Re: Cowtown Throwdown 2011 Rule Changes
 

it will be interesting to see the rule changes for alliance selection, the new format will be interesting... i think this format may get some looks from FIRST ( it's off-season, so seeing a rule change (that could be implemented next year) is risk free on their end) in that it seems to even the playing field more than the current system in the elimination rounds. it may make eliminations closer and more therefore more exciting. it will change scouting strategies for sure, crossing out the top 7 picks you want right off the bat

Re: Cowtown Throwdown 2011 Rule Changes
 

Our team is really excited to see how the rule changes from Cowtown change the strategy and feel of the competition. It is just very interesting to see that there is such a difference in values this way. Reliability over speed for the minibots, and because of the different point structure, hanging is so much more important. Alliance selection will be interesting too! I hope that FIRST is watching.

Also, I just have to say that I'm very excited to see that there is such a high caliber of teams attending. It will be really great to get to know some of the out-of-town teams.

Last, I'm curious about the role that Cowtown plays for other teams. For us, we lost 9 seniors last year, but we've replaced them with about 20 freshmen and sophomores. Cowtown is our opportunity to show them what they are getting themselves into. Also, it's a great mentor recruiting tool.

Re: Cowtown Throwdown 2011 Rule Changes
 

We were fortunate enough to lose only one senior this year, but he was our (awesome) driver. Our team roster has added 16+ new Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. We're hoping on bringing most of the rookies with us, and show them what a FIRST event looks like.

Re: Cowtown Throwdown 2011 Rule Changes
 

For the rule changes, I'm interested to see how our team changes our scouting since we have to throw out 7 top teams. The Minibot is somewhat of a relief, since we can now focus on making it reliable rather than making a continuously smaller and smaller minibot. Ubertube use should also be interesting, if anyone drops them.

Also, would anyone be interested in a little t-shirt trading? I've got 3 extra 2011 Metal Mustang Robotics shirts that I'd be willing to trade. I'm looking for a Team Titanium or a Bomb Squad tshirt, but any up for grabs is good for me.

Re: Cowtown Throwdown 2011 Rule Changes
 

I think I'm really going to like this set-up at the CTTD, especially being able to select our 4th robot and the ability to substitute freely from round to round.

While not being able to pick within the top 7 seems like a great idea for a terminal (no qualification for a follow-up event) offseason event, I have my reservations about it for a regional event. I think it would dilute the level of competition that makes it to the Championship. The 2nd best robot, (perhaps 2nd through 8th best robot if the seeding system does its job) would get left at home while the 9th best robot (at best) would get their ticket punched to Champs.

Now if the goal for Champs is to put on more of an exhibition featuring a broader array of robot quality then this system could accomplish that. Especially since all winning alliances would be guaranteed to have a 4th robot from the middle to bottom of the field.

To keep this system but maintian (or improve) the quality at Champs we would have to send to Champs the winning alliance captain, their first draft pick, kick out their 2nd (or at least their 3rd) draft pick, and invite the finalist captain in their place. While I could support that it would significantly change the dynamics of a regional event.

Re: Cowtown Throwdown 2011 Rule Changes
 

you have to remember, FIRST is in the process of trying to figure out how to lower the number of teams sent for champs. from each regional (because of the rising number of regionals). with this alliance process, they could do is just take the alliance captain from the winning alliance (theoretically the "best" robot) then limit teams from only taking one slot to champs. so if said team wins another regional, they pick an alliance partner at the second regional for that slot. thus you remove two teams from each regional, for less drastic, take the finalist team captain. all of this is just my thoughts... they might take away not robot based awards if they do.

Re: Cowtown Throwdown 2011 Rule Changes
 

CowTown looks to be a very interesting event this year, I love the IRI rule changes in which you can not pick the top 8 It makes things very interesting for sure. What it will be in eliminations is best team vs best team and it wont be matches just ran though, each match will be an exciting one.

Scouting is going to be very crucial this time around and so will working together with your team to create the best strategy.

Re: Cowtown Throwdown 2011 Rule Changes
 

Agreed with all of the above its a great way to get people really sucked in to first and teach in my opinion, we have new members go out and look at all the robots and ask lots of questions get the mind turning.

