2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

All news and information concerning the 2008 Philadelphia Regional should be discuss here.

Can't wait to see what happens at Drexel!

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Freddy,
Thanks for pointing me here.

Where have teams stayed in the past? It appears most hotels are not really close. I'm looking ideally for walking distance to the venue. If not how is the public transportation?

So when in Philly you eat the cheese steak. I need to know where to go.
So Far...
Pat's Geno's John's

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

It's a sign... we are going to this one John... lol :D

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Don't, Geno's is right next door. And Geno's tastes SOOOOO much better. Pat's is still good, but Geno's is AMAZING.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Any results on hotels? We are looking at places to stay and find the close ones arent cheap or recommended... but we dont want to be too far from the venue...

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

The closest hotel is the Sheraton University City Hotel. It's only a few block from the event, easily within walking distance. The Hilton Inn at Penn is the second closest, only a couple blocks south of the Sheraton. Those are the only two hotels actually inside of University City that I know of though.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

If you choose to stay in Center City, or outside of University City and want to use public transportation; I recommend only using regional rail (which is available downtown). With students, I would not recommend the subway, I don't even take the subway.

Good eats:

Hard Rock Cafe (Center City)

Any Steven Starr Restaurant ($$)

Rita's

Pat's and Geno's will be a debate for eternity - they are both amazing cheesesteaks. (South Philly)

Reading Terminal Market - any food you could possibly want (Center City)

Cereality (University City)

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Both good hotels but not cheap. We've stayed in both over the last few years of going to the Philly regional. Also the Sheraton Rittenhouse is outrageously nice and expensive. We usally booked out of convenient location bec ause with 4 to a room prices weren't that bad.

Rage stayed in Jersey on the cheap in 2006 I think but I don't know where. They might be able to help with what they did.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Forget Pat's and Geno's ... they are good ... but you are also close to the very underrated Abner's http://www.abnerscheesesteaks.com/aboutus.html

I recommend a "Cheese Steak Wit" and crisscut fries :)

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Nice... :cool:

Ooh, that looks Trendy & interesting.
That's going on the "places to-visit" list as well.
http://www.cereality.com/main.php :cool:

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

I might be able to make it this year, maybe. No promises. I enjoyed RR so much I want to see a Philly Regional!

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Abner's has it's merits, but if you really want an underrated (and awesome)steak you gotta have Chickies and Petes down on Broad+Packer. You'll need the subway to get there, but its only about 15 mins from Drexel.

The food in the Drexel cafeterias can also hit the spot if you don't want to walk too far.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

As a Drexel student, I can tell you that it's nothing special. But all you can eat and a semi-wide variety helps. One of a the few places that you won't really have to worry about finding everyone on the team something they like.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

make sure you get some Crab Fries while at Chickies and Petes!

Dave and Busters is downtown too - always a blast for all ages.

I don't think Drexel Cafe's will be open, as they are on break at that time.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Since when did D&B decide to open to all ages?? (This is a serious question.) If I could volunteer, I would, but since classes will eat up my college experience then, it's out of the cards. But let's throw in the mandatory hooters trip for any team that wants to do it. Let's face it, we robonerds need a little "hoot me up" on our games. ;)

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Philly has two D&B's, and both always have little kids in them. Perhaps you just have to have an adult with you? I take my sister/brothers in-law a lot and they are only 6-14.

Philly doesn't actually have a Hooters in the city. There is one in NE Philly and one in KoP if teams are staying in that area.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Maybe it's just me, but for a nice chicken cheesesteak and regular cheesesteaks, I recommend a little place right next to the Franklin Institute on the corner of N21st and Race St. (Visible from F.I. parking garage entrance) I don't remember the name of the place, but every time I go up to the Franklin Institute that is where we stop.
PS-They like you to order before getting a table when the place is hopping (which it has been every time I go) so I just get it to go most of the time.

