Re: 2013 Robot Bridge-Rev B Only
 

California should soon (next year) have FMS for all the off season events. We used FMS Delta 2010 this year, it wasn't bad but the updated seasonal FMS would be awesome!

-RC

Re: 2013 Robot Bridge-Rev B Only
 

That's awesome news, thanks RC!

Re: 2013 Robot Bridge-Rev B Only
 

Let's see if we can't clear some things up.

That's right, the field has been 5Ghz only ever since the new control system was implemented in 2009¹. There's a lot less going on in this band (in general), and there seems to be an easier time getting a clear channel at many venues.


It's true that only the Rev A radios were affected², however only that specific version of the Cisco 1252 firmware caused that effect.


A common problem that occurs with wifi devices in areas with a lot of networks has to do with the sheer number of networks, and the space in memory to store all of them. It is to my understanding after talking to field personnel at FLR that the issues that they see there aren't a problem with networks in the 5Ghz band, but instead with the vast number of networks filling up the memory on the bridge before the field networks are detected. As far as I know, there is no way to ask the bridges to search only in the 5Ghz band for networks.


Specifically, what information are you looking for? In my opinion, the Einstein report was pretty thorough on it's evaluation on most aspects of the field... Coupled with the FMS White Paper³, I think that FIRST has done a great job informing the community about the operation of their system, in addition to the challenges that they face, and that we face as a community.

Re: 2013 Robot Bridge-Rev B Only
 

Thanks for your great answers - cleared up a lot of my questions.

The Einstein report was outstanding in its thoroughness. It brought to light many underlying issues. They also implied (and Frank has also implied on the blog) that there are more announcements yet to come in terms of improvements to the control system for 2013. I'm sure we'll see exactly what this entails at kickoff.

Re: 2013 Robot Bridge-Rev B Only
 

About the power connector on the 1522 rev a and b. Are they the same? In previous posts it has been mentioned that a specific power plug should be used and that the Radio Shack one does not fit correctly. Does some one have the correct power plug part number for the 1522? I think my team did buy it from rat shack and may be the cause of some of our recent 1522 reboots. I can't find that CD thread.

Re: 2013 Robot Bridge-Rev B Only
 

Does anyone have a link as to where we can buy the B version online? I can't find any online seller differentiate between the two versions...

Re: 2013 Robot Bridge-Rev B Only
 

The barrel connector is the same on both Rev A & B, but I'd have to look up the part number as well. I still have a bunch I purchased when we first got the DAP a couple of years ago.

Re: 2013 Robot Bridge-Rev B Only
 

My understanding is that most (maybe all) DAP-1522s you can buy now are Rev. B. We also all are getting Rev. Bs in the kit.

Edit: It appears I was wrong about that first bit. My apologies.

- Oliver

Re: 2013 Robot Bridge-Rev B Only
 

Be careful. New egg has the 1522 on sale. It is a rev A. They are clearing them out. I would be care full if you see a fantastic price.

Re: 2013 Robot Bridge-Rev B Only
 

Did you buy one, or just look at the picture? By my experience, you can't trust the picture to tell what revision of consumer networking gear you are getting. In addition, the retailer doesn't care what revision, and won't put an older revision on sale, as long as the part number is the same.

Re: 2013 Robot Bridge-Rev B Only
 

This (the former) wasn't true at the few places I checked. It looks like people are trying to dump them, but on the other hand many aren't updating photos or adding the revision label. I'd make sure before purchasing, especially if it's a RevA photo (or specs, though that's difficult to pinpoint given the limited differences). At least several of the Amazon hits are still RevA. Best Buy took a looong time but claims it's B. AndyMark sells a definitive RevB.

EDIT
@Joe: Unfortunately, that makes it exceedingly difficult to verify which version anyone's selling. Most everyone I contacted, including newegg said essentially "we do have both right now, but can't tag for a specific order" (plus a couple "we don't know and can't find out"). Difficult.

Re: 2013 Robot Bridge-Rev B Only
 

I asked Newegg if they would differentiate between the hardware revisions. See their response below:

Re: 2013 Robot Bridge-Rev B Only
 

$15 more at AndyMark seem worth it to ensure we get the right version...unless anyone wants to take the hit and order one from Newegg and see what they get? Even then, it's no guarantee...they might happen across another pile of Rev A's

Newegg does offer will-call from their City of Industry location, I believe - might be an opportunity to check it out in person and cancel the order if it's not a Rev B? Not sure, haven't done it before.

Re: 2013 Robot Bridge-Rev B Only
 

Very true. We ordered a new radio from D-Link via Amazon before the MAR Championship and while the picture showed a Rev. A, we received a Rev. B.

Re: 2013 Robot Bridge-Rev B Only
 

I have an order in to Best Buy that's due by next week, if anyone wants to know about them. They claim they only have B, and went through several hoops to check. We'll see.

It's not game-changingly cheaper anyway though: $80+tax with free shipping, versus AM's $95+tax+shipping. I did it mostly to know (a little worried AM will run out the day we break ours...), and because I'm happy with their in-store return policy. Ordered today and my last return date is in like Week 3 of build.