Communications between human players?

FIRST General Forum
1

Can the commander, weapons specialist, and driver communicate via 3 way radio, non-wireless?

Also, can the coach be connected to the drivers station but not so that the coach can control the robot?

Thanks!!

2

Probably not, and no.

On the first question, you should be guided by <T26> and <T27>, and if you think you might be compliant, ask Q&A for a ruling. This also has the potential to be considered a safety hazard, since if the coach moves away from the drivers there will be a wire there for your human player or your alliance partners to trip over or get tangled in.

Per <G51>, the Operator Console shall be operated solely by drivers. The way this is generally enforced is that the coach may not touch the console or anything connected to it during the match.

3

No, such a device is not allowed per rule <T26> and is not part of the exceptions in <T27>

<T26> The only equipment that may be brought on to the ARENA is the OPERATOR CONSOLE, reasonable decorative items, and special clothing and/or equipment required due to a disability. Other items, particularly those intended to provide a competitive advantage for the TEAM, are prohibited.
<T27> Devices used solely for the purpose of planning or tracking strategy of game play are allowed inside the ALLIANCE STATION, if they meet ALL of the following conditions:
 Do not connect or attach to the OPERATOR CONSOLE
 Do not connect or attach to the FIELD or ARENA
 Do not connect or attach to another ALLIANCE member
 Do not communicate with anything or anyone outside of the ARENA.
 Do no include any form of enabled wireless electronic communication (e.g. radios, walkie-talkies, cell phones, Bluetooth communications, WiFi, etc.)
 Do not in any way affect the outcome of a MATCH, other than by allowing team members to plan or track strategy for the purposes of communication of that strategy to other alliance members.

Also, can the coach be connected to the drivers station but not so that the coach can control the robot?

Not sure on this one, I don’t see rules directly prohibiting it. I would Q&A this if you have some strong reason you want the coach to be “connected” to the driver’s station.