chance to pre-order lunch for convenience. No waiting in line, no misguided freshmen forgetting their lunch money--just grab and go! See the attached pre-order form.

In addition, we know a lot of teams are coming from a good distance away. We are discussing having box dinners so you can hit the road without an extra stop for a meal and get home a little earlier. (We know what it's like to herd a bunch of kids through a restaurant!) If your team is interested, email us as soon as possible so we can get a picture of the interest.

***Site and Program Information***

See the attached Word files for venue information and the information we'd like to have for the program. Fill it out this week, and we'll get it into the event program.

***Space still available!***

As of right now, we have 16 teams signed up to attend SCRIW. They are:

86 - Team Resistance
281 - EnTech GreenVillains
342 - Burning Magnetos
1051 - Marion County FIRST Robotics
1102 - M'Aiken Magic
1293 - D5 Robotics
1319 - Flash
1539 - Clover Blue Eagle Robotics
1553 - KC Revolutionists
1758 - Technomancers
1902 - Exploding Bacon
2059 - Hitchhikers
2187 - Team Volt
2751 - SPARK
2815 - Los Pollos Locos
3489 - Category 5

If you've got friends on another team, let them know there's still room! Direct them to http://scriw.org/team-registration-form/ and we'll get them in the game. (And if you want to do as 1553 is doing and bring a second robot, we'll get them in for half-price ($450 for the pair). Email us directly on that one.)

***Appreciation***

We know this is a learning curve for just about everyone involved, and we thank all of you for signing up for our inaugural event. If you have any questions, or any brilliant schemes that can make the event better, please let us know!

Thank you all again--27 days to go!

Sincerely,

Billfred Leverette
SCRIW Planning Committee

[Josh Drake]

Just wondering if there will be a webcast available? :confused:
Thanks up front for all your hard work getting this together.
Stop,
Relax,
Breathe,
Break is over, one week left!!!

[Billfred]

Just wondering if there will be a webcast available? :confused:
Thanks up front for all your hard work getting this together.
Stop,
Relax,
Breathe,
Break is over, one week left!!!

At this point, we don't have any plans for a webcast. We're not opposed to one if it can magically happen, but we've made no provisions for network hookups, filter or firewall fiddling, or AV connections with Columbia High.

My last pre-SCRIW break is Saturday, when I enjoy the South Carolina State Fair and my first non-DSK concert in a while courtesy of The Roots (front row thanks to a quick mouse click). From then on:

-Sunday: In the shop with the team fixing up the robot
-Monday: Onsite meeting at Columbia High
-Tuesday: Something, I'm certain...
-Wednesday: Back in the shop with 2815, finalizing the robot fixes and putting the final touches on the SCRIW trophies (which are going to look AWESOME)
-Thursday: A sleepless evening at the minimum...
-Friday: Half-day of work, then gun it across town to Columbia High to meet the AndyMark truck and set everything up
-Saturday: Onsite at 6:45 AM, leave when it's done.
-Sunday: If anyone so much as JOKES about the caption contest not getting judged, so help me.... :P

---------------------------------

Expect at least one more update before the event going out to the team contacts (and here on CD, of course). Hopefully we can put the workshop schedule to bed before the weekend--just waiting to lock down one last person, but if we can get 'em it ought to be worth it.

Also, if you're interested in volunteering: Shoot me a PM. Particular focus spots include setup on Friday afternoon (start around 3:00 when we get into the gym) and referees.

[Billfred]

One more got in to bring us to a nice even 18--welcome FRC 3318 (the Robodragons) to the SCRIW lineup!

86 - Team Resistance
281 - EnTech GreenVillains
342 - The Burning Magnetos
1051 - Marion County FIRST Robotics
1102 - M'Aiken Magic
1293 - D5 Robotics
1319 - Flash
1539 - Clover Blue Eagle Robotics
1553 - KC Revolutionists
1553A - KC Revolutionists B-Team
1758 - Technomancers
1902 - Exploding Bacon
2059 - The Hitchhikers
2187 - Team Volt
2751 - SPARK
2815 - Los Pollos Locos
3318 - Robodragons
3489 - Category 5

6 spots left and last call! If you're planning to come and are in stealth mode, fill out the form at http://scriw.org/team-registration-form/ ASAP!

[JohnFogarty]

One more got in to bring us to a nice even 18--welcome FRC 3318 (the Robodragons) to the SCRIW lineup!

