**FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Greetings Teams:

FRC Game Hint #3
Vet hurdling FIRST tetra

Encryption Test for 2008 Manual
The 2008 Decryption Test has been posted at http://www.usfirst.org/frc_documents. Please follow the instructions on the Decryption page to make sure your computer has the proper software.

FRC will be posting the encrypted sections of the 2008 FRC Manual in approximately 24 hours.
Go Teams!

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Mark,
Do you think that FIRST will provide us with the key like they did for the 3rd clue or will we have to decrypt it ourselves?

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

A third hint :ahh: :ahh: :ahh:

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

I'm not good at this stuff but could someone rearrange the letters and words in the new hint?

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

They webcast the key at the close of the Kickoff show.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

let the madness continue...

i dont even know what this could mean

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Thanks Mark, I forgot.

On Kyle's question: I did it but there are about 47,000 of them so if anyone wants to take a look, go ahead.

Here's the link: http://wordsmith.org/anagram/anagram...dv&a=n&l=n&q=n

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Game Hint #3!!! Woo hoo!!! I called it: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...&postcount=390

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

OK.
Wikipedia says:
Hurdling: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurdling
combined with the statue at boston of the toroise, i put my 2 cents on a race of some sort. Vet for pet doctor also comes to the rabbit and tortoise...

Tetra is the number 4.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

I just had a long idea written up on the other post, and when I went to submit it the post was closed. :ahh: Basically I think the shapes of other game hints in order are square circle triangle, so I think it involves all those shapes. With this hint I think you may either need to shoot something over, a triangle tower, or place something on top of a triangle shaped stand.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

I think hurdling should be read in a way meaning: "to over come a difficulty."

I honestly don't think our robots would be jumping.....But you never know. :o

So... What ever Vet is.. overcomes/solves the (issue of the) FIRST tetra?

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Wow i have nooooo clue what this could possibly mean, unless it has something to do with that game with tetras from the past (i don't remember the name). The all caps FIRST implies that it is talking about something with in the organization and just the first and it the beginning. so i may br the return of the tetras that would be soo cool.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Hmm, ok so the first clue was the IR board, the second had triangles/circles/boxes, this one has vet and triangles.

#1: We arnt using triangles at all, but we use circles and boxes, the IR lets you choose which one you want to go for/score in autonomous.

#2: We use all three shapes but either the vet teams have to use the triangle or they cant touch it in autonomous

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

That is 'Triple Play', 2005

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Yeah... same here. That was very annoying. :mad:

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

So there were tubes at the ending of last year's kickoff (with Dean, Dave and Woodie sitting and talking about the 2008 game.

And there were triangles and squares seen everywhere in the Boston Square

And there are tetras in Game Hint #3.

I think the gamepieces are going to be a mix of all of those this year. And the challenge will be figuring out which ones to go for, and for the finals, figuring out how to create a strong alliance, maybe with one robot that can get each type of gamepiece.

That would definitely lead to having a bigger variety of robot designs on the field this year, which would be cool

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

You did indeed, Richard!
Good call.

Do you have any tylenol handy?

--
I think 'vet' in this case means to check for authenticity and examine closely.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

AHAHAHA CRAZY i cant believe it
make us go crazy 3days 11hours and 50min before kickoff thats insane
ok
so hum this is really crazy
i think that scrambling the letters is a good idea ill try some rearranging
but i also think that it means something as it is so hum...

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Vets help animals right.........our robots are fierce like an animal.........maybe there is a helper/house robot this year!!!! and its game piece are tetras and you have to give it the tetras so it can score.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Here we see a vet hurdling a FIRST tetra, kinda...



So Paul Copioli is the game piece for 2008. Expect a sample Copioli clone to be shipped with your Kit of Parts. Be careful - they bite!

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

heres a guess
since there is three different hints i guess there is going to be 3 different games that your robot has to be good at:confused:

even better the robot solves
game hints

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

I think you may have calculated incorrectly.

2 days 16h 47m 32s til kickoff!

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

I'll try a word-by-word. Something might make sense.

Vet: 2 definitions. 1. Short for veteran. 2. Short for veterinarian.

hurdling: In track, the hurdles events involve a full-speed sprint, clearing obstacles known as hurdles.

FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

tetra: prefix for four. Also: FIRST slang for tetrahedron. See the 2005 game for uses of tetras.