If you go down to Old City to see the liberty bell (no ticket needed), or Independence Hall (free tickets available at visitors center -but you might not need them in March-), there is a buffet inside the Bourse bldg. opposite the Liberty Bell Center. Pick what you want and pay by the pound. Not a ton of seating though.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Ashley is referring to the SEPTA here. For you out-of-towners, Septa is the regional rail system, and one of the main stops on most of the lines is the 30th street station, which is just a few minutes walk from the regional. You can stay almost anywhere that's near a septa stop http://www.septa.org/maps/click_map.html and if your line goes to 30th street station, you're "good to go." Incidentally, 30th street station is also a good place to go for lunch as it has a pretty good selection of take-away and fast food in its eatery area. Team 708 is excited to see you all in Philly!

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Philly is a very diverse town with plenty to do & see.

Reference the above for the public transportation map, you can get anywhere in the city without a lot of trouble. The subway (either the Broad St. or Market Frankford L lines) are NOT horrible, so long as you get off at the proper places.

In terms of opinions on food, as you have seen, everyone has an opinion.

Truth is that Pat's & Geno's are considered the cornerstone of the cheesesteak business (one of the was involved in a Throwdown with Bobby Flay on the Food Network not too long ago).

Other food to enjoy that you can not get elsewhere, Philly pretzels & Tastycakes, neither should be missed by a first time Philly visitor.

There are MANY fine entertainment establishments & beverage locations, certainly eating while overlooking the river is nice. Additionally, right across the river is the Camden Aquarium & the USS New Jersey Battleship, but I would NOT venture elsewhere in Camden.

Hope ALL the visitors enjoy your stay. Feel free to post any other questions (I have lived in the area ALL my life and spent 5 years at Drexel as a student).

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Additionally, right across the river is the Camden Aquarium & the USS New Jersey Battleship, but I would NOT venture elsewhee in Camden.

you can say that again i go to school at the camden campus of rutgers(right by the waterfront aquarium and the baseball park that part is nice but unless you know where your going don't venture into random parts of camden

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Sonny' s Cheesesteaks is another outstanding choice for Philly Cheesesteaks, and is much easier to reach via public transportation than Pat's and Geno's (located between 2nd and 3rd street on Market, a block from a subway stop).

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

There is a tasty mexican restaurant right off of the campus of U Penn. Best buritos around.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Ok now that New Jersey is over I guess I have to start posting on the Philadelphia thread. I am hoping than we will be able to have the same success that we did in Jersey at Philadelphia. I can't wait to see what Moe and Chuck put out this year. And I hope Moe brings me a cowbell button =). I am more excited about the competition than I am about my spring break, because the competition is during spring break. Best of luck to all teams that will be there. I am sure we will discuss more about the competition before than. And I forgot to mention I want to see what Royal Assault puts out there this year.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

yeah if you guys put out the same type of results that regional is gonna be another tough one

you did amazing in NJ

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Thanks man. So did you guys. Grats on the win. Now for the real question, hacky sack anyone?

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

I can't wait to see what teams are gonna bring to Philly. Hopefully since we have gotten the last few bugs out of our robot we'll do better in Philly then we did in Jersey. I'll be watching the FLR, Chesapeake, and Pittsburgh videos late into the night to pre-scout lol.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

A little under 18 days until the thursday of Philly. I am pretty excited. I need to go to another regional soon. I am going through withdrawl. J/K. But seriousl I am really stoked for this competition. Looks like it will be some pretty tough competition.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

To any of those older folks out there.....

Without the social this year, is anyone looking to make plans?

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

I'm trying to figure out plans. It's my g/f's birthday and aside from dinner I'm trying to figure out what to do for her. Can't make it too late of a night, but are there any good dance clubs in Philly close to Drexel?

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Anyone going to webcast the Phili Regional or tape it?

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

1511 was also hoping for a webcast of the Philly Regional, mostly so that we could play the live matches in our pits for the pit crew/passersby.

That also assumes WiFi availability in Philly. Any word on that?

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

I dont know if Philly has ever been webcasted. However, they always have great free wifi. Drexel had one of the first full wireless coverage campuses. 357 usually records and sends to SOAP.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

there will be wireless internet available to teams again this year .... details will be forthcoming to main contacts within the next week.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Good deal! Thanks in advance to whoever is making that possible! :)

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Drexel IT sets it up (this will be our third year). Our Regional Director, Carol Kauffman, provided the hardware and some guy I know takes care of the little details ;)

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

11 days until Philadelphia. Anyone else as excited as me?

