[BB]: FIRST Choice

[Peter Matteson]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

We use that stuff all the time for prototyping and testing as well.

Ditto.

[Taylor]

Maybe I'm way off base here, but I'm envisioning a larger-scale version of exactly what Bimba does.

On a side note, I'm willing to wager more teams use the kitbot chassis, trannies, and motors than one may realize. Even if they're not used during the build season.

[Andy Baker]

You all are brilliant people. I will try to answer some questions, but please realize that I am restricted to what all I can say, since FIRST is working (with us) on a communication plan. I am glad to say that this program will be clearly defined within a few weeks, well before kickoff.

Originally Posted by Alan Anderson

The "first-come, first-serve" nature strongly implies to me that FIRST Choice is not for typical off-the-shelf components. It seems likely that this is how FIRST has decided to handle donations of items that aren't of sufficient quantity to put one in every kit.

Alan, once again, proves to be a very smart man.

Originally Posted by synth3tk

My guess is a limited fixed number of items. Probably more fair that way.

Yep.

Originally Posted by Aren_Hill

The way I read it there will be a separate section of the site for typical KOP items, Not AM items for free.

Yep.

Originally Posted by ajlapp

The text from the post suggests to me that FIRST Choice applies to KOP items only.

Yep.

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

I love the concept, I have a bad feeling that the teams that need this most will end up not knowing it exists or not doing it though.

Oh well, the world is run by those who show up.

This is a good point, Adam. (gosh, you guys are brilliant!) It's really up to us (the teams, AndyMark, FIRST) to help communicate this out to the FIRST community. So, tell your neighbor teams and the teams you mentor about this neat program. Like I said, the communication from FIRST and AM is coming soon. (it's going to be in our upcoming newsletter)

Originally Posted by artdutra04

Very interesting development, and depending on the details this could be really beneficial to teams and the program.

<snipped> (Art explains many good ideas and issues, as usual)

Art the IV has good points here, and all concerns are very valid. We have thought of a BOC, and it would be fun, but I am not sure if this is the best way to do this fairly. It is more likely that we (AndyMark) may incorporate this outside of FIRST Choice for some of our old parts.

Originally Posted by Don Rotolo

There was a forum at Championships where they discussed the KoP in detail, and this was one of the possible ideas they discussed. This is NOT "Free AndyMark Stuff", it is free KoP stuff, and the logistics of fulfillment are being managed by AndyMark. So get those dreams of free supershifters out of your head.

The following is educated and informed speculation:

<snipped>

To get an idea of what kinds of stuff will be offered, think Brass Bag, Igus, Festo, AM Kitbot Frame, Circuit Breakers, Limit Switches, Terminals, Terminal Blocks, FASTON connectors, wire, and so on.

Expect that the KoP will contain the main items (motors, batteries, power panel, etc.) as before, but the stuff that only a percentage of the teams use might not.

Don is right on. Maybe one day, we can provide free Super Shifters to the masses, but unless one of us hits the lottery*, this won't happen soon. I still have a mortgage to pay, employees to keep happy, and three daughters to put through college. You all have been very supportive of AndyMark, and we appreciate it. We try to price things as fairly as we can, while still trying to prove that capitalism still works.

Originally Posted by Taylor

Maybe I'm way off base here, but I'm envisioning a larger-scale version of exactly what Bimba does.

On a side note, I'm willing to wager more teams use the kitbot chassis, trannies, and motors than one may realize. Even if they're not used during the build season.

Mike is smart too.

I think that you all deserve a cookie for figuring this out as well as you did.

Thank you for the discussion. Please continue.

Sincerely,
Andy Baker

* - if I played the lottery, which I don't. Isn't that just a tax for people who aren't very good at math?

[Taylor]

Originally Posted by Andy Baker

Mike is smart too.

I think that you all deserve a cookie for figuring this out as well as you did.

Aw, mine has a bite taken out of it.

[Andy Baker]

As information is released and communication continues, more official answers will be posted on the FIRST Forums. We will be posting in both websites (CD and FIRST Forums), with more official stuff over on the FIRST Forums.

Going back to Adam's point above, I think it is important to get this information out in various ways. However, since AndyMark is the official supplier of this service, the official answers will be located on the FIRST Forums site.

Sincerely,
Andy Baker

[JohnBoucher]

Originally Posted by Andy Baker

(it's going to be in our upcoming newsletter)

Newsletter? Good for you.

For those that want to sign up. it's on the index page of andymark.com

[mcf747]

Maybe I am jumping the gun, but it is 12/13/2010 and I do not see it live yet?

Maybe it will go live at "start of business" (8am ?)

.....Bills Blog.......
12.13.10: FIRST Choice site opens for viewing only.
.....Bills Blog......

I will check back later,
Matthew

[dag0620]

Your not the only one. Since I got up I've been checking the site at 5:30 and still nothing. I kinda wish Bill gave us a launch time. Oh well! I've got Study Hall 2nd period to go check.

[wilsonmw04]

Originally Posted by dag0620

Your not the only one. Since I got up I've been checking the site at 5:30 and still nothing. I kinda wish Bill gave us a launch time. Oh well! I've got Study Hall 2nd period to go check.

They probably will launch it without fanfare. I will keep thousands of energetic FIRST'ers from trying to bring their servers down ;-)

[mcf747]

Still nothing.......

8:15am pst

Matthew

[IndySam]

Has anyone been successful in logging in with their TIMS account info? I have tried with no luck

[IceStorm]

I think I've managed to log in. At least when I go to my account I get an additional menu choice that comes up but there is nothing listed under it but the instructions.

[Taylor]

"We're sorry, your account has been disabled for your security due to too many failed login attempts. Please contact customer service for assistance, or return after 24 hours and try again."

Ha.

[rees2001]

Originally Posted by IceStorm

I think I've managed to log in. At least when I go to my account I get an additional menu choice that comes up but there is nothing listed under it but the instructions.

I get the same thing.

[yarden.saa]

The same thing