1. Message by: Toxic City Gorillas 10/01/2002 21:38:04 GMT
   You people are confusing,but anyway,the first lego league forum should get language things.



1. Message by: mind-breakers 10/04/2002 00:19:21 GMT
   Wieviel Zeit?
   Der Ablauf der Runden ist mir immer noch nicht ganz klar.
   
   In den Wettbewerbsregeln hei*t es:
   "Jeder Durchgang dauert 2,5 Minuten (150 Sekunden). Zun*chst werden soviel Durchg*nge durchgef*hrt, bis jedes Team einmal den Parcours durchlaufen hat. Dies wird als eine Runde bezeichnet."
   Dann ist auch noch von Versuchen die Rede.
   
   Wieviele Durchg*nge hat mein Team pro Runde? W*hrend eines Durchgangs habe ich dann beliebig viele Versuche, in denen der Roboter eine oder mehrere Missionen erf*llen kann?



2. Message by: German Support 10/14/2002 11:02:00 GMT
   Jedes Team hat pro Runde 2,5 Minuten Zeit , um so viele Punkte wie m*glich zu sammeln. Der Roboter kann auf so viele Missionen geschickt werden, bis die Zeit um ist.
   
   Insgesamt gibt es 3 Runden und das beste Ergbniss z*hlt f*r das Weiterkommen.



3. Message by: GMT
   

1. Message by: Die gloreichen Acht 10/17/2002 17:30:14 GMT
   Wir benutzen RoboLab 1.5 Dabei habe ich (Coach) folgendes Problem: Ich vermisse einige M*glichkeiten konventioneller Sprachen z.B. Subroutinen und Import von (Teil)programmen.
   
   Ist dies mit RoboLab 2.0 m*glich? Einfach so auf Verdacht mal eben 175 Euro ausgeben, um die Version 2.0 zu sehen, ist hart. Kann mir/uns jemand diese Frage beantworten?
   
   Dank im Voraus
   
   M.B.



1. Message by: German Support 10/18/2002 13:35:35 GMT
   Fragen Sie mal ginthum.stefan@technik-lpe.com
   pv

1. Message by: Ten Cardinal Points 10/02/2002 16:52:51 GMT
   Hallo,
   auf der USA-Seite gibt es eine Anleitung, wie die einzelnen Stationen aufzubauen sind und wie sie angeklebt werden. Das ist zu finden unter
   
   http://www.firstlegoleague.org/sitemod/design/layouts/default/index.asp?pid=7540
   
   Viel Spa* damit,
   Ten Cardinal Points



1. Message by: Die gloreichen Acht 10/03/2002 08:36:05 GMT
   Danke!



2. Message by: Die gloreichen Acht 10/04/2002 13:28:14 GMT
   Danke noch mal.
   Der Bauplan 'turkis vippe' enth*lt einige Fehler. Die Farbangaben stimmen n*mlich nicht.
   Unser Tipp:
   Ich w*rde die 'turkis vippe' als letztes bauen, weil ich dann sehen kann, welche Teile *brig sind. Die geh*ren dann zur 'turkis vippe'.



3. Message by: hirsch 10/14/2002 15:02:54 GMT
   Welche Bauteile werden denn "geklebt"? Ich konnte nichts in der amerikanischen Bauanmleitung finden.
   
   "Die Hirschen"



4. Message by: Die gloreichen Acht 10/15/2002 15:49:28 GMT
   Die Windm*hle, das Giftlagerregal, das Baustoffregal, der Marktplatz, die Fruchtb*ume, beide Br*ckenteil und die Einbahnstrasse. Die werden mit Klettband 'angeklebt'. Genaugenommen: ein Teil Klettband auf das Legoteil, ein Teil Klettband auf den Spielplan und dann beide zusammengeklettet.



5. Message by: Igh-team 10/28/2002 18:00:58 GMT
   Alle bis auf die Roten Hauser und die Felsen auf dem Spielfeld
   



6. Message by: GMT
   

1. Message by: Die gloreichen Acht 10/14/2002 13:00:44 GMT
   Dazu noch eins:
   Das Wettbewerbspielfeld hat einen Holzrand dh. ca 9 cm hoch und ca 4 cm breit. Davon sto*en aber zwei aneinander, was bedeutet, dass der gegnerische Markt durch eine 9 cm hohe und ca 8 cm breite Holzwand vom eigenen Spielfeld getrennt ist.

1. Message by: German Support 10/21/2002 10:27:04 GMT
   Siehe Bild

1. Message by: Igh-team 10/28/2002 17:50:01 GMT
   die Fl*gel m*ssen genau in die andere Richtung zeigen
   glaube ich mal



1. Message by: Die gloreichen Acht 11/06/2002 17:15:46 GMT
   Stimmt!
   Spiegelverkehrt zusammen gebaut nach Sturz. Dankenswerter weise hat uns Phillip V. Ein Bild des Spielfeldes gemailt.
   Danke!!!!!

1. Message by: Die gloreichen Acht 10/15/2002 15:52:04 GMT
   Das interessiert uns auch sehr.
   Weitere Frage: Gibt es Legobaus*tze, die Schn*re verwenden?
   (Dann ist es ja erlaubt.)



1. Message by: Die gloreichen Acht 10/15/2002 15:56:14 GMT
   Zur Not kann man ja auch ein langes Kabel nehmen. Das haben wir probiert - war nicht besonders.
   Jetzt brauchen wir doch keine Schnur.



2. Message by: German Support 10/17/2002 13:06:28 GMT
   SEHR GUTE FRAGE !!!! - Aber was soll ich darauf antworten?
   Also, alle LEGO Teile sind erlaubt.
   Un den USA hat jemand gefragt, ob man LEGO Elastilschn*re zerschneiden darf und das ist OK!
   ABER bei fremden Teile, wie Gummib*nder, Schn*rsenkel, Paketschnur w*re ich vorsichtig. Ich frage mal beim Oberschiedsrichter nach und melde mich wieder. CU philip



3. Message by: German Support 10/17/2002 16:24:21 GMT
   KLARE ANTWORT: - Nur LEGO Teile!
   sonst kommt wirklich jeder mit einer neuen Ausnahme...
   
   Also keine normalen Gummiringe, Packschnurr oder sonstiges.
   - Philip -

1. Message by: German Support 10/21/2002 10:20:11 GMT
   BITTE SUCHT KEINE PROBLEME; WO ES KEINE GIBT !
   SELBSTVERST*NDLICH DARF DER ROBOTER DIE BR*CKE BER*HREN WO IMMER ER ES TUT _ SOLANGE ER ES PROGRAMMIERT TUT UND KEINE MENSCHLICHEN H*NDE IM SPIEL SIND ;-)
   philip



1. Message by: professor pi*s kid*s 10/31/2002 11:30:48 GMT
   Frage vom Team Professor Pi*s Kid*s
   Hallo,
   eine Frage zur Basis
   
   Kann man selbst festlegen, wo die H*user und Fr*chte in der Basis liegen bzw. wo und wie darf der Roboter in der Basis stehen?
   
   Nutzung der Stra*en
   D*rfen nur bestimmte Wege genutzt werden?
   M*ssen die Stra*en genutzt werden?
   
   Darf der Fluss durchfahren werden, um die Br*cke zu ber*hren?



2. Message by: German Support 11/04/2002 14:58:30 GMT
   ANTWORT AUF DIE FRAGE NACH DER BASE:
   Lest noch mal Regel 7,8 und 9 durch.
   Den Roboter darf man innerhalb der Base frei aufstellen. Alle Teile m*ssen
   sich jedoch innerhalb eines gedachten W*rfels von 50cm H*he befinden. Kein
   Teil darf *ber die Baselinie herausragen.
   
   ANTWORT AUF DIE FRAGE NACH DEN WEGEN
   Der Roboter darf entlang der Stra*en fahren oder auch nicht. Er darf auch
   *ber den "Flu*" fahren.
   Nur f*r das *berrollen von B*umen gibt es Strafpunkte.

1. Message by: German Support 10/21/2002 10:25:34 GMT
   JA - Das B*ndeln der Baumaterialien mit LEGO Teilen ist erlaubt. Egal ob mit Gummiband oder als Container.
   
   ABER - es m*ssen die offiziellen Bautmaterialien vom Wettbewerbstisch benutzt werden. Ihr k*nnt also nicht vorgefertigte B*ndel oder Container fix und fertig mitbringen.
   philip



1. Message by: Die gloreichen Acht 10/22/2002 14:35:03 GMT
   Gilt das auch f*r die beiden H*user?
   Darf man die also aneinander mit Gummib*ndern befestigen?



2. Message by: German Support 11/08/2002 18:39:21 GMT
   Im Prinzip ja !
   
   Auch hier : Nur LEGO Teile, und die H*user am Wettbewebstisch m*ssen zu Anfangs im urspr*nglichen Zustand sein.
   pv

1. Message by: German Support 09/23/2002 15:56:25 GMT
   Hallo an alle Regionen,
   wir beginnen jetzt, die Teams in die Regionen "zu senden". momentan liegt Frankfurt mit 8 Teams an der Spitze der Anmeldungen.
   
   Astrid



1. Message by: Helping Hand 09/26/2002 10:44:55 GMT
   Hi
   
   Please be aware that this forum area is open to all FLL teams in the world participating in this years challenge!
   
   Soren



2. Message by: Theodor-Fontane-Gymnasium 09/26/2002 17:44:57 GMT
   Hallo alle miteinander,
   
   wir, das Team des Theodor-Fontane-Gymnasiums, sind jetzt angemeldet und sind bereit.
   
   Mfg



3. Message by: DAWG ALUMNI 10/18/2002 21:47:29 GMT
   hi do you know anything about the road construction



4. Message by: 11/06/2002 22:06:39 GMT
   Deleted

2002 CITY SIGHTS - WETTBEWERBSREGELN

1. Message by: Metro Madness 10/25/2002 03:10:19 GMT
   hello?



1. Message by: Metro Madness 10/25/2002 03:11:08 GMT
   u there?



2. Message by: Metro Madness 10/25/2002 03:18:12 GMT
   dude wuts the big idea with berlins coal burning problem?

1. Message by: Metro Madness 10/25/2002 03:16:15 GMT
   any one here?



1. Message by: Rangers 11/22/2002 22:47:13 GMT
   Hello,
   We are from Arkansas. We are in alot of need of help on the Berlin project. If you find out any thing about it we would love to know!
   Thanks A Lot,
   River Valley Lego League
   P.S. Where are you from?

1. Message by: SMART 10/23/2002 22:10:04 GMT
   It has traffic peoblems.
   
   SMART Stamford, USA

1. Message by: 10/09/2002 22:04:29 GMT
   Deleted



1. Message by: polar bears 11/20/2002 02:46:14 GMT
   I would like to do london



1. Message by: SMART 11/20/2002 22:28:51 GMT
   what information do you want?
   
   SMART Stamford CT USA

1. Message by: SMART 11/20/2002 22:37:06 GMT
   this should be useful for traffic.
   
   http://www.london.gov.uk/approot/index.jsp
   
   SMART Stmaford CT USA

1. Message by: 11/10/2002 12:48:12 GMT
   Deleted



1. Message by: SMART 11/20/2002 22:26:21 GMT
   we can
   
   SMART Stamford CT USA

1. Message by: Badger 1 10/16/2002 03:14:13 GMT
   Here are a few web sites for you:
   
   Earthquakes:
   The Story of Plate Tectonics http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/dynamic.html
   Plate animation http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/geology/tectonics.html
   The Paleomap project, includes future
   configurations and climate history http://www.scotese.com
   Modern plate boundaries http://www-personal.umich.edu/~vdpluijm/plates.gif
   Info about Alfred Wegener http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/history/wegener.html
   Earthquakes and the Earth's Interior http://www.csun.edu/~hcgeo007/300earthquake.html
   Illustrations of waves and travel time curve http://www.geo.utep.edu/kidd/eqwave.html
   Earthquake location on-line lab http://vcourseware5.calstatela.edu
   
   Mudslides:
   General info (very good entry site) http://landslides.usgs.gov/index.html
   Local (near Santa Barbara) La Conchita
   landslide (see slides 21, 22,23, 24) http://landslides.usgs.gov/html_files/landslides/slides/landslideimages.htm
   Malibu has a significant landslide problem also.
   
   Floods:
   On-line lab about rivers and flooding http://vcourseware4.calstatela.edu/VirtualRiver
   LA specific flood and debris flows http://landslides.usgs.gov/html_files/nlic/video1.html
   
   I hope this helps



1. Message by: Mobots 10/19/2002 21:58:07 GMT
   Thank you for your tremendous help!!
   The Mobots



2. Message by: The Big Bad Dogs 11/01/2002 00:13:27 GMT
   Since when has mudslides been with LA?????



3. Message by: The Big Bad Dogs 11/01/2002 00:14:51 GMT
   WE thought the problem was pollution with LA!!! What is the real problem. I need replie asap!!!!!!!!