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Just another count down post to say 7 days til philly.

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4 days!!!!!!!! :D

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Finally someone else is on here. But yes only four days to go. Everyone should message George and remind him.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

I can't wait, Philly should be excellent as usual this year. Anyone got any favorites to win?

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

only three days my friends.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Yes! I can't wait we leave in 2 days!!

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Where's everyone staying?
237 is at the Hampton Inn @ The Airport about 20 minutes South of the competition site.
Anyone else there with us?

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84 & 284 are at the Comfort Inn near Valley Forge...

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1511 is at the Sheraton University City Hotel. Not sure of how far away it is for the site but its on Chestnut Street for any Philly natives that know how far that is from the site.

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I'll be at my house. But I actually might be staying at my brothers apartment.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

I have no clue where we're staying. Come to think of it, I have no clue how I'm getting up there...

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

It's the closest hotel you can get. If you're on the right side of the building you should be able to see it out of your window. It's only about 2 city-block away, or about a 10 minute walk depending on how you have to wait to cross the street. Just walk one block down Chesnut to 34th, one block North (will be a left turn) on 34th and you're there!

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Hey,

Is anyone interested in working with my team for a joint scouting effort?

We have developed our own Wi-Fi based scouting system that should work with any Wi-Fi enabled device with a web browser. (Laptops, cell phones, Sony PSP etc.)

It is going to be run on an unsecured Wi-Fi network from our pit, with a general page for anyone to view, and specific functions for users with access. It has match prediction algorithms, a full event match list, and a countdown system that anyone can use.

More details and screenshots here: http://www.dulaneyrobotics.com/index.php?pid=scouting

So anyone interested in working with us?

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Remind me of what Danny? You think I'd actually forget?

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

I'd be interested in trying it out, but I don't know if I'd be able to input any data. Send me a PM with more info if you can.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

We have two sides of the scouting system, interviewing teams to get a team profile, and entering in the match data. We are looking for people for both.

For interviewing you would just need a laptop or PSP or something, and put information into the system on the spot. It's just like filling out a paper form but way cooler.

The harder part though is entering in match information. Our current system is to have one person in the stands with a laptop and 6 people have little sheets of paper. They keep track of one robot during a match. At the end, they pass their sheets to the person with the laptop, who enters it into the system. Rinse, lather, repeat, etc. We use all that data for match prediction, strength, etc.

This can get a little tiring for the people involved, so if anyone is willing to help out with this aspect, we would be forever grateful.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

You never know George. I thought it might have slipped your mind. ;)

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

I would help but, I'm my teams Operator and I don't have much time off the field and the time that I do get off the field is usually spent preparing for matches. If you need someone who is impartial to analyze your system I would be able to do that. Regardless I'll have my laptop and if you need anything just drop by the 816 pit and ask for Dustin, or just look for the kid in the orange and blue with the Afro, I'm not too hard to find.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

wow i really cant believe its right around the corner

i've been so busy with midterms galore week and spring break that i forgot all about it

then i look at my calendar and say to myself

woah!!? is this thing right.

for some reason time just stood still now because ever since i noticed this on sunday its felt like a week has gone by

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

I'll be at my favorite place, where they give you warm chocolate chip cookies as you walk through the door! The Doubletree - on The Avenue of the Arts


Elgin, you'll have a nice long drive in from the airport! You got lucky that they just reopened I-95.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Only a few more days. Looking forward to Philly. [shameless plug]Here's a 1712 robot promo video: http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...32873922044141[/shameless plug]

See you on the track!

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Ughh... just what I didn't want to hear seeing as I'm volunteering there & have to be there fairly early in the morning every morning.

Greaaattt.... :rolleyes:

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Team 237 wants to check it out.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Is there a place to record penalties on a per team basis?

How do you plan to keep the match times accurate? It's easy to slip by 10 minutes (or more :eek: ) during the course of the day. I could imagine just this aspect taking a lot of manual intervention on your part. The Sundial guys would be good people to ask...

