Re: 2010 Game Hint #2
 

The gate is standard issue from past years - it serves as an ingress/egress point for the robots and field crew. The "horizontal" part of the gate is external to the field; the "vertical" part flexes down to provide a ramp. However, I'm puzzled by the bar above the diamond plate. I know there is a hinge on the right side to allow it to flex vertical to let the robot(s) through, but I can't tell what that pin on the left side is. Was there a spring mechanism to lock it in place that I'm forgetting? As I recall, it was just a round pipe that the removable polycarb section would slide on.

I'm having trouble visualizing a wide gate in the middle of the field. Traditionally, that is where the scoring table would be. If robots enter/exit through the middle of the field, they would be going over a LOT of wires connected to the field. This leads me to two conclusions: either the field is completely wireless and the scoring table is somewhere completely different, or there is one main entry/exit point on one side of the field. Perhaps there is a large field component directly across from this gate that would take up too much space to allow gates on the other side. This gives me trouble, too - FIRST fields have been traditionally symmetrical both horizontally and vertically. Because there are so many different configurations of arenas that host FIRST events and offseasons, this has been a necessity.

Re: 2010 Game Hint #2
 

Not Regolith. Those yellow things are normally heavy plastic or aluminum with velcro on the bottom to grab the railing and hold it in place and to keep people from tripping over the support. If that is what they are again this year, it looks to me like we are back on carpet! YEAH! I didn't like the regolith. :)

Also, the wider? gates could indicate a slightly longer field if the other parts are used from previous years.

Re: 2010 Game Hint #2
 

Perhaps the GDC tried to create a field where the 2009 KOP wheels could be used for high traction :confused:?

Re: 2010 Game Hint #2
 

Maybe they just removed that to make the objects in this image more visible? I don't know why they would decide to be THAT nice, though.

This is only my 3rd year in FRC. I've always known the field with the plastic siding. Was that nonexistent in previous years?

Re: 2010 Game Hint #2
 

My only reaction to the yellow plates is that they are there for a purpose. ( And have been for a number of years...)
they cover up a brace (which lies underneath) to hold up the side of the field.

Two would be necessary for two braces.... on last year's field... a brace on the side closest to the end was NOT necessary because of the way the field was constructed in the corners.

If anything if we make the assumption that the gates are in the same place as other years in relation to the ends, this would indicate that the corners of the field are not like last year and need a brace on the outside to support the side of the field.

Another assumption could be made that the gates have been moved closer to the middle... and that more bracing is needed because of that...

Remember its a render... and not complete...hence the absence of detail.

I say it means "not regolith" and that's about all we can say..

I can't wait until HINT #3 which will come on Saturday...around 7:00 AM my time....

It will be a really big hint....

Re: 2010 Game Hint #2
 

Unless they are giving us different wheels this year... Or the GDC threw us a curveball and the field will be grey colored regolith... >_>

Re: 2010 Game Hint #2
 

I have a feeling that the shadow of the railing is really important in this hint, for some odd reason. I don't know why, it's just my initial impression. Plus, Dave did say not to see things as they appear. A shadow of the field might somehow tell a different story than the field pieces themselves.

Just food for thought.

Re: 2010 Game Hint #2
 

Here is the hint http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr....aspx?id=16119

Re: 2010 Game Hint #2
 

The yellow things move up, vision target...

Re: 2010 Game Hint #2
 

Just wondering, but should this be in the Rumor Mill board?

Re: 2010 Game Hint #2
 

The plastic siding has more or less been game object dependent.
2003 - boxes, no siding
2004 - 13" diamter balls, siding
2005 - Tertras, no siding
2006 - Poof balls, siding
etc.

I wouldn't read into this too much though because we don't know the detail level of the render. Siding may have been left off for clarity so we would see something else.

Re: 2010 Game Hint #2
 

For anyone still trying to find the picture themselves it's right herehttp://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr....aspx?id=16119
when you go to usfirt.org you need to click the frc tab at the top and then the link will be at the updates section underneath the picture

My thought right now is that were back to the regular old carpet, but in my opinion everyone will be so excited that they can have robots with high traction they'll lack maneuverability in their design. I think that last years wheels may even come in handy if used right.

Also, and I really hope this is it, I think that since many people have been saying the gate looks like it's been shifted down towards the middle of the field (a little not to the middle). That this suggest there is a type of field element in the way. This supports what several students and mentors have been saying on my team, that we will be seeing some ramps this year.

Re: 2010 Game Hint #2
 

the yellow could be stations for human players, such as a few years ago when we had to stack tertas and the tetras were hand put in the field by stations similar to these

Re: 2010 Game Hint #2
 

It seems like it should be to many people and that's why we have to keep answering this question. No, the Game Hints are released officially by FIRST so it's not a rumor, it's a clue.

Re: 2010 Game Hint #2
 

I had guessed that it would likely be there if we were dealing with smaller objects/balls.
Hey, this may be a game trend that actually makes sense!