4. Message by: R.-M.O.B. 11/11/2002 02:04:01 GMT
   just look them up on yahoo



5. Message by: R.-M.O.B. 11/11/2002 02:04:54 GMT
   sorry i am doing Bakersfield

1. Message by: citysavers 11/08/2002 17:40:17 GMT
   how do we do the wind mill?



1. Message by: 11/08/2002 17:41:39 GMT
   Deleted



2. Message by: The Big Bad Dogs 11/26/2002 23:34:48 GMT
   hey peoples we dont know about city construction. Sorry. BTW,( By The Way), what does city construction have to do with anything??

1. Message by: Tri-Valley Bulldogs 09/23/2002 21:36:20 GMT
   hi we are the tri-valley team !!!!!



1. Message by: robochamps 09/27/2002 10:53:30 GMT
   hei all new york teams! We will like some information about nyc. garbage system. if you will send us that information, it will be nice. if you have some questions about copenhagen we will be happy to answer you.
   
   Robo champs from ballerup, copenhagen.



2. Message by: Phantom Gladiators 09/28/2002 15:15:16 GMT
   yar.....New York is a veri interesting city.....we would like to do it as our research pro.....Phantom Gladiators...Singapore



3. Message by: george's dragons 10/02/2002 10:07:04 GMT
   Hi all this George's dragons from London. We should like to learn more about your city



1. Message by: Tri-Valley Bulldogs 10/05/2002 17:34:57 GMT
   research it



4. Message by: Tri-Valley Bulldogs 10/05/2002 17:34:10 GMT
   Hi, we would like to know if you can you use string to pull an object into the robot through the use of a motor.



5. Message by: Tri-Valley Bulldogs 10/05/2002 17:49:55 GMT
   During a tournament, we have three 2 and a half minute rounds, so does your points just get added together and become your total points. Also can you modify your bot between rounds to do different tasks.



1. Message by: Eco-Nuts 10/07/2002 16:36:07 GMT
   Bulldogs,
   
   No your score is not added, each round is independent of the others. You have 2 and a half minutes to get as many points as possible. Each tournament has their own rules as to how the winner is selected. Some just look at the highest score from all 3 rounds and in the event of a tie go to the next highest for the tied teams. Other tournaments will use the highest score to rank the teams and then have a play off to determine the winner. Either way each round is independent of the other rounds.
   
   Yes you can modify your bot between rounds. You can change your bot during the 2 and a half minute round (most people do).
   
   Dave Kolberg
   Eco-Nuts



6. Message by: Caps Lock 10/08/2002 13:58:03 GMT
   we feel that after 911 itll be quite interesting for us to research on New York but my team is a lil lacking on de info so can any kind soul pulllleaaaseeeee help me!!!? um but if anyone's doin on s'pore (referring to ppl who are NOT sporeans of cuz...) mb i can help. yea. so... for ur convience i type my email here.. heh. =)
   
   naughty_penny@hotmail.com
   
   thankiez..



7. Message by: Golden Tigers 10/09/2002 14:38:46 GMT
   Hi Robochamps!I think your city might be very interesting.Could you send us soe information about it?



8. Message by: Golden Tigers 10/09/2002 14:49:25 GMT
   I heard alot about your STATE in 5th grade but not enough info about GERMANY so Im looking forward to you writing me back and telling me how it really is there in Germany O.K. but until then.
   
   PEACE,GERMANY children



9. Message by: Golden Tigers 10/10/2002 14:35:05 GMT
   How do you get program 1 to work?



10. Message by: Golden Tigers 10/10/2002 14:37:14 GMT
    Whenever you have the answer to my question write back.100



11. Message by: 10/18/2002 21:44:08 GMT
    Deleted



12. Message by: DAWG ALUMNI 10/18/2002 21:44:15 GMT
    HI Y'ALL
    can anyone of y`all give us some info on Cincinnati. We need the adress to the City Planner



13. Message by: Cookeville City Champions 10/22/2002 23:13:26 GMT
    we need ideas
    \



14. Message by: Cookeville City Champions 10/22/2002 23:17:00 GMT
    we are having troble picking a problem from the mess for new york



1. Message by: 11/13/2002 18:26:12 GMT
   Deleted



15. Message by: Cookeville City Champions 10/22/2002 23:17:10 GMT
    We can't think of a city for the reserch prodject?Any ideas



1. Message by: Red Goblins 11/13/2002 18:29:35 GMT
   We are having trouble on New York.We need ideas.



16. Message by: Cookeville City Champions 10/22/2002 23:30:35 GMT
    oifgjohgiergirgiergieh rghdfvuhsdfgiherighiwergh i rhgirhuwt



17. Message by: Vickery Middle 11/05/2002 18:14:46 GMT
    Hey, I'm a born New Yorker that's been down here for about 6 months. I have a really cool idea. Since NY is going for the 2012 olympics I was thinking about doing that. If anyone could give me some URLs I'd be very greatfull. Here's a tip: last year we cobbled our project together last minute (on the bus to be exact) and we won because we had a funny skit. So go for humor.



18. Message by: 11/18/2002 23:49:46 GMT
    Deleted



1. Message by: 11/18/2002 23:50:26 GMT
   Deleted



19. Message by: GMT
    

1. Message by: C&W Urban Knights 09/28/2002 13:15:29 GMT
   Do you mean in New York City? In the state of New Jersey a person may possess a handgun for the protection of his home or for target practice without penalty if he got it legally. To carry it in New Jersey, a person needs a special permit that is hard to obtain. Students who bring guns or bombs to school get expelled and may be in trouble with the police. That is my understanding of our laws in the state next to New York. Are you planning a security robot?



1. Message by: Golden Tigers 10/09/2002 14:29:48 GMT
   In the state of New Jersey are there a lot of people that bring handguns and bombs to a lot of the school?



2. Message by: Golden Tigers 10/09/2002 14:31:16 GMT
   How long have you been in the Lego Competion? If this was not your first time when you went to the competion for the first time what was it like, and was it easy or hard? If this is your first time are you nervous and afraid that you are going to do something wrong? Please write back.Thank you.



3. Message by: C&W Urban Knights 10/10/2002 01:37:18 GMT
   Very, very few people bring handguns or bombs to school. Those who do get into big trouble. Many schools have metal detectors and police officers. My children school at home so I feel they are safe. Many schools don't allow metal silverware or any kind of knife. My children use knives and other sharp things at home. They are part of a gun safety program and have learned to shoot well. Does anyone know what the rules are in New York?



4. Message by: Rising Sun 10/22/2002 22:02:50 GMT
   There has been a lot of killing and it scares us a lot. Eneyone that brings a gun to school should be expelled.



1. Message by: 11/15/2002 00:38:08 GMT
   Deleted



5. Message by: Robo Swords 11/15/2002 00:39:26 GMT
   We are desperatley in search of a topic for NYC. Pleez Help.

1. Message by: Urban Lego Heads 10/01/2002 23:57:08 GMT
   Hey where from IL, and we wanted to know if you had any Info on the New York stuff, and if you have other info about Paris please let us know. Okay well if you can please help us and post it and we'll check it later. Thanks so much!!!
   Rachel



1. Message by: 10/09/2002 14:28:29 GMT
   Deleted



2. Message by: Golden Tigers 10/09/2002 14:33:59 GMT
   whY ARE PEOOPLE ALLOWED TO CARRY HAND GUNS IN THHOSE STATES THAT WERE AFFECTED BY THE 911 ATTACKS. SO WHY DOES ANY STATE ALLOW THEM TO CARRY GUNS BECAUSE WE WERE ALL AFFECTED.



1. Message by: Golden Tigers 10/09/2002 14:41:21 GMT
   Hello, if people down there can carry handguns shouldn't we because the 9/11 affected everyone and we are afraid also so why is it only the people down there are allowed to carry guns? The terrorist could attack anyone so shouldn't we be prepared? Please Reply As soon as possible (sap)



3. Message by: 10/09/2002 14:35:09 GMT
   Deleted



4. Message by: Golden Tigers 10/09/2002 14:38:45 GMT
   WHAT IS IT LIKE UP THERE



5. Message by: Golden Tigers 10/09/2002 14:41:15 GMT
   WHO BAD???????????
   
   WE BAD!!!!!!!!!
   
   UH!!!!!!!!
   
   WE ARE THE CHAMPS
   
   THE CHAMP IS HEERE!!!!!!!!!!!
   
   THE CHAMP IS HERE!!!!!!!!
   
   BRING IT ON!!!!!!!!
   
   IM IN 6TH GRADE AND STRAIGHT BLAZIN BABY!!!!!



6. Message by: 10/22/2002 23:14:17 GMT
   Deleted



7. Message by: Cookeville City Champions 10/22/2002 23:26:10 GMT
   Hey! Does anyone have any info on New York?

1. Message by: Robot Gobats 10/29/2002 22:14:48 GMT
   Does anyone have any ideas on changing the lyrics of the song New York New York to match a pollution problem?



1. Message by: wernerkids 11/19/2002 01:00:19 GMT
   New York New York New York
   It has to much polluti*n
   New York New York New York
   Needs a sollution
   Driving down the street
   A person you shall meet
   Coughing on some smoke
   It really makes them choke
   
   Sorry if the song isn't good enough for you, that's all we thought of.



2. Message by: CLS 11/20/2002 22:32:23 GMT
   sorry,I'm looking for info on the same stuff!



3. Message by: Blue Devils A 01/02/2003 22:04:06 GMT
   What are the rules for the research assignment?

1. Message by: CLS 11/20/2002 22:29:55 GMT
   I have a little bit of info.If you help us, We'll help you!Please?!



1. Message by: CLS 12/09/2002 22:07:06 GMT
   ooiii.....I give up.....never mind.......*sulks off*



2. Message by: Ollers 12/18/2002 22:41:33 GMT
   Sure, we can help you. Take a look at this site:
   
   http://www.concierge.com/newyorkcity/
   
   - The Ollers

1. Message by: Phantom Gladiators 09/28/2002 15:36:36 GMT
   hi....paris is indeed a veri interesting city....hope u can provide me wif more ideas on it......thanx......phantom Gladiators....singapore



1. Message by: The Patriots 09/30/2002 23:20:14 GMT
   Sorry, but we couldn't find much on Paris so we decided to do Copenhagen.
   the patriots
   
   P.S. Do u know anyhting about Copenhagen???
   Thanx!!!!



2. Message by: The Patriots 09/30/2002 23:36:19 GMT
   We are clueless to problems in Copenhagen!!!!!!
   
   If anyone has any info PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE send it to us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
   
   Thanx***
   
   
   The Patriots



3. Message by: Urban Lego Heads 10/02/2002 23:21:09 GMT
   Hey every one we're from the Illinois team. We are researching Paris, France and we can't seem to find enough info about Paris, France. So can you please send some to us? Thanks so much!!!
   
   Rachel
   Erban Lego Heads



4. Message by: 10/09/2002 21:09:28 GMT
   Deleted



1. Message by: 10/09/2002 22:29:53 GMT
   Deleted



5. Message by: 10/10/2002 02:08:43 GMT
   Deleted



1. Message by: Muktown Eliminators 10/10/2002 02:10:41 GMT
   what does your team think is the most interesting invention in the 20th century



1. Message by: Bob's Builders 10/10/2002 20:34:35 GMT
   We think the most important thing is air conditioning !!



6. Message by: Muktown Eliminators 10/10/2002 02:11:58 GMT
   what is your team motto?



1. Message by: Bob's Builders 10/10/2002 20:35:18 GMT
   we don't have one yet



7. Message by: northgate annihilators 11/20/2002 19:19:46 GMT
   We are the Northgate Annihilators from the uk we are looking at paris for our research assignment. We have decided to look at the problem of dog fouling in paris. Does anybody have any ideas and could you send us some infomation?
   We have heard that there are some posters that have been put up in Paris. Can anybody get hold of these.



8. Message by: Electronic Executioners 11/23/2002 21:33:36 GMT
   Try using the search engine "www.google.com"

1. Message by: The Patriots 09/30/2002 23:31:34 GMT
   Is anyone doing Copenhagen??
   The Patriots



1. Message by: 10/10/2002 02:16:18 GMT
   Deleted



2. Message by: Muktown Eliminators 10/10/2002 02:18:25 GMT
   what does your team think is the greatest invention of the 20th centary and why?



3. Message by: 10/10/2002 02:19:42 GMT
   Deleted



4. Message by: 10/10/2002 02:20:06 GMT
   Deleted



5. Message by: Muktown Eliminators 10/10/2002 02:34:33 GMT
   it your team could invent something what would it be?



6. Message by: Badgerbots 10/11/2002 01:36:18 GMT
   We are from Wisconsin. We have chosen Paris for our city also.We are looking for interesting facts about Paris. If you are from Paris and can help us, we would be glad to help you with information about Wisconsin cities.



7. Message by: Troy Middle School Robotics 10/28/2002 23:31:16 GMT
   Hey everyone. If there is anyone from Paris that would be willing to help us with the problems of Paris that would be helpful. In return, if you are doing a city in the U.S we would be glad to help you.



