[FTC]: Email Blast: FIELD MANAGEMENT FORMAT FOR FTC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

[PhilBot]

This just arrived in my in-box.... WOW !!!!!

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*All teams, mentors, coaches, volunteers *

We’re looking forward to an exciting World Championship in Atlanta next month and we’ve got some news that you need to know regarding the format of the competition.

We’ve decided to run the World Championships using the Field Management System (FMS) directly from each teams’ own computer.

*What it means*

It means that you’ll need the FMS on your computer, your two Gamepad controllers connected, and your robot linked to your computer via Bluetooth through the FMS (not your robot programming program). The FMS has been available for a couple months now $@# you can get it at http://www.ftctraining.com.

*Why we’re doing it*

We want to give teams more control and minimize cycle time between matches. If you’ve made it to this level you have the ability to do this and really take control over what happens at the field, in every respect.

By running the FMS directly from your own computer teams will be able to test their programs and robots in exactly the same conditions they will see in Atlanta.

Also, teams will arrive at the competition field already connected to their own computers via Bluetooth $@# eliminating the time spent pairing and reconnecting at the playing field.

*What you’ll need to do at the event*

You’ll need to bring a laptop to the Championship. You need LabVIEW loaded on it and the FMS. This will probably be the same computer you’re already using to program your robot. Before reaching the field, select your tele-op program, close down the connection between your programming software (LabVIEW, NXT-G, or RobotC) and your robot, open the FMS, connect to your robot via the FMS, choose your autonomous program on the NXT and you’re ready to compete.

At the start of autonomous and tele-op periods the referee or announcer will ask if the coach of each team is ready. Once all teams are ready they will count down the start of the match. On their instruction the coaches will simultaneously start the period. If necessary referees will decide if points are scored outside of the timed session if teams do not exactly hit “start” at the same time.

Bring your power cord to the fields as well. Power outlets will be provided at the queuing stations and at the field if you need them. Tables will be arranged to rest the laptops allowing teams to stand in front of the tables while the coach stands behind.

If for some reason a team’s computer quits or something else occurs a central FMS will also be available as a backup.

*What you should do now*

If you don’t already have it, download the FMS and get comfortable with it. You should be using it now to ensure that your code works with the FMS regardless. Practice with your robot as much as you’d like to iron out any issues and ensure that your robot performs well in Atlanta.

*Summary*

We used this method in the Florida State Championship. It reduced cycle times and no matches had to be replayed. Teams liked the ability to test their robots under the exact conditions they faced in the competition. We think this format will allow for an even better World Championship.


Thank you!

FTC Staff