not to get off topic but.....

tp'ing my house is the biggest waste of time... no tree is over 7 feet tall since its still a fairly new house...lol

I would suggest tp'ing dj's house but i had a bad experience doing that involving a few of his drunk neighbors....

lol they weren't drunk...well all but one wasn't....although they probably would have really tried to kill you...so the long and the short of it...TPing or attempting to TP my house is a bad idea ;)

now that just ruins my entire weekend... I was looking forward to throwing the TP rolls!

Yeah... TPing my house is not a good idea either... my trees are really small. yes, they are really small. *everyone nods*

... and my neighbors are mean

... and my dog bites

ut oh

LOL.

Not that i am encouraging acts of vandalism, look at me do i look like the type of person that would take part in an activity such as vandalism.... wait nevermind....

But i disagree andy...your dog was very nice, and your trees are the perfect size...however finding your house could be another issue, many of the technokats drove right by it with a big TECHNOKATS flag hanging from the mailbox...

However guests may need to watch out for the presents left in the yard by the dog, and baker himself. I've mentioned before how i've heard stories involving a spork...but that could just be hearsay...Then again i bet molly would probably be there to protect andy since she is the bodyguard....


Stay away from lafayette. All we have to do here is the Imagination Station
(Shameless plug for my employer)

Well, in that case, it sounds like Andy's house is a prime target. Sounds like Erin's in, who's game? :D

Andy if you wanna hire a kid with a mohawk to stay up and watch your house at night....

I have an afinity for mountain dew and staying up late....
And my rates are very fair:)

And he wants you to hire him, Andy?

Get a real person that knows what it's like to deal with the tough times. Get someone like me - lived 13 years in Da' Hood - D-Town (West Side!) That person is just a soft marshmello.

Peace Playaz'

(LOL!)

I've lived two minutes from Gary, Indiana my entire life.

When some of my kids visited my hometown, they stayed at a student's house. When I came back the next morning to drive them around, one stated, "Wow, Hammond is such an adventure! It's like I could be shot at any minute!"

Later, while we stopped at a gas station, he pointed and yelled, "LOOK! GANGSTERS!"

:)

Registration for the IRI animation competition is now open. The first 20 teams to register will be admitted.



Register here

Matt, maybe its because I am a stupid west coaster :P but what is this "D Town" hood?


Anyway, I think you all should TP DJ's house, he ain't from da hood so he wont be able to hurt you :P

Sean, let's not give west coasters a bad name. I'd venture a guess that D Town would be Detroit. Also, I wouldn't encourage any pranks against the person who's babysitting you during the trip...I'm sure he would kick you out of the house or at least make you clean up all the TP.

PS. I'm staying out of these Midwest shinnanigans and not going to IRI for my own safety against some crazy people that'll be there.

I wouldn't do anything, but Im sure my neighbors really would. Ask Clark, Kyle and Molly... :D

There are soooo many reasons NOT to TP my house. I'll list the top 5.

5. It's a 90 minute drive from the event venue to my house.

4. My ex-marine neighbor has an itchy trigger finger.

3. My dog bites.

2. It may infringe on your ultimate pool wrestling tournament.

1. My wife would not be happy.

Personally... I could care less about getting TP'ed. When I was a few years younger, I threw a TP roll or two over a tree. However, for some reason, my wife does not find the humor in it. Keep in mind that she has been supportive of my FIRST activity up to this point... being the saint that she is.

So... back to more constructive IRI issues:

Who is signed up for the Animation Competition?

Also... there will be a BIG announcement within 1 or 2 days.

Andy B.

and look over at the ventures system ... you can bet on a bunch of the events and awards for the IRI..

So far teams 1024, 343 and 217 have entered into the Animation Competition.


And, what is this BIG announcement?!?!?! I've heard nothing about it and neither has anybody else i have talked to in the "clique".