8. Message by: Mindstorm Maniacs 10/29/2002 01:08:32 GMT
   How many teams are doing Paris?



9. Message by: Electronic Executioners 11/23/2002 21:37:22 GMT
   We're doing Paris. As for help there are 2 good pictures at http://www.artday.com/images/w230702.jpg If you get any good websites or information could you please share with us.



10. Message by: Electronic Executioners 11/24/2002 00:20:49 GMT
    I just found another web site on Paris if anyone is interested. Its address is http://www.paris.org/



11. Message by: 12/07/2002 02:27:10 GMT
    Deleted

1. Message by: Jacob 09/23/2002 09:30:01 GMT
   Hi Team B.O.B
   
   Please follow this guide, then your information will be the
   same in both places, and you will be able to find your team,
   in "Search Teampage".
   
   6. Steps to complete Team Page
   
   1. Click "Preferences"
   2. Fill in the information you want to show.
   3. Click "Set Preferences"
   4. Look through the information, to see if you have missed
   anything. If you have missed something, use the browse
   back button in your browser. and repeat step 3.+ 4.
   5. Click "OK"
   6. Now your teampage is up and running, and you can access
   it from the "Search Teampage"
   
   Jacob Nordahl
   Forum Admin



1. Message by: Dauntless 09/23/2002 15:21:49 GMT
   This website is too dependent on Microsoft technology. I cannot access it using the Netscape browser. You should make the content generically accessible.



2. Message by: Traffic Jam 09/23/2002 23:06:31 GMT
   The site works OK in Netscape 7.0 (and thus probably Mozilla), but is extremely slow to load even over my DSL line. I attribute this to both the dependence on M$isms and, more importantly, to large images and music. I hope Pitsco or whomever is responsible for this can tone down things a bit and realize that many home users and even schools cannot afford the bandwidth and the delay to access information that this causes.



1. Message by: Traffic Jam 09/25/2002 02:50:11 GMT
   Hmm. Well, it worked fine when I first registered. But one Netscape restart later and it's not working for me either. I hate IE. Help, Pitsco, please!?!



3. Message by: B.O.B. 09/24/2002 04:24:58 GMT
   It doesn't work in Mozilla, that's what I normally use. I'm using IE to get at this site.
   
   I agree that it is too slow, I'm on cable modem and it takes a very long time for pages to load.



4. Message by: B.O.B. 09/24/2002 04:33:32 GMT
   I had already entered our team's preference's once. But it was only showing up in the forum part, not in the team page section.
   
   I cleared the info out and entered it again and now it seems to work.
   
   Not sure why it didn't before, but I had tried several times.
   
   Anyway, seems to work now and it finally did come up on a search. (although now I'm the only Texas team that shows)



5. Message by: SharonA 09/24/2002 19:08:00 GMT
   Jacob, this search thing is a problem. I don't believe you have answered my main question, and that is why you cannot search for a name that shows on the Teams and Tournaments output page. Your reply stated how the poster could fix THEIR page, but that won't help with all the other pages.
   
   --Jack Gregory



1. Message by: Jacob 09/25/2002 09:25:50 GMT
   Hi Jack
   
   I must have missed that, sorry... ;)
   The "Search Teampage" function, "registres" teams that have set up there team page, like in the 6 step guide.
   
   Where the Teams and Tournaments shows all teams registred from the forum.
   
   Do this answer your question?
   
   Regards
   Jacob Nordahl
   FLL Forum Admin



6. Message by: RoboSquad 09/24/2002 22:08:29 GMT
   This may not be the right place to ask, but I see a sysadmin responded here. I've asked at other places but got no response.
   
   How do you change the size of the font for dislaying message texts? I am running MSIE on a 1600 x 1200 screen, and the text is very small. The font size is apparently hard set in the HTML that is generated because my default text size choices in the browser are ingored.
   
   Someplace in the tutorial it mentioned that the font size can be set in "Preferences", but I see no such setting there. What am I missing?



7. Message by: Motor Heads 10/13/2002 17:22:38 GMT
   Help! Our team is listed as being in Oregon when I click on our Avatar and under Teams and Tournaments. We are really in Ohio. In our registration it is correctly listed as Ohio. When I click preferences here in the forum there is no option to change regions. How do I correct this???
   
   Coach Kim Lawrence

1. Message by: LEGO League - Systemadministrator 09/17/2002 16:50:59 GMT
   Hay Badgerbots
   
   
   You can click on the PREFERENCE button, at the buttom of this page.
   
   Here you can:
   - Upload a image
   - Write about your team and where you are, so other teams can contact you.
   - Etc.
   
   
   Good luck



1. Message by: Badgerbots 09/17/2002 18:30:08 GMT
   When I click on "Search teampages" and type in our team name "badgerbots" it says it cannot find it. When I click on "Your team Page" link I go to a page that wants me to put in information about my team.
   
   I must be real dense. This seems terribly complicated. Is there actually a web page for our team or do people just go into our team page and read what we typed in the predesignated blocks?



2. Message by: Jacob 09/18/2002 12:07:38 GMT
   Hi there
   
   Your rigth, click the botton next to login, named "Your Teampage", you can write about your team, by answering the questions, upload a team picture, tell things about your robot, give other teams cool links.
   
   *jacob



1. Message by: Badgerbots 09/18/2002 18:20:23 GMT
   But I'm still confused. If we cannot go to "search team pages" and find our team how does this provide any value? I'm expecting to fill in the stuff you are talking about and then go to look at how it shows up to others.



3. Message by: Eco-Nuts 09/19/2002 01:04:45 GMT
   You should be able to find your team in the "search team pages". It may be registered with an incorrect name so you may try variations of the name or just the first few characters.
   
   Dave Kolberg
   Clay Cougars



4. Message by: Jacob 09/19/2002 10:03:08 GMT
   I have been through your team page, and saw that you had
   not completed the process, but it could seem a little tricky, here is some help.
   
   6. Steps to complete Team Page
   
   1. Click "Preferences"
   2. Fill in the information you want to show.
   3. Click "Set Preferences"
   4. Look through the information, to see if you have missed
   anything. If you have missed something, use the browse
   back button in your browser. and repeat step 3.+ 4.
   5. Click "OK"
   6. Now your teampage is up and running, and you can access
   it from the "Search Teampage"
   
   Jacob Nordahl
   Forum Admin



1. Message by: Surfbots 09/26/2002 05:53:43 GMT
   Jacob-
   
   I am coaching team #2301, the 'Surfbots'.
   
   After completing your six steps' for registering the team home page, only the mail address is reported for the team information. The team's name cannot be found in the search engine, nor is it listed by searching under 'Florida'. (I completed the PREFERENCES|SET PREFERENCES|OK sequence numerous times.)
   
   There is another strange phenomenon. Look at the tournament page for Florida, and specifically, the links for the listed teams. The hot-link for some teams is a 'webx.dll', for others it is an 'index.asp'. The four teams that correctly generate information (Avatar picture and text) are all using a webx.dll. All of the teams that link to the index. asp generate space information. Is there a server-push that translates the preferences page into this web content? How can I get the server to perform this update? Is it possible that I registered for the Florida tournament before the my preferences were set, and the automatic web page generator for the tournament never went back to process the link change?
   
   Thank you in advance for the help.
   
   -Wallie



5. Message by: Middleton Blue Wizards 09/25/2002 06:12:30 GMT
   Hello,
   
   There seems to be a Gate structure (adjacent to bridge) on the playing field that has no building plans. Has anyone located information about this Gate and how it plays into any mission?
   
   Thanks,
   
   Blue Wizards



1. Message by: Jacob 09/25/2002 15:44:59 GMT
   Hi Blue Wizards
   
   You can find the building plans for the "One Way Gate" or "Gate" here:
   http://www.firstlegoleague.org/sitemod/design/layouts/default/index.asp?pid=7550
   
   Next time please use the structure in the folders and discussions, so the answer will
   be easier for others to find.. ;)
   
   Regards
   jacob nordahl
   FLL Forum Admin



6. Message by: Fuzion 09/26/2002 17:04:43 GMT
   You can click on your avatar and it automatically whisks you off to your team page! :) It will be the same to you as to others who view it. Hope that helped!



7. Message by: dolphins 10/03/2002 00:28:24 GMT
   We are the Dolphins registered in CT, I can find our team page with a search easy enough but when I look at all the teams in CT we are missing. Why - How can I fix this?



8. Message by: B.O.B. 11/10/2002 09:04:02 GMT
   We'd like to add a team picture to our web page but our pictures are too big. There's a limit of 50kb and our pictures are much larger so won't fit. We're using jpeg format. Any suggestions?



1. Message by: RoboSquad 11/12/2002 01:04:07 GMT
   We'd like to add a team picture to our web page but our pictures are too big. There's a limit of 50kb and our pictures are much larger so won't fit. We're using jpeg format. Any suggestions?
   
   User high compression of resample to fewer pixels.



1. Message by: B.O.B. 11/19/2002 06:48:43 GMT
   >User high compression of resample to fewer pixels.
   
   What does that mean? In English, please.



9. Message by: 457 11/14/2002 22:51:36 GMT
   We need some tips on our robot building. If you get back to us maybe we can help you out to in a few things.



1. Message by: ilsgreen 11/21/2002 22:46:50 GMT
   See http://www.hightechkids.org/fll/coaching/Training%20Material/classmaterial.htm.
   
   - Mark Beitz, coach

1. Message by: ilsgreen 09/27/2002 20:53:20 GMT
   Courtney, I didn't have much success in searching for this post either. However, I'd bet that the link you want is eithter
   http://www.hightechkids.org/fll/, the Minnesota FLL web page,
   or
   http://www.usfirst.org, especially http://www.usfirst.org/jrobtcs/flg_tm.htm for team resources from FIRST.
   
   Good luck!
   
   Mark Beitz, Coach



1. Message by: Harris 09/27/2002 21:00:11 GMT
   Thanks!
   www.hightechkids.org was the one I was looking for.
   
   Thanks again,
   Courtney



2. Message by: Ed's Squirrels 10/01/2002 17:30:28 GMT
   To Harris: I think it is on the Minnesota website but if not try this link:
   http://www.hightechkids.org/fll/coaching/Tips/tips.htm
   Good Luck, from Team 2259



3. Message by: Atomic Minds 10/15/2002 23:33:44 GMT
   Is it legal to use more than one set of tracks?

1. Message by: Lake Oswego CityBots 09/26/2002 02:02:14 GMT
   Seems as though as soon as I registered our team for the forum, I couldn't find a link to the rules anymore.
   Can anyone please point me at them?
   Thanks in advance! :-)
   
   steven of the Lake Oswego CityBots



1. Message by: Street Dragons 09/26/2002 02:41:55 GMT
   I know I am just blind, but where do you find the instructions to build the gate?
   
   Thanks,
   Ann



1. Message by: Jacob 09/26/2002 09:55:06 GMT
   You can find the building plans for the "One Way Gate" or "Gate" here:
   http://www.firstlegoleague.org/sitemod/design/layouts/default/index.asp?pid=7550



1. Message by: Knights 09/26/2002 17:02:21 GMT
   Thanks for the information.



2. Message by: Jacob 09/26/2002 09:56:05 GMT
   Try North America / Rules



1. Message by: Lake Oswego CityBots 09/27/2002 20:05:41 GMT
   Thanks! it was obvious, i guess... :-)



3. Message by: Roboeagles 10/03/2002 22:00:43 GMT
   What items are we allowed to velcro down?



4. Message by: Harris 10/03/2002 22:35:57 GMT
   The Field setup document ( http://www.firstlegoleague.org/sitemod/upload/Root/images/doc_field_setup_2002_us.doc ) specifies exactly what items are attached to the mat and which are not.
   
   Hope that helps,
   Courtney



5. Message by: Bots II 10/16/2002 21:37:41 GMT
   Does anyone know if we are allowed to use non-Lego components, and if they are, are there any limitations?
   I do know last year that we could not use non-Lego's but it appears that that may have changed... Can anyone help?



1. Message by: 10/17/2002 03:27:32 GMT
   Deleted



6. Message by: Harris 10/16/2002 21:56:59 GMT
   The rules can be found on the forum at:
   FLL International Forum -> NORTH AMERICA - [for North America members] -> RULES
   
   URL: http://www.firstlegoleague.org/scripts/webx.dll?14@@.ee9451c
   
   There are also lots of interesting discussions in the 'Rules and Missions Questions' folder.
   
   Courtney



7. Message by: ROBOMASTERSTWO 11/19/2002 01:18:05 GMT
   I am trying to find the area where the mini challenges are supposed to be in this website, however I found them once and did not print them and I was wondering if someone can tell me where they are



8. Message by: Harris 11/19/2002 02:00:13 GMT
   You can find the details on the missions at:
   
   http://www.firstlegoleague.org/sitemod/design/layouts/default_no_banners/index.asp?pid=7520
   
   Courtney



9. Message by: Little Brownie Bakers 11/28/2002 01:20:31 GMT
   Gate points and completion: how many points for the gate? Does the gate have to be flush with the wall to get full points, or just somewhat opened?



