2013 Lessons Learned: The Negative

[apples000]

This isn't really a complaint, but in most matches in the events that I was at/watched, the announcer uses the phrase "pre-programmed instructions" to describe autonomous mode. Also, the check to see if the alliances are ready is useful. Just because a team's robot is connected doesn't mean that they have selected their auto mode on the smart dashboard. I've seen them start without everybody ready only twice, but it would be a good thing to bring back.

[CalTran]

Originally Posted by apples000

This isn't really a complaint, but in most matches in the events that I was at/watched, the announcer uses the phrase "pre-programmed instructions" to describe autonomous mode. Also, the check to see if the alliances are ready is useful. Just because a team's robot is connected doesn't mean that they have selected their auto mode on the smart dashboard. I've seen them start without everybody ready only twice, but it would be a good thing to bring back.

I'm not a programmer but what's wrong with calling autonomous mode "pre-programmed instructions"?

Also, I dunno if it applies to other regionals, but the two I drove at this year, if you held up a thumbs down they'd wait for you.

[apples000]

There's nothing wrong with pre-programmed instructions, but it gets a little repetitive to hear "In autonomous mode robots operate under pre-programmed instructions and score double points!" every time your match starts. Thinking back to it, it was only at one of the events that this was said every time.

[BigJ]

Originally Posted by CalTran

I'm not a programmer but what's wrong with calling autonomous mode "pre-programmed instructions"?

Also, I dunno if it applies to other regionals, but the two I drove at this year, if you held up a thumbs down they'd wait for you.

Autonomous mode commands are programmed instructions. I don't program before I program

[Ginto8]

Originally Posted by BigJ

Autonomous mode commands are programmed instructions. I don't program before I program

But you don't program while the match is going on, hence pre-programmed

[Lij2015]

Originally Posted by Ginto8

But you don't program while the match is going on, hence pre-programmed

#beingthatguy
That'd make the entire match pre-programmed. XD

[orangemoore]

Originally Posted by Lij2015

#beingthatguy
That'd make the entire match pre-programmed. XD

Yes pre-programmed but not controlledb

[Gregor]

Cylinders are not fun to design for or inspect. A nice rectangular size constraint would be much easier on everyone involved.

The inconsistency between inspections at regionals (this is always something), but particularly shooter guards this year. This shouldn't be up to the LRI. It should have at least been adressed (one way or the other) after week 1 at the latest.

[Grim Tuesday]

Originally Posted by Gregor

Cylinders are not fun to design for or inspect. A nice rectangular size constraint would be much easier on everyone involved.

The inconsistency between inspections at regionals (this is always something), but particularly shooter guards this year. This shouldn't be up to the LRI. It should have at least been adressed (one way or the other) after week 1 at the latest.

The cylinder was the bane of my existence and invaded my dreams this year. I understand that challenging constraints can be lots of fun but this one seemed arbitrary. I think the reasoning for it was to accommodate the amorphous frame rules this year. Also, very few inspectors knew how to properly inspect for this, instead measuring maximum point-to-point distance instead of the actual cylinder. Some suggestions for better constraints:

-Max point-to-point distance on the robot
-Maximum extension from each side of the frame
-Max dimensions of a rectangular prism

[Moon2020]

Originally Posted by Gregor

Cylinders are not fun to design for or inspect. A nice rectangular size constraint would be much easier on everyone involved.

The inconsistency between inspections at regionals (this is always something), but particularly shooter guards this year. This shouldn't be up to the LRI. It should have at least been adressed (one way or the other) after week 1 at the latest.

Yes, agreed, inconsistent and confusing. Game rules vs robot rules. It's not just the cylinder or shooters, it's bumpers also. Everyone has different experiences and areas of expertise. RIs have to know every design solution a team may come up with and if it complies at all possible times of a match. Thus, please help us to help your teams.

For bumpers, I like to feel the bumpers and push on them to make sure of their construction and ensure they are secured to the frame. However, not every RI does the hands-on-the-robot approach when it comes to bumpers. Why do I have to feel the bumpers and push on them? Why can't I just look at them?

We want every team out on the field competing in their matches. It is our job to help the teams get out there on time and be successful; however, there is also a limit to what we can do in a few hours vs what the robot rules stated 6 or more weeks prior. Thus, I'm going to have to ask you all to meet us half way.

I am going to suggest that each team have a seasoned student compliance lead that goes through the rules and checklist criteria comparing them to the actual build of the robot to ensure compliance to the rules prior to bagging the robot. I say this because we have seen several cases where the team assumed the rules had not changed from the previous year and went to town on their build resulting in a very noncompliant robot showing up at a regional. Knowing this happens frequently, we have offered as well as other super experienced teams have offered to inspect the robots for compliance prior to bag and tag. Unfortunately, we do not get many takers of this valuable service.

[Gregor]

Originally Posted by apples000

This isn't really a complaint, but in most matches in the events that I was at/watched, the announcer uses the phrase "pre-programmed instructions" to describe autonomous mode. Also, the check to see if the alliances are ready is useful. Just because a team's robot is connected doesn't mean that they have selected their auto mode on the smart dashboard. I've seen them start without everybody ready only twice, but it would be a good thing to bring back.

If you're not ready have someone (Coach maybe?) wave your hands in the ref/MC's direction. They wont start without you if you make it known.