Chief Delphi

Chief Delphi (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/index.php)
-   General Forum (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16)
-   -   [FRC Blog] Kit Hints? (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131446)

FrankJ 10-12-2014 14:07

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
1 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by MrTechCenter (Post 1412785)
It's probably saying that the one box is 5ft long so you won't be able to transport it on something small, like a Vespa.

Speak for yourself....

notmattlythgoe 10-12-2014 14:10

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Pardus (Post 1412804)
Connecting two pool noddles together to make longer pieces is just one way to fill in the open spaces for the bumper corners. From the 2014 Game Manual, Figure 4-9: Soft Parts of BUMPER Corners
Attachment 17573

Very true, it still seems odd that they would cut them down to that size initially though. Unless they are going to require a specific dimension of the robot, which I would be disappointed by.

Bryce2471 10-12-2014 14:11

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Steele (Post 1412801)
Ahhh "we are in full swing"
3X3X60 box.....

gotta be a light saber. (maybe two)

This is what I want for FIRSTmas!
*Adds to actual FIRSTmas list*

Kevin Pardus 10-12-2014 14:40

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by notmattlythgoe (Post 1412806)
Very true, it still seems odd that they would cut them down to that size initially though. Unless they are going to require a specific dimension of the robot, which I would be disappointed by.

See previously posted quotes

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon K. (Post 1412783)
Instead they gave this post:
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...g-New-for-2015

Particularly

Quote:
No one should look at any rules from prior years and think “They would never change that”, because we may. Number of teams on an alliance, number of alliances in a match, match length, bumper rules, field surfaces, robot size, every element from prior year games is carefully considered anew every year.

"bold is my emphasis"

rhinobot 10-12-2014 14:42

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Christopher149 (Post 1412709)
Correlating with the 2014 kit, the 27 in. x 17 in. x ## in. items are probably totes. I'm curious what the 29 in. x 22 in. x 22 in., 9 lbs. item is: it's large and very light.

Inner tube for the water game

artdutra04 10-12-2014 15:06

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by notmattlythgoe (Post 1412706)
Its totally a bumper car power pole...



New power source this year... 1.21 jiggawatts

notmattlythgoe 10-12-2014 15:18

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by artdutra04 (Post 1412819)


New power source this year... 1.21 jiggawatts

Well that's only going to work if we can get up to 88 MPH!

Thad House 10-12-2014 15:20

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by notmattlythgoe (Post 1412821)
Well that's only going to work if we can get up to 88 MPH!

Thats only 129 FPS. Thats not too hard.

orangemoore 10-12-2014 15:23

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Thad House (Post 1412822)
Thats only 129 FPS. Thats not too hard.

The problem is acceleration we have less than 54 feet to get up to speed

dellagd 10-12-2014 15:28

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Due to this pdf on the differences between the Veteran and the Rookie KOP and the sizes of the batteries, I'd say B and F are undeniably batteries

Whippet 10-12-2014 15:28

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by orangemoore (Post 1412823)
The problem is acceleration we have less than 54 feet to get up to speed

No problem.

Oblarg 10-12-2014 15:28

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by orangemoore (Post 1412823)
The problem is acceleration we have less than 54 feet to get up to speed

Better make sure we have decagonal wheels to maximize traction.

Kellen Hill 10-12-2014 15:32

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by orangemoore (Post 1412823)
The problem is acceleration we have less than 54 feet to get up to speed

Where we're playing, we won't need carpet.

Also, maybe we'll hear some legitimate requests for flux capacitors from pit admin this year! :rolleyes:

orangemoore 10-12-2014 15:32

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Whippet (Post 1412826)

That uses 4 extra mini cims and is 30fps under what is needed.

IndySam 10-12-2014 15:33

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
3x3x60 has to be something special that can't be easily purchased. I can't see any other reason for a package like that. So it has to be some type of game piece(s) that are long and ridged or some special surface rolled up ie...... sticky, slippery....... for a ramp or other terrain.

Lil' Lavery 10-12-2014 15:35

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Boe (Post 1412697)

357 has you beat

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Steele (Post 1412801)
Ahhh "we are in full swing"
3X3X60 box.....

gotta be a light saber. (maybe two)

Is there enough room for a crossguard in that box? :rolleyes:

jeremylee 10-12-2014 15:44

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by IndySam (Post 1412830)
3x3x60 has to be something special that can't be easily purchased. I can't see any other reason for a package like that. So it has to be some type of game piece(s) that are long and ridged or some special surface rolled up ie...... sticky, slippery....... for a ramp or other terrain.

3 inch diameter is going to require something very flexible if it is a game surface.

Capture the flag?

Michael Hill 10-12-2014 15:49

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
I'm guessing the 3x3x60 box has a roll of retroreflective material or some other sort of sheet that needs to be rolled up. I don't think it's bumper material because it's generally pretty easy to get, unless they've decided that they didn't like different materials (i.e., sailcloth, pleather, etc.) and want to standardize, but I don't imagine that being the case. If it's a round tube, they can be pretty heavy anyway (2.4 lbs, http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/...aps-125-thick).

Woolly 10-12-2014 15:52

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
According to Wikipedia, an MLB baseball is 2-7/8 in - 3in in diameter, and weighs between 5-5.25 ounces. Doing the math on that would mean that a 3X3X60 box would be about right for holding 20 baseballs and would weigh 6.25-6.5625lbs.

