Here is a link to some videos from the Suffield Shakedown scrimmage.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiCPd1bfjOI
In this video you will see Team 40 Checkmate scoring the ubertube in autonomous.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UugVk2sM0KI
Checkmate misses in autonomous.
No worry, as is their custom, they will be devastating the competition in the regionals and offseasons.
In this video you will see a completed logo that elicits cheers from the crowd.
Unfortunately, the view of team 175, Buzz, minibot climb is obscured. They have the minibot task accomplished and will probably do well this year because of it.
You may notice the error codes flashing on the team number screens.
This IS a shakedown for both the FTAs and teams.
As a veteran of many years of FRC, I think this game will develop quite nicely. The tower base colors are cool, there will be a lot of arms raising game pieces on high, the minibot race will add great suspense and make a difference in eliminations. Unfortunately, again, it will be difficult to explain the scoring to visitors, but they will love the drama that the crowd communicates.
Thanks again to team 176, Aces High, for hosting this event. They did a wonderful job as they do year after year.
Also, thanks to team 230, Gaelhawks, for their webcast.
As an aside:
Favorite new team name this year: The Aluminati, A rookie team, 3555, from Storrs Connecticut. JCPenny has really done a lot for FIRST these past two years.