Well, I didn’t see a whole lot today but I’ll tell you what I did see. There were TONS of teams on the practice field. Some teams were testing autonomous, other teams were testing mechanism function. In the matches, there were never all four robots on the field. 980 had the best autonomous mode. The go and grab the ball off the mobile goal, and then hit the T-ball while still holding the big ball. It is lightning fast. There are maybe 5 teams who can get the T-ball in autonomous. Teams that park under the ball shoot and open a big hopper were having great trouble performing the function well. There were maybe around 8 teams who hung well. Some teams that hung took the whole match to do it. Other teams that hung came back down. There wasn’t much engagement or fighting in practice rounds except for when 696 bullied around 69 to achieve something, I don’t remember what. Everyone is very afraid of 968’s 4 speed gearbox, but they are still working out a lot of things with the rest of their robot. Climbing the stair seems to be a big issue for all but a few teams. Teams who climb the small stairs are having much dificulty maneuvering. Several teams in the pits were putting together their whole robots today.
Overall, I didn’t see all the matches but everything I did see looks less that exciting to say the least. The arena was not energized - everyone was bored and everything was quite dull I thought. I really hope the action starts coming tomorrow (696 graciously provides action on the field for any opponent willing to engage ). Hopefully not too many spectators were there today because I don’t think they would have been impressed. The music was odd and barely audible; I’m hoping they forgot their playlist and will have it tomorrow, not that this is their playlist. Perhaps the low volume was for the better so we all don’t lose our voices.
I’ll post tomorrows findings and I encourage others to do the same. If someone else could write down the seeding from the end of tomorrow to post that would be great because I know I will be too busy.
well its nice to know that our team is getting some attition on CD but as far as todays practice matches Yeah we are working out a few kinks here and ther but we should be ready for tomorrow Good Luck To All Teams!!!
I would say that overall, mosrt teams who showed up were unprepared for the event. Again, most teams who were called up on the field didn’t funtion to their intended ability or potential. I hope this is no more than a “practice day fluke.” I would love to go in tommorw morning and see everyone running better.
It looks like that this game will be dominated by about 6 teams: 330, 968,980, 22, 69, and 696. 330 has proven their value in other regionals, as has 980. 968 has promise because of their great design, as does 22. 69 was showing some great gameplay today. And 696 has shown that it can hang well and has great drivers and strategy. I know that early identification of these teams may seem unprofessional, but its an observation.
Further, the execution of the regional left much to be desired. The announcer seems to do nothing to add to audience enthusiasm. The music makes no sense and seems to have very little thought behind it. On a sidenote, the FIRST officials themselves behave in a senseless manor a majority of the time. They yelled over the PA system about running and safety glasses on several occasions (angry yelling is no way to treat volunteers and students), yet they allowed students to behave poorly and shoot bals in such a manner (practice field) that they almost broke a overhead light fixture several times. They need to fix their attitude–students listen to reasonable requests!
They do not need to fix their attitude. Safety is most important, over anything and everything. So if students are running and not wearing safety glasses, they should tell them in a stern manner. And what are the rules on throwing the balls during a match?
But back to the subject, who is ranked in the top eight after Friday?
Team 714 won their chairman’s award at their home regional before traveling from New Jersey to So Cal. They’re having terrible trouble with their robot, got themselves running with a little help from a variety of new friends at so cal, and were so helpful in impressing our superintendent and asst superintendent who were touring the pits.
Team 1135 was stunned by their award, the description of why they won was cool, I ran to tell them to get the transcript from the judges, so they have it and will post it on their web.
). Hopefully not too many spectators were there today because I don’t think they would have been impressed. The music was odd and barely audible; I’m hoping they forgot their playlist and will have it tomorrow, not that this is their playlist. Perhaps the low volume was for the better so we all don’t lose our voices.