1. Message by: RoboSquad 12/01/2002 00:11:20 GMT
   Gate points and completion: how many points for the gate? Does the gate have to be flush with the wall to get full points, or just somewhat opened?
   
   Argh!! Just when I thought we've heard all the stupid rules question, someone dreams up this winner.
   
   

   READ THE RULES!!




10. Message by: B.O.B. 11/28/2002 08:26:23 GMT
    There are no points for the gate, that's just a barrier to make it harder to get to the windmill. Look elsewhere on the forum for more details (North America- Rules and Missions questions), but you don't even have to go through the gate if you don't want to.

1. Message by: still voting on it 09/30/2002 23:12:11 GMT
   Yes, Good question. I have same problem, team has yet to decide on a name. When they do I would like to be able to change.
   
   "still voting (arguing) on it"



1. Message by: Cleanup Crew 10/01/2002 05:16:55 GMT
   I have found that it is real easy to change your team name. All you have to do is go to preferences and then type in your new team name and then update. It will still have the same password.



2. Message by: Elkhart City Slickers 10/07/2002 14:19:42 GMT
   I believe that the above method to change the team name only applies to the use of the FORUM area. I do not believe that it will change the PITSCO/LEGO registered team name. This is only my guess for now.
   
   Dan Hummel



3. Message by: Elkhart City Slickers 10/07/2002 21:46:47 GMT
   After a short discussion with Pitsco/Lego. You can change your team name by editing your team profile. Go to http://register4fll.com/pitscofll/catalog.cfm?dest=teamEditOther
   
   Dan Hummel

1. Message by: WO-BOT Jr. 10/01/2002 22:13:11 GMT
   Talk to your Coach ogel
   
   Jonathan



1. Message by: Jacob 10/08/2002 15:40:14 GMT
   Hi ogel
   
   It will not be posted in any present folder, but you will be informed.
   
   Regards
   Jacob Nordahl
   FLL Forum Admin



2. Message by: 10/14/2002 22:46:43 GMT
   Deleted



3. Message by: Marist Surfers 10/16/2002 20:41:41 GMT
   What is the gate shown on the table and are there building instructions?



1. Message by: Tiger Sharks 10/31/2002 23:36:12 GMT
   We are searching for the instructions also. Have you found any? Please advise.
   
   Tiger Sharks
   Hidden Oaks Middle School



4. Message by: RoboCards 11/24/2002 00:09:32 GMT
   We found instructions at the place where you find all the others. Hope this helps!

1. Message by: Lion 11/13/2002 09:59:43 GMT
   le robot peut donc *tre plac* diff*rement * chaque d*part de mission.

1. Message by: CLS 12/09/2002 22:23:17 GMT
   yes, you can only touch the robot in base.

1. Message by: Lion 11/13/2002 10:02:48 GMT
   Des *l*ments peuvent se d*plier pendant l'*x*cution du programme...

2002 CITY SIGHTS - TOURNAMENT TERMS AND RULES

1. Message by: Lion 09/29/2002 09:48:46 GMT
   le r*glement est bien dans la partie forum mais en anglais... chaque *quipe recevra un exemplaire en fran*ais avec le mat*riel.



1. Message by: robochamps 09/30/2002 09:57:47 GMT
   salut tolemonde...

1. Message by: Lion 10/03/2002 17:26:24 GMT
   les piles sont vite d*charg*es en cas d'utilisation intensive. Il faut pr*voir des piles neuves (+ un jeu de rechange) pour le jour de la comp*tition.
   Chaque *quipe a droit * 12 piles AA Duracell plus, distribu*es le jour du concours par les organisateurs !



1. Message by: Champi 10/15/2002 15:13:54 GMT
   bonjour pouver vous nous envoyer le r*glement en Fran*ais



1. Message by: Lion 10/16/2002 12:05:46 GMT
   votre *quipe recevra un exemplaire en farn*ais cette fin de semaine (avant le 19/110)
   
   l'organisateur FLL France



2. Message by: Champi 10/15/2002 15:16:55 GMT
   d*soler le m*ssage est une *rreur

1. Message by: Lion 10/12/2002 09:29:44 GMT
   seul l'arbitre pourra remettre le robot dans la base. Un p*nalit* de 4 points sera donn*e * l'*quipe * chaque fois.
   Le robot doit revenir * la base * toutes les missions.

1. Message by: Lion 10/22/2002 09:25:34 GMT
   Ce n'est pas une obligation, mais cela rapporte plus de points que de les mettre dans son propre "market".
   C'est aussi plus difficile * faire r*aliser par le robot. Il y a la bordure !
   
   L'organisateur



1. Message by: Killer Machina 11/09/2002 05:25:40 GMT
   hi we don't know how to speak french, but we would like to wish you all the best for the competition!
   killer machina
   crescent girls' school, singapore

1. Message by: BUFFON 11/10/2002 01:59:47 GMT
   Le logiciel RIS (Mindstorms 2.0) est plus facile d'acc*s, mais nous souhaiterions essayer ROBOLAB 2.0 or la version dont nous disposons est la 1.5. Existe-t-il un upgrade possible de robolab 1.5 vers 2.0 ?
   Bon courage * tous !

1. Message by: CLS 12/09/2002 21:55:19 GMT
   do you understand me?



1. Message by: CLS 12/09/2002 21:58:18 GMT
   ooooiiiii.........jikyo



2. Message by: Killer Machina 12/12/2002 17:42:59 GMT
   hey i dunno whether they understnad us.but i think french is cool!good luck to those who have not taken the competition i think there is denmark still?i dun know
   keep in touch guys
   add me to msn?
   sarahrulezforeva thanks and merry christmas

1. Message by: Caps Lock 10/07/2002 12:53:56 GMT
   hihi. Are you researching on New York too? wellz i wanna get some friends doin on de same topic so we can exchange ideas.



1. Message by: Blue Wizards 10/13/2002 19:32:28 GMT
   we're from USA, wisconsin, madison and we're going to try our very best and would like to talk to anybody who will listen and would like to echange tips!!!
   
   Nick the White



2. Message by: 11/23/2002 21:11:35 GMT
   Deleted

1. Message by: Dynamic Drivers 10/14/2002 23:00:43 GMT
   Hey there,
   I am from a Lego League team in Jackson, Michigan and I was looking for some pointers also. I am on my home computer and I don't have an RCX here so I can't show you photos of my group's work. on our team we have a mix of different grades(6th, 7th, and 8th graders)and I am an 8th grader. Our team name is the Dynamic Drivers and we are hoping to make regionals. We are very close to being able to complete all tasks but have been getting stuck at the fruit trees.
   Tom the Tomato



1. Message by: CLS 10/25/2002 23:25:46 GMT
   Hey i am from New Haven,IN and i have a pointer for your robot. If you some how make a grill that is close to the ground it will push the fruit out of the way. and u can continue on your way.



2. Message by: poynton flyers 10/30/2002 22:17:45 GMT
   Hi, Poynton Flyers here
   
   We are a team of year 8ts from Poynton, Cheshire, England and are looking for an international contact!
   
   Help willingly given!!
   
   Got to Fly
   
   Poynton Flyers



3. Message by: ZOMBIES 11/05/2002 23:27:44 GMT
   we are just starting and have a question how do you get moter b to work?



4. Message by: ZOMBIES 11/05/2002 23:29:37 GMT
   we need help how can you build a hook for the food
   ??



5. Message by: ZOMBIES 11/05/2002 23:31:06 GMT
   Can you just park next to the warehouse and put the supplies into your robot ???



6. Message by: ZOMBIES 11/05/2002 23:32:32 GMT
   how can moter 3 work??



7. Message by: Eco-Nuts 11/06/2002 15:45:42 GMT
   These questions are dificult to answer. Slow down and ask specific questions. How can "moter" 3 work is not a question that can be answered. It depends on how you have it hooked up. If you are asking how do motors work in the first place, that we can answer. If you are asking how can we control that we need to know which programming language you are using. If you want to know how to make it do something, we need to know how you are trying to use it. As for your other questions, read the rules, review the forum under rules and missions or equipment.
   
   Dave Kolberg
   Eco-Nuts



8. Message by: Rastabots 11/09/2002 19:33:02 GMT
   Hallo our team is from jamaica and we would like to get some help from people that have been in the competition once. Because this is our first time going and doing robotics we could use all the help we can get.



9. Message by: Electronic Executioners 11/23/2002 20:24:16 GMT
   Our team isn't foreign but I think we can help you out with a programming tip. We recently got this tip and we are also a new team this year. The tip is for unlocking slots 1 & 2. Go to the administrative page, click on RCX and then click unlock

1. Message by: Mississippi Warriors 12/10/2002 20:32:20 GMT
   Hi, we're from Mississippi(USA) This is also our first year, but we'd like to help in any way we can :) What can we do for you?

1. Message by: SMART 12/07/2002 20:55:43 GMT
   yes i live there
   
   SMART STamford CT USA



1. Message by: eskimos 12/14/2002 17:17:56 GMT
   We are the eskimos from Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Are there any other teams that would like to meet us here in PA?
   
   Our team mascot is the polar bear:)



2. Message by: eskimos 12/14/2002 17:18:16 GMT
   We are the eskimos from Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Are there any other teams that would like to meet us here in PA?
   
   Our team mascot is the polar bear:)



3. Message by: eskimos 12/14/2002 17:19:04 GMT
   We are the eskimos from Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Are there any other teams that would like to meet us here in PA?
   
   Our team mascot is the polar bear:)



1. Message by: eskimos 12/14/2002 17:20:08 GMT
   >How are you doing.
   >We are the same team.
   >HA!HA!HA!

1. Message by: pathfinder 09/19/2002 15:40:15 GMT
   Hi! We are from Germany! And we wish good luck for all, too!



1. Message by: B.O.B. 09/24/2002 22:56:18 GMT
   Are there any FLL teams in Stavanger, Norway?
   
   One of our team members will be living there next year and would like to do FLL again.
   
   thanks,
   
   Susan
   Team BOB
   Texas



1. Message by: 7Croomz 10/05/2002 21:23:41 GMT
   Hey my name is marcus. I come from denmark. i know there is fll in stavanger. hope you get in contact with them good luck marcus.
   
   check out http://www.hjernekraft.org/steder/stavanger/index.tpl



2. Message by: R.-M.O.B. 09/28/2002 18:47:46 GMT
   Hi, we're from Bakersfield, California and we wish all the teams around the world good luck!



3. Message by: LegoHounds 09/29/2002 20:12:35 GMT
   Hi, we are ready to be in the tournament. We don't have our
   robot built yet,but we're ready. good luck in the tournament.



4. Message by: LegoHounds 09/29/2002 20:17:37 GMT
   Hello everyone. The LegoHounds are glad to be in the first lego league. We wish everyone good luck!



5. Message by: LegoHounds 09/29/2002 20:51:25 GMT
   Hello we the lego Hounds from New port,Arkansas would love to wish everyone good luck in all competitors. During our free time we love to play sports, especially Baseball, Basketball, and Football.
   What are all hobbies?



6. Message by: LegoHounds 09/29/2002 20:56:32 GMT
   We are from Newport,Arkansas and we would like to say good luck to all the team in Lego League. Do you all have any other hobbies? WE like Basketball,Football, and laying on the computers.We think that this year will be harder becaus we have all improved. We are hoping that you all will send some information to us about your team. FLL Rules!



7. Message by: ValleyRobots 09/30/2002 01:37:34 GMT
   He Hales Corners, Wisconsin!!!!
   
   Who's out there?? We're doing great and wish you luck. Let us know how you're doing. We are working LAG, too.
   
   Tim & Mike



8. Message by: WO-BOT Jr. 10/01/2002 20:55:25 GMT
   New Lego League'ers: PLEASE HELP US! We are in 7th grade in Michigan. We would like info or any tips you can spare for our team.



9. Message by: B.O.B. 10/06/2002 03:36:53 GMT
   Thanks Marcus, we'll look at that website.
   
   Our team member will be there after the first of the year so whats to find others doing FLL before next fall.
   
   thanks,
   
   Susan
   Team BOB



10. Message by: W.O. Wrecking Crew 10/08/2002 21:12:15 GMT
    i have a question well our robot can not be taller than 50 cm but could we throw something and if it went over 50 cm would it be leagel/ and if it is could we use that to launch it onto the robot ot the table next to us? Please help us



11. Message by: Eco-Nuts 10/09/2002 19:51:52 GMT
    You must start out in the base prior to pushing the run button shorter than 50 cm. After pushing the run button, you can be as tall as you want. There are not height restrictions other than prior to pushing the run button at the start of each "mission attempt". So you can throw something that went over 50 cm high. It must be from Lego equipment and must be initiated by the robot and not a human.
    
    p.s. it will be a waste of time to try to hit a moving robot on the other side as the timing and aiming is beyond the RCX capabilities. If you threw something over and landed on the playing field, that side can ask a ref to remove the object at any time.
    