Depending on the Philly Pit Setup and your wireless strength, we'll try the Pit Manager interface and see how the crew likes it. At the very least having the match list up will be handy.

The solution we've used for scouting 6 teams at once with our database is....6 laptops and a wireless/wired router :ahh: . Overkill, and not necessarily an option for all teams, but it works. Although with free WiFi it'll be hard to keep people off The Internets I suspect....

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Heres a working link to the video... http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...ch&plindex= 0

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Is there any word on a Webcast? I know someone was looking into doing it but, I haven't heard anything since.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Depending on how close the hotel is to the station, it may be faster coming in on the R1...... although, that can be a pain at times too.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

I'm not sure what that means... lol R1??? :confused:
But I'm with my team this weekend anyways, so I'll just get there when I get there I guess & head inside the venue as soon as I do. :yikes:

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Elgin, Ashley is refering to the R1 train line from SEPTA. The R1 run from Philadelphia International Airport to Center city.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

If you mind doing some walking and you have the time and you like mexican food. I would suggest you go to Qdoba, best buritos I have ever had in my life.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Awesome, come find me in our pits then. Ask for Peter, I'll have bright red hair.

For the pit manager, we have a delay option that you can manually put in a delay. (negative number to push it ahead of schedule) We usually delayed it to countdown to the first queue call.

We are thinking of implementing a global delay value an user with admin rights on the system would set, but the Javascript countdown timer uses the local clock. So if one computer is set to 2:02 PM and another is set to 2:05 PM, they could both be counting down to a match at 2:10, but the delays for each would need to be different.

We had it running in Chesapeake. We use a Linksys WRT54G with dd-wrt firmware. We ran it unsecured there, and so many people connected it crashed the router (it was limited at 50 though). I upped it to 200 users max and it was fine for the remainder of the event. The output is boosted to 50 mW from a stock 28 mW. We were able to connect with all of our laptops in our arsenal from anywhere in the arena there, but I'm not sure exactly how Philly is setup.

No. We've found that sometimes they do not announce for which teams the penalties were assessed, and it can be difficult to hear it when they are sometimes. We record the final match score with penalties, and that gets used.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

You've never been to Chipotle then. Sadly, there's a pretty big lack of them in the PA/NJ area, although they opened one up on City Ave recently! If you have a car you should check it out during the regional.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Next time im in Philly ill check it out.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Drive Team leaves in 3 hours!!!!! Im so excited!!!!!!!:D

Thanks! Thats good to hear :]

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

So no word on a live webcast yet? :(

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Normally I wouldn't advocate leaving the regional (I find a picnic out back with 7-11 food worked brilliantly for me) since there's so much going on, but Chipotle is a great choice if you're having someone with a car make a more protracted food-run for the team. Sadly, I they haven't made it out to State College yet to the best of my knowledge.
Have fun, and best of luck at the Philly Regional all!

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

can anyone post the match schedule? it would be greatly appriciated by those whos head scouter has it.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Heres the match schedule link for anyone who needs it:
http://www2.usfirst.org/2008comp/eve...edulequal.html

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Wow... Kressley and Chuck posting at the exact same time.... creepy. Btw, it was great to see a bunch of my favorite teams and old friends at Philly! I can't wait for exciting match play tomorrow! Best of luck to all teams.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

What a day at the Philly Regional! I am having a fun time volunteering and helping our amazing rookie teams this year and also meeting up with some old/new friends from CD.

Major congrats to "Momma" Troy for winning Volunteer of the Year award and Joe Troy for winning WFA.

Thanks go out to all the teams (especially 1712,365 and members of 103 and 357) for helping one of the rookie teams to get on the field and compete. All the teams deserve special recognition this year for helping all the rookies because all of you show the true meaning of FIRST.

Good luck!

