Team Update #5 Posted

[KTorak]

Originally Posted by Jeffrafa

I'd be tempted to argue that a FIRST competition is a fairly bright environment for the drive teams down on the field under the stage lights. Glare off of the plexiglas and various shiny field elements can be quite bright and distracting at times, spurring our drive team to switch to polarized, 'shaded' saftey glasses two years ago - we found it did help noticeably with the glare.

I can understand the pits are by no means a similar lighting setting, and non-shaded safety glasses could be deemed more appropriate - but I know I'll be missing having my polarized glasses as a driver this year.

You beat me to it. Being down on the competition field is a completely different environment**. You get a lot of glare off the plexiglass and the diamond plate reflects light back at you as well. Also, the stage lights are very bright and one at the wrong angle can be very annoying while trying to operate your robot. I definitely think this is gonna cause alot of debate.

As for being in the pits, I understand that one. Being in a area with poor lighting as it is, and then having shaded glasses can be an issue. I, myself, don't have that much of a problem, but i'm sure other people do too.

** The different environment while being on the field also has prompted our driver team, coach, and human player to wear shorts. While it may be 20F outside, it's VERY warm down on the field and you definitely want to be comfortable.