/me wonders what Mr. Baker is up to... :confused:

I just saw him 3 hrs ago and he said nothing to me about a "Big Announcement"

The roll model is left out of the loop, as is David Kelly.

I forsee great doom.
:ahh:

Wetzel.

I'm not sure if this is the big news, but it is some big news. Team #67 HOT Team is registered for the IRI :cool:

I think that we're actually gonna go to IRI this year!!! Team 67 is getting back into the summertime competition loop!!!:D See y'all there!!

Updated Team List
 

Now, ive looked, but cant find an updated list of all teams registered for IRI. If i could get some direction, i'd greatlly appreciate it.

-Alex

http://www.indianafirst.org/2003iriteams.htm :]

Getting our robot to IRI
 

Since we are flying from Los Angeles to Indianapolis for IRI, we have to ship our robot by truck. Does anyone have any ideas on a location that would be willing to receive our robot?

Re: Getting our robot to IRI
 

let me get back to you, i might have something for you.

Too late. Eldrick "Tiger" Woods already messed it up for you west-coast people. Not to mention all thoes ricers you have driving around...:D

Big Announcement
 

The IRI Organizing Committe is proud to announce that there will be a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating HS senior who is attending college this fall.

This scholarship is sponsored by Delphi Corporation.

Applicants need to follow these criteria:

1. Applicants must be a recently graduated high school senior (2003).

2. Applicants must be from an Indiana high school OR must be attending post-graduate education (college, university, etc.) in Indiana during the fall of 2003.

3. Applicants need to write a one page paper, describing their FIRST experience. This paper needs to be emailed to Andy Baker by July 12th. This paper could describe your experiences, skills, and/or stories of how FIRST has affected them. (Please keep font sizes 10 or bigger)

4. Applicants must also get 2 FIRST mentors to fill out the attached recommendation form. These mentors need to send their recommendations to Andy Baker by July 12th.

5. Also, the applicant must be on a FIRST team who is attending the 2003 IRI.

These applications will be reviewed by the IRI Organizing Committee and the scholarship winner will be announced during the awards ceremony. Students from teams 234, 45, and 393 are not eligible.

So... graduating seniors from Indiana FIRST teams or those of you who are heading to Indiana for college... this is for you. We wanted to give a scholarship out to a student, but we also want this to be an Indiana-centric scholarship, since this is the "IRI" and all.

For those of you who are applying for this - you have about 2 weeks. Any application/recommendation received after July 12th will not be considered.

Good luck!

Andy B.

Re: Big Announcement
 

I suppose it would be good if I actually attached the attachment.

Andy B.

Animation Competition.
 

Hey all, i tried to register my team for the animation competition at IRI. It said that i would get an email, but its been 3 days and ive got nothing. If i could get some help, it would be greatlly appreciated.

Re: Animation Competition.
 

Thats my bad. I've been REALLY busy with all sorts of things that I won't get into... I'll send out notifications by tomorrow. BTW, your team is in the animation competition :]

Animation competition guidelines...
 

what were the specifics on the animation competition? i lost that email (<stupid...stupid.....stupid!>)

thanks.

This may have been answered already but... Does anyone know if IRI has event shirts?

Yes we will

Ok I've read through this entire thread and have not found an answer to my question.

I know that there is going to be food for participating teams, but what about the FIRSTers who are going to be there with out a robot, Are we gonna be able to get food from the team dinner or what ever?

Sorry, but the team dinner is for teams participating in the IRI event. The dinner is part of the entry fee for the teams. We also have already ordered the food and we have made the order based on the number of people teams said would be attending when they signed up for the event.



[edit] BIG IRI announcement set to come soon! Stay tuned!! :] [/edit]

Re: Re: Big Announcement
 

This recommendation paper has an error in it. It is very hard to send an electronic copy of this to my email address with a signature. The signature is now not required.

Sorry for any confusion,
Andy B.

