[daltore]

How would it be practical for the game pieces to emit IR signals? The board has to be reprogrammed every time you turn off the robot unless you power the 5 volt board directly off of the 36 volt battery (even though voltage regulators are good, they still generally lack that ability). I also find it unlikely that they would do a repeat of a game from 4 years ago that some seniors might remember, it just wouldn't make sense.

I do find it interesting that they put both that message and decryption information in the same e-mail. May be something there. Maybe I'll try a couple of ciphers if I get time tonight, and I'll also look into encryption protocols.

Personally, I'm going with the Kitty Of Parts. We'll program a cat.

Also, FIRST designed the IR board, with 4 commands. Another coincidence is the terms "vet" and "navy" being mentioned so close together.