Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

I'm doubtful that T26 covers this. It says right there at the top that it covers items used to TRACK strategy. Like whiteboards with scores or something. I don't really see how you can claim that red, white and blue cards are being used to track strategy. Instead of solely being used to communicate to your feeder.

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

I will second this. The simplest option is often the best. Just make sure they human player has a good memory :P

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

Okay, yeah let's keep this simple. Should we try to set up a standard on CD?

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

Clarification?

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

Yes, but wouldn't informing your FEEDER on what shapes you need in the field be tracking your strategy? This game is based solely on these pieces and communication with the feeder, who is in the arena. It doesn't create an unfair advantage.

EDIT:
Someone should Q&A this.

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

Personally, I really like the LED idea. LEDs are not hard to hook up, and would be much easier to see than having to peer across the entire field over robots and poles.

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

Although I agree that hand signals would be simplest, esp. if made a standard, left/right can be confusing for some b/c of the mirroring aspect; left for the analyst is right for the HP. Therefore I believe in a standard for Analyst--> HP comm, something like:

fist = circle
arms in a triangle (like "A" in YMCA dance) = triangle
arms out at right angles = quadrangle

^^^FRC community: IT IS UP TO US TO SET OUT A STANDARD PRIOR TO COMPETITION, WE SHOULD DECIDE ON SOMETHING WELL IN ADVANCE TO BEST SOLVE THE PROBLEM!

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

It's not that difficult.

Hold up a fist - Requesting a circle

Hold up a hand, palm out fingers together - Requesting a Square

Hold up a hand, back of hand fingers apart - Requesting a Triangle

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

Not really. You just talk to your alliance before the match.

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

We had issues with cross-field communication in 2009, when we were trying to communicate with our human player on the other side of the field. We tried hand signals initially, but they just devolved into large desperate waves as we tried to get his attention. There's probably going to be too much happening for the feeder to keep an eye on the drivers for the whole game. To make matters worse, the view to and from the driver stations will become obscured as more logo pieces are placed.

Thus, I support on-robot signaling. However, for that classy feel and improved visibility, use neon or LED underlighting colored corresponding to the desired color. It would be fairly intuitive to give a red piece to the robot with bright, flashing red lights.

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

Haha, that's what YOU think! :p

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

IMO LEDs are the best method. Or we dress like The Beatles.

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

Good point. Game pieces obscuring alliance station + not looking at each other would equal many problems. So is the general idea to wire a few LEDs to various relays or DIOs on the sidecar?

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

The coach could have three hats. If their team's FIRST robot wants a triangle, he/she puts on the red hat, white for a circle, and blue for a square. The hat could be extra big to increase visibility.

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

I believe so.