    Dave Kolberg
    Eco-Nuts



12. Message by: W.O. Wrecking Crew 10/10/2002 21:30:55 GMT
    thanks, i have that idea are robot is practicly done we just need some programing



13. Message by: W.O. Wrecking Crew 10/10/2002 21:56:45 GMT
    well now we have that fixed but we have a fork-lift and a pully is not strong enough the other builder is not building to day do you have any suggestions?



14. Message by: eskimos 10/19/2002 17:31:41 GMT
    hey! this is Jen H. from the USA! I'm on the Eskimos' team!



15. Message by: Electronic Executioners 11/23/2002 21:14:29 GMT
    Our team wishes everybody good luck as competitions come around. We are from the USA and we live in the state, Oregon.

1. Message by: 09/22/2002 12:14:22 GMT
   Deleted



1. Message by: pathfinder 09/22/2002 12:20:22 GMT
   Hi we are from Germany! I wish good luck, too! You are from Singapore? Cool! How old are you?



1. Message by: mindstormers 09/23/2002 13:01:44 GMT
   hi, i'm 13 years old this year. What's your age? and can you be my international friend?



2. Message by: ValleyRobots 09/30/2002 01:41:30 GMT
   We are from Chicopee, MA in the USA. We are close to Boston. We just got the robot kit last week and started working on it right away.
   
   Tim & Mike



1. Message by: mindstormers 09/30/2002 13:22:56 GMT
   hi, my school had purchase the robotic set during the National Junior Robotic Competition (a competition in Singapore which is about the same as FLL)



2. Message by: pathfinder 09/23/2002 13:47:05 GMT
   I'm 15!Im a young boy from Brandenburg in Germany!But my english is terrible!My school take Part in that competition!Are you alone or take your school part in this competition?



1. Message by: 09/25/2002 23:27:18 GMT
   Deleted



3. Message by: Cyber Guardians 09/24/2002 10:26:42 GMT
   Hey! We're from Singapore ... and yeah, all the best in the competition. ^.-



1. Message by: 09/25/2002 23:10:19 GMT
   Deleted



4. Message by: OunKaiHiong 09/24/2002 11:16:00 GMT
   my school take part in this competition



5. Message by: Fuzion 09/24/2002 17:11:02 GMT
   *lol* We're from Singapore too. Good luck to all participating teams and hope to see you all soon! ^^



1. Message by: LORDS OF THE LEGO 09/25/2002 23:31:09 GMT
   Good luck to All the teams on the planet, and hope to communicate soon. E-mail me soon.



6. Message by: 09/24/2002 17:43:18 GMT
   Deleted



7. Message by: pathfinder 09/24/2002 17:46:22 GMT
   My name is Florian!What are your names?



1. Message by: 7Croomz 10/05/2002 19:51:42 GMT
   dear florian my name is marcus. i come from denmark in a little town called billund, you know where lego is! on my team is 7 kids and 3 mentors. how meny are you on your team? nice to hear from you
   
   all the best from marcus.



8. Message by: cyberkidz 09/26/2002 11:52:45 GMT
   good luck everybody in the fll wish everyone the best of luck and do your own schools proud.and make sure you also study for your EXAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



9. Message by: Fuzion 09/26/2002 16:46:15 GMT
   *wipes sweat off face* O yes, exams nearing, in fact, three days away from now.... *feels the exam aura looming towards her* Oh well, good luck to you all! Make sure all of you do well and get into good classes (yes yes, the KIASU syndrome *lol*)! :D
   
   All the best for whatever reason!



10. Message by: WO-BOT Jr. 10/01/2002 21:42:19 GMT
    and a good luck to you to Mind stormers!



11. Message by: Caps Lock 10/07/2002 12:57:36 GMT
    hey guys. gd luck to all anyway. wellz i'm frm a new team with TOTALLY no experience so i hope i can get some friends here. can anyone email me?? pullleassse? haha. i sound desperate. *lame* .... anyway i really hope to make friends with some of you guys. yea so chill!



12. Message by: Dynamic Drivers 10/22/2002 20:50:18 GMT
    may I ask some Q's about Germany? It is for our research.
    
    Q 1) Is there a major river in Berlin?
    2) There are severe chemical problems in Berlin's rivers right?
    Q 3) HOW ARE YA DOIN?



13. Message by: Dynamic Drivers 10/22/2002 20:53:48 GMT
    I hope you find some most pleasing friends, Caps Lock. I myself is looking for that very thing, and info on Germany of course. :) ;) :0 :* :(><)



14. Message by: Phantom Gladiators 10/26/2002 15:17:30 GMT
    GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!



15. Message by: Harlemites 10/26/2002 17:47:49 GMT
    Good luck to you too!We are also planing ow to build our robot to complete our mission.



16. Message by: Anqair Sirius 11/08/2002 10:47:50 GMT
    best of luck everyone!! hope u guys are okay with the research, and robot building and stuff.. we're starting to get the jitters already.. *shudder* the competition's drawing near! yikess!!



17. Message by: International Buddies 01/23/2003 23:17:26 GMT
    Good Luck To All Teams!!!!!

1. Message by: Inverse Kinematics 10/15/2002 21:55:32 GMT
   Greetings Citizens. Legos are cool. This competition is cool. I hope everyone emerges triumphant in one way or another



1. Message by: Inverse Kinematics 10/15/2002 21:56:49 GMT
   Is anyone out there? I am recieving no response.



2. Message by: Golden Tigers 10/17/2002 14:03:07 GMT
   B!@#$ you need to get a life on the real



3. Message by: tracers 11/12/2002 23:31:44 GMT
   Hey, we were all wondering about this one thing. Are we alound to use string? We aren't for sure but we would like to know. Thanks!



1. Message by: C&W Urban Knights 12/20/2002 14:32:09 GMT
   There are about a hundred places on the North American forum that say yes, you are allowed to use string, if it is Lego string. Ok maybe only 7 or 8 places.



1. Message by: International Buddies 01/23/2003 23:22:14 GMT
   You are still not allowed to use string peroid.



2. Message by: International Buddies 01/23/2003 23:20:36 GMT
   You are not allowed to use strings.



4. Message by: CLS 12/04/2002 23:01:48 GMT
   ya, it's are first time, too. We'll keep our fingers crossed if you keep your's crossed, k?



5. Message by: CLS 12/04/2002 23:02:37 GMT
   no, you're not allowed to use string.



6. Message by: International Buddies 01/23/2003 23:23:08 GMT
   Hey Ms.Brown, please make other teams lose

1. Message by: Pumas 11/08/2002 16:20:52 GMT
   Thank you for your support. My teem will need it..... On behalf of South Meadow School I wish that it will be a nice tournment!
   Have fun, and enjoy! :)

1. Message by: Flaming Phoenix 10/05/2002 05:10:12 GMT
   Team work and coaporation.Also, sometimes it is really boring with the programming.We have also had problems with dropping robots!BOOOOOM!!! Are you starting a team in Alaska? Where, if so?
   E-mail me at mkotten@attbi.com
   
   Matthew Kottenstette



1. Message by: Tsimpsean Dragons 10/18/2002 01:28:00 GMT
   hello Matthew! we have a team in alaska now...Anchorage! yay! actualy two..i think *looks puzzeled* maybe even more! i'm sorry i can't answer your technecal questions...
   
   Jessica .L.



2. Message by: Tsimpsean Dragons 10/18/2002 01:41:34 GMT
   our team will win so why even try to compete with us



1. Message by: Arctic Wolfpack Robotics Team 10/18/2002 20:06:02 GMT
   GROW-UP



3. Message by: Mecha Moose 10/23/2002 00:35:18 GMT
   Yes, we are starting a team in Palmer, AK. I'm sure that no one in our robotics team is going to quit this year!



4. Message by: 10/23/2002 00:36:01 GMT
   Deleted



5. Message by: 10/23/2002 00:40:20 GMT
   Deleted



6. Message by: 10/23/2002 00:40:21 GMT
   Deleted



7. Message by: 10/23/2002 00:41:11 GMT
   Deleted



8. Message by: 10/23/2002 00:41:51 GMT
   Deleted



9. Message by: 10/23/2002 00:42:10 GMT
   Deleted



10. Message by: 10/23/2002 00:43:08 GMT
    Deleted



11. Message by: Mecha Moose 10/23/2002 00:43:32 GMT
    The Mecha Moose will win, everyone else, eat megablox.



12. Message by: Mecha Moose 10/23/2002 00:44:45 GMT
    go play with mega blocks



13. Message by: Mecha Moose 10/23/2002 00:44:54 GMT
    hey, kyle, :-)



14. Message by: 10/23/2002 00:45:22 GMT
    Deleted



15. Message by: 10/23/2002 00:45:24 GMT
    Deleted



16. Message by: Mecha Moose 10/23/2002 00:46:30 GMT
    good luck, team!!!!!!



17. Message by: Girdwood 1 10/29/2002 01:52:16 GMT
    Hey guys, what up. We got all our set up. The windmill was kinda hard to figure out, but we got it. You have to wind it to the left for the brake to work. See Ya



18. Message by: polar bears 10/31/2002 22:11:18 GMT
    I HAVE PLANS TO GET 192 POINTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



19. Message by: debugs 11/22/2002 22:59:56 GMT
    Hi all! We're a team in Anchorage, and newbies also. Hi!



20. Message by: debugs 11/25/2002 02:31:26 GMT
    Well polar bears, don't we all have plans to get an amazing number of points?



21. Message by: 11/28/2002 09:00:23 GMT
    Deleted



1. Message by: Mecha Moose 11/30/2002 01:09:26 GMT
   do you live in alaska?
   
   cuz if you did, you'd know that its the end of November and we still don't have snow, so we can't be very cold hearted!



22. Message by: Girdwood 1 12/14/2002 00:50:36 GMT
    Hey, what-up, anyone having problems with the consistencey of the robot's performance of the program? When we don't change anything on the program and it still doesn't do the same thing each time. If so how do you acommidate it?
    
    G-Wood

1. Message by: 10/31/2002 22:08:57 GMT
   Deleted

1. Message by: 10/31/2002 22:16:49 GMT
   Deleted



1. Message by: Alvin Technos 11/12/2002 16:14:41 GMT
   Wuz up? I'm not even 4m this state but I want some info on the tornament, seeing its the first time we're doin it. On the obstacle course, are you supposed to go through the river?? by the way, I'm Cammie Nikkie 4m Alvin, Texas. Write me!!



2. Message by: polar bears 11/20/2002 02:51:56 GMT
   nothing how are you guys doing?



3. Message by: debugs 11/22/2002 07:06:16 GMT
   Hi all, we're a team from Alaska, based in Anchorage. How are you all? What's up?



1. Message by: Mecha Moose 12/04/2002 03:03:35 GMT
   We're good!! We are from Palmer,AK. We will meet u at the compition! ha ha ha! :)



4. Message by: The Sages 02/12/2003 21:31:23 GMT
   Our team is the best because we said so!

1. Message by: Mindstorms Mayhem 10/11/2002 21:54:12 GMT
   Yes, you can readily stack a touch sensor with either another touch sensor, or
   with a light sensor.
   
   If you stack two touch sensors (which means to place them both on the same
   input port, one on top of the other), then the software will register a "press"
   if either sensor is pressed. Note that the software cannot tell which is which,
   but it may be that it only makes sense for one of them to be pressed at any
   given time. For example, if you have a touch sensor on a front bumper of
   your robot, and a touch sensor on the back bumper of your robot, it would
   normally only be likely for the front touch sensor to be pressed when moving
   forward, or for the back one to be pressed when moving backwards. In this
   way, even though the software cannot tell which is pressed, it may be able
   to make an excellent guess based upon the context. Other more complicated
   situations can be thought up by creative students!
   
   Alternatively, a touch sensor can be stacked on a light sensor. Treat the
   sensor as a "light sensor" in the software. (Either RIS or Robolab.) When
   the touch sensor is open (not pressed), the value of the sensor is that of
   the light sensor. When the touch sensor is pressed, the value of the sensor
   will be 100. While the touch sensor is pressed, there is not any way to tell
   how much light is present, so one better plan to not rely on the light value
   while the touch sensor is pressed! Note that if one were to ever receive a value
   of 100 from the light sensor would botch up this arrangement, as the very bright
   light would be interpreted as the touch sensor being depressed! However, I have
   only seen values of 100 from the light sensor when it was pointed directly at a
   bright light source (such as a light bulb or the sun.)
   
   --ken
   Team 1265 Coach
   
   --ken

1. Message by: Baxter 09/26/2002 20:05:37 GMT
   It opened 9/13 - Go to www.arkansaslegoleague.org and follow the links for State Tournament Registration



1. Message by: LegoHounds 09/27/2002 17:56:24 GMT
   Attn: Baxter
   
   We tried to find your link at the Ark. wesite, but were unable to find access to registration. I left Jayme Patterson a voice message to call me, so we can get registered. Please help....
   