So--I foresee a game that we've seen before in some form. There will be obstacles. Tetras will return somehow (the order of "FIRST tetra" suggests this). I'm basing the return on the first definition of "vet".

My mom thinks that the second definition of "vet" is more important, implying four-wheeled robots in conjunction with "tetra".

Oh, and Richard: There is one item that is a mix of all three. It's a traffic cone. The Copely Square hint seemed to indicate that as well. I hope against hope that those aren't the game pieces. More likely to be obstacles, but still...

BTW Dave, you successfully ruined the rest of my Christmas break. Congratulations.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

ditto.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

I have a feeling that Vet does not stand for a pet doctor. I think it might stand for Veteran or something similar. So maybe the teams that are veterans (that played in the previous tetra game) will be given another chance to overcome that game(which didn't work out so well for many teams). This doesn't really combine well with the other clues, though. You could take the first clue to be a rectangle(the shape of the board), the second clue to be gps and bearing, point to the Globe Bar and Grill(circle), and this third clue to be about triangles. If you look at the FIRST logo reading from right to left it is square, circle, triangle. Can't wait for kickoff!

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Dave's just having fun now. Only 3 days left and he still throws curveballs.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

hahah i have heard some interesting stories.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

It's not just Dave, it is the entire GDC. Go GDC!

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

This just made my winter xmas/vacation as a mentor :) great gift dave ;)

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Does this mean im not getting my footballs?

I think im gonna cry...:(

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

GDC = Gosh Darn Confusing

im in awe at how fas they make my head hurt.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Yeah, I don't want to talk about that game.....6 motor drive train, titanium...and the claw didn't work. Grrr.... I really feel that this mention of the tetra would imply that they are coming back in some form or other.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Don't encourage them!

Oh great, a brainstorm. Three hints is probably also a clue. What game had a clue with a lot of 3's referenced? Triple Play. Shortly after the season, someone suggested Triple Replay. I think I know what's coming...

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

hurdling = speed bumps?

Okay, I'm done with speculation. There are only a few more days until Kickoff anyway...

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

YAY!!!!! This sounds like fun. this was the game right before i started FIRST and i really wanted to try to see how i would of done it, now i may get my chance.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

TRIPLE PLAY 2.0!!!

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

I think this might mean that veterans of the 2005 game (Triple Play) might have an advantage?

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Giving veterans a "second chance" at picking up tetras sounds like a reasonable possibility, but I really hope this is not the case. Tetras were not my favorite gamepiece :eek:

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

I understand your frustration, but combining two threads into one will (help) prevent confusion and redundancy - I was going to do the same but Karthik got there first.

GaryK

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

This is not MTV and the Gauntlet (good show though). FIRST wouldn't give an advantage to veterans unless they won it.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Can regular users combine threads? or do you have to be a moderator to do that?

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

You need to be a mod i think

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

If we look at the "newest addition to the 2008 KOP," the second definition starts to make more sense:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=59497

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

I wouldn't worry about this.
And I wouldn't get stuck on one definition of vet.

Look at the regionals and compare the numbers of new teams and veterans teams.
It varies according to regionals so it would vary in the competitions.

Options could mean something just as they have for several seasons but please don't get hung up on any assumptions that would cause rookie mentors' blood pressure to spike! :)

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

FRC Game Hint #3
Vet hurdling FIRST tetra

One tetra, not tetras

Thus not a return of triple play, where there were many.

That picture of Paul on top of the center tetra...
The obelisks at copley square, the way it reminded me of 04's main support for the hang bar

I have a real odd feeling that some form of "King of the Hill" is going be a part of this game. There prolly will be a tetra in the middle... a bit bigger than '05.

That' all I have to say with regards to this hint. I'm baffled otherwise.

-Joe

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

I am a mentor in Southern Maryland - Team 836 - this hint actually strikes me as something that happens around here. Each summer, at the US Naval Academy, the plebes have to climb an obelisk and put a "cap" on the top. This hint sounds very similar to what the plebes have to do. Here is an excerpt from an NPR article on this event.

The first-year students of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., graduated from plebe to third-class status on Thursday. All they have left to do is climb the Herndon Monument, a 21-foot, gray obelisk.

That is not an easy task. Upper classmen lather the monument with 200 pounds of lard. The plebes must work together to climb to the top of the monument and replace a white, plebe "Dixie cup" hat with an upperclassman's hat.