Michael Hill 10-12-2014 15:54

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Woolly (Post 1412838)
According to Wikipedia, an MLB baseball is 2-7/8 in - 3in in diameter, and weighs between 5-5.25 ounces. Doing the math on that would mean that a 3X3X60 box would be about right for holding 20 baseballs and would weigh 6.25-6.5625lbs.

Yeah, baseballs aren't going to happen....as fun as that would be. They have a bad habit of being deadly.

notmattlythgoe 10-12-2014 15:57

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Hill (Post 1412840)
Yeah, baseballs aren't going to happen....as fun as that would be. They have a bad habit of being deadly.

I think the 22x22x29 box is full of ball pit balls.

AdamHeard 10-12-2014 15:58

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Woolly (Post 1412838)
According to Wikipedia, an MLB baseball is 2-7/8 in - 3in in diameter, and weighs between 5-5.25 ounces. Doing the math on that would mean that a 3X3X60 box would be about right for holding 20 baseballs and would weigh 6.25-6.5625lbs.

Anything like that makes much more sense to package in a square box to minimize length.

Jared 10-12-2014 15:59

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

We want to make sure you have the information you need to get your Kickoff Kit home safely. The Kit of Parts homepage has been updated with sizes and weights of various components of the Kickoff Kit that you can expect to have to pack up and take back to your build space.
If it's 20 baseballs or some number of shorter than 60" long items, they wouldn't pack them in a 3 x 3 x 20 box. This means that the item is either 60" long, or multiple items that can be stacked to 60" long. I don't think it's the second option because the purpose of showing the weights and the sizes was to give teams the ability to prepare to carry back the kickoff kit, not to mislead people about the size of what is in the kit.

They wouldn't have teams prepare to bring back a flagpole box if they could rearrange the contents to have more reasonable dimensions.

Alan Anderson 10-12-2014 16:05

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Woolly (Post 1412838)
...a 3X3X60 box would be about right for holding 20 baseballs and would weigh 6.25-6.5625lbs.

A 6x6x15 box would also hold 20 baseballs and would not unduly inconvenience Vespa owners. I agree with the assumption that this box is 5 feet long because that's the natural length of whatever is inside it.

How tall is the driver station "glass"?

Bryan Herbst 10-12-2014 16:16

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Anderson (Post 1412847)
How tall is the driver station "glass"?

It has been (and will almost certainly continue to be) 41.5". Source: page 19 of the basic field drawings.

BBray_T1296 10-12-2014 16:16

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruceb (Post 1412799)
Ah @#$%@# had special wheels.

You have said that which should not have been spoken.

AllenGregoryIV 10-12-2014 16:18

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Anderson (Post 1412847)
I agree with the assumption that this box is 5 feet long because that's the natural length of whatever is inside it.

I agree. I'm thinking something similar to the VEX ladder from the 2010 game Round Up. Some sheet metal and other materials that assemble into a game element of some kind.

Maybe a rehash of the 2009 trailer idea and have something that must be mounted on each robot.

cfair 10-12-2014 16:18

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
The suggestion that "D" is a game piece has merit. But how about if it's a robot component that is required to manipulate a game piece? Last year was all about cooperation, passing was very high value; what if you are required to manipulate games pieces with this long robot component (provided in the kit)? Maybe the game pieces are hula hoops and you have to keep them off the ground and pass them when you go from loading to scoring... The latter is definitely reading too much into a box's dimensions, it's not unusual to dictate robot components as well as playing pieces. Or maybe the box contains hula hoops!

Nate Laverdure 10-12-2014 16:26

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Anderson (Post 1412847)
A 6x6x15 box would also hold 20 baseballs...

I betcha a 6x6x15 box would hold 32 baseballs because face-centered cubic packing :)

Jaywalker1711 10-12-2014 16:30

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
"We're in full swing"
Normally I wouldn't have thought anything of this comment, but the following posts made me think about it:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woolly (Post 1412838)
According to Wikipedia, an MLB baseball is 2-7/8 in - 3in in diameter, and weighs between 5-5.25 ounces. Doing the math on that would mean that a 3X3X60 box would be about right for holding 20 baseballs and would weigh 6.25-6.5625lbs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pretzel (Post 1412787)
When you purchase a new set of irons (for golf), they are shipped in a box that measures approximately 4"x4"x60", but this is designed to carry a full set of eight golf clubs.

An individually packaged iron will weigh about 3 pounds when it's ready to ship, with each iron weighing between one and two pounds. This means that about 3-4 golf clubs could fit in the box's weight limit. From heel to toe, with the shaft oriented vertically, a golf club measures less than the ~4.25 inches of space (measured diagonally) in the 3"x3" square. A golf club is also easily fits within the 60" of length given by such a box (with room to vertically stagger clubs and add soft packing material, as the major golf manufacturers do when shipping clubs in their 60" boxes). This means that it's entirely possible for the box to contain three golf clubs with it's specified dimensions and given weight.

So what kinds of swings are there? Baseball, golf, hockey (won't happen again) and tennis
Perhaps the long box is full of a few baseball bats or golf clubs? Or perhaps it is full of baseballs (probably wiffle balls) or golf balls (made of plastic)? Or maybe even a long tube of tennis balls

and about the #24....
FYI: Rickey Henderson, a pretty famous baseball player, was the number 24. He was famous for running and stealing bases

And to those saying that the 60" box is one long pole, read more carefully:
It says "One set of items, collectively 3 in. x 3 in. x 60 in., 6 lbs," meaning that there are at least 2 things inside the box

Of course, we are all probably making much adieu about nothing and the boxes probably just have bumper materials in them.

