Update #9

[Idan]

Here is the new update
http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles...Update%209.pdf

[EricH]

http://usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Team%20Update%209.pdf

They have noticed the different numbering. They have also made some modifications to the trailer hitch drawings for reasons explained in the update.

Oh, and the inspection documents are available. There are some other more minor things too, but you'll have to read the update to get them.

[Dave Flowerday]

Am I correct in reading the match sequencing part to think that the common practice of using switches on your OI to choose autonomous programs, starting positions, etc. before the start of autonomous mode will no longer work? Looks to me like the only way to provide program selection input to the robot will be by setting switches etc. on the robot itself. That sucks.

[Joe Ross]

Originally Posted by Dave Flowerday

Am I correct in reading the match sequencing part to think that the common practice of using switches on your OI to choose autonomous programs, starting positions, etc. before the start of autonomous mode will no longer work? Looks to me like the only way to provide program selection input to the robot will be by setting switches etc. on the robot itself. That sucks.

According to the following post on the FIRST forums, the DS data will be passed in Autonomous Disabled, so there won't be a problem. http://forums.usfirst.org/showpost.p...96&postcount=4

[Dave Flowerday]

Originally Posted by Joe Ross

According to the following post on the FIRST forums, the DS data will be passed in Autonomous Disabled, so there won't be a problem. http://forums.usfirst.org/showpost.p...96&postcount=4

Good. Thanks for passing that along.

[The Lucas]

During each MATCH, the Field Management System will cycle each Driver Station though
the following states:
* Autonomous - Disabled
* Autonomous - Enabled (for 15 seconds)
* Autonomous - Disabled
* Teleoperated - Disabled
* Teleoperated - Enabled (for 120 seconds)
* Teleoperated - Disabled

They should probably update this Q&A because it doesnt transition seamlessly from auto to teleop (it goes through a disable state for atleast 2 periods, ~0.04 sec)

[Doug Leppard]

Originally Posted by Joe Ross

According to the following post on the FIRST forums, the DS data will be passed in Autonomous Disabled, so there won't be a problem. http://forums.usfirst.org/showpost.p...96&postcount=4

This is good to know for we are planning to have that data at the diver's station (color, position, auto mode #).

Do we have a high level of confidence that we can put these switches at driver's station and be read before auto mode enabled?

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by Doug Leppard

Do we have a high level of confidence that we can put these switches at driver's station and be read before auto mode enabled?

Yes, confidence is high.

If the field control system ends up not delivering the promised behavior and fails to pass the state of the operator console controls to the robot at some point before the match begins, I would consider it the equivalent of a breach of contract.

[pitzoid]

"If the field control system ends up not delivering the promised behavior and fails to pass the state of the operator console controls to the robot at some point before the match begins, I would consider it the equivalent of a breach of contract."

Actually, FRC FMS team control never communicates with or restricts the comms with the robots, its strictly a DS communication link. The DS connects with the cRio through a team dedicated VLAN and reports back to FMS that the team is ready to go. Then a match can start by FMS enabling the DS. Any sort of action like you're referring is in DS firmware.

Also the time delay between autonomous and teleop this year is 1 second.

[Manoel]

Originally Posted by pitzoid

Also the time delay between autonomous and teleop this year is 1 second.

Really? We're getting four extra points each match, then. If other team's human players are half decent, this one second of generalized duck sitting shall result in a 2*2*3 = 12 points inflation in each alliance's score.

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by pitzoid

Actually, FRC FMS team control never communicates with or restricts the comms with the robots...

You are contradicting the official statement in Team Update #5 regarding live camera feedback: "This year, the Field Management System will not pass data sent through that port during a match (to ensure adequate system performance during competition events, until the new system is better characterized in actual competition settings)."

Also the time delay between autonomous and teleop this year is 1 second.

That's hardly a "negligible" delay. As Manoel points out, it essentially gives each team a free throw or two.

[pitzoid]

RE: camera feedback - Thats an exception - the camera port is blocked

[pitzoid]

Alan/Joe/and any one else interested,

Today we posted up something called FMS Light to the control system download page , toward the bottom of the page.

It has some of the same controls as the Full Version of the new FMS. It was put up so teams can practice auto and teleop timed controls and does the tournament transition from auto to teleop (1 sec). Off season events can use it too to do the six robot starts and match timing. FIRST will put out an email blast about its availablity a little later. But the downloads are up. Make sure you read the "user manual" with it and if someone starts another thread about it I'll try to answer any question others can't.

Enjoy and good luck to all this year

[Jimmy K]

Originally Posted by EricH

They have also made some modifications to the trailer hitch drawings for reasons explained in the update.

Am I the only one who can't find the new drawings? I have only been able to find the old drawings. Could anyone post a link to the new drawings? Thanks.

Originally Posted by The Lucas

They should probably update this Q&A because it doesnt transition seamlessly from auto to teleop (it goes through a disable state for atleast 2 periods, ~0.04 sec)

The Q&A says that there will be a "negligible delay". 0.04 sec is fairly negligible for the drivers and players, which is probably what the asker wanted to know. This is compared to usually a 2-20 second delay during previous years. Of course, the Q&A should probably add those details to the Q&A post.

[dodar]

So after the autonomous is over, does that mean the payload specialist has to wait for tele-op to start before scoring again?