Here is the link to the article, and the picture of them climbing the obelisk.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...oryId=10258246

So to echo several other posts - sounds like a king of the hill competition to me as well! Come to the Chesapeake Regional to see the real thing - the obelisk, that is! :)

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Personally, I can't get past the idea that we're going to have to be climbing or getting over something. I am a second year FIRSTer, but it seems like for at least the past two years there has been something to climb, whether it be part of the field or an alliance member. What I keep coming back to is maybe a ramp and platform, similar to a speed bump as mentioned in a previous post, that maybe you have to get over in order to reach the game pieces... as far as vet... if you take it as veterinarian, maybe something to do with fixing something? the IR could tell you which piece is which and where it goes? then you have to assemble, or put in order, the game pieces... maybe you have to MAKE a tetra? wow, that would be interesting...

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Navy?

did someone say Water Game?

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

FIRST Tetra = 1st 4

First season of 4 v 4?

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Oh don't even start that!!! :)

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

The IR sensor (aka Game Hint #1) was first introduced to the competition in 2005 (if I understand correctly)... 2005 was also the year the game pieces were Tetra's (aka Game Hint #3 anybody?)... conincidence? or a possible connection between the two??

My guess it that the competition will involve a larger Tetra in the centre of the field from which (and ONLY from which) teams may score other game pieces (Squares and Circles) lying on the field...

2 days 16 hrs.. i wish time would just speed up so the season would start.. =)

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Maybe VETerans (of triple play) need to score with tetras (third hint) and the new teams score with Squares (2nd hint) and they all need to use the IR to know where to score (first hint)

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

2005's game "Triple Play" included (introduced? it was my rookie year) the CMU camera. Some tetra game pieces had a plywood panel attached, with instructions for the exact shade of green to paint them. (Pix: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...TriplePlay.jpg)
The autonomous mode comprised finding the green panel with the camera and placing the tetra on a goal tower, along with some easier but less lucrative functions. The camera/plywood combination was a complete flop, and most teams didn't bother mounting the camera on their 'bot. 2006 "Aim High" introduced the green light panel, and in 2007 "Rack 'n Roll" there were four light panels. Now we have another optical element (or at least a hint), the IR sensor board. The trend from 2005 has been to include the camera/light combination and it's my guess it will continue. Of course, we'll find out soon!

On the west coast we'll be viewing the Kickoff at 7 AM (ugh). My admiration goes to the Alaskan teams (6 AM) and Hawiian (5 AM).

Programmers: check out my programming class: Chief Delphi => CD Media => White Papers => Applied Robot Programming for FRC 'bots

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

2004 was IR, 05 was the CMU Cam

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

How about... Rack n' Roll with a Tetra!

Instead of the Rack, you have a gigantic tetra which you somehow score on. your robot can lock onto IR targets (seeing the success with which we used the green lights, those are probably out).

Perhaps there is also an element of Raising the Bar, where you have to hang on something or get over something- if you get over the Tetra you get extra points? There might be some device which the robot would have to use to get over- maybe an element found on Copley Square?

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

ahh.. thanks for the correction.. then i have to go with what Gary says about the Sensor + Light combination...

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Why would they have two sources of radiation (light + IR)? That would make the game needlessly complicated. Then again, that seems to be the style these days- lots of different modes of play.

But I personally think that two different types of light is a bit much.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Emphasis Mine

Games? More than one game? Multiple unique scoring methods throughout the whole game? Perhaps something a la FIRST Frenzy? (Please? :-P) Just a little something I noticed...might be nothing more than a typo, but who knows.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

I just can't see the IR becoming an important part to the game. Think of it from an audience's point of view. IR light is invisible. (given) unless they're going to display what's going on with the IR on say the large screen, the audience is going to be left... well... blind (pun intended) :)

I just try to envision what the game will be like from the audience's standpoint. You know, some family out one Saturday looking for something to do and happen to stumble across your local regional. They walk in and have absolutely no clue what is going on. The game needs to be visually appealing. Also, it needs to be easily caught onto for said wandering family. That doesn't mean that it's essential for them to know ins and outs of it, but generally be able to catch on in a short period of time.

Si or no?

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

o man that would be intense!!!!

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

You are soooo dead. 116--Dave's team--is from Herndon, VA!

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

do i taste another FIRST Frenzy?