Charloggle 10-12-2014 16:31

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
3x3x60? It's probably a hose. Water game confirmed!

weaversam8 10-12-2014 16:34

I could definitely dig the capture the flag method. A red and blue flag could fit in that box.

Charloggle 10-12-2014 16:34

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by jvriezen (Post 1412717)
Yep. One piece of red fabric, one blue.

Maybe they're so heavy because the required bumper fabric is denim.

Lil' Lavery 10-12-2014 16:35

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Fabric could be a field element, rather than for bumpers.

Oblarg 10-12-2014 16:45

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Game piece is not going to be a ball. I'll put money on that.

x86_4819 10-12-2014 16:45

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
This may be reiterating conclusions already met, but here are my thoughts and reasoning on item D:

FIRST gave us this data ahead of time for a reason, namely to warn about the size of object D, and for teams to prepare accordingly. I don't think that they would give us misleading data that might cause teams to make unnecessary plans and commitments for Kickoff.

FIRST understands that this might be inconvenient to some teams, and I think that they would strive to make any object as easy to transport as possible. Thus, if FIRST tells us we need to be able to carry a 5' object home with us, it probably can't be made shorter for long periods of time without damaging it.

There are more than one objects in the item set, as indicated by FIRST. If the reasoning above is correct, then at least one object is 5' long in it's storage configuration. Are all of the items like this? Might there be but a single 5' object, and an accompanying 3' object in there as well? We can't know for sure.

The configuration of the 5' object while in long term storage may not be the configuration of the object while in it's expected use.

For the moment: let's assume that the unaltered object is intended to be an element of the Finished Robot.

If the object is rigid, then 5' of something with questionable strength could be reasoned to be kept within the frame perimeter, away from the possibility of being broken by other robots. Thus it is supposed to be held vertically, and will probably cause the robot to be constantly > 5' in height while containing the object. Thus the rules would need to allow for this, either by allowing extra height for the object, or by raising the robot's total height limit. Neither is a big barrier, but something to think about.

If the object is flexible, than it can be expected that flexing it for extended periods of time would cause some deformation in it, due to the transportation situation. One possibility is that it is intended to be replaced occasionally, and to deform/break it is expected. If this is not the case, then you could apply the same reasoning held if it were rigid.

On the other hand, what if it were a field element?

FIRST would not include this if it were easily replaced. Thus I doubt that it is as simple as a pole, you could easily use a stick instead.

It must be a crucial tool to designing and building the robot, not an optional accessory.

Those are just my 2 cents, feel free to let loose with the nukes if you so wish.

Chi Meson 10-12-2014 16:54

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Whippet (Post 1412690)
I hope we'll still be able to buy wheels. It would be a pretty terrible game if we had special FIRST-mandated wheels as a central element to gameplay. Good thing it hasn't happened yet...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimmeh (Post 1412692)
If that happened we'd never hear the end of it. People would still be complaining about it, 5 years later...

You're right. That would be sheer lunacy!

Edit:
<<<Look who just noticed the thread was 10 pages long. Still, did nobody hit that one yet?

piersklein 10-12-2014 16:54

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Item D is actually just two JVN cutouts with EJ's face stuck over them. Frank gets us

Thad House 10-12-2014 16:57

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Got it. C is a box of corn dogs. D is stacks of this video on DVD.

billbo911 10-12-2014 17:07

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Thad House (Post 1412867)
Got it. C is a box of corn dogs. D is stacks of this video on DVD.

I wondered how long it would take for that to happen.
Thanks Thad!!

orangemoore 10-12-2014 17:11

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
It's amazing this thread has over 100 posts less than a day later after it was posted

Jaywalker1711 10-12-2014 17:17

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
There is another possibility that no one has mentioned yet:
A game using Tennis balls

Tennis balls are 2.575-2.700 inches in diameter. But get this: tennis ball cans are 8.5 x 3 x 3 inches, meaning that you could fit 7 in the box (60/8.5) with a tiny bit of room to spare.

"We're in full swing" could refer to a tennis swing

MrTechCenter 10-12-2014 17:31

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
My prediction: Capture the Flag

mman1506 10-12-2014 17:56

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Does First ship the FLL mats in a similar long box like this one or do they fold it?

cadandcookies 10-12-2014 18:03

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by mman1506 (Post 1412883)
Does First ship the FLL mats in a similar long box like this one or do they fold it?

Definitely long boxes. Folded FLL mats would be an utter disaster. Those robots are ridiculously sensitive.

MamaSpoldi 10-12-2014 18:04

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by mman1506 (Post 1412883)
Does First ship the FLL mats in a similar long box like this one or do they fold it?

The FLL mats are rolled, not folded. However, I believe this is more likely due to the fact that those robots are rather light weight and must traverse those mats with some level of precision which would be very difficult if there were creases in the mat.

cgmv123 10-12-2014 18:05

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by mman1506 (Post 1412883)
Does First ship the FLL mats in a similar long box like this one or do they fold it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadandcookies (Post 1412885)
Definitely long boxes. Folded FLL mats would be an utter disaster. Those robots are ridiculously sensitive.

They actually tried to switch to folded mats a few years ago. It went about as well as you'd think.