86 - Team Resistance
281 - EnTech GreenVillains
342 - The Burning Magnetos
1051 - Marion County FIRST Robotics
1102 - M'Aiken Magic
1293 - D5 Robotics
1319 - Flash
1539 - Clover Blue Eagle Robotics
1553 - KC Revolutionists
1553A - KC Revolutionists B-Team
1758 - Technomancers
1902 - Exploding Bacon
2059 - The Hitchhikers
2187 - Team Volt
2751 - SPARK
2815 - Los Pollos Locos
3318 - Robodragons
3489 - Category 5

6 spots left and last call! If you're planning to come and are in stealth mode, fill out the form at http://scriw.org/team-registration-form/ ASAP!

I'm happy to say the green machine can reach a lot high than it used to. :D
Really looking forward to next weekend!

[Billfred]

I'm happy to say the green machine can reach a lot high than it used to. :D
Really looking forward to next weekend!

Join the club!

First, an update: The Robodragons have run into a conflict and can't make it...but Flash has elected to bring 3371's robot as their B-Team. As such:

86 - Team Resistance
281 - EnTech GreenVillains
342 - The Burning Magnetos
1051 - Marion County FIRST Robotics
1102 - M'Aiken Magic
1293 - D5 Robotics
1319 - Flash
1539 - Clover Blue Eagle Robotics
1553 - KC Revolutionists
1553A - KC Revolutionists B-Team
1758 - Technomancers
1902 - Exploding Bacon
2059 - The Hitchhikers
2187 - Team Volt
2751 - SPARK
2815 - Los Pollos Locos
3371 - Flash B-Team
3489 - Category 5

Our plan is to have six alliances of three in the elimination rounds; the first and second alliances will have bye rounds in the quarterfinals.

Some updates:

If you haven't paid up: DON'T send your check through the mail at this point. There are several teams that haven't sent us checks at this point, and we really need to get them in. Please make absolutely sure that you have it with you on Saturday; we REALLY don't want to turn anyone away on something like that. (If you haven't paid, you'll be getting a nudge from me separately.)

Check-in Please plan to arrive at Columbia High no later than 8:30. We will be generating the match schedule based on teams checked in at that time so we can get the first match queued up before opening ceremonies at 9:00, and we can't put that genie back in the bottle. If you can get there earlier, please do; this will give us a buffer to catch any communications issues early and make your competition day much better.

Come prepared! If your team is anything like ours, you're probably still blowing the dust off of everything. Give your robot a dry run in your home shop, and make sure you've charged up your robot and power tool batteries. Also, don't forget your bumpers!

Safety first! This also falls under "Come prepared", but it justifies its own bullet point: Just like any FRC event, closed-toe shoes and safety glasses will be required in the pit area. PLEASE bring your own; while we will have some loaners for spectators, we know we won't have 18 teams' worth of loaners. Our goal is for everyone to leave with the same number of fingers, toes, and eyeballs they arrived with in the same configuration.

Two, or three? With 18 teams, the 3v3 format means only six teams would be in the pits at any given time--six on the field, six in the queue. Even with plans for a slower match cycle, that can mean some very tight turnarounds. One idea floated to help this in qualification rounds (and only the qualification rounds) is to play them 2v2, which would give everyone more time in the pits (four more teams would not be on the field or in the queue). 2v2 is not a done deal, and we want your input. If you feel strongly either way, please contact us!

Unloading and traffic pattern See the attached graphic for a layout of the traffic and parking plans. Google Maps directions will take you to the front of the school; the event is in the gym in rear. The traffic circle by the gym will be reserved for loading and handicapped parking, with parking further down Kathleen Drive for everyone. Full-size buses and trucks with trailers can find a few particular spaces on a third driveway on Chantilly Drive. We will have people helping to guide you to the right spot, fear not!

Tables for the pit It turns out the source of tables we thought we had isn't actually available to us. We can scrounge a few, but if your pit arrangements don't require one of ours then we'd appreciate it. (Figure that you will be traveling lighter than usual.) If you DO need a table, please let us know as soon as possible so we can coordinate it.

Workshops! We've been waiting to announce these for one more confirmation, and we're thrilled to announce a spectacular group of workshops that will be taking place in the cafeteria:


9:40-10:40: The Big Bacon Theory of Image and Branding - Wendy Austin, FRC 1902 (Exploding Bacon)
10:45-11:45: A Primer on Composites - Walter Everett, FRC 1758 (Technomancers)
12:50-1:20: Mentoring an Animation Team for Non-Animators - Kevin Thorp, FRC 3489 (Category 5) & FTC Game Animator
1:25-1:55: Introduction to 3ds Max - Kevin Thorp, FRC 3489 (Category 5) & FTC Game Animator
2:00-3:00: Motor Selection & Gearboxes - Jacob Plicque, FRC 86 (Team Resistance)


We couldn't ask for a better group of presenters, and we hope you'll take a little time-out from the competition to check them out.

