SuperScouter For FRC -- A Multiplatform, Extensible Scouting System
 

SuperScouter for FRC
SuperScouter has been released! It is currently available on the Play Store and the App Store (pending review). Download the server from http://jkoritzinsky.github.io/SuperScouter4FRC and start your scouting plan today!

What is SuperScouter?

SuperScouter is a scouting platform that supports iOS, Android, and (in the future) Windows Phone. The server component currently is Windows only.

What makes SuperScouter "Super"?
Unlike every other scouting app, SuperScouter was designed from the ground up to support "customizable schemas". That means that each team can create a "schema" using the Schema Designer on the server application that defines what data to collect. This makes SuperScouter unique in that it does not require a brand new app each year. This allows development to focus on adding new features instead of re-creating the same thing each year.

How do the apps communicate with the server?
Schema Downloading
Schema downloading is only supported over HTTP. The application has a built in HTTP server that you can start with the "Start HTTP Server" button. It will be available on all IP addresses the server computer has. In the app, go to "Manage Schemas > Add New" or "Manage Schemas > +" and type in the IP address of the computer as given on the server app. Your schemas should show up. Tap one and tap the download button to download it. You will now be able to enter data with this schema.
Sending Data
Sending data to the server is supported over HTTP and QR codes.

What types of data are supported?

• Numbers (Integers)
• Text boxes
• Sliders (Integers between Min and Max values)
• Yes/No switches
• Multiple Choice (Multi or Single select)

More (such as images support) will come in future versions.

Technical Aspects
This platform is developed entirely in C#. I am utilizing Xamarin Forms to develop my UI for all three mobile platforms simultaneously. Communication is done with Protocol Buffers since they are compact and have a simple way to support inheritance within the serialization (because of shared code). Additionally, it allows me to program the deserialization just so that it matches contract.

I have a question.
Awesome! Just reply here and I'll try to get back to you as soon as I see it!

General Roadmap

• Image data items
• Auto-syncing with FMS API (if connectivity permits)
• Cross-Platform Server Application

Re: SuperScouter For FRC -- A Multiplatform, Extensible Scouting System
 

How do I create a schema?
Open the server application. Click on "Open Schema Editor". From there you can create a schema. Save it, and then deploy your devices to collect data!

How is the data exported?
The server exports data as a zip file containing CSV files (which can be imported into both Excel and Tableau, among others).

Re: SuperScouter For FRC -- A Multiplatform, Extensible Scouting System
 

This is a cool design! I went to the website and clicked on the App Store button. A pop up message said that it wasn't available in the US. Do you know when it will be?

I suppose it does depend on what apple decides to do...

Re: SuperScouter For FRC -- A Multiplatform, Extensible Scouting System
 

It all depends on when Apple approves it. I'm in that time period where I'm just waiting for review and can't do anything.

Re: SuperScouter For FRC -- A Multiplatform, Extensible Scouting System
 

Any possibility of transmitting schemas over QR codes? This would allow the system to work in a completely "off the grid" envoirnment.

Re: SuperScouter For FRC -- A Multiplatform, Extensible Scouting System
 

I'll put that on the feature backlog. The reason it isn't in there now is because that's not totally required to make this meet competition rules since schemas should be designed and deployed before competition.

Re: SuperScouter For FRC -- A Multiplatform, Extensible Scouting System
 

Is it open source?
I would be up to do a Mac/Unix port. I don't have/use Windows personally anymore.

How are you doing the networking between tablets and server?
I understand that Wifi isn't an option at competition. Is it bluetooth?

Re: SuperScouter For FRC -- A Multiplatform, Extensible Scouting System
 

I just downloaded the app. I am the scout for our team and we used an app in other years but unfortunately or mentor who created it had to leave so i may be using this one. If so ill give you a big shout out.

Re: SuperScouter For FRC -- A Multiplatform, Extensible Scouting System
 

I helped with the beta testing for this program, so I can try to answer these questions as well.

At this time, it is not open source.

When you are at competition, there are a few ways that you can transport data. 1) You can use the QR Code function. I did not test apple or windows phone versions, but with the android version, there is a tab in the app that says "Send Data." If you go to that tab and after you have saved data, you can transfer the data by selecting QR Code. It will then display a QR code that you can scan using the QR Code scanner on the server application.

2) You could use ethernet. You can set up a router at competition as long as wireless is turned off. You can still use the ethernet portion of it. There are adapters out there that you can use to bring an ethernet port to a device with micro-usb or lightning cables. Though they can be kind of spendy, it is possible.

Re: SuperScouter For FRC -- A Multiplatform, Extensible Scouting System
 

As Adam said, it is not open source. However, I may publish the Protocol Buffer file specs as well as other design documents that would be required to make a cross-platform server work at some point in the future. Right now I'm going to hold off so I know that any bug reports I get are because of my code, not someone else's. It just makes support a lot easier.

For the networking, the only time networking is required is for schema deployment, which as I stated earlier should be finalized before competition (since determining the data to collect is a vital part of any scouting plan). Other than that, networking is not required, but it is enabled for teams that are wishy-washy about those rules. Bluetooth is possible for the future, but will probably not exist on iOS because of the OS's implementation of Bluetooth (non-standard and undocumented).

Re: SuperScouter For FRC -- A Multiplatform, Extensible Scouting System
 

Apple has now approved it! Use the link on the the SuperScouter website (or search for it) to download it from the App Store!

Re: SuperScouter For FRC -- A Multiplatform, Extensible Scouting System
 

I'm new to the scouting business, is there a chance you could maybe post a guide to using your software. for the life of me i cant figure out how to start the sever.

Re: SuperScouter For FRC -- A Multiplatform, Extensible Scouting System
 

Sure! I've been meaning to get that written for a while. I'm super busy until middle of next week. But I'll write up a guide (and possibly push out an update that's slightly more user friendly).

For your specific problem, try putting something into the Regional text box and then click out of it. You should be able to start the HTTP server. If you mean the actual server application, it is the SuperScouter.LocalServer.exe file in the zip downloaded from the website.

Re: SuperScouter For FRC -- A Multiplatform, Extensible Scouting System
 

When you are recording match data how are you meant to distinguish matches/teams for that piece of data? Do you just need to include it in the data you collect?

Re: SuperScouter For FRC -- A Multiplatform, Extensible Scouting System
 

Yep. In the current version you need to include those data entries manually.