Nate Laverdure 10-12-2014 18:11

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by mman1506 (Post 1412883)
Does First ship the FLL mats in a similar long box like this one or do they fold it?

Those FLL mat rolls are 4' long, not 5'.

jeremylee 10-12-2014 18:21

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
C could be the base for the flag in D. The weight of C is due to the need to counter weight the flag to self right itself.

DohertyBilly 10-12-2014 18:42

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by D.Allred (Post 1412762)
Last year batteries were included in the totes. This year we're getting boxes, not totes.


Quote:

Originally Posted by cgmv123 (Post 1412763)
Sizes match; weights match. Everyone gets one battery; rookies get an additional one. What other item fits that description?

Yes, batteries were in the totes last year, but they've been separate from the totes in years past as well.

So the battery has been removed from the tote, but the weight remains the same. My question is what is making up that extra 14 lbs? That number seems a bit high for just the new control system.

Nuttyman54 10-12-2014 19:19

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Maybe it's materials for a "build-your-own sizing box"? They did say big changes could coming. Qty 4 of 60" lengths of 1"x1"x 0.125" aluminum angle comes in right around 5.5lbs. That's the amount you'd need to build a nominal cube sizing box 28"x28"x28" with an open bottom (4 horizontal lengths make the square base, plus 4 vertical legs). Maybe some corner connectors are included

It expands on the recent changes to the 112" perimeter rule. Now you would make your sizing box whatever size you want with the material provided. Bring it with to inspection, show that your robot fits.

Crazy? Yes. Cumbersome? Definitely. A good idea? Almost certainly not. But it checks all the boxes (pun intended):
-Required for every team
-Cannot be packed in a shorter box
-Multiple items
-6lbs
-Big change

StAxis 10-12-2014 19:21

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuttyman54 (Post 1412918)
Maybe it's materials for a "build-your-own sizing box"? They did say big changes could coming. Qty 4 of 60" lengths of 1"x1"x 0.125" aluminum angle comes in right around 5.5lbs. That's the amount you'd need to build a nominal cube sizing box 28"x28"x28" with an open bottom (4 horizontal lengths make the square base, plus 4 vertical legs). Maybe some corner connectors are included

It expands on the recent changes to the 112" perimeter rule. Now you would make your sizing box whatever size you want with the material provided. Bring it with to inspection, show that your robot fits.

Crazy? Yes. Cumbersome? Definitely. A good idea? Almost certainly not. But it checks all the boxes (pun intended):
-Required for every team
-Cannot be packed in a shorter box
-Multiple items
-6lbs
-Big change

This is a surprisingly reasonable, but I refuse to accept it as I am not ready to give up on my wild theories just yet.

Jared 10-12-2014 19:24

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
If it's a game piece, it likely isn't fully assembled. I have a hard time imagining a safe, interesting 60 x 3 x 3 game piece that isn't impossible to manipulate.

AllenGregoryIV 10-12-2014 19:25

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by StAxis (Post 1412920)
This is a surprisingly reasonable, but I refuse to accept it as I am not ready to give up on my wild theories just yet.

As an LRI its hard enough to get every team to bring bumpers to competition. Trying to get them to bring a sizing box would be a nightmare.

cgmv123 10-12-2014 19:29

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by AllenGregoryIV (Post 1412926)
As an LRI its hard enough to get every team to bring bumpers to competition. Trying to get them to bring a sizing box would be a nightmare.

Not to mention that sizing boxes are basically empty space, which there isn't room to store one for every team of at most events.

theawesome1730 10-12-2014 19:46

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by MasterEric (Post 1412712)
Has nobody pointed this out? This thing is really heavy for it's size.

Given that Item B has a size of 168 cubic inches, and a weight of 14 pounds, it has a density of approximately 0.083333333 pounds per cubic inch.

Looking at this site, several of my guesses are eliminated, including solid gold and human bone

It's a battery.

AllenGregoryIV 10-12-2014 19:50

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by cgmv123 (Post 1412930)
Not to mention that sizing boxes are basically empty space, which there isn't room to store one for every team of at most events.

I assumed they would bolt together in some fashion, so they would store flat when you weren't using them.

Nuttyman54 10-12-2014 20:51

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by StAxis (Post 1412920)
This is a surprisingly reasonable, but I refuse to accept it as I am not ready to give up on my wild theories just yet.

To be fair, my idea is an an absolutely terrible idea, IMHO. As Allen Gregory pointed out, LRI's still have trouble getting teams to build bumpers correctly and bring them, even though they've been mandatory since 2008. Dealing with ensuring that all sizing boxes are compliant with the rules prior to allowing a team to demonstrate that their robot is compliant with the sizing box is several times as much work, and a recipe for disaster.

That's not to say that "choose your starting volume shape" option isn't doable, but I would hope it's implemented better than every team fabricating their own sizing box.

StAxis 10-12-2014 20:57

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuttyman54 (Post 1412966)
To be fair, my idea is an an absolutely terrible idea, IMHO. As Allen Gregory pointed out, LRI's still have trouble getting teams to build bumpers correctly and bring them, even though they've been mandatory since 2008. Dealing with ensuring that all sizing boxes are compliant with the rules prior to allowing a team to demonstrate that their robot is compliant with the sizing box is several times as much work, and a recipe for disaster.

That's not to say that "choose your starting volume shape" option isn't doable, but I would hope it's implemented better than every team fabricating their own sizing box.