So who's gonna tailgate with Cooney on Saturday for lunch? :p We'll bring the Wisconsin brats and grill, let's get some teams to bring drinks and chips. :D

Mind if a referee joins you? I might drop by if I'm free at the time.

Hopefully, we will have time.

Speaking of IRI referees, here is the crew for this year:

Andy Baker (45), Head Referee
Head Referee, IRI (2000, 2002), Ford Sweet Repeat (2000)
Referee, FIRST LA Regional (2002)

Eric Engebretsten (234):
Referee, 2002 IRI

Stu Bloom (1018):
Referee, 2002 IRI

Kit Gerhart (1062):
Referee, 2002 IRI, FIRST Archimedes Field

JVN (229):
Head Referee, Seattle Regional (2003)
Referee, Manchester Regional (2003)

Jeff Waegelin (201):
Rookie Referee


Andy B.

Andy was there when I was there and won?!
 

:Shocked:

You where the head ref when team 5 won Sweet Repeat?!?!

You are good luck - show up this year...:D

Ohh sweet, can I grab a Brat or two, I can bring cups, or Napkins or some other small thing like that.

count me in to stop by the tailgate...ill try to bring some burgers or something, or pick some up and ill pay you back, im coming from new york with no cooler...
~Mike

dang it!!!!!! of all the weekends to go to munich, i have to be going this weekend! somebody, please please tape it for me and someone on my team or on one of the sponsoring teams, please get me a shirt and i'll pay you for it as soon as i get back to america because Im in a very.... interesting mood, half is like whoo! munich! and the other half is like, but.... IRI.... :( :ahh:

One of our CIM motors was over heating and stalling out, so we replaced it. Then one of our engineers tested the damaged motor's resistance with a ohm meter and found that its resistance was very low. In other words, the windings were partly shorted out. He then checked our other CIM motor and found that it is also in aweakened condition, although not as bad--about 60% of the resistance that it should have.

Anyone know where we can buy CIM motors at this point? Alternately, does any team that is going to IRI have an extra CIM motor that we can beg, borrow or buy?

Also does anyone know if there will be a drill press available at IRI?

A drill press? Surely somebody would have a drill press at IRI. Infact i think there is going to be some kind of machine shop there isn't there?

Yes we will have a full machine shop at the IRI. "Camio Pico" (i sincerely apologize for the misspelling) has graciously decided to bring their machine shop to the event. It's the same trailer that was at Nats this year.

The company is "Comau Pico", if I'm not mistaken. Perhaps somebody from 247 can correct me if I'm wrong (they sponsor 247, I think).

Jeff spelled it right, we spent many hours in there at regionals, we still owe those guys....nice of them to come down

Ricky

You might as well warn them now that 1020 is going to be there... :rolleyes: :p

Going to IRI?

Team 980 would like to buy, or trade, a black Chiaphua (Atwood, CIM) motor.

Ours will be the robot going in circles.

Just kidding. ;-)

Our robot runs but not at 100%.

I just discovered after packing up stuff for IRI today that we have 2 Chiaphua's from 2002 (the ones with the gear on the shaft), ours also have an adapter that turns the shaft into a standard one, we're bringing them down, let me know if you need one. ;)

Well friends and teams, another IRI has come to pass. I had a blast at this year's competition as I hope all who attended did.
The actual competition was awesome - I've honestly never seen so many excellent robots fighting for the title of IRI Championship Alliance. Wildstang put on a great human player competition (at which I failed at horribly :D) Also, one of the greatest quotes of the IRI definately would have to be "Are you the Chaz?" due to the Chairman's Award :) I'd just like to thank all those who made the IRI possible, and congratulate Sam Harding for winning the Best Hair Award :p.

Anyways, what did you think of the IRI?

