Electronic scouting using 7 laptops and a little mysql

[sanddrag]

So what are you going to start collecting cell phones at the door?

[notmattlythgoe]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

So what are you going to start collecting cell phones at the door?

No, but I can see where people might have an issue with teams using online databases to access data wherever they need it. Our team has not moved to online scouting storage for this reason.

However, I also see where the rule is a bit general and might not be intended to limit this type of scouting system.

[AdamStockton]

Originally Posted by notmattlythgoe

No, but I can see where people might have an issue with teams using online databases to access data wherever they need it.

Why would having an online database for scouting cause an issue? The blue alliance, FRC Spyder, and the FIRST FMS event pages are essentially online databases.

Originally Posted by notmattlythgoe

However, I also see where the rule is a bit general and might not be intended to limit this type of scouting system.

I'm not entirely sure, but I believe that this rule came about after teams actually leased phone lines for internet access at a competition many years ago. This rule has been in the manual since at least 2009 (when I started FRC), and probably didn't account for internet enabled smartphones.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by AdamStockton

The blue alliance, FRC Spyder, and the FIRST FMS event pages are essentially online databases.

FMS has a dedicated line that FIRST (at some level) pays for. TBA scrapes FMS data from the FIRST site. Spyder, same thing. The FMS line is actually pretty critical for the field to have.


That being said, I would say this: If you need to use the Internet, and you work with existing venue infrastructure (say, the venue wireless, or using a cell phone's data plan), I don't think anybody will give you too hard of a time about it. However, if you happen to be broadcasting a WiFi hotspot, you can expect a visit from the FTA, FTAA, a CSA, or the LRI. They'll be there to tell you to shut if off.