I'm back with some advice

[dtengineering]

Although I'm in the category of classifying this as a "standard disclaimer", I could also see it being a message not to spend too much on drive train components because there are going to be some really cool ones included in the KOP. After all, if you went out and bought a couple of super-shifters only to find them included in the KoP... well, that wouldn't be BAD news, but it certainly would have been money that you could have spent on something else.

Jason

[Joe Ross]

Originally Posted by dtengineering

Although I'm in the category of classifying this as a "standard disclaimer", I could also see it being a message not to spend too much on drive train components because there are going to be some really cool ones included in the KOP. After all, if you went out and bought a couple of super-shifters only to find them included in the KoP... well, that wouldn't be BAD news, but it certainly would have been money that you could have spent on something else.

Or, being a pessimist...

In 2007 and 2008, there have been new rules to clarify the use of COTS items. For example:

Originally Posted by 2008 original robot rules

However, COTS items that have been specifically designed as a solution to portion of the FIRST
Robotics Competition challenge may or may not fit within the FRC intent, and must be carefully
considered. If the item provides general functionality that can be utilized in any of several possible
configurations or applications, then it is acceptable (as the teams will still have to design their particular
application of the item). However, COTS items that provide a complete solution for a major ROBOT
function (e.g. a complete manipulator assembly, pre-built pneumatics circuit, or full mobility system) that
require no effort other than just bolting it on to the ROBOT are against the intent of the competition, and
will not be permitted.

Maybe the new rules will make many common COTS components that teams are used to buying illegal. In 2007, there was a lot of backlash, because teams had already purchased items. Now, everybody's gotten a warning...

[waialua359]

I find it hard for this to be a standard disclaimer. Something's up.

[GaryVoshol]

Maybe ... No more bumpers! It's a coded message to the northern climes that they don't have to go out to the pool supply places before they all shut down for the winter.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by AndyB

3 years ago, they introduced the vision system. This year, they will be unveiling a smelling system.

Mark my words.

I'd say too easy to jam... Think about it. (Thousands of high school students, plus food and chain grease...)

[Wetzel]

Originally Posted by Nacnud

Who can imagine the grin on Dave's face when he wrote this.

I am far too familiar with this grin. When he makes it, you better be very aware of your surroundings.

Wetzel

[billbo911]

Originally Posted by Kevin Sevcik

Still don't buy it. Every kickoff, Woody's going on about how we've provided teams with this easy to build kit-bot, flexible programming environment, etc. This plus the new controller make the push towards more interesting programming clear. Forcing teams, any teams, to struggle to move removes the focus from programming and showing off the new control system. I'm with Cory on this. The game will be just as "simple" as years past, with added emphasis on autonomous and programming.

I'm definitely on the same page with the two you on this one.
The GDC has done a great job in the last few year (emphasis on 2008) with developing games that allowed every level of team to contribute. It also encouraged and rewarded more advanced teams for doing amazing autonomous routines.

[commodoredl]

My team was wondering if there were any clues given at the Championship like in 07 (Stock market, hamster wheels etc.). I don't recall any, does anyone know if there were?