   Thanks, Trent (LegoHounds)



2. Message by: Home Is Cool 09/27/2002 21:24:31 GMT
   The www.arkansaslegoleague.org site doesn't list any registered teams as of yet. We got on the list of those that applied for this state tournament by going to www.register4fll.com, Team Login. Team Information. Continue.
   
   Choosing the link for "Click here to apply for State Tournament". This will add you to the list that you can see under Teams and Tournaments. USA, Arkansas.
   
   I don't know how they will determine who get's to participate if there are more than 70 teams. However, now there are only 28 that have applied in this fashion.
   
   Jeffery Jones
   Coach
   Home is Cool

1. Message by: LegoHounds 09/29/2002 21:01:11 GMT
   Hello we are from Newport,Arkansas and we would like to say good luck to all the teams in the Mountain Home Competition. We are sure that this year will be very hard since we have all improved.We would like it if you all we send some info about your team.



1. Message by: LegoHounds 09/29/2002 21:01:46 GMT
   The Newport,(Arkansas) Lego Hounds would to wish the Arkansans good luck in the tournaments this year.I'm sure it would be very hard to beat each other because we all improved.



2. Message by: Vilonia Eagles 10/04/2002 02:21:32 GMT
   Hi good luck to ya'll 2.



3. Message by: 10/04/2002 02:24:22 GMT
   Deleted



4. Message by: B.O.B. 10/09/2002 09:56:57 GMT
   Good luck to all of you in Arkansas. For the last 2 years we had come to your events and really enjoyed them. But Texas finally is having some competitions so we get to compete in our home state. We'll miss going to your event, but are very excited about finally having something closer to home.
   
   Best of luck! And thanks for all the past FLL memories.
   
   Susan
   Team BOB



5. Message by: Techno-Tigers 10/14/2002 21:52:07 GMT
   Techno-Tigers would like to know if there is a time limit on
   the research presentation?
   
   
   Thanks,
   West Fork Techno-Tigers



1. Message by: Eco-Nuts 10/14/2002 23:14:30 GMT
   You will have to check with the tournaments you are attending. Ask them directly using the e-mail for each tournament.
   
   Dave Kolberg
   Eco-Nuts



6. Message by: Vilonia Eagles 11/01/2002 23:57:06 GMT
   Explain how the gate works. How is the gate positioned on the table? How do we get the buildings stacked? What happens if we knock over a structure? How does the food loop things work? Please answer our questions so that we don't look dumb at the tournament. LOL!!! : )



1. Message by: Harris 11/02/2002 00:00:57 GMT
   Read the rules:
   http://www.firstlegoleague.org/scripts/webx.dll?14@@.ee9451c
   
   Read the FAQ:
   http://www.firstlegoleague.org/sitemod/design/layouts/default/index.asp?pid=10390
   
   Read all the posts on this forum, especially the folders 'Rules and Mission Questions' and 'Equipment Questions'.
   After doing all that you will not look dumb at the tournament.

1. Message by: LegoHounds 10/01/2002 01:55:15 GMT
   Hi I am Caleb we are the Legohounds from Albright Elementary in Newport,Arkansas. We know where most of the teams are from because they are near us. We would also like to meet the other teams in the Mountain Home Competiton.



1. Message by: Manic Mechanics 10/03/2002 05:29:03 GMT
   Hi, I am Jeena Bittenbender and my son Justin White is on Coach Lundays team the Manic Mechanics also from Mountain Home.



2. Message by: Vilonia Eagles 10/03/2002 23:47:15 GMT
   Hi,
   We are the VTTs (Vilonia Tech Team). We are from Vilonia Middle School in Vilonia, AR. Vilonia is close to Conway. We wish you all the best of luck and have a lot of fun. Please contact us so we will get to know our competion.
   Sincerely,
   The VTTs



1. Message by: Conway City Kids 10/24/2002 02:40:24 GMT
   We are the Conway City Kids a home school team from the Conway area. I am the coach and would like to get all the local teams together for a practice competition the sometime the week of 11/18 - 11/22. Please reply if you are interested.



3. Message by: Lego Knights 10/11/2002 19:49:54 GMT
   Hello everyone we are the lego knights from Flippin. Wish everyone good luck!



4. Message by: Cleanup Crew 10/21/2002 20:48:30 GMT
   Hello to all!! We are The Cleanup Crew from Flippin Middle School. We have 10 team members and we are all in the 6th grade. We are a Rookie team with no one that has done this before. Things are going great so far with a lot of interesting ideas being generated by the kids. Now if we can just get the ideas from paper to the robot, we should be fine. The abilities of these children never cease to amaze me!! Good luck to everyone at the tournament!!
   
   Roger Leonard
   Cleanup Crew
   Team #1889



5. Message by: Freeks Anonomys 11/06/2002 22:16:55 GMT
   Hey yalls. Ain't yalls that state where...Bill Clinton was from?? I's a thankin' yalls did, eh? Well, thank ya.
   -Allie Ray *(this here team's CAPTAIn-o)

1. Message by: Eco-Nuts 10/16/2002 17:42:07 GMT
   The rules state that you can use any Lego piece this year. So stuff from last year are legal.
   
   Dave Kolberg
   Eco-Nuts



1. Message by: Gardner Magnet 10/30/2002 00:47:54 GMT
   Can ego pieces that are not part of ego mind storms be used?



2. Message by: Gardner Magnet 10/30/2002 00:51:00 GMT
   Oops...Ha Ha! Of course we meant Lego, not ego.



1. Message by: Eco-Nuts 10/30/2002 04:55:23 GMT
   Read the challange Q&A, the rules, and other discussions in this forum.
   
   Dave Kolberg
   Eco-Nuts



3. Message by: Gardner Magnet 10/30/2002 00:52:25 GMT
   We're a rookie team and we wanted to know if there are any tutoring web sites we can visit to learn about programming our brick?



4. Message by: Baxter 10/30/2002 15:27:25 GMT
   Check out the Arkansas website - www.arkansaslegoleague.org
   for links

1. Message by: Baxter 10/23/2002 19:22:38 GMT
   Follow the link to the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce website. You should find alot more info there.



1. Message by: B.O.B. 10/25/2002 09:15:23 GMT
   Last year we stayed in Comfort Inn near the WalMart, it was nice and included a continental breakfast. The year before we stayed at Holiday Inn, were not impressed with that.
   
   For places to eat, the chinese buffet place was good, the mexican place behind Comfort Inn was just ok.
   
   The day after last year's competition one of our team members went up to Branson, MO. Got stuck in a big traffic jam there, too many tourists.
   
   There seems to be lots of antique shops in the general area. There was one place the sold homemade beef jerkey that tasted really good, but that was a few miles away. Mountain Home is not a big place, but very friendly.
   
   For things to do, if there's an Arkansas welcome station, you can probably pick up flyers there. I would also recommend a AAA tour book, if one of your team members is a member, you can get those for free.
   
   We won't be back this year, Texas is finally having competitions. Won't miss the 12 hour drive but will miss the very nice competition that Arkansas puts together each year.
   
   Anyway, if we were going back, I'd stay at Comfort Inn again.
   
   Susan
   Team BOB



2. Message by: Golden Geckoes 11/02/2002 18:26:59 GMT
   Hello I represent my team the Golden Geckoes from Mountain Home. I would say one of the better hotels here is the Ramada Inn. They have a wonderful facilty and staff. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool and is close to many shops and stores.
   
   Your friends,
   The Golden Geckoes

1. Message by: Eco-Nuts 10/25/2002 21:35:12 GMT
   You should ask FLL directly. It would just be an assumption on our part that the motor is the geared motor type that comes in the kit. Their are other motor types available and they may be allowed. Just e-mail Scott directly as it says in the rules to find out. He usually is very quick with an answer.
   
   Dave Kolberg
   Eco-Nuts

1. Message by: Baxter 10/28/2002 16:41:36 GMT
   In the past we have used double back tape to ensure the edges don't curl up but other than that the mat will not be adhered to the table.

1. Message by: Techno Winds 12/01/2002 05:20:01 GMT
   Yes, you can do anything in the base. The houses can be put together only if the pieces used are easy to take off and put on.

1. Message by: Mindstorms Mayhem 12/05/2002 00:15:41 GMT
   Cleanup Crew,
   
   Yes, you are right, it can be removed. The reference you are looking for is in the
   official Q&A. The quote you are looking for is below. The URL for all of the official
   Q&A rulings is below as well.
   
   [11-18-02]
   Q: If someone covers our market, can we ask the referee to remove
   it, by Rule 15?
   
   A: Yes.
   
   http://www.firstlegoleague.org/sitemod/design/layouts/default/index.asp?pid=10390
   
   --ken
   Coach, Team #1265, Mindstorms Mayhem



1. Message by: Cleanup Crew 12/05/2002 16:54:32 GMT
   Thanks!



2. Message by: Pi 12/06/2002 15:19:27 GMT
   I believe the answer is no to the original question. Please see attached email thread from Scott Evans.
   
   Les
   Coach of teams BTBAF & Pi
   
   copied email:
   
   Hi Les,
   
   If a given team leaves something of their own (a container, a projectile, a barrier, etc.) out on their own side on purpose, it stays there.
   
   All non-scoring items from the other field can be moved.
   
   The referee from a given side can move mission models (deliverable, retrievable, and static) from her own side only, and only if:
   
   1) Their own robot has touched the item
   2) The referee will not be earning the team points
   
   Hope this helps...
   
   Take care,
   
   Scott
   Scott Evans - evans@usfirst.org
   
   At 08:44 AM 11/24/02 -0500, you wrote:
   
   Dear Mr. Evans,
   
   The following rules clarification was posted in the Q&A section:
   
   [11-18-02]
   
   Q: If someone covers our market, can we ask the referee to remove it, by Rule 15? (the answer was yes...)
   My question is what if team B covers their own (Team B's) market? The consequence being that team A cannot then complete the 8x12=96 point mission.
   
   The way I interpret the [11-18-02] Q&A is that Team A can only request the referee to remove the object is if Team B covers Team A's market, but not if Team B covers Team B's market.
   
   Thanks for the clarification in advance.
   Les Grundman, Coach of Teams BTBAF & Pi



1. Message by: Cleanup Crew 12/06/2002 17:18:31 GMT
   Thanks for the clarification. That is kind of what I thought. I just didn't see any way that it would be possible for OUR referee to reach across to the other table and remove the cover. BUT since the rules were unclear and it is posted as a rule under Q&A and it is very clear in what it states, then we are going to work with that rule. I am instructing my kids to watch and ask referee to remove anyway based on the Q&A which is clearly stated. I still think they should have ruled against this tactic and I think they answered the Q&A question wrong!! Thanks again for forwarding their clarification.

1. Message by: Cleanup Crew 12/06/2002 17:22:52 GMT
   Just an opinion, but it is going to be 40 degrees today with sunshine and there will be a lot of melting. It is only supposed to be down to 31 tonight so travel should not be a problem. I don't think there will be any postponement in a tournament this size at this point.

1. Message by: JD Robotics 12/06/2002 05:04:11 GMT
   Safe driving to all of you in the icy cold regions of the U.S.

1. Message by: TeknoDevils 11/25/2002 16:39:25 GMT
   Teams should not be encouraged to cover the IR port with tape since it is against the rules.
   
   Some tourney directors have made house rules that allow the port to be covered. Check
   your tournament specific rules.
   
   A word of warning. What looks opaque to human eyes can be very transparent to IR light.
   Black electricians tape is one such material. It may as well be made of clear glass!
   
   Of course you can (and should?) cover the port with LEGO.
   
   -Skye Sweeney



1. Message by: C&W Urban Knights 11/26/2002 14:40:22 GMT
   We were encouraged to cover the IR port at a local tournament. I think perhaps our IR tower at home messed up the sensor on my camera. Others report messed up programs on robots from picture taking at tournaments. I hadn't seen anyone else on the forum mentioning it this year and wanted to give folks the heads-up.
   Joy



2. Message by: Traffic Jam 12/09/2002 21:44:09 GMT
   Our tournament director in Maine announced that covering the IR port with masking tape was the only variation from the official FLL rules. I didn't see anyone bothering, though. We didn't...
   
   What was repeatedly mentioned was that, during the actual competition heats, flashes and cameras that used IR for focusing should not be used.



3. Message by: Roboscorps 12/12/2002 22:22:26 GMT
   A few years ago, our robot was accidentally reprogrammed by another team just before competition. After that, our students did experiments trying to find out what material would prevent this. They were most successful with aluminum foil. So now, they have foil lined boxes that they store and carry their robot in.
   
   J. Melcic
   Roboscorps coach



1. Message by: TeknoDevils 12/13/2002 00:06:28 GMT
   Interesting!
   
   Last year we went to Maine, and the rules prohibited tape on the IR port. I
   remember at least one 'hit' from a camera at competition. All things change!
   
   Of course, you can build a shield from LEGO to cover the port. Or, if you are like
   my builders, you can hardly find the RCX let alone try to program it or (heaven
   forbid) try to change the batteries, so who needs a cover!
   
