Re: What to Expect In Atlanta
 

what do you mean tarps?

by screens you mean the black curtain things?

Re: What to Expect In Atlanta
 

Tarps... You'll see when you get there. Look at the ceiling of the Dome. If it's black, the tarps are up. If not, the tarps are down.

As for screens, there are no black curtains in the pits. (Red, white, blue, and green, yes, but those are division markers.) I mean A/V screens hanging in each division, where you can watch matches and see rankings. If the lights near those are off, and there are pits close to under them, I don't exactly care that you can't see them very well with the lights on, because teams that are working near you can't see very well with the lights off!

Re: What to Expect In Atlanta
 

I am pumped to go to Atlanta. This is my first year in Robotics. :D
This is our teams first time to go to nationals and compete. Last time, the team didn't have enough funding.

Re: What to Expect In Atlanta
 

This is going to be awsome. My team is a rookie this year, and our goal was to make it to Atlanta! I can't wait!

Re: What to Expect In Atlanta
 

They were there to cover the damage from the tornadoes last year. I would be suprised if there are many un-repaired sections that still have tarps this year.

Re: What to Expect In Atlanta
 

The heat load from sunlight coming through the Dome roof during the summer is more than the air conditioning system can reasonably handle. They put up "sun shades" every year to keep it cooler without using too much energy. I don't think the tarps are typically installed before the FRC championship happens, but there have been exceptions. I seem to recall that a cosmetics convention paid extra to have them put up early in 2005 so the lighting would be less variable.

Re: What to Expect In Atlanta
 

I wasn't there last year, but they've been up before on occasion. See Alan's post.

Re: What to Expect In Atlanta
 

I second that it was 2005, I remember wonder what was going on with the roof I never would have guessed it had to do with the AC.

Re: What to Expect In Atlanta
 

I also remember them in '07. Same deal as '05.

Re: What to Expect In Atlanta
 

It also wasn't too shabby that 2005 was the first year using camera's & the tarps actually helped the competition with keeping the light constant, rather than constantly changing through the dome as the clouds came in.
I remember everyone thinking it was done just for that reason for us, but then as you said, I did hear about the cosmetics convention from someone.
Just good luck that year (as far as constant lighting for the new camera system was concerned) I guess.

Re: What to Expect In Atlanta
 

You can expect to get tired in Atlanta. A number of reasons can be factored into this, including the excitement, the anticipation, the ups and downs the competition creates for you, mentally, emotionally, physically. There are teams who help keep team members and therefore, the team, healthy and happy by having some guidelines in place. Some that I know that help are:

1. stay hydrated with water.
2. Rest. Take small breaks for some fresh air and a healthy snack outside.
3. Eat. Some teams bring fruit and healthy snack bars during travel and plan for at least one good meal a day to keep their team fueled each day.
4. Take time to appreciate where you are and what you are doing. Tour the Hall of Fame. Check out the other events. Teams are traveling from all over the world to compete and spend time together. It is a remarkable experience. Talk to other teams. This includes students, mentors, parents, guests. Share the fun. This enhances the experience and provides reasons to smile when you are too tired to think.
5. Set a curfew and follow it. Keep it within reason. Yes, there is fun to be had and there is scouting to be done. You will function better as an individual and as a team if you are taking care of yourself and getting some sleep.
6. Keep the team reputation in mind and how you are contributing to it. This includes your stay as a guest in the hotel, at the restaurant, in the venue, and this includes the bathrooms. I've seen some ugly behaviors (fights, arguing, rudeness) in the bathrooms that reflect on the team in general. Conduct yourself in a way that will get the team invited back to the hotel in the future, greeted with smiles in the restaurant, and appreciated at the venue.

These may all sound like small things but they all contribute to the success of the team's performance over the 3 days of competition and can help add up to a great experience.

Re: What to Expect In Atlanta
 

don't try getting to the lego league area if you aren't with someone who knows their way. ive actually never gone because i couldnt find it :P

also. after the closing ceremonies. stay completely attached to someone because there will be a stampeding crowd trying to get to the after party and it is very easy to get lost.

Re: What to Expect In Atlanta
 

wow a team member from Wheres Waldo getting lost in a crowd...ironic?:yikes:

Re: What to Expect In Atlanta
 

expect to walk ALOT

Re: What to Expect In Atlanta
 

expect to meet a ton of new people :)
and expect to have the time of your life :)