I didn't say it was a good idea, just a reasonable guess :P Probably isn't it, it's probably (and hopefully) something we'll never see coming. Can't wait to find out on January 3rd though!

JimWright949 10-12-2014 21:40

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
I think it’s a pipe that has a specific coating on it. Something like the pipes in the game with mini-bots, however, since the coating is specific to the game, a sample with the exact coating is given to each team.

x86_4819 10-12-2014 22:07

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
A pole with some kind of fancy vision target on it?

dellagd 10-12-2014 22:52

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
About D:

Has FIRST ever given teams part of the field in the KOP? In my short time I haven't seen it, they've always had you buy cheap alternatives to the field elements yourself, and there have been plenty of poles used in the games.


Therefore I have to conclude that it is for some reason special, so doubt about that. I'm not quite sure how special a pole can get, and I can't think of any "coating" that would make it special either. I doubt they'd do mini-bots again, that wouldn't make sense to reuse such a specific end game after only 4 years.

That really only leaves some kind of surface rolled up... fabric would be my guess, maybe because they've added something more to the bumpers this year, I don't know.

The other option is a field surface... And the only surface that really matters is the floor during the competition...



PLEASE. DON'T! My team was just starting to make awesome progress with drive trains... I don't want to drive on regolith...

GUI 10-12-2014 22:59

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
The game piece is a fluorescent light bulb, the long package is a bundle with a few spares to account for expected breakage.

nathannfm 10-12-2014 23:03

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
So while everyone has been focusing on the long box (I doubt it's bumper fabric, but anyway) I took a look at the large, abnormally light box (29 in. x 22 in. x 22 in., 9 lbs.) If you assume the box itself is made of standard corrugated cardboard it would weigh ~3.25lb empty, leaving 5.75lb for contents. My bet is the contents are game pieces. One example of what would fit in this box is 3 balls (3 because thats how many we were given last time the game piece was foam balls) each with a diameter of 13.6". If they are made of polyurethane foam (Think dodgeball balls) with a density of 2.5 lb/ft^3 they would have a weight of 1.92lb each. 3 of these, plus the box is almost exactly equal to 9lbs.


Oblarg 10-12-2014 23:03

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by dellagd (Post 1413024)
PLEASE. DON'T! My team was just starting to make awesome progress with drive trains... I don't want to drive on regolith...

$10 says that if Regolith makes a return (please no), somewhere, some poor ill-advised team will still show up to competition with a 6-CIM drive.

Chris is me 10-12-2014 23:07

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Some of this has been said before, sorry.

I don't think any guess that doesn't account for the length of the box is correct. There is no reason to put everything in a 5 foot long box just to mess with people. It's so much more of a pain to ship, move around, and bring home an odd sized box than a more normal sized box; they wouldn't make the box long for no reason. Though the baseball theory has some merit.

Fabric often comes in standard widths of 54 inches. A possibility is that the box contains a mandatory - and new - bumper fabric material. This would address the subjectivity in the rules of what bumper materials are allowed and eliminate the advantages "engineered" bumpers give. The odd thing here is that the box weighs more than I would expect rolls of fabric to weigh. I wouldn't be surprised if they found a really tough and slippery fabric, engineered to help avoid T-bones, and maybe that weighs more than normal.

I don't think it's an odd, rolled up floor / driving material (like Regolith) - it's pretty hard to tightly roll somewhat rigid coverings into a 3" box. Perhaps it's a vision target, but that seems like a stretch; it hasn't been done in the past and they have moved toward retro-reflective tape anyway.

5 feet is the robot's max height from many years. Five feet of stock of a mandatory component or piece of extrusion is plausible. Perhaps it's "like" minibots, but robot side.

mrnoble 10-12-2014 23:19

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
By far the most reasonable explanation is a roll with two or more colors of fabric. Spooling fabric is the quickest, safest and most practicable way to package and ship large amounts of material. Six pounds, including the center roll and the box, is totally within reason.

It's been clear to me for a while that bumpers are an area of the competition where two problems are developing for FRC. One is the constant frustration and occasional danger that is caused by teams that come to competition with incomplete or insufficient bumpers. It is often the last thing that young teams consider in build season, and with the goal being to get all teams to pass inspection, I've seen questionable bumpers okayed for play. The other is teams that are using bumpers to gain advantage through materials and construction that augment the original purpose (protection). See this year's sailcloth experiments.

All that is to say I would not be at all surprised if bumpers were standardized, and even increased in size. Three pool noodle height, perhaps? That would also increase protection, as well as the visibility of the (larger) team numbers, both of which would be highly desirable. I'll bet that the light 29" box is also bumper material.

mrnoble 10-12-2014 23:21

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Jinx, Chris.

Oblarg 10-12-2014 23:26

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by mrnoble (Post 1413035)
All that is to say I would not be at all surprised if bumpers were standardized, and even increased in size. Three pool noodle height, perhaps? That would also increase protection, as well as the visibility of the (larger) team numbers, both of which would be highly desirable. I'll bet that the light 29" box is also bumper material.

I could get behind these changes.

I, too, think standardized bumpers are by far the most plausible explanation.

mrnoble 10-12-2014 23:49

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
This is enough information for me to scrap plans to buy fabric and noodles prior to build. It's also enough to convince me that this year's game, whatever else it may be, will include plenty of robot-to-robot contact.

brandon.cottrell 11-12-2014 00:10

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by dellagd (Post 1413024)
Therefore I have to conclude that it is for some reason special, so doubt about that. I'm not quite sure how special a pole can get, and I can't think of any "coating" that would make it special either. I doubt they'd do mini-bots again, that wouldn't make sense to reuse such a specific end game after only 4 years.