Day-of Updates If you have questions or need assistance during the competition, check pit admin; they'll have a direct line to all the relevant people. (Very direct in some cases--my mother's volunteered to man pit admin!) You can also get updates and contact us on Twitter--we're @SCRIW.

Wanna volunteer? We've got a number of spots left, either for part or all of the day. Let me know if you're interested.

Appreciation We really would not be able to pull this event off without the assistance of a lot of great people and teams. We're looking forward to a great event this Saturday, and we want to thank each and every one of you for coming.

[Billfred]

It's now 12:30 AM on Friday. We've got all but one trophy together (teaser: http://campl.us/gBVg), signs are printed, and the as-yet-unnamed (https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10150337349533230&id=183701158229) AndyMark truck has parked for the night at a hotel a couple of miles from the school. We set up tomorrow today (this after-midnight stuff...) after lunch, and everything should be ready to go within the next 24 hours.

To say that I'm REALLY looking forward to this event is an understatement. Can't wait to see everyone at Columbia High!

[Andy Baker]

Ias-yet-unnamed (https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10150337349533230&id=183701158229) AndyMark truck has parked for the night at a hotel a couple of miles from the school. ... Can't wait to see everyone at Columbia High!

This is good news. Good luck to all at SCRIW!

Sincerely,
Andy Baker

[JaneYoung]

To say that I'm REALLY looking forward to this event is an understatement.

This is a great feeling to have! Good luck to the event organizers and to all of the teams and their supporters.

Jane

[Josh Drake]

Packed up and ready to go....:D

[Billfred]

This has been a pretty crazy day, but the field has been assembled and tested using 2815's robot. (If that robot will sync to the field, yours will.)

We'll fix up a few last-minute things in the morning, then it's going to be a pretty awesome day of robots, workshops, and fun. By our esteemed FTA's mental math, we should have 6-7 qualification matches per team running on a fairly slow cycle. Assuming you're on time for the match, we probably won't have to bypass people.

Look forward to seeing everyone in the morning!

[Hallry]

Will there be a live webcast of the event tomorrow?

[Roger]

Just a heads-up to team 1102 - there is a bug in the FMS that 11.YY teams (that is, teams in the 1100s) not using the clamshell driver station may not connect to the field. We discovered this at the Mainely Spirited event, and it was proved by the field techs.

Out of curiousity, could this be tested?

Good luck with the event!

[Josh Drake]

Great event! We had a blast! A big thanks to FLASH and KC Revolutionists B Team for parterning up with us. Put us down for SCRIW 2!

[Zflash]

FLASH had a great time and it was an awesome event. To all those that did not make it to this event you really missed a great opportunity for extra play time that was regional quality at an offseason price.

Thanks to 2751 for picking us and to the KC Revolutionists B Team for being great partners.

Also thanks to 1758 for picking 3371 our "B" team. It was a great experience playing with you and 342 all the way to the finals. The alliance was great and thanks to you all our team was able to take home 2nd as well.

[Jacob Paikoff]

Great event, had a blast and I hope all the team had as much fun as I did. Can't wait till SCRIW 2.

[Billfred]

I'm doing well to even type things this morning--yesterday stretched from a 5:15 alarm (with backup) until about 12:15 when I got back home after making sure Exploding Bacon got to the train station in one piece. My brain is borderline mush, I don't have much of a voice, and I don't think I could be much happier.

This year was very much a learning curve, as anyone who was in the gym at 8:00 or so can attest to. We seemed to battle back nicely, which seems to be the overarching theme of this year's event. From a 2815 student putting in an all-new sound system for the event (and helping Columbia High identify some improvements in the gym's house system) to Jerry helping reprogram robots to run after the FMS was shut down to help us get some TV coverage (success!), this event could not have happened without the assistance of a lot of great people.

The mandatory housekeeping notes:

-If you think you lost something, we might've gotten it when we cleaned up. Contact me.
-We really want to hear your thoughts on how to improve the event. (Afterward, I sat down with Matt Hedden on 1293 and Exploding Bacon--between those two conversations, the list is already 40 or so items long.) Team contacts should have a proper survey by email this week...but if you've got something specific, please let us know.

And now some thank-yous:

First, thank you AndyMark. Had we just gotten a field from Manchester, we would've had a 27-by-54-foot paperweight. Sending Jerry and Brandon to lead the field's operations was essential to this event's success.

