Personal Ad-Hoc network?
 

Does anyone know if we are allowed to set up a personal Ad-Hoc network or a bluetooth PAN network in the stands during the matches for scouting? We would like to use laptops and tablets for scouting but need a way of accessing google docs to upload our scouting data.

Re: Personal Ad-Hoc network?
 

First tends to shut down all networks that are not theirs due to the possible inference with the Field.
It would all depend on the events that you will be attending. At most events there is a wifi for public use but it is very slow due to the number of people on laptops.

Re: Personal Ad-Hoc network?
 

If you want to be safe, Bluetooth PAN would probably be your best bet. That way, there's really not much of a way it can interfere with FMS.

Re: Personal Ad-Hoc network?
 

Rule T04 specifically disallows Wifi ad-hoc networks. It does not disallow bluetooth networks.

Re: Personal Ad-Hoc network?
 

T04 also doesn't ban Ethernet networks. Bring an FRC battery with a 4-8 plug router and you're in business. When it gets low, swap it out for one in the pits. Have 2 batteries dedicated solely to this so that they never see the competition field and you're good.

Obviously, if you're trying to do scouting from a tablet, netbook, Intel Ultrabook or most any Apple product, this won't work.

Re: Personal Ad-Hoc network?
 

Thanks guys I think we will end using the bluetooth PAN network since we will using tablets and laptops to scout.

Re: Personal Ad-Hoc network?
 

In my experiences as head scouter I've used wifi (before it was banned), ethernet, and the cellular network.

Wifi is optimal but that is no longer allowed for obvious reasons. (if you've been in the pits you cannot have missed the "Please switch all bridges to bridge mode" announcements.

Ethernet can work but it quickly gets really messy, especially when you start running power as well then move laptops around. Ethernet cables also fail pretty easily especially solid pvc ones.

We had the best success with a custom web app I built so it'd work on windows phone, android, iPhone, and the like. That's what I'd recommend, most kids have some sort of internet connected phone these days.