Interesting enough, innertubes were reused after only 3 years.

RamZ 11-12-2014 00:12

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
To quote this thread:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...hreadid=131453
Quote:

-In the source code for the site, the word "Choice" in the title "FIRST Choice" is split into "Ch", "o", and "ice". The word "ice" being alone is the first real hint towards it being a hockey game.
view-source:http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...5-kit-of-parts
Not sure if this means anything, it's definitely odd, here's the snippet in question:

Quote:

<h3 align="left"><strong><em>FIRST</em>&nbsp;Ch</strong><strong>o</strong><strong>ice</strong></h3>
I don't see any purpose for this to be written other than to:
  • Hint at an ice related game
  • Watch us freak out on CD
Yeah, probably the latter.

Jacob Bendicksen 11-12-2014 00:15

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
As much as I'd love to see some sort of baseball bat/hockey stick/minibot pole hybrid, I have a feeling that the box just holds bumper materials. Bumpers have become such an annoyance for most teams and an opportunity for the better teams to gain advantage over the past few years that I think FIRST may have just decided to standardize them.

dellagd 11-12-2014 06:18

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by brandon.cottrell (Post 1413051)
Interesting enough, innertubes were reused after only 3 years.

Yeah, true. Maybe a better number to use would have been after 3, since ideally no students from a 2007 team were on a 2011 team (07, 08, 09, 10), that's kinda what I was shooting for.

notmattlythgoe 11-12-2014 08:02

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
My argument against the long box/tube being fabric for bumpers is FIRST hasn't been rolling the cloth that is given to the rookie teams each year. They fold it and put it in the rookie tote, so why would that change this year if they were giving it to everybody?

jvriezen 11-12-2014 08:48

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by notmattlythgoe (Post 1413107)
My argument against the long box/tube being fabric for bumpers is FIRST hasn't been rolling the cloth that is given to the rookie teams each year. They fold it and put it in the rookie tote, so why would that change this year if they were giving it to everybody?

It's a legitimate argument, but perhaps the reason is that the number of rookie teams is just a small fraction of the number of total teams. When a process scales up, it can be the case that alternative logistics is more efficient/cheaper. Fabric suppliers have logistics to produce orders for arbitrary lengths on rolls for shipping efficiently. For rookie only, perhaps FIRST ordered full bolts and did their own cutting/folding for a the smaller number of rookies.

notmattlythgoe 11-12-2014 08:54

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by jvriezen (Post 1413111)
It's a legitimate argument, but perhaps the reason is that the number of rookie teams is just a small fraction of the number of total teams. When a process scales up, it can be the case that alternative logistics is more efficient/cheaper. Fabric suppliers have logistics to produce orders for arbitrary lengths on rolls for shipping efficiently. For rookie only, perhaps FIRST ordered full bolts and did their own cutting/folding for a the smaller number of rookies.

Its definitely possible. It just seems unlikely, to me, that FIRST would choose to give the items for the bumpers, given the fact that all of the items involved in making them are easily accessible to teams. Why give the items when FIRST can just say that a specific cloth is required for use on the bumpers.

BigJ 11-12-2014 09:11

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by RamZ (Post 1413053)
To quote this thread:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...hreadid=131453


Not sure if this means anything, it's definitely odd, here's the snippet in question:



I don't see any purpose for this to be written other than to:
  • Hint at an ice related game
  • Watch us freak out on CD
Yeah, probably the latter.

I would guess it's just weird artifacts from a WYSIWYG editor that they use for blog posts.

Monochron 11-12-2014 10:02

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Figured I should throw in my prediction on "the long box" as well.
  1. "Rods" with which to construct a goal or game piece
  2. Linear motion construction pieces (thinking along the lines of this year's game lending itself to one)
  3. Random metal pieces like rail. (Being that some random company donated a ton)

Tem1514 Mentor 11-12-2014 10:05

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
The basic kit of parts sure looks pretty common to me with item D being the only mystery.

From the website(s);

2015 Kickoff Kits will consist of the following items for all teams (sizes and weights are approximate):

A) Tote: With all of donated items that we usually get like CIM's, wire, battery ends, heat shrink, two sided tape and so on.

B) Battery

C) Best guess this is the new roboRIO control system. (September FRC blog post)

D) The Mystery box of one set of items, collectively 3 in. x 3 in. x60 in., 6 lbs.
Just about anything but a good guess would be something game specific like game piece(s) or a tow trailer kit, may be a banner or table cloth. We will have to wait and see. The bag and tag items :)

2015 Kickoff Kits will include the following additional items for Rookie teams only:

E) Tote: with Battery Charger, Classmate Netbook, one Joystick, one Gamepad, USB Key to Image Classmate, Set of assorted pneumatic components (compressor, air tanks, fittings, tubing, valves, PTFE tape, pressure switch, gauge, and regulator)

F) Battery

Teams who did not opt out of the Drive Base Kit will also receive the following item:

G) AMU drive base

kjohnson 11-12-2014 10:10

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Monochron (Post 1413128)
Figured I should throw in my prediction on "the long box" as well.
  1. "Rods" with which to construct a goal or game piece
  2. Linear motion construction pieces (thinking along the lines of this year's game lending itself to one)
  3. Random metal pieces like rail. (Being that some random company donated a ton)

The three of those are my guess as well.

