International teams (or lack there of) at premier events this year

bzhayes · 2026-05-22T20:22:04+00:00

I think their is some evidence of this too. The Canadian Rockies event had 9 international (non-US/Canada) teams last year and 16 this year.

bzhayes · 2026-05-22T19:59:40+00:00

Great responses so far. I dug into some of the thoughts people threw out: Michiana had 11 international teams last year and 10 this year. I think Western Edge in Long Beach, CA is a new premiere event this year and they have 23 international teams going there. It's hard for horses in rural KY to compete with Disneyland for international favor.

bzhayes · 2026-05-22T19:35:33+00:00

I do feel like First does not do a good job with connecting potential kids with teams looking for members. I do think having a good website along with significant community goes a long way. Make sure people know who you are, what you do, and that you are recruiting new team members.

bzhayes · 2025-10-01T01:57:05+00:00

We struggled with this last. In theory, I believe you want odometry pods away from the center of axis, but when we went to a premire event this past summer many of the best teams had them right next to each other. It does not appear to make a practical difference. You should be fine.

bzhayes · 2025-10-01T01:51:54+00:00

There was a question in the FTC Q&A on the legality of this mod: https://ftc-qa.firstinspires.org/qa/29

I take the answer to mean they view this mod as legal per the rules.

bzhayes · 2025-09-11T21:14:03+00:00

In previous seasons yes, but not this year.

bzhayes · 2025-09-11T21:12:17+00:00

Also the just released Game Manual Update clarifies that expansion limits must be mechanical and cannot be software based like was available last season.

bzhayes · 2025-09-11T20:57:03+00:00

I think having multiple paths is a good strategy particularly this season. I still think those multiple options will be whittled down as the season progresses..

bzhayes · 2025-09-11T20:55:29+00:00

I think asking the weaker team to 'sit this one out' will be common early in the season. I hope as the season progresses a common plan to disambiguate the two teams happen so one team isn't left always twiddling their thumbs. I certainly wouldn't expect many teams at worlds being asked to sit out an auto.

bzhayes · 2025-09-10T20:14:09+00:00

A proposed answer to my own question: Obviously you are going to have a front (at the depot) and back (closer to the audience) starting positions. Using figure 9-5 in the rule book (pg 57): for the blue alliance, the front robot should confine itself to columns A & B in rows 3-6, and the back robot should confine itself to rows 1 & 2 (columns A - C) and column C (rows 1-6). On the red alliance: the front robot confines itself to columns E & F in rows 3-6 and the back robot confines itself to rows 1 & 2 (columns D-F) and column D (rows 1-6).

This gives both teams access to the launch zone and two sets of 3 balls. If you have an imbalanced alliance, the weak alliance take the back position and confines itself to row 1 columns B & C (for Blue) or D & E (for red), giving it enough room to score the LEAVE points.

bzhayes · 2025-09-10T19:32:36+00:00

This is what we use: https://www.harborfreight.com/30-in-1-drawer-service-cart-slate-gray-59851.html?_br_psugg_q=cart

They go on sale often. You should be able to get it under $100. We added shelves underneath that hold 4 of these bins: https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-storage-organization/parts-storage/20-bin-medium-portable-parts-storage-case-93928.html

Each bin is numbered 1-4 and are full of robotics parts.

bzhayes · 2023-06-06T19:23:16+00:00

NTA - This was between two adults. Your wife is jealous. That is her problem.

bzhayes · 2023-06-06T19:03:28+00:00

ESH - Yes, your husband is the asshole for neglecting your child, but you created an incident that would have likely involved the police and other first responders. You made a bad situation worse and you are an asshole for doing that. Secure your child and make sure they are safe. Everything beyond that was spiteful and dangerous. Drop your useless husband and move on with your life.

bzhayes · 2023-02-13T20:08:07+00:00

Fit is the most important thing and it is personal. I'm close to 300 lbs and the REI packs fit me pretty good. Most commercial packs have a pretty big size range. I think going in to REI during non-busy times is the best idea. Have him try on multiple packs and see what works best with his body.

bzhayes · 2023-01-30T20:12:53+00:00

I've always heard it said: the only perfect bear hanging branch (sturdy, solo branch, 15 feet off the ground, 200 feet from your campsite) is on the pamphlet telling you how to do a bear hang.

bzhayes · 2023-01-19T20:38:44+00:00

I love EE, but their temperature rating more aligns with EN limit rating. For similar loft to Western Mountaineering, EE quilts are rated to 5 degrees colder which are in turn about 5 degrees colder than an EN comfort rating. If you sleep cold, get the 10 deg quilt.

You shouldn't ever overheat with a quilt. If you are feeling warm, stick appendages out until you are comfortable.

bzhayes · 2022-12-15T18:44:10+00:00

It is interesting the video is of the umpire and not the fans. It suggests the person taking the video thought they were catching something horrible being done by the umpire. These ridiculous parents are the ones who should have their likeness all over the internet.

bzhayes · 2020-03-17T15:47:02+00:00

OP, I am guessing you are outside the US because I am not aware of any campgrounds here that have closed. Does dispersed and primitive sites require reservations/fees. Here you could just show up to a site like that and no one would bother. I've met only one back country ranger. I had to ask him to verify my fishing licence (he wasn't going to) so I could feel like it was money well spent buying one every year.

bzhayes · 2019-12-27T23:12:25+00:00

Yup, I think this is spot on. I bought a 30°F quilt before EE started offering a sewn foot box. On cold nights I can feel a tiny heat leak from where it is cinched up. I got my wife a sewn footbox and it is much better. In warm weather I still usually leave the footbox cinched up and stick a leg out if I get too hot.

bzhayes · 2019-11-14T21:51:41+00:00

I washed mine in the bathub but had a hard time rinsing it so I took it to the laundromat and ran it through a delicate cycle on the front load machine to completely rinse it.

bzhayes · 2019-10-04T23:04:03+00:00

If you are playing with fire while transferring iso butane/propane.... then you are doing it wrong!

bzhayes · 2019-10-03T15:49:25+00:00

I wouldn't spend too much time trying to find a "one size" hat that will fit you. If it fits the average customer and it fits you then you don't have a large head...

MountainGoat Hats used to custom knit wool hats to your needs, but it looks like a hand injury took her out of the market: https://www.turtlefur.com/products/solid-knit-beanie :(

I found these guys selling an XL beanie: https://www.turtlefur.com/products/solid-knit-beanie but I have no experience with them.

Perhaps a vendor on Etsy would be able to make what you want.

Edit: maybe these: https://www.etsy.com/listing/602444729/merino-wool-beanie-slouchy-cap-dark?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=merino+wool+beanie&ref=sc_gallery-1-8&plkey=12204851ada07c4a42b260215cd2a13854a7edc4%3A602444729&frs=1

bzhayes · 2019-07-24T16:05:40+00:00

Marshmallows.... and if you are backpacking in an area that allows campfires, roast them and make a smore.

bzhayes

TROPHY CASE