Scouting System Requirements

[wt200999]

A data format would definitely be good to have all programs have the same file format, or at least the capability to support one. Having some sort of wireless system to get stuff to your drivers I have found is very useful. For the wifi you just bring your own router, but that only works if your pits are close enough (and they don't restrict it due to the new control system)

[tjcasser]

Originally Posted by wt200999

A data format would definitely be good to have all programs have the same file format, or at least the capability to support one. Having some sort of wireless system to get stuff to your drivers I have found is very useful. For the wifi you just bring your own router, but that only works if your pits are close enough (and they don't restrict it due to the new control system)

Well, there is this thing called "sneaker-net" which we used to use in the "old days" - meaning someone gets off their tail end and walks over to the drive team to tell them the scouting.

But, yeah, I think that a compatible file format would be the best, since you can always transfer that, either over email, disk, USB-drive, or other fashion, and be cooperative with the scouting efforts. We had something in 2007 that we did last-minute for the finals between our team's system and a few others... but if we build it in early, it'll make life easier.

[synth3tk]

I agree that there should be one set format between all of these efforts. That way, someone can pick whichever system they like best, and still be able to exchange the same data to another teammate or team who uses a different system.

[Cartwright]

I think the best Scouting System. Is one that you have one database of information, but instead of updating afterwards (excel and pen and scouting sheet) you have an automatic system where your laptop database is automatically updated because you gather information via laptops or PDA and is sent automatically to the Laptop using bluetooth or wifi. That's what we do on Cyber Blue, and last year it worked quite well.

Another trick is to keep everything on a rating basis. Data is much easier to handle that way. However, it is hard to get subjective information that way which is often a necessary part of scouting, thus you have one or two scouter taking notes on teams, drivers, etc.

[Ben Martin]

I have been working on a database like what you're talking about in Excel for about a year now. I have found that what works especially well is (like Jamie said) a single file that pulls Excel files from a specified directory and loads them into the database for sorting and calculations. Use Excel to scout on PocketPC's, Laptops, or iPhones/iPod Touches, then use some sort of ActiveSync program or manually bluetooth them to another laptop that contains the database.

For the database itself, here are some nice features:
-An easy-to-use interface
-A data comparison table for the average/median values for each data point for each team
-Let the team that is using your database choose the data points to scout
-Export match sheets for the drive team
-View a picture of each team when you view its data
-Pit scouting capability as well as match scouting

[yodameister]

1726 has used a Nintendo DS scouting system, it is really slick. It is easily adaptable for any game. http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=59307