I've been keeping up with this thread and have a few observations/assumptions:
  • The 60" box isn't fabric.
  • Pool noodles aren't in the kit.
  • FIRST wouldn't waste resources shipping teams items that are readily available (COTS) unless they have been donated
  • The 60" box is a set of items. As others have said, there is no need for a 60" box for items that could be packed in more efficient ways. These items are most definitely close to 60" in length. Frank likes to troll us but not to the point of spending more money due to inefficient packing.
  • Foam balls don't ship compressed (2006, 2012)
  • Inflatable things don't ship inflated (2004, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2014)
  • There will not be 3 alliances or more than 6 robots in a match. FIRST has made too much of an investment in the current field perimeter, including fields owned by districts.

MrRoboSteve 11-12-2014 10:20

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by mrnoble (Post 1413035)
All that is to say I would not be at all surprised if bumpers were standardized, and even increased in size. Three pool noodle height, perhaps? That would also increase protection, as well as the visibility of the (larger) team numbers, both of which would be highly desirable. I'll bet that the light 29" box is also bumper material.

My thought is that this is unlikely. I didn't see any damage this year on robots that could be attributed to issues with the two noodle bumper, and haven't heard any discussions about issues with number size.

It's not clear to me what on the current bumpers could be standardized further.

Plywood is commonly available and must be cut to size to fit the robot design.

Same for pool noodles and fabric -- commonly available and must be cut to size.

Numbers are commonly available and vary somewhat by team for stylistic reasons.

Remember that the veteran KOP contains items from the following categories:

. items that replenish stock that every team needs (batteries, motors, 2015 control system)
. donated items with sufficient quantity for everyone (e.g., Igus, 3M, etc)
. game specific items

I believe the long box falls into the third category.

Orion.DeYoe 11-12-2014 10:48

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
It might be possible that VEX donated some Versaframe components to the kit. The long box is probably the right weight for 2-3 sticks of 2x1 or 4-6 sticks of 1x1.
Someone should check the quantities and weights.

blazeflipper 11-12-2014 10:52

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
I don't think the height of the robot will change for the same reason the perimeter won't change, if you make robots too tall they won't fit through doors. I believe box D is a game piece even if it is as simple as a rod, we are always given at least one game piece. Just like Frisbee's everyone has easy access to one but we were still given three. it won't be a ball game so I don't think it will be baseball, but it could still be a baseball bat, using the bat as a game piece could be fun.

Anthony Galea 11-12-2014 11:03

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Orion.DeYoe (Post 1413143)
It might be possible that VEX donated some Versaframe components to the kit. The long box is probably the right weight for 2-3 sticks of 2x1 or 4-6 sticks of 1x1.
Someone should check the quantities and weights.

From http://www.vexrobotics.com/vexpro/st...ersaframe.html
Both are 59"
1x1: 0.90 lbs
2x1: 3.28 lbs

4 2x1 and 1 1x1 is 14.02 lbs. Too light.

BrendanB 11-12-2014 11:07

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by 3175student17 (Post 1413147)
From http://www.vexrobotics.com/vexpro/st...ersaframe.html
Both are 59"
1x1: 0.90 lbs
2x1: 3.28 lbs

4 2x1 and 1 1x1 is 14.02 lbs. Too light.

4 pieces of 1x1 would be 3.6lbs. 1 piece of 2x1 and 2 pieces of 1x1 is 5.08lbs. Plus the weight of the box/packaging would put you at about 6lbs.

I highly doubt its Versaframe but one can always hope! :rolleyes:

notmattlythgoe 11-12-2014 11:08

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by blazeflipper (Post 1413144)
I don't think the height of the robot will change for the same reason the perimeter won't change, if you make robots too tall they won't fit through doors. I believe box D is a game piece even if it is as simple as a rod, we are always given at least one game piece. Just like Frisbee's everyone has easy access to one but we were still given three. it won't be a ball game so I don't think it will be baseball, but it could still be a baseball bat, using the bat as a game piece could be fun.

Who says it won't be a ball game? There were 3 years in a row recently that the game used "balls".

mklinker 11-12-2014 11:21

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by nukemknight (Post 1413132)
[*]There will not be 3 alliances or more than 6 robots in a match. FIRST has made too much of an investment in the current field perimeter, including fields owned by districts.[/list]

I think that this is faulty logic. What if there were 3 alliances of two teams each with one member of each alliance stationed at each end of the field? This would require NO field modifications whatsoever.

Derpancakes 11-12-2014 11:33

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by RamZ (Post 1413053)
To quote this thread:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...hreadid=131453


Not sure if this means anything, it's definitely odd, here's the snippet in question:



I don't see any purpose for this to be written other than to:
  • Hint at an ice related game
  • Watch us freak out on CD
Yeah, probably the latter.

They're catching on.. After last year's picture title stating that there was no hint (and there actually was :/), I'd agree that this is a very clever red herring.

blazeflipper 11-12-2014 11:33

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by notmattlythgoe (Post 1413149)
Who says it won't be a ball game? There were 3 years in a row recently that the game used "balls".

