Rules disallowing the use of GoPro for Drive Team

[noahrhino]

Is there any rule that disallows having a camera (specifically a go-pro) mounted on the body of a drive team member (strapped on the head) to take video, mainly for the use of enjoyment (making a cool video or something) and possible strategising after the competition? I tried looking around but could not find anything so far.

Thanks!

[EricH]

T21 comes to mind. However, if you could get it classed as a decorative item... (Strategy aid would be questionable, but potentially workable. T21E3 is the block here--you'd of course have disabled any wireless transmission capabilities.)

I would suggest asking on Q&A, using something like: "Would a camera worn by a team member, with no wireless active, be allowed as a decorative item and/or strategy aid per T21?"


Also note: There are team media passes. Have your team media person bring a pole.

[Flimsor]

Unless the rule has changed (and I doubt it has) you're allowed to have a camera at your driver station for something like that. I'd let a ref or someone know just to be safe, though. As far as having it on you, you're going to have to demonstrate that it's not at all part of your control systems (since if it were, you'd be illegally controlling the robot), or just put it on as soon as the autonomous period ends. You should be fine, though. We've gotten a lot of footage for videos from the driver station. Like I said, just talk to a ref (and maybe the FTA) about it ahead of time so they know what you're doing.

[Whippet]

5.5.8 Special Equipment Rules

T21 The only equipment, provided it does not jam or interfere with the remote sensing capabilities of another Team, including vision systems, acoustic range finders, sonars, infrared proximity detectors, etc. (e.g. including imagery that, to a reasonably astute observer, mimics the Vision Guides), that may be brought in to the ALLIANCE STATION are as follows:

A. the OPERATOR CONSOLE,
B. non-powered signaling devices,
C. reasonable decorative items,
D. special clothing and/or equipment required due to a disability
E. devices used solely for the purpose of planning or tracking strategy provided they meet all of the following conditions:

1. do not connect or attach to the OPERATOR CONSOLE
2. do not connect or attach to the FIELD or ARENA
3. do not connect or attach to another ALLIANCE member
4. do not communicate with anything or anyone outside of the ARENA.
5. do not include any form of enabled wireless electronic communication (e.g. radios, walkie-talkies, cell phones, Bluetooth communications, Wi-Fi, etc.)
6. do not in any way affect the outcome of a MATCH, other than by allowing PLAYERS to plan or track strategy for the purposes of communication of that strategy to other ALLIANCE members..

Disable your Wi-Fi prior to using it and you should* be fine.

*Answers from Chief Delphi are unofficial unless confirmed by the GDC.

[noahrhino]

I will probably go ahead to post a question in the Q&A just to be safe.
The wifi will most defiantly be off, since we won't even need it. Asking the ref will also probably be a good idea.

[IndySam]

In the past we have mounted GoPros on the body and heads of drive team members and our robot. Always with the WiFi off.

I have not seen a rule change to prevent this. You should in good practice get the permission of the lead inspector and FTA so they know what's going on.

[guniv]

We had a drive team member wear Google Glass last year along with one of our human players. Didn't have anyone talk to us.