   At a local competition I helped to run last year, we allowed tape. The 'funny' thing
   was that we discovered that black electrician's tape is transparent to IR! Yes, we
   learned the hard way. The program and firmware was trashed from an excited parent.
   Duct tape with its metal film seems to do a good job even if it does leave a sticky
   mess behind.
   
   -Skye Sweeney



4. Message by: turbine twisters 12/14/2002 20:28:20 GMT
   I've verified that my video camera (Sony) will interfere with the robot during operation. The robot will get "confused" at certain points in the programs, especially when line following.
   
   I ran tests at our practice table. The robot would not work correctly while being filmed but worked fine the next cycle after I shut off the video camera. I did not check the flash problem but that is pretty obvious at a competition. Video recording is not obvious unless your looking real close around the tables (and above!).
   
   At one competition I saw the symtoms of interference during one of our rounds, but that was before I did the test....
   
   If the V cameras are on manual focus they "shouldn't" cause interference, but that is hard to verify. I'd like to see a ban on all filming in the competition area. Another note to be aware of: many of the new small digital cameras are capable of video recording!!!!
   
   My request is If you NEED to record the robot in action, do it at the practice tables.
   Also leave the RCX remote control at home, I've seen these at some pit tables!

1. Message by: FIRST Knights 09/17/2002 00:28:46 GMT
   We are a small Catholic School in North Charleston, SC. We started last year and did very well in the state competition. I can't say what is best to do, only what worked for us.
   First: Make sure to get both a technical person and a teacher involved. (I think best is at least 3 adults to keep the kids moving. I tried doing it at first without significant teacher input and it was really tough. I'm the engineer and I don't know how to work well with the kids in a semi-school environment. My wife, the teacher, is telling me to say the technical person is more important. Bottom line; both are crucial.)
   Second: Build all of the mission pieces so you know how big everything is.
   Third: We had everyone study the points available.
   Fourth: We tried to decide how many points we could get, with a good robot, then we worked from there.
   Fifth: Traditional brain storming. I presented rules from the adult business world and worked on this. (The kids did not like this at all, but I think it was a major key to our success.)
   Sixth: We split the kids up to start building the drive train, designing T-shirts, learn programming, working on the hypothesis. (I don't remember when we came up with a team name.)
   Always: Preach and practice KISS: "Keep it simple, stupid." If you want to do well, a robust design is what is needed. If you want to have fun, due to limited adult talent, go for fun and don't worry about the points. If the robot and the program belongs to the kids, you will be winners! Everyone at the state competition who had the right attitude won!
   
   Steve Kramp, coach and mentor, FIRST Knights



1. Message by: TrautCitySights 09/17/2002 05:51:51 GMT
   I agree with the comments above. My experience from last year is that it's key to split the kids up into small groups. In large groups the kids won't stay focused. As mentioned above it's key to have help. In my view an assistant coach is required. Again working in small groups - divide and conquor.
   
   I think it is also important to set the expectations with the kids. Have fun but also have the kids realize they are involved to learn about teamwork, robots, and programming. I also set the same expectation with parents.
   
   As Steve mentioned above we had the kids brainstorm what missions they wanted to complete and describe in words how they plan to accomplish the mission. It's helpful to point out potential problems so the kids can resolve problems.
   
   Once we built the base robot - again it needs to be robust we worked in smaller groups to program the missions we wanted to accomplish. This provides the kids with full access to the robot so they can iterate quickly on the program.
   
   Changes in light and surface can alter the sensors, motors, etc. and hence how the robot responds. We worked on a hard carpet and then later switch to the competition board only the find out the robot respond differantly.
   
   I live in Fort Collins so feel free to give a call if you have additional questions.
   
   Hope the rambling helps!!
   
   Rich Nash



2. Message by: Flaming Phoenix 10/05/2002 05:02:37 GMT
   I am not a coach but I have some seggestions.
   First, set up a schedual for times to work and have somebody bring a treat for every one every time.
   Second, Adapt the programming and construction to other subjects. Such like hockey, a moving "stick", or maybe music, make a tune to go along with the robot when it is victorius! It also helps to alternate on the programming because for most of the kids it is fun for a short period thenn really really boring, most kids like to build(atleast in my former groups).
   Also, to keep the kids interested have a break halfway through a long session to go play in the snow or play some sports.
   Having more than one parent helps a lot! On my teams we had some highschool kids come in and help out. They also made fun by making a sort of yearbook of the team. You know, funny pictures, stories, and more. Make it fun by puting funny sayings on the pictures.
   Last, don't jump in to fast. Get them interested with shorter sesions than gradually go to larger sections.
   What age group do you have. Please don't think I'm kidding about these things. I started a few new, older teams at my new school and have lots of experience! Thank,
   E-mail me at mkotten@attbi.com
   
   Matt Kottenstette

1. Message by: Flaming Phoenix 10/05/2002 05:06:48 GMT
   If you want to get involed with the FLL in Colorado there is a compitition every year in Fort Collins Colorado.
   E-mail me at mkotten@attbi.com
   
   Matthew Kottenstette



1. Message by: 10/31/2002 01:45:10 GMT
   Deleted

1. Message by: SMART 09/26/2002 02:41:28 GMT
   Hi Larry 3000.
   
   We attended last year and had a tough time at the competition but we are back in the game!
   
   There were over 50 teams at the competition. It was really exciting and a little overwhelming.
   
   Good luck and let us know if we can be of any help.
   
   Team SMART.....Stamford, CT



1. Message by: SMART 09/27/2002 23:38:05 GMT
   Hi Larri 3000!
   
   Most of our teammates have been at the competitions, so we might be vets. Last year there were around 50-60 teams. What school do you guys come from?
   
   Team SMART



2. Message by: Robots Under Construction 09/30/2002 19:46:50 GMT
   HI. We're a third year team of 5th graders. Tourney can be overwhelming, but it is done so well, that we really felt like winners just by being there.



3. Message by: torrington technics 10/02/2002 23:20:49 GMT
   HEY! my team is from torringiton, this will be our 3rd year. last year was fun, fun but crampt.



1. Message by: SMART 10/03/2002 21:30:26 GMT
   HI Technics. I'm on team SMART this is my 3rd year also. I know what you mean about being cramped. The deadline comes up so fast. Let me know if you want to bounce ideas.



4. Message by: CYBER STOKE 10/07/2002 14:56:19 GMT
   Hi fellow lego nerds we will kick ur ass



5. Message by: larri 3000 10/08/2002 02:58:49 GMT
   Thanks for the replies Everyone. Sorry for the delay responding. We're made up of mostly 5th graders from from Hanover Elementary in South Meriden, one 8th grader from Lincoln Middle, and one 6th and one 8th graders from Thomas Edison Magnet Middle in Meriden. Our two older teammates are getting some experience before moving up to the First Robotic Competition next year. Hopefully, for Team 228 "GUS" at Platt High School.
   
   We were wondering if state tournament bids went to lottery last year or did everyone get in? There are currently 4-5 rookie teams starting up in Meriden and we were wondering if we'd need to have a city tournament to compete for any state tournament berths. I just checked the CT tournament and it only shows 39 teams with about 7 days to go. Does everyone wait until the last minute to register?
   
   Being rookie teams is bad enough. If we need to put together a tournament too, that will really strain our resources. Oh well, I guess that's half the fun.



6. Message by: Blue Wizards 10/19/2002 04:19:55 GMT
   Hi guys were from wisconsin

1. Message by: The Metrobes 09/29/2002 20:55:50 GMT
   Hi Smart!
   If you figure out how to change the screen name, please let us know! We are listed as "hart" (a temporary name, also), but we are now known as The Metrobes. We'll be sure to keep in touch! Have you chosen Stamford for your research assignment? Are there any other Stamford teams that you know of?
   Can't wait to see you all again at the competition on December 8th!
   
   BEST OF LUCK,
   The Metrobes



1. Message by: SMART 09/30/2002 01:55:20 GMT
   Hi Metrobes,
   
   If you go to preferences under this message you can then change your name on the form and it changes your log-in name also.
   
   It is great hearing from you. We feel closely connected to your team for some reason. :-)
   
   All the best!
   
   team SMART

1. Message by: dolphins 09/28/2002 00:22:03 GMT
   Old Greenwich School - 4th and 5th grade is fielding two new teams this year (Dolphins - aka Lego Freaks, and the City Sabres). We got started a week ago and are having a blast. Any teams in the area want to do some trial matches?
   Coach Taggart



1. Message by: Tri-Valley Bulldogs 10/05/2002 19:43:38 GMT
   hi



1. Message by: SMART 10/23/2002 21:12:54 GMT
   Would you like some help?.
   
   :)
   
   SMART Stamford,USA

1. Message by: dolphins 10/28/2002 22:43:33 GMT
   I am just learning about the possibility of a cut which was not apparent earlier (it seemed to be based on a first come basis). What is the story?
   Does anyone know how many teams are in Fairfield county? Should we have a county tournament also?
   Dick Taggart
   Old Greenwich, CT



1. Message by: Lords of the Legos 10/29/2002 03:17:10 GMT
   I am under the impreession that there will be a computer based lottery to determine the 50 teams in the tournament. As I understand it, there are 91+ teams enrolled inthe tournament so that about 50% of the teams will go to the tournament in New Britain.
   
   I do not know when the lottery will be.
   
   I know that there is some talk of a tournemant in Meriden but am not sure how far along that is.
   
   Jack Braddock
   "Lords of the Legos" Coach



1. Message by: Bolton Center School 10/31/2002 22:20:57 GMT
   The lottery was already held. If you didn't get an email by now, chances are you were not cut. One of my teams made it, the other didn't.
   
   You might want to email Elizabeth Daniels for more information at FLL. That's who the email came from notifying us of the cuts.
   
   Coach Vicki,
   Bolton Center School



2. Message by: SMART 11/05/2002 21:25:00 GMT
   Could you give us a copy of the cut letter your other team got. Because we didn't get one and we just want to be sure. Thanks for the info.
   
   SMART Stamford USA



2. Message by: thunderbirds 10/30/2002 01:25:13 GMT
   Is anyone aware of other local tournaments?
   
   We didn't make the lottery cut for this year's tournament...
   
   Jim Gaston
   South Windsor
   galaxyjim@hotmail.com



3. Message by: larri 3000 10/30/2002 20:01:30 GMT
   The rumor of a tournament in Meriden is not entirely true. I posted several question in the CT folder earlier. One of those postings had mentioned that we are all rookie teams in Meriden and we heard from some other veteran teams that the State tournament berths went out by lottery due to the number of teams trying to get into the tournament in previous years. So we coaches had agreed informally at a meeting, that we would pool any state tournament berths our teams received and would hold our own local tournament with the highest scoring teams getting to use the state tournament berths. This will only happen if, A) we get any tournament berths, B) not every Meriden team gets a berth. If we do hold a tournament, we may allow other teams in under the same rules. If you want to join the local tournament, your team automatically grants any tournament berths to the local tournament pool and may the best teams win. I am not the coach who was trying to organize this tournament, but I can certainly bring any requested to his attention. Like I said in that previous posting, as rookie teams and coaches we already have enough on our plates. Organizing a local tournament is a lot of work if we don't need it to advance to the state tournament. Please note, we would love to hold a fun / informational tournament in the spring after the state tournament. We really want to get other schools and groups to form teams in this area. The more the merrier. Good Luck Everyone.
   
   Arthur Dutra
   Coach Team 1386 Larri 3000
   Meriden



4. Message by: Longwood Robotics 11/02/2002 03:46:02 GMT
   Hi, can you tell me how to get in touch with Elizabeth Daniels? I would like to know if my teams made the tournament.
   Thanks
   
   Trish Poggio
   Longwood Robotics



5. Message by: City Sabres 11/12/2002 04:48:14 GMT
   The Old Greenwich School City Sabres and Lego Freaks are planning on hosting a tournament on either 12/12, 12/13 or 12/14. This will be a FUN and INFORMAL tournament (team coaches will act as judges if necessary). We will only have enough time for a robotic competition (around 4 hours - including time for pizza) - no team research presentations. Both of our teams are made up of fourth and fifth graders, so we would prefer (although not absolutely) that we compete with the same age group. While we are putting together the logistics, if you are interested, please respond to the 2 e-mail addresses below, with your team name, availability for 12/12, 12/13 (either of these nights would be from 5:00 to 9:00) 12/14 (8:00 to 12:00) and your ability to provide a table. We will look to take the first 8 teams that respond - the tournament will be in 2 or 3 rounds, but each team would have at least 4 matches.
   
   The location is being finalized (there remains a chance that the location falls through, but we remain confident). Our goal is to firm-up location and participants over the next several days.
   