If your referring to 2009, the "Cells" were not considered balls by the GDC, because they were hollow and very squishy teams could not manipulate them as they would say a basketball or soccer ball. But, as we know that didn't work, teams still had ball intake systems very similar to others, as well as a lot of other things that year we just ignore that in FRC history.

kjohnson 11-12-2014 11:35

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by mklinker (Post 1413154)
I think that this is faulty logic. What if there were 3 alliances of two teams each with one member of each alliance stationed at each end of the field? This would require NO field modifications whatsoever.

This thread is full of "what if." What is actually practical? Just because it is possible doesn't make it practical. FRC has come a long way since two team alliances were last seen in 2004. Going back to two team alliances would be exactly that, moving backwards. We just barely moved to four team alliances at the Championship, stepping back is not the direction this program is moving.

kjohnson 11-12-2014 11:43

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by blazeflipper (Post 1413160)
If your referring to 2009, the "Cells" were not considered balls by the GDC, because they were hollow and very squishy teams could not manipulate them as they would say a basketball or soccer ball. But, as we know that didn't work, teams still had ball intake systems very similar to others, as well as a lot of other things that year we just ignore that in FRC history.

Let's review. Balls in the past ten years:
  • 2004: Playground balls and large inflated balls
  • 2006: Poof balls
  • 2008: Track balls
  • 2009: Orbit balls (up to you if you actually consider this a ball)
  • 2010: Soccer balls
  • 2012: Foam basketballs
  • 2014: Exercise balls
So, if you ignore Orbit balls (or the entire 2009 season :deadhorse: ), there have not been back to back ball games since before the 3v3 era. I won't go so far as to rule out balls this year, but it is highly unlikely.

Sorry for the back to back post but these are completely different topics.

hadynbrouwer98 11-12-2014 12:40

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
could be a flag pole for capture the flag?

Electronica1 11-12-2014 12:43

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
It could be a stack-able game piece.

Shifter 11-12-2014 12:44

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
From the reference to "swing":

box D ("sizes and weights are approximate"):

16 standard tennis balls in one of these which can be fixed at several points around the field perimeter and act as ball dispensers. They can also be used in hand by the field reset crew.

weight = 2.1 ounce/ball x 16 balls + 2.1 lb tube = 4.2 lbs vs 6 lbs stated for KoP box D
shipping size = 4" x 4" x 49" vs 3" x 3" x 60" for KoP box D

box C:

8 oversized tennis balls

weight = 1.15 lbs/ball x 8 balls = 9.2 lbs vs 9 lbs stated for KoP box C
shipping size = 20" x 20" x 20" vs 29" x 22" x 22" for KoP box C


total qty = 16 + 8 = "24" game pieces

Volcano Volley...

Mr V 11-12-2014 13:09

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
To everyone that keeps saying that the 60" box contains either bumper fabric, or a bunch of balls stacked up I say no chance for that. A 3 x 3 x 60 box is going to be a big pain to ship since it can't lay flat on a standard pallet without hanging over. Having it hang over the pallet would increase the cost and the likelihood of damage to the items. As much as Frank likes to troll the CD community he is not going to have the KOP team box something in a manner that will make it more expensive to ship and increase the likelihood of it being damaged in shipment just to troll the members of the CD community.

So what every that item(s) is you can be pretty certain that it is close to that 60" length and that there is not a practical way to ship it in anything smaller.

So it is either a game piece, a field element that can't be easily/economically reproduced locally or some part that will need to be used on the robot in substantially the same configuration as shipped.

peirvine 11-12-2014 13:25

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Noooooo

Quote:

Were you loony for LUNACY in 2009? #tbt #omgrobots @FRCTeams

Could they be hinting at another Lunacy type game again?

Source: FIRSTweets

jman4747 11-12-2014 13:28

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr V (Post 1413176)
To everyone that keeps saying that the 60" box contains either bumper fabric, or a bunch of balls stacked up I say no chance for that. A 3 x 3 x 60 box is going to be a big pain to ship since it can't lay flat on a standard pallet without hanging over. Having it hang over the pallet would increase the cost and the likelihood of damage to the items. As much as Frank likes to troll the CD community he is not going to have the KOP team box something in a manner that will make it more expensive to ship and increase the likelihood of it being damaged in shipment just to troll the members of the CD community.

So what every that item(s) is you can be pretty certain that it is close to that 60" length and that there is not a practical way to ship it in anything smaller.

So it is either a game piece, a field element that can't be easily/economically reproduced locally or some part that will need to be used on the robot in substantially the same configuration as shipped.

Defiantly.

I think the hard part is what is in the larger tote (box C)? And it's not the control system. Why would you need a box larger than the main tote for just one set of the 2015 control system parts? Much like box D box C is very large and usually isn't there, thus whatever is in there needs to be. So either a game object or field element. I think it will be interesting to see which each of these boxes is. Maybe one is a field piece and one is a game object or both are field pieces and the game piece is inflatable or both are game objects.

jman4747 11-12-2014 13:31

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by peirvine (Post 1413180)
Noooooo



Could they be hinting at another Lunacy type game again?

Source: FIRSTweets


Okay THAT is trolloloollolool.... Not funny Manchester.:mad:

Greg Needel 11-12-2014 13:50

Re: [FRC Blog] Kit Hints?
 
While it is fun to guess that it has something to do with the game, the only thing I can think of is that it is raw building materials.

It is not that hard of a stretch to think that some sponsor donated a bunch of 1x1 or other profile aluminum to every team.


It would be a welcome addition to the kit, since many rookie teams put the drive base together and then say "now what"


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:38.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2017, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © Chief Delphi