Musings from a FIRST Inspector for 2009

[David Brinza]

Originally Posted by iCurtis

How long have inspector's been certified? (i.e. in which year did this practice start?) Is it a new thing?

This may have been in place for lead inspector's for some time (Al?). This year I was sent an e-mail notification from the FIRST Volunteer Resources Coordinator that I needed to complete a certification test. I assure you that robot inspectors will need to be quite familiar with Section 8 of the Game Manual to get a passing score.

[Uberbots]

Originally Posted by iCurtis

How long have inspector's been certified? (i.e. in which year did this practice start?) Is it a new thing?

iirc there was such a test last year, but it might have been only for the refs.

[Russ Beavis]

We started using an inspector quiz in 2007 but it hasn't been enforced until this year. Referee cert started being enforced last year (if memory serves).

For anyone taking the inspector quiz - don't fret. It's an "open book exam" and you've got 2 minutes per question with 15 questions. The primary goal is to ensure that you've read Section 8. If you've done a pre-read and are familiar with the organization of Section 8, you should be able to easily pass.

Russ

[EricVanWyk]

Originally Posted by SuperBK

I read that the camera case is grounded, so it has to be isolated. Does mounting it on the servo's of the pan and tilt assembly take care of that? Or should the pan and tilt assembly be isolated from the chassis too?
Brian

Even if it passes while stationary, it may connect when the robot accelerates. Be careful.

[Wayne Doenges]

For anyone taking the inspector quiz - don't fret. It's an "open book exam" and you've got 2 minutes per question with 15 questions. The primary goal is to ensure that you've read Section 8. If you've done a pre-read and are familiar with the organization of Section 8, you should be able to easily pass.

I am now certified, or is that certifiable?
I aced the test so anyone should be able to pass it.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by David Brinza

This may have been in place for lead inspector's for some time (Al?).

I am tested (testy?) all the time. First is trying hard to insure that all inspections are uniform across the world. Russ Beavis has been devoting most (or all) of his time to keeping us up to date and being the go between with First. First is putting a lot of energy into this endeavor to help make your season better. Our big test is next weekend. Wish us luck.

[Russ Beavis]

Originally Posted by Wayne Doenges

I am now certified, or is that certifiable?
I aced the test so anyone should be able to pass it.

You are now, officially, a Certified Lunacy Inspector. White coats for everyone!

Russ

[JimWright949]

Originally Posted by Wayne Doenges

I am now certified, or is that certifiable?
I aced the test so anyone should be able to pass it.

I missed only question #12, I saw it and chuckled thinking it was a trick question, when did they change that one!

-Jim

[Russ Beavis]

I believe that test.com randomly reorders the questions. What was #12 for you?

Russ

[JimWright949]

Originally Posted by Russ Beavis

I believe that test.com randomly reorders the questions. What was #12 for you?

Russ

The Duct Tape one. Which was good for me to miss that question or I would have asked teams to remove it.

-Jim

[Ed Sparks]

I'm officially a Certified Lunatic. I'll have my Straitjacket handy.

[A Bear]

I cant wait to see how it will turn out this year with the new inspecters

[Russ Beavis]

The duct tape question has already tripped up a few inspectors. Very interesting...

I don't want to give away the ending for those who have not yet taken the test (although a quick search on the FIRST Q&A will provide the answer).

Russ

[David Brinza]

I'm really certifiable, since I earned a completely different cert in Manchester a couple of weeks ago. I got my inspector's certification completed earlier this week.

I'll be inspecting in San Diego, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

[Carol]

Originally Posted by Russ Beavis

We started using an inspector quiz in 2007 but it hasn't been enforced until this year. Referee cert started being enforced last year (if memory serves).

For anyone taking the inspector quiz - don't fret. It's an "open book exam" and you've got 2 minutes per question with 15 questions. The primary goal is to ensure that you've read Section 8. If you've done a pre-read and are familiar with the organization of Section 8, you should be able to easily pass.

Russ

You guys have it easy - the referee cert is 20 questions with 1.5 minutes per question!