Lessons learned from 2008 events…

LESSON 1:   The first problem was initiating the Bluetooth connection between the robot and the Field Management System (FMS) at the start of each match. This problem was always resolved by the troubleshooting steps developed by FIRST and FIRST Volunteers but these troubleshooting steps can take a long time. At an official competition we will not have much time to resolve Bluetooth connectivity issues.   In general, we must assume the problem is with the robot and not with the field.    We are modeling our go-no-go decision after FRC competitions; after a few failed attempts to connect to the robot with Bluetooth we will start the match. The robot can be placed on the off-field starting location and it will receive the end of match bonus. Robots that have passed software inspection and that the steps described in the document “Match Preparation” should not have any problems with Bluetooth connectivity.

LESSON 2:   The second type of problems were team self inflicted wounds.
Examples are:
– Not starting the autonomous or all-in-one program after placing the robot on the playing field.
– Not turning on the power to the HiTechnic controller.
– Low battery power
– Loose wires on the robot.
– Accidently pressing the Mode Button (red light will illuminate) on the Logitech Dual Action Controller. This will cause the controller to swap the outputs of the D-Pad and left joystick. In other words, the D-Pad will become the “joystick” and the “joystick” will function as the D-Pad. For most teams, the red mode light should not be illuminated.

Self inflected problems can be eliminated by creating team checklists for pre-match and post-match procedures and following the checklists every time.

LESSON 3:   Robot lessons….

NXT Related
– Mount the NXT on the robot so that it is easily accessible.
-The NXT display must be easy to view.
-The battery should be easy to remove from the NXT without significant disassembly of parts.
– The NXT must be named the team number with leading zeroes to make a 4 digit name. For example: 0065

Perform a hardware self inspection. Use the hardware inspection checklist on page 59 of the Face Off Game Manual.

Perform a software self inspection. Use the National Instruments Controller Station or the ROBOTC debug window to step your robot through the following:
– Start of Autonomous: Autonomous program is running and the NXT is disabled. Robot should not move on its own nor respond to commands from the Logitech Controllers.
– Autonomous: Autonomous program is running and the NXT is enabled. Robot should run the autonomous program and not respond to commands from the Logitech Controllers.
– End of Autonomous: Disable NXT. Robot should not move nor respond to commands from the Logitech Controllers.
– Beginning of Tele-Operated Mode: Disable NXT. Robot should not move nor respond to commands from the Logitech Controllers.
– Tele-Operated Mode: Enable NXT. Robot should respond to commands from the Logitech Controllers.
– End of Tele-Operated Mode: Disable NXT. Robot should not move nor respond to commands from the Logitech Controllers.
– The ftctraining.com web site contains examples for how to implement the necessary logic statements to transition between disable and enable modes in autonomous and tele-operated modes. If your robot doesn’t pass this software test your robot will not pass software inspection and will not be allowed to participate in qualification matches until the problem is fixed. Feel free to contact us if you need help with passing the software self test.

     – Memorize and follow the instructions for preparing your NXT before each match. Teams that don’t follow instructions may miss a match due to the inability to establish a Bluetooth connection to the Field Management System.

     – Remember to start your autonomous program and turn on the HiTechnic controllers each time the robot is placed on the field for a match. Once a match starts, the robot can not be touched by anyone.

LESSON 4:   Event lessons….

Read Section 3 “The Tournament” in the Face Off Game Manual.
Read Section 6 “At The Event” in the Face Off Game Manual.

Coaches and students on the drive team must attend the scheduled driver’s meeting.

Keep your batteries charged.

Remember to bring completed FIRST consent forms for every student, coach and mentor attending the competition. The Consent Form

The robot must have team numbers. The numbers must be at least 3 inches tall with a 3/4 inch thick stroke. Complete rules are in the Face Off Game Manual under rule

Arrive on-time for your scheduled judging session and robot matches.

Get your robot inspected on Friday and/or early in the day on Saturday.

Have a plan for feeding your team.

Bring the following to the competition:

Remember to bring an engineering notebook. An engineering notebook is required for several of the judged awards.

   – a power extension cord and power strip.
– Extra fuses for the 12V TETRIX battery.
– USB cable to connect your computer to the NXT brick.
– Bluetooth Dongle
– Logitech Controllers
– Safety glasses for everyone in your pit area
– Computer pre-loaded with ROBOTC, NXT-G or LabVIEW to make software changes or control your robot on the practice field.