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Yeah. Today was a great day of matches. We are only 5-3 but I am happy with how we are doing as just our robot alone. The match with 357 and 381 with 98 points was awesome. Would have been 108 but I think we had a penalty. Sorry guys. There have been some very great matches today and it looks like the elims will be turning out some good matches this year in philly. See you all tommorow bright and early. And congratulations to Joe Troy on the WFA. Also the Queueing crew was quite great today, keep it up guys. And I am pretty disappointed to have not heard the YMCA yet.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

It was a great day, after yesterday's tough set of problems we were hoping for a good set of runs. Overall we did well and later on the day we were adding value to the alliance.

Spent a chunk of time working with 304 on a really weird autonmous problem that ended up being bad hardware. They finally got running after lunch, and won two matches (one with us - 1640 - as a partner).

And the best part is my sister is there as a mentor of 1511 Rolling Thunder. They had a great day on the field (2nd place, out of first by 0.25 points) and won the award for best themed team. And they are having a great time.

Not sure if we are the oldest brother / sister in FRC, but today was a blast.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

I don't think I've heard any of the dance songs yet =[

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Yeah. There havent been any yet. I think I am gonna have to give someone a stern talking to. George if you read this before tommorow get something going for me. ;)

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Team 341 would like to thank Team 84 (Chuck) and Team 365 (MOE) for being the best alliance partners imaginable! Once again Chuck's defense set the tone by denying our opponents balls. MOE's autonomous mode was amazing, and the flurry of hurdling balls was a spectacle to behold.

Our final rounds against 103, 272, and 834 were among the best matches I think ANYONE has seen this year!

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

We DID hear YMCA today in Philly.

I have some issues with the qualification alliance randomizer in philly, it didnt seem to be random. Good teams were together alot, while worse teams were together alot too. I may sift trough the records and post a new thread on delphi...

~philip

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

That's all part of being random. Sometimes you get the luck of the draw and have great partners all day, and sometimes you have to fend for yourself.

I like this system better than the low number/mid number/high number system from years past.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

congrats to 341, 365 and 84 on the win! 2 years in row for 341 and 84
and congrats to 341 on chairmans.
the finals must have been great with amazing teams 103, 272, 809 and 834
gotta try to be there next year

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Congrats to 341, 365 and 84! I look forward to the PBS documentary, I'd love to see behind the scenes of Daisy :D

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

What a Day!!!or two!!!

Thanks, most sincerely, to Miss Daisy, and to Moe, for inviting us to join their alliance. We were honored to be in such awesome company.

103, and partners 272, 834, and 809, what a fight! Your alliance was outstanding! Those finals rounds were the most exciting I've ever seen!

Special congrats to Miss Daisy on Chairman's. You're a fantastic example to us all!

Thanks to all of the folks in Philly who made the FIRST Philadelphia Regional such a great event.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Congrats to 341 on Chairmans!!! :)

Also a special Congratulations to 1511 for their excellent safety program that is an inspiration for all!!! :)


That's all I have for now...
I need a day or two to compose my other thoughts about this regional.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

First off I would like to thank 237 and 1370 for the great run to the Semis. I would also like to congratulate 341 on their Chairmans, good luck with National Chairmans. There were some pretty shady calls in our last two matches but you know, what can you do about it? At the end of the day I am happy mainly because we lost to the alliance that won it all. Congratulations to 341,84, and 365 on the win. This was my best Philadelphia regional so far I had so much fun. Met some cool new people. ;). And sorry Shelby had to knock you guys out. ;)

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Congrats to all of the winners - it was a great event from the 1712 perspective for sure. Also a special congrats to the Troys on their awards. Volunteers and mentors are the heart and soul of what we do and inside one household you represent both so well.

On a side note, I've been counting how many WFFA's I know personally. Counting Joe (and JVN who also won this week), I'm up to 27. I've also met at least 5 more. Forget the "winners and losers" does anyone else ever stop and think about how many incredible leaders (volunteers, mentors, and students) we come to know through FIRST? I don't know about you, but when I compare it to the rest of my life it's absolutely mind-blowing.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

I would just like to thank the many volunteers that help make the Philly Regional one of the best in the nation. The Eppley Family, Judy Vandy, the Troy family, the Perrottos, the Larocks, Carol Kauffman, Pete Keiselbach, Melissa Thiessen, the Rizzo brothers, Dave Greenley, Rich Kressly and the list could go on and on....

