2012 Texas Robot Roundup

[waialua359]

Thanks for the gracious offer.
Unfortunately for us, we already bought our airline tickets last week, since it got a little cheaper and we didnt want to lose out on prices possibly climbing again. i.e. $820 plus taxes per person...
118 also offered to help us (which reminds me I need to reply to Justin as well!) and had space in their trailer to hold theirs and ours.

Assuming we have a good season in 2013 and get invited back to IRI next year, we can definitely plan this out better and attend the TRR. It would've worked out this year as our students would have still been on summer break.

As I look at the list of great teams attending, especially the addition of 148, it woud've been pretty cool to participate in such a stacked lineup of teams back to back weekends with IRI.

-Glenn

[jessjank.]

Originally Posted by midway78224

Hey Jess,

My team was wondering if there is going to be a table provided to the teams or do we have to plan on bringing our own.

We supply every team with a table and full 10'x10' pit space. However, if you plan to do any work that might damage the table (drilling, for example), you are encouraged to bring an additional surface to work on.


Additional Note: Last year, we had special charging stations available for teams to charge batteries and use power tools. This year, we are working on having a power supply for each pit!

[jessjank.]

Originally Posted by waialua359

Assuming we have a good season in 2013 and get invited back to IRI next year, we can definitely plan this out better and attend the TRR. It would've worked out this year as our students would have still been on summer break.

As I look at the list of great teams attending, especially the addition of 148, it woud've been pretty cool to participate in such a stacked lineup of teams back to back weekends with IRI.

-Glenn

Best wishes at IRI! We're really sad that you won't be able to join us at TRR 2012, but hope that things will work out next year. If you are still interested in 2013, definitely get back in touch with us near the end of the competition season so that we can help you plan and make arrangements!

Originally Posted by animenerdjohn

Were going to IRI - as well as Ozark. We didn't really have the funds or time to attend 3 off seasons - and the team wanted to travel a bit. Its not anything against TRR, we love it maybe/hopefully next year!

If you end up changing your mind over the next month or so, definitely let us know! We would of course love to have 3310 join us at TRR 2012, but entirely understand that it's tough to go to two events back to back, as is the case with IRI and TRR, in addition to simply time and money. Hopefully we will see you all at TRR 2013! Have a great off-season and help make Texas proud!

[Kyler Hagler]

Originally Posted by jessjank.

Best wishes at IRI! We're really sad that you won't be able to join us at TRR 2012, but hope that things will work out next year. If you are still interested in 2013, definitely get back in touch with us near the end of the competition season so that we can help you plan and make arrangements!



If you end up changing your mind over the next month or so, definitely let us know! We would of course love to have 3310 join us at TRR 2012, but entirely understand that it's tough to go to two events back to back, as is the case with IRI and TRR, in addition to simply time and money. Hopefully we will see you all at TRR 2013! Have a great off-season and help make Texas proud!

We defiantly will let you know if the circumstances allow it. We would love to play with some of our competitors from previous regionals! Good luck to 57, 118, 148, 624, 1296, 1429, and 1477. ( Also everyone else) If i can make it i will travel down there myself and help our sister team 1296! Goodluck!

[Michael Blake]

Okay... at the risk of melting someone's "ice cream"... here's the VERY REASONABLE response I got from the folks running the Cow Town ThrowDown/KC off-seasoner on using our practice bot as a 2nd entry:

"Teams can enter a second robot with a second entry fee, however the second robot will be placed on the waiting list. (A team will need to indicate which robot is their primary robot) We will fill the 48 spots with as many individual teams as possible, and fill with teams entering a second robot as needed. Thanks for your understanding of this as our goal is to have as many different teams compete that are interested. Please note that last year there were only 32 slots and this year we’re increasing the field to 48 so there’s a very good chance a second robot will get in. The deadline for teams for pay is Oct 1. If there are slots, your second team will come off the wait list and onto the roster."

I think this a well thought-out approach that is fair and balanced... and I respectfully ask the organizers of Texas Robot Roundup to _consider_ adopting this same approach... THANKS!

[jessjank.]

Originally Posted by Michael Blake

Okay... at the risk of melting someone's "ice cream"... here's the VERY REASONABLE response I got from the folks running the Cow Town ThrowDown/KC off-seasoner on using our practice bot as a 2nd entry:

"Teams can enter a second robot with a second entry fee, however the second robot will be placed on the waiting list. (A team will need to indicate which robot is their primary robot) We will fill the 48 spots with as many individual teams as possible, and fill with teams entering a second robot as needed. Thanks for your understanding of this as our goal is to have as many different teams compete that are interested. Please note that last year there were only 32 slots and this year we’re increasing the field to 48 so there’s a very good chance a second robot will get in. The deadline for teams for pay is Oct 1. If there are slots, your second team will come off the wait list and onto the roster."

I think this a well thought-out approach that is fair and balanced... and I would respectfully ask the organizers of Texas Robot Roundup to _consider_ adopting this same approach... THANKS!

I entirely agree that that is a very reasonable and well thought out approach. It is actually something the planning committee is considering should we end up with openings at the end of June.

Based on the responses of interested teams, we predict that we will be very close to, if not at, full capacity by that point. Additionally, because it is more difficult for pre-rookies to get their footing, any openings at that time may be reserved for pre-rookies who have not yet "officially" registered.