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

vet hurdling? war vet...hurdling...throwing.

maybe we have to shoot tetras at square targets?

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

could 'Vet hurdling FIRST tetra' just be the password to decrypt the game manual... or is that too simple?:confused:

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

lol i dont think they would do that

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

tooo simple it is a 128 bit password. last year it was ridiculously long

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Vet= the robots will be cat powerd
hurdling= over some at center like 2003 but more like a wall
FIRST=For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology
tetra=pvc

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

2005 and 2006 were ludicrously long as well.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

my interpretation of the hint:
A whole new meaning to "human player" :D
-Leav

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

good point.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

I feel VERY comfortable saying that we won't see complex game objects like tubes or tetras due to the additional complexities of the IR sensor.

If I had to put money down based on what I've seen in the hints and clues, I'd say we have to score in intervals/periods/etc and score my guess the all too famous balls into goals of some sort, with the IR sensor somehow playing into the intervals/periods/etc.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

My take on the tetra is that it means 4. We will be playing a game with 4 quarters, not in 4v4 structure.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

How would it be practical for the game pieces to emit IR signals? The board has to be reprogrammed every time you turn off the robot unless you power the 5 volt board directly off of the 36 volt battery (even though voltage regulators are good, they still generally lack that ability). I also find it unlikely that they would do a repeat of a game from 4 years ago that some seniors might remember, it just wouldn't make sense.

I do find it interesting that they put both that message and decryption information in the same e-mail. May be something there. Maybe I'll try a couple of ciphers if I get time tonight, and I'll also look into encryption protocols.

Personally, I'm going with the Kitty Of Parts. We'll program a cat.

Also, FIRST designed the IR board, with 4 commands. Another coincidence is the terms "vet" and "navy" being mentioned so close together.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Isn't there an obelisk around Copely Square? What shape is the top?

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

The decryption code only works for the decryption test document. Last I checked, the encrypted versions weren't available.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Tetras are returning! My CD name will continue to mean something!

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

4 teams to an allience?

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Probably not, since the size of the field can't expand due to arena limitations. It could get a tiny bit bigger, but not enough to support 8 bots on one field. The traffic would be insane.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

That ties in well with Copioli Square in Boston...:D (He's nerdy maybe, but not a square..)

3rd definition: To subject to thorough examination or evaluation


How about it being a wordplay? For example, a smiling line for housing could be a toothy Res queue, or "to the rescue". (Lame, I know, but YOU come up with better!

Vet hurdles FIRST tetra
Doc over pipes
SEAL leaps point
Dave jumps piece
Andy bounds blue (red?)
JVN hops PVC
Kamen tops pyramid (*)
old vaults structure
pro clears fun
GP overcomes adversity



*Yes, I know a tetra is not a pyramid.

.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Maybe the hurdle is the traffic on the field

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

You know how Hurdles tip down, but in order to really make the points, you have to go over them without hitting them at all?

What if Tetras are going to have a specific side that is has to stand on in order to get the points?

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

accoding to dictionary.com:
hur·dle (noun)
1. a portable barrier over which contestants must leap in certain running races, usually a wooden frame with a hinged inner frame that swings down under impact to prevent injury to a runner who does not clear it.
2. hurdles, (used with a singular verb) a race in which contestants must leap over a number of such barriers placed at specific intervals around the track.

perhaps a wall in the center of the playing field that must be crossed to score?:confused:

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Vet can also mean practical so then Hurdling well according to dictionary.com it can mean to clear so maybe it is the most practical way of clearing the field of tetras?
:eek: FIRST Tetra- what was the fourth FIRST game ever? -:rolleyes: 1996 - Hexagon Havoc could someone explain this game?
and what are the games that are divisable by 4 (ex.1992,1996,2000,2004)?
1992 - Maze Craze
1996 - Hexagon Havoc
2000 - Co-opertition FIRST
2004 - FIRST Frenzy raising the bar

What do these games have in common? (last '07 was my rookie year so I did not play in any of them) What were the winning strategies?

Note: I answered some of my own questions but not all of them

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Very little, unless you count large central structures.

Oh, and that 1992 game would be Maize Craze. Played on a field with corn of some form all over. No more.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

too EASY!!!!!!!!!