Congratulations to the Troys for their double award on friday. It was certainly deserved for all that they give to FIRST.

I would also like to congratulate 103, 272, 834, 809 for a hard fought finals. I still feel that you had the better alliance. I am not sure how we won. Everytime you took to the field in the playoffs all I could say was WOW!

Congratulations Team 2668 Vortex (NMTCC) our former school partner for their showing on the field and for winning Rookie All-star. You guys have a great future ahead of you.

And finally to our alliance partners 365 and 84 you were just amazing both on and off the field.

Congratulations to all of the winners at the Philly Regional.

Best of luck to everyone at the Championships!

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Congrats 341!! Its great to see how much you guys improved after Chesapeake. Seeya in Atlanta:)

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Wow, what a competition!!

Anyone know if there are any videos posted of the finals matches? I was screaming myself hoarse even though our team (1511 Rolling Thunder) wasn't competing...absolutely amazing battles! I'd love to show friends and family so they can see what this craziness is about. :D

P.S. If there are videos of the quarterfinals, that would be great too. I know Rolling Thunder's robot got a last-second ball placement that would be wonderful to watch again. Many thanks!

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Congrats to 365, 84, and 341 for their win, especially to 84 and 341 winning back to back years.

Awesome job to 103, 272, 809, and 834. Those were by far some of the best, of not the best finals I've seen in my years in FIRST.

It was an honor doing the play by play work for you guys, and I'll be sure to keep coming back year after year.

A special congrats to 1511. I don't think I've been next to a more spirited team. Even when your robot wasn't performing well, you were having a blast! Keep up the good work

"I believe that robots ROCK!!"

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

I for one had a blast! Looking forward to another fun event, and we had fun with you guys in the announcing booth too! I especially loved the "arnold schwarznegger" announces the match theme. Some of your random analogies were totally hilarious! :D It's absolutely true that great spirit and an awesome announcer create an energy feedback loop and that was really pounding in Philly this weekend!

I have to say that part of what made Philly so fun was the awesome additional energy added by our stand-mates the Duct Tape Bandits. They cheered along with us, and we cheered along with them and we all had a blast. What a fun group!

Congrats to all the teams - especially the IE and Chairman's award winners. Whether you won or lost the robot competition at Philly - you ALL won just by being there.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Thanks! We decided to simplify the arm a lot after Chesapeake. We eliminated two extension cylinders and programmed in time-delayed actuation to that our claw wouldn't "droop" and sometimes drop the ball. On top of those changes we were able to speed up the arm by almost 2:1 because of the reduced moment from the removal of the cylinders.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Congrats to team 341 for winning the regional and the chairman's award! we look forward to seeing you at the championships

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

I absolutely agree with this statement. I've attended the Philly Regional for 9 years now and have always been amazed with the leadership demonstrated by many of those leaders in attendance. Being in the presence of these mentors as a student and hearing about many of the different programs they've created really pushed me to become a teacher. Thanks!

Congratulations to all of the teams who participated and those whose accomplishments were recognized this past weekend.

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Thanks to all the mentors, volunteers, teams, etc that made Philly possible.

As always, Philly was my favorite event that I attended this year. The energy in that arena is always intense, and the volunteers and staff are consistently of the highest caliber - from the security guards at the venue to the FIRST volunteers, the staffing at this event makes it easy to have fun while the event maintains a priority on safety, organization, and seamless operation. I also want to give a special thanks to our IFI rep this year (I forget his name...); he had a FANTASTIC energy, and was visibly present and accessible both on and off the field.

To 1712 and 381 - thanks for an AWESOME alliance. Even if we did get eliminated in the quarterfinals, we all put on an excellent showing. My only regret is that we didn't pull through a little more for you guys!

To my team, thanks for the season and congrats on the Innovation in Control Award!

Re: 2008 Philadelphia Regional!
 

Tall, fun/funny, fast, looked sort of like Alfalfa with purple hair (thanks to the Roboducks) - coming from the awesome inaugural OKC Regional? Lee, maybe?

He was pretty FANTASTIC!