Quote:
Originally Posted by topgun
You said in an earlier message that MI commissioned their own fields. So you didn't buy 2 fields from FIRST? Do you have an FMS system or a different system? Where do you store the fields?
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We have 2 fields. Tardac generously arranges for construction of the mechanical components of these fields for the FiM organization (thanks Jack Jones!). They have contractors with government security clearances which meet the secrecy requirements set by FIRST in order to have access to the build plans. We see nothing until after kickoff. We get 2 sets of certified field controls from FIRST which are identical to those used everywhere else. We purchased two 24' long tandem axle trailers and have a complete field assembly in each one. We store the trailers at the GM proving grounds in Milford (Thanks to Tom Nader!). We move the trailers with Ram Diesel Heavy Duty trucks loaned to us by Chrysler (Thanks to Pam Williamson!). Volunteers transport the fields to and from the various Events (thanks Tom, Dave, Cindy....). Load, Unload, set-up, and tear-down are all managed by volunteers from the teams, many of whom are students. No roadies to pay, and it is a great way to get your team involved in the event management side of the FRC, which traditionally has been somewhat taken for granted (yet rather costly to outsource).