Re: Cowtown Throwdown 2011 Rule Changes
 

Less than a week until the big event (Nov 5th).

The 32 team event features:

• 9 regional champions from Logomotion (16, 935, 1730, 1984, 1985, 1986, 3284, 3481, and 3784) Representing the Alamo, Oklahoma, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Colorado Regionals)
• 3 Regional Chairman's Winners from 2011 (1094, 1108, and 1730)
• 3 Regional Engineering Inspiration Winners from 2011 (1710, 1764, 1986)
• 3 from the 2011 KC Finalist Alliance (1825, 1939, 3284)

Regardless of past awards the entire field of participants looks fantastic. We look forward to meeting old friends, making some new ones, and training our new team members. Of our 42 student team members this year, 29 of them are new to the team. Please help them feel welcome as they discover what Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition truly mean.

Re: Cowtown Throwdown 2011 Rule Changes
 

For everyone attending make sure to stop by the cafeteria between 9-1pm. We will be holding the first FLL rumble at Cowtown!

Re: Cowtown Throwdown 2011 Rule Changes
 

Hi,
This is Team 3784. We’re finishing up an arm for CowTown but some of the parts we ordered have been delayed. Do you have a Center Stop Solenoid Valve, the electrical connections for it, and the end pieces/ electrical connections for a KOP Festo Solenoid Valve that we could borrow? We would be most grateful if you do.
Thanks

Re: Cowtown Throwdown 2011 Rule Changes
 

Can you send us the part number for the valve you're looking for (and the supplier). We have a variety of valves at our shop that would probably work for you but seeing exactly what you're trying to get might be helpful.

Also, if you've ordered the parts from AndyMark, and they get them by tomorrow, they could bring them when they deliver the field for us. They've done that for us in the past, I know.

You can PM me or post the info here if you'd like.

Re: Cowtown Throwdown 2011 Rule Changes
 

Heyy speaking of which, Team 2410 was wondering if we could borrow a KOP Festo Solenoid for the day, as our solenoid may be on backorder until next week T.T Sorta unhelpful considering Cowtown is this weekend... But that's business. Anyways, if we could borrow one that'd be great! You can PM me or post again and let me know! Thank you!

Re: Cowtown Throwdown 2011 Rule Changes
 

The 4th annual Cowtown Throwdown is in the books.

Congrats to 16, 1710, 1984 and 2353 for forming the winning alliance. The speed and agility of 16 was a sight to behold. The scoring assists from 1710 combined with the defensive efforts of 1984 and 2353 proved enough to carry the day.

A big thanks to 1985, 1777, and 2560 for joining us (1986) on our finalist run. It was amazing watching the 1985 pit crew use duct tape, zip ties, and some scrap aluminum to try to patch that robot together. You were definitely a fun group to work with and we look forwarding to playing together in the KC and St. Louis regionals. 2560 was a defensive super star on the field. Their drivers were smart (penalty free) and enthusiastically took on the challenge of shutting down our opponents top scorer. 1777 was a steal of a pick. While they only slot fed, they had an efficient path between the rack and the slot, and were capable of putting up 4 tubes consistently in a match. They were a great substitution in our final match and would have made the difference if we had gotten both mini-bots up. Alas our minibot motors smoked on deployment and 1985 had their own malfunction. The victory was not to be. (We're thankful that this was the last hurrah for Logomotion and we don't have to reinvest in more Tetrix motors.)

Thanks to Team Driven (1730), Cerner and all of the other volunteers for hosting the event. It was a fantastic tournament. We really appreciated all of the Friday practice time this year.

They announced that the KC regional will have the full slate of 64 teams this upcoming year. There are still only 53 showing on the FIRST website. Can't wait to see who the other 11 teams will be. See you all at the KC regional.

Re: Cowtown Throwdown 2011 Rule Changes
 

And 1777 would like to thank you. You guys were awesome, that robot was very well designed, looks and function, and we'd love to collaborate again! We had so much fun and I must agree; that "bang-up job" with 20 zipties and a half roll of tape was funny!
As he said; congratulations to all, especially Bomb Squad and friends, and thanks to Driven, Cerner, and the volunteers for making this possible. It was so fun!