Quote:
Originally Posted by techhelpbb
Speaking for only myself here:
I do not believe that FIRST extends that rule to 3G/4G.
If they intend it that way, then I should hope it is limited as a rule applying to the team.
In other words: if 3G/4G data service is not allowed it is within respect to team efforts (like scouting applications).
I say this because: I have global planetary responsibilities (in short this is no joke and it could impact everyone, everywhere). Frankly if there is service I need to be available. I can cooperate only so far with this. I can check in occasionally. I can and do take the day off while at a competition. However I can not allow FIRST to create a situation that could lead to a level of harm they can't possibly have liability insurance adequate for.
3G/4G to a phone client does not present a risk to the field. Turning on a WiFi hot spot on your phone might.
Frankly I think any interpretation of that rule to prevent 3G/4G client access for people that are in situations such as myself will literally cripple FIRST (consider the corporate sponsorship: the number of FIRST mentors, volunteers, organizers and parents that are in situations like myself). The only way that makes sense with regard to 3G/4G is to cut down on teams with team efforts to use the Internet. In short teams should not write Internet applications but individuals data usage on 3G/4G as clients only on that network is okay.
Besides this would be entirely unenforceable. The number of smartphones by nonaligned spectators directly next to the field with active network synchronization on 3G/4G would be large. FIRST would have to tell every spectator to turn off their phones and even then there would be people that would not comply. Start weeding them out and quickly it will hurt FIRST's reputation.
At the point that FIRST as an organization goes >that far< stop playing around with WiFi for critical field functions because it is manufacturing many problems where there need not be any. Going >that far< actually has a tangible cost in reputation and likely support.
|
I think that it is way too much of a hassle. Just modify your scouting sheet to work offline! I mean, if your can figure out how to do it online, then you can figure out how to make it offline
Instead of sending things through the internet, write the info down on paper and give them to someone who can put it in a computer! It's not too hard to do that!
I had my scouting setup like this (although we never really used it because we didn't do too well this year):
1.Everyone goes on their phone and submits a google form with all the parameters.
2.Google Spreadsheets automatically gets the data
3.Google Spreadsheets sorts the data and averages everything and makes graphs
4.The scouter (or the drivers) pulls up the interface (a sheet with a spot to type in the team you want) and gives us the info on the other teams
Now I could make it where people just write down the info on paper and have one person compile it into a sheet in excel or the new google offline spreadsheets and it will do the same thing
Besides, what's the point of robotics if you are going to be on the internet all day? It is actually fun to watch! (unless it's your team, then it's nerve wrecking)
