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Staff Announcements

In order to start your robot from the OrcPad, add the following line to your /etc/orcd.conf and then reload the configuration from the OrcPad:
RobotProgram = java -cp /opt/maslab/maslab.jar:/home RobotProgram
Please pick up some posters and put them up around your living area - they are located outside the staff office in 38-500.
If your Eden's overheating, ask a staff member for a fan.
Final reports aren't due until next week (midnight on Tuesday Feb. 1): focus on your robots for now.
MockContestTwo info now available.
Free dinner after mock contest! 6pm, outside 38-500.

Some teams have pointed out that the USBMOD tends to pop out of the socket. At the moment, we're suggesting using a little hotglue to help hold the USBMOD in place.
We have a new metal hole punch. Please try to keep it in working condition.

More sheet aluminum has been ordered. Please do not use it as a main structural element for your robot, only where it is necessary.
More nuts, bolts, and washers have been ordered for the most popular sizes. Orders should be in within 2-3 days.
Specs on the motors are now online here: DriveMotorInfo. Apologies to those who were told incorrect numbers for the speed of secondary motors - they are 15 rpm and 225 rpm.

Thanks to those who provided some additional information regarding BGR vs. RGB issues. If you have the latest maslab.jar and you're still having trouble, let us know!

The ruling on bot sizes is as follows: Your bot must fit into the blue tub in the exact configuration at which it will start the exploration and contest rounds.
The small playing field in 34-500 is now complete as an observation field. All colors there are guaranteed to be those used in the final contest (except for touch-ups on the white walls). To keep the balls in their clean matte red condition, they are NOT to be removed from the playing area. Please return them to the scoring bin at the end of the day.
Additionally, teams are not allowed to keep red balls in their bins overnight. If you have some with you during the day that you are not using, please return them to one of the larger playing fields for other teams to use. Two balls per field is not acceptable.