We thus do not want to get any team's hopes up for getting a 2nd robot in to TRR. We are very aware of your interest and will certainly let you and other teams know when and if this option becomes available. Thanks for your understanding.

[Michael Blake]

Originally Posted by jessjank.

We are very aware of your interest and will certainly let you and other teams know when and if this option becomes available.

I can't ask for anything more than that... THANKS, Jess! ;-)

[jessjank.]

Tomorrow is the last day of early registration for the 2nd Annual Texas Robot Roundup!

By registering before the end of the day tomorrow, teams can take advantage of the reduced registration fee - only $200 - before it rises to $250. If your team is interested in attending TRR 2012, I encourage you to register as soon as possible so that you don't miss out on this opportunity to compete. Register at: www.robotroundup.org/team-registration

There are only 5 slots (out of 40 total) still available to teams. An updated list of registered teams can be found here: www.robotroundup.org/registered-teams

[midway78224]

I was wondering if there will be any rule changes like to the co-op bridge or a money ball added for the last 30 secs.

[JohnSchneider]

Originally Posted by midway78224

I was wondering if there will be any rule changes like to the co-op bridge or a money ball added for the last 30 secs.

I doubt it, but you'll know when the IRI rules come out

[Michael Blake]

Originally Posted by jessjank.

[b]There are only 5 slots (out of 40 total) still available to teams.

Jess, is there an update to the team count yet?

Also, will there be a webcast of the competition? THANKS!

[androb4]

Originally Posted by Michael Blake

Also, will there be a webcast of the competition? THANKS!

Aah yes, a great question!

BTW, I know of someone that could webcast it for you guys....that has experience in streaming in full HD.

[jessjank.]

Originally Posted by Michael Blake

Jess, is there an update to the team count yet?

We have 3 slots left for teams!

Originally Posted by Michael Blake

Also, will there be a webcast of the competition?

YES!

Originally Posted by androb4

BTW, I know of someone that could webcast it for you guys....that has experience in streaming in full HD.

We're working through the logistics and will certainly be in touch to see how you all can be of assistance. Thanks!

[jessjank.]

Email sent out to registered teams today:

Hello Texas Robot Roundup Teams!

The TRR Planning Committee is working diligently to ensure that the 2nd Annual Texas Robot Roundup will be a great experience for all your teams. With TRR 2012 now less than 2 months away, I wanted to share some important information with all of you. Please take the time to review these details and respond as necessary.

CONTACT REQUEST:
Please let me know if I may share your contact information with members of the planning committee and Central Texas teams. We are working on something special for teams traveling to Austin for TRR!

REGISTRATION FEES:
Reminder, make sure to send in your registration fee! Tax Forms and W-9 are available upon request. Mail your registration check (made payable to "ausTIN CANs Supporters"), with your team number and name, to:
ausTIN CANs Supporters
2438 West Anderson Lane, C-7
Austin, TX 78757

TRR PUBLIC AGENDA:
See attachment! Schedule is still subject to change.

WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS:
Based on team feedback from the registration survey and planning committee discussions, we are tentatively planning for the following workshops and meetings at TRR. We are finalizing workshop presenters and will send additional information at a later date.

Workshops/Presentations:
- Robot Design
- Strategy
- Scouting
- Chairman's Award
- Business Plan
- FIRST Progression & Values

Meetings:
- Non-Engineering Mentors Organization (NEMO)
- Central Texas Robotics Alliance (CTRA)
- Rookie Meet & Greet

SPECIAL EVENTS:
TRR will have a special Mentors Tournament on Friday the 27th at 4:30pm and a Skills Challenge on Saturday the 28th during the lunch break. Plans are also being made for a Team Social on Friday evening. Stay tuned for more details on all special events.

TRR PEER-JUDGED AWARDS:
The TRR Planning Committee has decided to recognize teams with the following peer-judged awards (official award names TBD):
- Team Spirit
- Gracious Professionalism
- Safety
- Creativity in Design
- Play of the Day
- Rookie Recognition

We will have a special Mentor Recognition. Stay tuned for more information.

CANNED FOOD DRIVE:
Host team ausTIN CANs invite you to participate in their annual Canned Food Drive. Please encourage your team to participate. Teams competing in the Mentor Tournament will be ranked for alliance selections based on the number of canned goods their team donates.

PIZZA PARTY CONTEST:
"Like" Alamo FIRST on Facebook and Win a Pizza Party! A week before TRR, we will select one name from all the people who "like" the Alamo FIRST Facebook page. That person's team will win a Pizza Party. Make sure to pass this information on to your team! Increase your chances by getting everyone on your team to like the page! https://www.facebook.com/alamoFIRST

FLAG DISCOUNTS:
Dixie Flags is offerring a 10% discount off all purchases of flags by Texas FIRST Robotics teams! Visit www.dixieflag.com. Contact Vanessa Va de Putte with purchase inquiries - vanessa@dixieflag.com, 210-227-5039.

TRR WEBSITE:
Visit www.robotroundup.org for additional information, including the list of registered teams. More information will be added in the coming weeks!

Additionally, I've attached an Public Event Flier that you can print, share, and post and use to invite guests to TRR.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions! We look forward to seeing you all at TRR 2012!

[Elizabeth Waters]

Originally Posted by midway78224

I was wondering if there will be any rule changes like to the co-op bridge or a money ball added for the last 30 secs.

So, just to make sure, should we assume no rule changes since we haven't heard anything yet?