New FTC Platform

[gblake]

We don't know the inside information regarding the split between FIRST and IFI. If they decided to split 6 months ago, then they seem to be on the right track at this time.

FIRST is in a bad situation. Assuming the IFI breakup had to happen, then they seem to be doing their best to get a new program set up. Keep in mind that FTC-Vex was almost entirely based on IFI components. They are going to have to do the same thing with FRC in the next year, the difference being that in FRC, you usually can't use past components anyway, so people will be less bothered. A more negative way to say it is: FRC participants are USED to buying the same stuff every year, while this comes as a big shock to FTC participants (particularly since the FTC system is advertised as low-cost).

Whether IFI and Vex split (or were ever joined) is completely irrelevant (but is a great red herring). Anyone can buy Vex kits and use them in a robotics program. That includes the current and future FIRST FTC program(s). Buy enough and I'll bet you will get a generous discount off of the list price.

You can't blame the venues for interference problems; it just doesn't work. There are way, way too many venues to check for consistency, and when you are trying to create a fair game, you can't depend on anything (especially the venue). This is a matter that the system needs to resolve.

I know you can't "blame" a venue, but you can investigate and identify sources of interference and can monitor them during tournaments.

The real point is that the baby is being thrown out with the bathwater if you say that RF communication problems are a reason to switch to a new kit

Both Vex kits and the new kit will have new RF communication systems by the start of the next season. If anyone has some RF measurements in the appropriate bands, etc. at the various venues where each will be used next season, they can make predictions about how each might suffer or shine in those venues. Until then, I presume that they both will work well. If both work well, then RF communication problems are not a reason to switch to a new kit (but they are another red herring).

Blake