Will we ever get a hint #2?

[zaphodp.jensen]

It is quite possible that they are not planning on releasing another game hint until quite close to the kickoff, because I feel like we got really close to the actual game with the first hint, due to all of the information provided inside that parts list. Usually, the game hints are a cryptic picture, like with Breakaway, which was a picture of the ball return flipped upside down... but with all of the information they gave us with the parts list, it could be that they are worried that we know too much...

[EricH]

Originally Posted by zaphodp.jensen

Usually, the game hints are a cryptic picture, like with Breakaway, which was a picture of the ball return flipped upside down... but with all of the information they gave us with the parts list, it could be that they are worried that we know too much...

Riddle, Riddle, Riddle, Riddle, picture, {IR receiver, GPS coordinates, anagram/riddle}, {picture, riddle), CAD picture x2, picture x2, parts list
2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

By my count, that's 6 riddles, 6 pictures, and 3 miscellaneous puzzles in the last 10 hint seasons. (To be fair, two riddles were simply equations or lines from songs.)

Most recently, pictures have been the medium of choice... but for the old-timers, you can't beat a riddle! Especially with the diabolical ways that any given riddle could be turned around to point towards the game in multiple ways. So many ways to interpret a line like "seeing Montana's green heights" (2006 hint, last line of the riddle) that point to a tall target, throwing things, and using the camera to see green... Just as an example, you understand. Imagine what that would to to you in full context.

[ratdude747]

Originally Posted by DavisC

I randomly realized this; 2500 photosensors are not on the 1st game hint, but the Line Trackers were provided by Rockwell Automation... Guess we aren't following lines this year.

On the 2011 KOP list was made me think that.

http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...c-kit-of-parts

line sensors are on the FIRST Choice list... so that means nothing. only some teams actually used the sensors for logomotion...

[Karibou]

Originally Posted by EricH

Most recently, pictures have been the medium of choice... but for the old-timers, you can't beat a riddle! Especially with the diabolical ways that any given riddle could be turned around to point towards the game in multiple ways. So many ways to interpret a line like "seeing Montana's green heights" (2006 hint, last line of the riddle) that point to a tall target, throwing things, and using the camera to see green... Just as an example, you understand. Imagine what that would to to you in full context.

I'd like a riddle again. Those are fun, though I don't know that we ever fully solved the one from 2009...

Originally Posted by ratdude757

line sensors are on the FIRST Choice list... so that means nothing. only some teams actually used the sensors for logomotion...

But if line tracking is a component of the field, it would be in the KOP. If it hadn't been included in the kit and some teams wanted to do line tracking, but couldn't afford a sensor, there would be a lot of complaining. They wouldn't be adequately prepared for the game. While having it through FIRST Choice helps, not everybody gets what they want (similar to the Tetrix kits last year).

[WizenedEE]

Originally Posted by DavisC

I randomly realized this; 2500 photosensors are not on the 1st game hint, but the Line Trackers were provided by Rockwell Automation... Guess we aren't following lines this year.

The only context for that list is "Rockwell Automation has again agreed to generously donate components we need for the 2012 FRC season. Check it out. You may find it very interesting." It was never explicitly said that the list is what Rockwell donated, much less whether it was all they donated or if it was all FIRST was ever going to buy or get donated to by Rockwell.

I'm willing to bet there will be lines on the field this year due to the FIRST Choice thing and because they worked well last year (and since there are always some sort of lines that are reflective)

[Sean Raia]

I think we didnt get close at all on the first hint, people interpreted it too bluntly. They are never that obvious as people have guessed.

So on topic: they will most likely release one this week... If at all.

[thefro526]

Originally Posted by WizenedEE

I'm willing to bet there will be lines on the field this year due to the FIRST Choice thing and because they worked well last year (and since there are always some sort of lines that are reflective)

Not 'always'. True, there are lines on the field each year, but they're not always reflective, or at least not in the sense you're thinking. If memory serves me, 2003, 2004, 2005 (Not too sure on this one) and 2011, are the only games that had lines on the field specifically for tracking.

2006 and 2007 encouraged vision tracking, 2008 relied heavily on the IR board, 2009 encouraged vision tracking (and just moving, really), 2010 encouraged vision tracking, and 2011 was the first game in recent memory that specifically encouraged line tracking. (Note this is all in reference to Autonomous Mode, and just because something was encouraged doesn't mean it was 'necessary'.)

[Brandon Zalinsky]

"We don't have a second hint? It IS a water game. Nothing is like a hole, because it is empty. what can you fill a hole with? water. Or magnets." <<<< Postitive proof of a water game, as said by a student on our team.

[DavisC]

well, didn't 2010 have a single line down the middle that teams could track to go through the tunnel nicely?

[Taylor]

Originally Posted by DavisC

Well, so far its only been 1 game hint (which was posted 17 days ago), since its been so long since the hint, do you think they plan on putting another one?

Heavens, I hope not.

[thefro526]

Originally Posted by DavisC

well, didn't 2010 have a single line down the middle that teams could track to go through the tunnel nicely?

The 'Center Line' on the 2010 Field wasn't explicitly there for line tracking. It's primary purpose was to divide the field into a left and right side for pre-match positioning and to give a 'do not cross' point in autonomous.

I'm sure you could have tracked the line if you wanted but then you risked violating G18.

[Sean Raia]

Originally Posted by Taylor

Heavens, I hope not.

May i ask why?

[Dad1279]

The way I count, we have already received two hints, quite possibly 3.

[Karibou]

Originally Posted by Dad1279

The way I count, we have already received two hints, quite possibly 3.

What is the other one/two?

[pandamonium]

I count 3 hints as well, KineKt, Heavy field, and sensors.

The 20th of December has come but not past...