On a related note, thank you Mark Kirlough and all of Columbia High School. When our original plans fell through, we burned through two or three more schools and nearly had to drop everything when I made a call to Coach Kirlough. He was game for just about everything, and his assistance was just as instrumental in our event's successes. We couldn't think of a more fitting recipient of the inaugural SCRIWDriver award.

I also want to give thanks to our workshop presenters, Wendy Austin, Kevin Thorpe, Jacob Plicque, and Walter Everett for putting on an amazing roster of workshops. If we got a lineup half as nice next year, it'd still be good! (If I weren't busy on the field, you can bet I'd have attended them all.)

A thank-you to Jacob Plicque Paikoff for jumping in when Palmetto head ref Terrell Burch was out for the morning with an FLL scheduling conflict across town. He led a crew of refereeing newbies (including FRC alumni Brandon Dean, Hector Mireles, and Ryan Brown) through an event that went without any real mayhem for those in stripes. (Perhaps it helped that none of them wore stripes. We'll fix that next year.)

A few team-specific thank-yous:
-to Flash for dusting off 3371's robot on less than a week's notice in an attempt to get us to 18 teams and six even alliances
-to The Hitchhikers for being gracious in not being picked when one team no-showed and forced us to five alliances. (The other unpicked team was the host team, 1293, that was falling victim to frequent issues.)
-to Exploding Bacon for undertaking one of the craziest travel plans I've seen in a while--their team took Amtrak overnight Friday, arrived in Columbia at 4:00 in the morning Saturday, traveled to the school in a rental car and their chase van, competed all day, and hopped on a train last night back home to Florida. All for a rookie one-day off-season event.

The awards, to the best of my recollection (alliances may not be in draft order):

Champions: 2751 (SPARK) 1319 (Flash), 1554 (KC Revolutionists B-Team)
Finalists: 1758 (Technomancers), 3371 (Flash B-Team), 342 (Burning Magnetos)
Champions' Choice*: 342 (Burning Magnetos)
SCRIWDriver Award** Mark Kirlough (Columbia High School)

*Quite literally, the favorite team of the winning drive teams--we asked them after Finals 1 to pick their favorite that wasn't themselves, their B-teams, or the host teams.

**The SCRIWDriver award is presented to the individual or group that is most essential in putting together the SCRIW competition.

I'm sure there are people and teams I'm forgetting, but thank you all for making the first-ever off-season in South Carolina a great success. We look forward to announcing SCRIW II once we have the relevant details!

[mandrews281]

On behalf of Entech281, I'd just like to thank everyone involved in getting SCRIW put together. We had a GREAT time and it was worth all the effort to get our robot working again (it took a beating when we demoed at Freedom Weekend Aloft). It's always great to show the new kids a small sampling of what a FIRST competition looks like.

[Jacob Paikoff]

A thank-you to Jacob Paikoff for jumping in when Palmetto head ref Terrell Burch was out for the morning with an FLL scheduling conflict across town. He led a crew of refereeing newbies (including FRC alumni Brandon Dean, Hector Mireles, and Ryan Brown) through an event that went without any real mayhem for those in stripes. (Perhaps it helped that none of them wore stripes. We'll fix that next year.)



Paikoff

You must have gotten me confused with the other Jacob, which is fine since as you said your brain is mush right now.

[HumblePie]

On behalf of FRC Team 3489 (Category 5) I would like to thank everyone involved in the production of such a successful first SCRIW. We all had a great time, and got to show roughly 14 new students what an exciting thing an FRC competition is. The day would have only been made more awesome by a successful minibot deployment! A very long day, but a great time. Thanks again and hope to see you at Palmetto in March!

[wendymom]

We at Exploding Bacon (now that we are awake) would like to congratulate everyone who worked on SCRIW for such a streamlined, well run, super smooth event. WAY TO GO!!!! Everything seemed effortless thanks to all the wonderful volunteers and students who worked so hard. One of my parents asked me today if it was worth the grueling travel schedule. I said ABSOLUTELY! The 8 students that went all got a chance to be on the drive team at least twice. They got to meet teams we had never met before. They got to see what fall leaves look like. The workshop was well attended and the competition was great. (until our robot died)

Billfred, you are my newest hero. Thanks for helping with all the logistics of rental cars, showers and movie times. You did all that while planning an event. Amazing.

I highly suggest that everyone in the Southeast head to SC for SCRIW 2 next year. Bacon will!

PS: All Florida teams should ride the train......can you imagine all of us on one train!!!