Email from Jon Dudas

[Mike o.]

I would have to disagree that the problem is tangible. In all honesty, there is no proof nor is there any doubt that the problems are with either the field and/or the robot. We all know that there is a problem somewhere, but where is truly the question. We are all dealing with technology and resources that are being used in a means that is not ideal or meant to be mixed together. If you really think about it, if FIRST went the route of creating a system that was as robust as possible for the purposes that we are using it for, it would be highly costly and bulky for both parties. With the mix of technology/resources of different "application" along with the intensity and "abuse" we give everything, it truly is hard to nail down the exact root cause of the problems. What anyone really is able to do is take in the information that they have, diagnose the problem to the best of their ability and make the most reasonable assessment that they can come to. Can or may that assessment be incorrect from time to time, yes, we are all human, but sometimes it may actually turn out to be correct, as I'm sure many of us have seen in several cases. I was in St. Louis and had a good seat to see all that went on, and yes it was a little disheartening to see what happen unfold, but in the end can you not agree that all those on and off the field did their best to evaluate the situation and make the best calls possible? I just feel a little more credit needs to be given to the crew and their hard work throughout the season than rather bash them endlessly.

Sorry for the rant, but I just thought I would toss in my 2 cents.

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by Grim Tuesday

I went to the FRC Live the day before and someone (I think Don from 1676) asked about the communications issues.

Yep, that was me. Collin Fultz and Kate Pilotte said they wanted to write a whitepaper on how the FMS works, to help teams avoid potential field issues and end speculation about this 'black box'. I'd venture that it's moved up on their priority list recently...

Originally Posted by DampRobot

It was a real shame to see amazing teams like 118 and 2056 crippled by field issues.

Nobody can argue that there isn't a problem, but....

Originally Posted by Mike o.

I would have to disagree that the problem is tangible. In all honesty, there is no proof nor is there any doubt that the problems are with either the field and/or the robot.

....blaming the issue on either the field or the robot is pure speculation and somewhat premature.

(@bilbo911: Our season (minus CMP) cost us only $177 per match, or about $1.31 per second. You guys need to move to the district system...)

[billbo911]

Originally Posted by DonRotolo

(@bilbo911: Our season (minus CMP) cost us only $177 per match, or about $1.31 per second. You guys need to move to the district system...)

Cal. will be moving to a District model soon. I, for one, am looking forward to it.

Our cost this year, $9K for 2 Regional's, $2.5K for build, plus additional travel etc.
~$12K for 20 qual. matches + 6 elims. $461.51 per match not including travel and lodging. We would LOVE to be under $200/match!

By the way, Techhelpbb, we never once had a comm. issue this year, so you are right, I do see things from a different, un-jaded angle.
I've been following your posts as well as others on the subject. I have a pretty good feel for what where you are coming from and understand your point. That said, there just isn't enough hard evidence to come to any conclusion, yet.