Emergency

[feliks_rosenber]

Hello everyone !

I would like to know how and where should we connect the emergency bulb.
Second, is it possible for the human player (the one who throws the ringers) to use a computer software at the event in order to direct his drivers where to put the ringers or is it to be done by the team coach ?

Thanks :

[tdlrali]

<R16> ROBOTS must use the diagnostic signal LED provided in the Kit Of Parts. Field personnel
will use the LED during the matches for diagnostic purposes. It must be mounted on the
ROBOT such that it is easily visible while standing three feet in front of the ROBOT in its’
STARTING CONFIGURATION. Instructions for connecting the LED are provided on the
FIRST website at www.usfirst.org/frc/2007/manual The Robot Controller directly powers
and controls the LED. The user has no control over the LED and no programming is
required.

It's pretty bright, so as long as you don't bury it inside the robot, you should be fine.

<R79> Teams are permitted to connect a portable computing device (Laptop computer, PDAs, etc.)
to the RS232 Output of the dashboard port of the Operator Interface for the purpose of
displaying feedback from the ROBOT while participating in competition matches. Please
note that AC power will not be available at the playing field so these devices will have
to run on internal batteries.

[Kevin Sevcik]

tdlrali,

The rule you quoted says signal LED must be visible when standing 3 feet in front of the robot in its starting configuration. This is not at all the same as being clearly visible from all sides of the robot.

In response to the original, FIRST okayed coaches using handheld computers, etc. running strategy software as long as they aren't interfering with the arena control system, communicating wirelessly with anyone, etc.

[feliks_rosenber]

Only I haven't asked my second question well :

Is it possible for the human player to use the laptop or is it to be done by the coach ?

Now it's clear...
Thanks !

Sorry I have missed some rules , rookie team , you know...

[tdlrali]

Sorry for being unclear, disregard my statement about "The signal light should be clearly visible from all sides." I mixed it up with the flag rules.

About the laptop:

From Team Update #3:

Devices used solely for the purpose of planning or tracking strategy of game play are
allowed inside the ALLIANCE ZONE, if they meet ALL of the following conditions:
Do not connect or attach to the OPERATOR CONSOLE
Do not connect or attach to the FIELD or ARENA
Do not connect or attach to another alliance member
Do not communicate with anything or anyone outside of the ALLIANCE ZONE (for
example wireless communications must be disabled).
Do not in any way affect the outcome of a MATCH, other than by allowing team
members to plan or track strategy for the purposes of communication of that
strategy to other alliance members.

However, from http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread...hlight=laptop:

A laptop connected to the Dashboard Port of the Operator Interface would be considered part of the Operator Console. As such, the Coach may not touch the dashboard laptop without violating Rule <G49>.

So you can bring a laptop, PDA... However, the coach cannot use a laptop that is connected to the OI.
I couldn't find any info on the human player, however.

[Kevin Sevcik]

Here's the new rule:

<T23> The only equipment that may be brought on to the field is the OPERATOR
CONSOLE, reasonable decorative items, and special clothing and/or equipment required
due to a disability. Other items, particularly those intended to provide a competitive
advantage for the HUMAN PLAYER, are prohibited.
Devices used solely for the purpose of planning or tracking strategy of game play are
allowed inside the ALLIANCE ZONE, if they meet ALL of the following conditions:
 Do not connect or attach to the OPERATOR CONSOLE
 Do not connect or attach to the FIELD or ARENA
 Do not connect or attach to another alliance member
 Do not communicate with anything or anyone outside of the ALLIANCE ZONE (for
example wireless communications must be disabled).
 Do not in any way affect the outcome of a MATCH, other than by allowing team
members to plan or track strategy for the purposes of communication of that
strategy to other alliance members.

It says team members, so anyone should be able to use them

[feliks_rosenber]

Sorry but you made me confused.
So is it to be connected to the operator console or not ?

[tdlrali]

If it is connected to the OI/Dashboard port, the coach may not use it (only the drivers).

If it is not connected the the OI, the coach can use it.

However, the rule does not specify whether the human player can use a laptop, either connected to the OI or not. Since there is no rule against it, I would assume that it is allowed.

[Dan Zollman]

Based on the rules posted above, if a human player uses a laptop to communicate with the other members when the laptop is not connected to the OI, it is an "other item" that will affect the outcome of the match, so it is prohibited.

[Vikesrock]

Originally Posted by worldbringer

Based on the rules posted above, if a human player uses a laptop to communicate with the other members when the laptop is not connected to the OI, it is an "other item" that will affect the outcome of the match, so it is prohibited.

I would disagree with this view. How does the human player using a laptop to track the score violate T23? As far as I can tell it does not. The way in which it affects the outcome of the match is clearly defined as permitted by T23 as it would be used to track or plan strategy in order to communicate it to alliance members.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

feliks,
A better answer would be that the human player is going to be very busy during the match. As long as two mintes sounds, it goes by very quickly. I would recommend that the human player might want to advise the coach of the current score while he/she is feeding the field with tubes. I would not recommend that this person be distracted during a match. Human players when used properly can have a big impact on the strategy of the game. You are after all another set of eyes for your alliance.