I travelled up from Florida and put my travel plans together Wednesday Night and came down and searched for a hotel with no reservations. I have to say.... it was definitly worth it. I think it was probably the best or one of the best competitions I've been to, I definitly had an excellent time. I'll definitly be back next year, next time I'll just make sure to plan out a travel plan ;)

IRI was amazing....enough said

I had the most amazing time! Getting to be a referee was awesome, and was a great experience, and I loved finally getting to meet so many of the people I've seen on here for so long! I enjoyed meeting John, Chell, Katie, "Big Mike", DJ, Andy, Amanda, Erin, Ashlee, Rob, Aaron, Brandon, and so many more. It was more fun than I've had at a FIRST event ever before. Thanks for making it fun!

this year was my first at IRI, and i must say, i was amazed at how well it was organized and put on. i was expecting something more relaxed... but i was pleasantly suprised... i had a GREAT time. i am so going next year!!:)

IRI- truly a professionally staged event.
 

Hats off to the folks who staged IRI-

The event had the action and organization of a regional with the flow of a well oiled machine.

I was very impressed by the press coverage on the local TV stations, the level of competition and the great venue.

You folks did a great job.


We drove 12 hrs to get there- and getting another chance to play against the National winners was great. We left very pleased with the competition and I think we made a few friends along the way.


To the Wild Stang, Killer Bee and Huskie guys- thanks for taking the time to sit and talk to us for a while. We felt a little out of the group and you guys made our day. I hope we can return the favor some time.

To the Martians and MiM- former alliance partners- it was great seeing you again. I thought the Martians had it! And Martians, thanks for clapping for us when we were announced- the 9 of us who got out there needed all the help we could get.

To the guys on our 3 x partner 920 (?)- I hope we didn't let you down too much.

To the winning alliance- especially the Guerillas- the elims were well played. But couldn't you just give us a tap!! (just kidding) The
Guerillas continue to impress me and our paths will cross again. Great job guys.

To our elim alliance partners - we did our best. That's all we can offer. I hope you had as much fun as we did.

Thanks for the invitation.

And now mine-
We have replay games in NJ too- if we can drive 12 hrs west how about some of you folks driving 12 hrs east? We are planning something for November. Consider yourselves invited.

WC- realist
:cool:

Thanks to 292 and 68 for being great alliance partners! Sorry we balanced on the ramp! It's a rare occurence, and never before has a team wisened up to the point they guard us from being so much as tapped.

To 68 - thanks for being a great ramp blocker for us- your bot amazed me in the beginning, and even now after the changes FIRSt forced upon you.

To 292- Thanks for being great alliance captains. You guys were strong partners and amazed everyone. Who would have known that our paths would cross after fighting against each other in the final four to fighting together in the finals?

So what, Jeff? You leave out the only two girls from Jersey? Miraculously both named Sara(h)?? Not that it matters. Yes, you are right, meeting all those people was great. I've not had a better time at a competition yet. Much thanks to Libby Ritchie who made it all possible & neat & organized (and let me volunteer). Even though I originally went just to hang out with 25, I will be doing everything possible to go back next year in hopes for something just as good (even if they don't go).

I was just thinking about this a few minutes ago... the 2002 IRI attracted 29 teams, and we had 48 teams this year... If the competition continues to grow like this it's going to be as big as some of the biggest regionals!! :yikes:

<~ Still hyper from IRI

it already is there raul

it's already bigger than the J&J Mid-Atlantic Regional at Rutgers (which was 43 teams this year)

The 2003 IRI was larger than 72.73% of the 22 regionals we had this year (larger than 16/22 regionals). 72nd percentile? Thats pretty good. The number of teams competing at the IRI (48) was also one greater than the mean number of teams per regional this year (47, with an average deviation of 21.57% or 10.14 teams per regional).

Thanks, Joel. It wasn't quite as big as some of the really big regionals, like Great Lakes, but from your stats, it's obviously bigger than most.