Vet Refers to Veteran

Veteran HP's Get to Throw Tetras!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

They all used balls.... Of course that doesn't really say much, IIRC, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2005, and 2007 were the only years not to use balls, which means almost 70% of FRC games used balls as the game pieces.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Ok heres my idea. http://www.angelfire.com/ma3/foosball/vhft/02vhft.html VHFT is an online foosball things So VHFT being Vet Hurdling FIRST Tetra makes me think foosball of some sort?

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Maybe there will be a large Hurdle-like scoring platform.... By hurdle like I mean that it can be knocked down if you run into it but it comes back up on its own...

there could be 2 central scoring stations (one for each alliance) that can be knocked over to spill the scoring element (ex.balls) on the ground one of the the teams in the alliance would need to protect their station....
Does that make sense?

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

The summer olympics took place these years in Barcelona Spain, Atlanta Georgia, Sydney Australia, Athens Greece, and later this year in Beijing, China.

They are also leap years. Does that mean something extra will be added to every n games?

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Hurdles don't come up on their own.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

I think the audience was underestimated by some last year when Rack 'n' Roll was unveiled. As we expand and grow and more audiences are reached, we are developing a fan base of people who are catching onto what FIRST is about. In my opinion, the GDC is very aware of what our expanding audience will find entertaining and exciting. At the least, they are hopeful. The audience will 'get it', I'll just bet. (I met some folks that 'happened by' in Atlanta last year and they thought the game was amazing.)

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

The hurdles at my school do, they have wieghts in the back and if somthing runs into it it falls forward then back because of the wieghts.

I have never seen any hurdles that do something different.. what do the hurdles you think of do?

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

The ones used in the track meets I've been to don't. They just fall flat until someone comes and picks them up.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

oh... that's probably better because I have gotten hit by the hurdle in an upswing and it hurt! I had hit the hurdle with my front foot and it hit my back one in return:eek:

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Wow. 7 pages and NO ONE has yet to propose a better explanation of the word "vet" than that it has to do with veterans or animal doctors.

According to dictionary.com vet also means:

to appraise, verify, or check for accuracy, authenticity, validity, etc.: An expert vetted the manuscript before publication.

This leads me to suspect that we have to 'check' which goal/game-piece/thingy needs to be scored in autonomous using the IR sensor.

I really like the whole thing about climbing an obelisk, perhaps a very short, squat three-sided obelisk ;)

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

tetra =4
4 IR codes

I am thinking that the 4 IR codes may be used in one of the following ways:

A. identifying at a specific time when a specific Game piece has more value (or no value). When the broadcasted IR ID changes, you focus on the more valuable pieces.

B. identifying at a specific time when a specific scoring area has more value. When the broadcasted IR ID changes, you focus on the more valuable scoring area.

C. A possible autonomous scenario may use IR beacons as waypoints or azimuth references in navigation but more likely (and easier) a master IR beacon would trigger a behavior change in all of the bots on the field. i.e. an autonomous period with 2 or more distinct phases. Perhaps the IR triggers a change in what color target lamp the bot should go for ( with cmucam). This could give 2 or more scoring opportunities during autonomous.

===================
Hurdles (and stock market) suggests some jagged terrain challenge.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

I looked up 'vetted' -
vetted:

1. To make a curvet; to leap; to bound. `
2. To leap and frisk; to frolic.

taken from Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary.

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

Another stab at word meanings:

VET:

3.to appraise, verify, or check for accuracy, authenticity, validity, etc.:
An expert vetted the manuscript before publication.

Hurdling-verb:

something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted;
"lack of imagination is an obstacle to one's advancement"

FIRST:

www.usfirst.org

tetra:(acronym)

Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) is an open digital trunked radio standard for professional mobile radio users.
TETRA is defined by the European... Motorola (FIRST sponsor) is a big player in this market.

FIRST is using TETRA for their radio communications this year. Maybe Motorola is supplying the radios.

The IR board will be the obstacle to overcome to score points.

The GPS? coordinates may be something off the wall to throw us off, or they may be camera settings for a new color of target.

My 2 cents.:eek:

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

perhaps we have to use the IR to triagulate our position in autonomous, or to make scoring easier during the driver period. :confused:

Re: **FIRST EMAIL**/FRC Game Hint #3
 

I was starting to clean out my garage during the break. I got to all of the tetra peices and thought, 'I might as well keep these because FIRST might re-use them again.'

Now I see this and I am glad I did not recycle all of them.

-Jim