Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick Chiang
What?  There's always more than a few stray wifi hotspots around the arena. The rules only prohibit teams from setting them up, not from using these wifi hotspots. Also, last few years, I remember there were competition officials advertising these hotspots (which you had to pay for). I doubt the intention of the rules (or wording) is to prohibit people from using wireless at all times. |
It is true that in the past, the venues themselves have offered wireless connections. However, as Arthur accurately notes, you should bring your own connection if you expect to run a network-based scouting system. Not only is the venue connection not guaranteed, it may well be subpar and spotty.
The intention of the rules prohibiting connections is to ensure that no wireless connections interfere with the FMS. Given the prevalence of apparent FMS issues this year, and a noted correlation between FMS issues and numerous open networks, it is likely that this will be enforced more strictly than ever.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grim Tuesday
Based on the discussion in this thread, there is no Wifi provided by the venue at Champs. Is there power? Our server system is a desktop; will we be able to get power for it?
|
I think it would be more accurate to say that there's no reliable venue-based wireless. That being said, I don't recall there being power in the stands in the dome. What you may want to consider is bringing a DC power supply (e.g. a old FRC battery) and an inverter, much like those used in cars, to switch that into an AC power supply to run your computer. We use this system to charge our DS and facilitate our Chairman's presentation; I know that other teams use a similar method (1676 uses a boat battery, I believe).
If you do follow this method, just make sure you verify that your battery and inverter specs meet the demands of your desktop.