Some people were surprised that we came all the way from California for IRI. Although we went to 2 regionals and the nationals this year, IRI was my favorite competition. True, we had problems with chains derailing at our earlier competitions (we had 12 chains on our robot), and thanks to a lot of hard work by our engineers and team members, at IRI we didn't lose a single chain!! (We just couldn't quit until we got it right and IRI with all its great robots was the perfect test.)

But there were other bonuses at IRI. Hey, I got to check out the Team 45 Technocat shift-on-the-fly gear box up close and personal and ask questions, and a while later, I was counting the gears in Team 25's awesome drive train and getting the skinny on how it works. (Thanks for making that drive from New Jersey.) In fact there were so many great robots at IRI that we ran around taking pictures of various devices and systems.

What made this event so great? Maybe it was the midwest hospitality, or Libby Ritchie beaming at everyone, even though she had only gotten 4 hours sleep. I am purely amazed that Libby and her husband Scott raise two children, coach TWO FIRST teams, 393 and 234, and join forces with Team 45 to put on IRI. To top it off, in the middle of getting IRI set up, Libby decided to help us get our robot from Los Angeles to Indianapolis. Amazing. Thank you Libby!!! You saved our robotic bacon.

Then there was the care and consideration of the referees under Andy Baker, a superb job. I also got a kick out of the fact that after I warned the judges that our arm would hit them if it went the wrong way, Andy showed up with a hard hat on with stripes perfectly matching his referee outfit. (We made sure our arm didn't go the wrong way. I was out there swinging my arms and saying, "clockwise"or "counter-clockwise" as I set up our safety switches.)

Ken Leung also came from California, and his calm demeanor and enthusiasm, even when he took on the scoring software and was under pressure to get it working, were an inspiration. (Looks like Cal Games is another must for us.)

I got a big kick out of competing with Team 71's Beast, even though it was only in practise. I didn't even see their robot until suddenly both arms swung at the stack. Quite a sight. (They beat us to the stack by a fraction, but our arm went over theirs, and I think we got a few more bins. I would love to replay that match.)

Then there was the level of competition. Where else would you get to compete against Teams 45 and 47 in one match! (Yes, I know. We totally lucked out on that match.)

Thank you Amanda Morrison and Team 1020 for saving our drive train with your extra Chiaphua motors.

Thanks Teams 65 and 930. It was a pleasure meeting you and an honor to be allianced with you. Those matches were definitely exciting, and we hope to partner with you again soon.

In our last qualifying match, we set up our robot a little off and our arm hit all the bins at once, and for the 1st time, it couldn't push the stack over. Thank you Team 1022 for making it up to the stack and giving our arm some help, sending the whole thing crashing down.

Thank you Brant Bowen for welcoming us, for driving us to Home Depot for parts, and for making us feel at home. You were a great host.

Special thanks to Sarah Brown of Team 30 in New Jersey, who joined our team for our matches and kept track of time for us. (This was my first time mentoring on the field, and in our first match, I was like a deer in the headlights. I totally forgot to tell our driver to head for the top.)

By the way, Robert Hogg (my son and one of our engineers) was stuck with a prior work engagement Friday evening and took a red eye from Los Angeles on Friday night arriving at IRI at 9:00 am Sat. in time to mentor our last two qualifying matches and the elimination rounds. Why you might ask?
Great teams and great people makes for great times!

Bottom line: IRI = AWESOME!!!

You folks just know how to party. I feel like moving to Indiana.

Thank you everyone. You created something very special.

Glad you guys could make it out there :)
I made sure I got a few pictures of your robot in action.

Maybe we'll make it back out west next season :)

I'm so honored to be on everyone's list.

I met so many people, I'm not even going to list everyone because I'm afraid of missing someone, and I don't want anyone to be offended!

But there were many people who I talked to quite a few times (who kept me company) and a couple whom I wish I would have had much longer with (John, Aaron, Jeff, Ken, Josh, etc.).

I hope everyone had as great of a time as I did, and I really enjoyed the camaraderie I had that weekend. Thank you!