   Burt Hilton (City Sabres) hilton@optonline.com
   Dick Taggart (Lego Freaks) dicktaggart@earthlink.net



6. Message by: Lords of the Legos 11/26/2002 13:47:36 GMT
   Would like to hear from FLL teams from Meriden, Wallingford and Southington. Thinking about submitting information to the Record Journal reqarding the FLL concept and or tournment. I am the coach of Lords of the legos, would like to hear from other coaches regarding their teams, team names, how many kids, where the team has been meeting, how many helpers, etc. I do not work for the paper but thought it would make sense to try and get some information in, perhaps in the Monday home town page.
   Jack Braddock, john.braddock@snet.net



7. Message by: DoolittleDudes3554 11/19/2003 18:57:22 GMT
   Hello,
   
   I am one of the coaches for a new Cheshire First Team. We have just found out that we did not make the cut for the State Tournament. Although, we don't have our research project completed - we were working toward this tournament.
   We are really interested in participating in a tournament that you might have in Meriden.
   
   Cathy Hathaway cathy@remaxschool.necoxmail.com
   Doolittle Dudes03
   203-272-7417

1. Message by: Eco-Nuts 10/29/2002 16:52:25 GMT
   You can move the deliverables and your robot while it is in the base. The only rule is that the robot and it's deliverable must start totally inside the base.
   
   Dave Kolberg
   Eco-Nuts



1. Message by: Urban Chaos 10/30/2002 01:06:55 GMT
   Thanx a bundle



2. Message by: larri 3000 10/30/2002 20:06:20 GMT
   One of the other folders in the forum also said that the building which starts out in the flood plan can be retrieved to base and handled along with the other units which start in base. This was posted by someone who was a judge in previous years.



3. Message by: Urban Chaos 11/02/2002 21:46:14 GMT
   I have another question, with the modular housing, can you bring them all back to the base, and stack them there, and them put them into position???



4. Message by: larri 3000 11/04/2002 00:16:49 GMT
   Yes, that's what we're planning to do.



5. Message by: Urban Chaos 11/08/2002 01:18:47 GMT
   According to another discussion, you are aloud to retrieve the modular house in the flood plane, and then bring it to the base, and then stack, and then bring it by the robot to the market area.

1. Message by: larri 3000 11/04/2002 00:14:25 GMT
   Yes, anything that is retrieved back to base can be handled (stacked, loaded, etc) manually. Then the robot can be sent back out to deliver the objects. Check elsewhere in the forum for more info. To have an object get back to base some part of the object must pass the plane of the base. If the object doesn't make it back to base it will likely be removed by the judge.



1. Message by: Urban Chaos 11/08/2002 01:17:22 GMT
   Thank You!

1. Message by: larri 3000 11/09/2002 03:34:51 GMT
   I believe there is no limit to the number of presenters. The only limitation is a time limit. I thought I read somewhere that having more team members participate in the research project is looked upon favorably by the judges.



1. Message by: Mobots 11/11/2002 18:08:28 GMT
   I also don't think that it matters how many ppl u have, bu the judges like to see a lot of team spirit, and a lot of ppl participating.



2. Message by: Monroe Monkees 11/12/2002 22:14:21 GMT
   How long do we have to present our presentation, and also, where do we present it? Do we present it infront of the judges, or infront of the audience, or even at the competition? Please respond A.S.A.P.Thanks
   
   Monroe Monkees-Monroe, Connecticut U.S.A



3. Message by: Monroe Monkees 11/13/2002 00:43:32 GMT
   Is it manditory to use light and touch sensors on our robot?
   
   Monroe Monkees-Monroe, Connecticut U.S.A



4. Message by: larri 3000 11/13/2002 01:18:07 GMT
   No, you don't need to use any sensors if you don't want to. Based on our testing they sure can help if your planning on navigating by dead reckoning. All the robot designs we tested had drift, and other errors that seemed to change between runs. Very hard to get any decent success rate. But maybe you've got a great robot design. Good luck.



5. Message by: larri 3000 11/13/2002 01:25:41 GMT
   The time limit set by the rules is three minutes for your presentation. I haven't read the tournament rule package yet for the CT tournament. (it was just emailed to me) Some tournaments have a seperate room set aside where your team goes before the judges. (I don't think there are audiences in this style set up. Other tournaments have the judges move around from table to table in the pit area and conduct the research project there. Check your tournament package or contact the tournament coordinator listed on the tournament page. And finally, yes the research project is definately presented at any state tournament. Good Luck.



6. Message by: SMART 11/14/2002 00:15:12 GMT
   Freeks Anonomys if you keep being rude to the people on the forum, they will not ANSWER YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
   
   SMART Stamford CT USA

1. Message by: Voltage 12/09/2002 01:38:21 GMT
   when can he find out th final point settings for the tournament that was on December 8?



1. Message by: VCMS7 12/09/2002 17:23:06 GMT
   Greg Kane said he would be Emailing them to the team leaders at the end of this week.

1. Message by: ValleyRobots 09/16/2002 18:36:25 GMT
   http://www.firstlegoleague.org/sitemod/design/layouts/default/index.asp?pid=8070



1. Message by: Natural Learners 09/17/2002 17:03:04 GMT
   I have been unable to find the directions for the hinged gate. Does anyone know where I should look?
   
   Thanks.
   Steve Korzekwa



2. Message by: SharonA 09/17/2002 17:11:10 GMT
   Yes, go to the "Mission Models" page (North America > Challenge 2002 > Mission Models).
   
   --Jack Gregory



3. Message by: ilsgreen 09/22/2002 05:07:36 GMT
   Two orientation questions for the playing field:
   1) Is the raised bridge deck to be lowered on the part of the bridge that is farther away from base? It looks this way from the pictures, but confirmation would be wonderful.
   2) Is the lever at the bottom of the hinged platform supporting the toxic barrels closer to the river or the windmill?
   
   I don't have my playing field right with me as I ask this --it's at school. Perhaps the orientation may be marked on the mat, so I apologize if the answer is printed on the mat.
   
   Mark Beitz, Coach



1. Message by: ilsgreen 09/22/2002 05:22:51 GMT
   I found this for the bridge in a different section of the forum from Jack Gregory:
   
   It is written on the mat, where it says "Bridge Ramp and Top" on the left, and "Bridge Ramp" on the right.
   
   - MB



4. Message by: B.O.B. 09/22/2002 06:30:40 GMT
   One bit of warning about the playing field for this year, one of our mentors said the Windmill is a bit fragile. Make sure that the kids don't overwind it when they are testing everything out.
   
   Susan
   Team BOB



5. Message by: Team ? 09/23/2002 01:20:19 GMT
   Playing field and table.
   I made the table as outlined in the manual. The playing mat is too large for the table as outlined in the manual. In the directions it is 45 I 93 inches but the mat is larger. I assume you don't cut the mat and need to change the dimensions. Is this correct?
   David



6. Message by: SharonA 09/23/2002 04:15:18 GMT
   The table is really a 4x8 foot panel. With 2x4 borders, which are nominally 1.5 inches thick, subtract 3 inches from 48 x 96 and you get 45 x 93. That is where the dimensions come from. This *IS* the size of the table, plus or minus a quarter of an inch, at a tournament.
   
   So the bottom line is, if the mat is too big, just place the borders over it. If your borders are already attached, you should cut the mat.
   
   The question is, where to cut from? I think you need to inspect it, to see where 3M might have slipped up, but generally you want the Base area to be right up next to the wall on two sides.
   
   As Referee, I have been involved in cutting down mats at tournaments. It definitely happens. We don't grow tables at tournaments.
   
   It is a VERY good idea to try to practice on several tables. They are all different, and you have to make the robots tolerate differences. This is very true of lighting, but also almost everything else.
   
   --Jack Gregory



1. Message by: Team ? 09/23/2002 17:38:25 GMT
   Jack
   Thanks for the information and also the tip on the variations of tables. This is our firt year so tips like that really help.
   David Kerr



7. Message by: polaris k-12 09/24/2002 18:20:45 GMT
   I have been unable to read/open the files (#2 & 3) for the bridge mission model. I am trying to print them out so we can build it. Any ideas?



1. Message by: SharonA 09/24/2002 18:48:15 GMT
   You have to be more specific about what "unable to read/open" means. What message are you getting? These files worked fine for me, so I don't think it is the files.
   
   --Jack Gregory



8. Message by: RoboSquad 09/25/2002 00:42:09 GMT
   I have posted high resolution pictures of a complete table setup at http://www.embedinc.com/fll.
   
   This has two purposes. First, teams that haven't received their parts yet should be able to get a much better view of the playing field than then pitiful images provided by Lego. (If they only spent half the bytes on setup images instead of the stupid flash movies, we wouldn't have this problem). Second, I'm sure that if we made a mistake someone will spot it. Please let me know or post a message here and I will try to update the images.



1. Message by: The CM's 09/28/2002 14:49:35 GMT
   Looks like our set-up. Great pictures - much better and very easy to access. Much better than from FIRST. Thanks.



2. Message by: P.E.A.C.H. 1 10/01/2002 18:35:29 GMT
   I saw your site referred to in another folder. I'm glad I found your original message because I wanted to say thank you. Our rookie team appreciates you sharing it very much.



3. Message by: Lakers 10/04/2002 16:26:20 GMT
   Thank you so much!



4. Message by: cranium 10/04/2002 21:46:30 GMT
   Great Photo's! Thanks.
   
   Can you do one more? Could you take an overhead photo?
   
   Last year there was a graphic of the table viewed from above that was perfect for making "Mission Planning" sheets for the kids (if anyone is interested, the Word file is at http://home.earthlink.net/~jimsluka/Mission_Planning_2001.doc 155KB). I haven't been able to find a similar graphic for this year. (The image in the flash intro looks like it would work but I can't find the image itself.)
   
   We gave the mission planning sheets to the kids to work out the sequence of events on. We then had them "pseudo-code" directly on the sheets before trying to actually program the 'bot. Things like "right-hand wall follow until black line", "lift arm up", "turn around", ...
   
   There is a tiny image in the mission descriptions but it is too small to be of use. If anyone knows where a suitable image (photo or line drawing) of the table is located please let me know.
   
   Thanks and good luck!



1. Message by: RoboSquad 10/04/2002 23:49:14 GMT
   

   Can you do one more? Could you take an overhead photo?

   
   
   I don't have an easy way of getting the camera directly above the table. Someone else posted a drawing or picture of the mat here a few weeks ago.



5. Message by: Panther Planners 10/06/2002 17:32:41 GMT
   Wow! Your pictures helped me double-check our table. What a great idea!
   
   How important is the black border in the challenge? I didn't paint ours and wanted to know if it was really critical to be black for practice purposes.
   
   Thanks again for the great pictures!!!



1. Message by: Eco-Nuts 10/07/2002 18:30:16 GMT
   Some teams use the light sensor to sense the black border. Using other colors or no paint at all would not show up the same as the black border to the light sensor. If your team is not using the black border for sensing, then it should not matter. One other effect to the black border is to keep down the reflected light from the room. Black absorbs more of the light and does not reflect it down to the mat and change the light level on your light sensor used to sense lines on the mat. Again may or may not effect your robot.
   
   Dave Kolberg
   Eco-Nuts



1. Message by: SharonA 10/07/2002 19:04:29 GMT
   I have been to official, state tournaments and the table walls were not painted. I wouldn't rely on this myself. A touch sensor is a much better way to detect a wall...
   
   --Jack Gregory



9. Message by: Robo-conqueror 09/25/2002 08:04:29 GMT
   These are very good images - thank you!



10. Message by: SMART 09/26/2002 02:53:19 GMT
    Hi there,
    
    i think that the lever for the toxic barrel is closer to the river.
    
    team SMART - Stamford, CT



1. Message by: RoboSquad 09/26/2002 16:56:59 GMT
   I'm not sure whether you were referring to my pictures (you started a new thread), but I checked and the barrel arm was indeed in the wrong place. It should be flush with the end of the barrel rack, not one unit in as it was before. I've added a corrected picture to http://www.embedinc.com/fll.



11. Message by: Team Tiki 09/27/2002 18:14:35 GMT
    When the bridge deck is closed, should it fit nicely with the ramp it is not attached to? Mine has a bit of a drop off...
    
    Also-- In the bridge ramps I have a gray square (center, 2nd row from top) that is supported on only one side. (If it is pressed, it falls in.) Problem or normal? Team Tiki Jackie Keith



1. Message by: Thunder Bolts 09/28/2002 03:26:13 GMT
   Our team made the same mistake building. The gray covering squares were all shifted down by one because the attach point at the top was one hole off. The instructions are correct, check the squares and connection points carefully. We had 3 kids build the bridge sections all 3 make errors with the plates. Build carefully
   
   Laura - Thunder Bolts coach



12. Message by: Eco-Nuts 09/27/2002 18:50:45 GMT
    Team Tiki,
    Need more detail on your problem. However, the bridge is very solid and should not have any portion that when pressed it falls. It is intended to support the weight of a robot to cross the water. The instructions are not the easiest to follow but if you follow them closely it will produce a solid bridge.
    
    Dave Kolberg
    Ecco Nuts



1. Message by: Team Tiki 09/27/2002 19:03:05 GMT
   More details--
   I have attached two bridge photos-- 1 of the closed edge and one of the square lacking support. Two different people made the bridge ramps and had the same result, so I'm not sure where we went wrong...--Jackie Keith Team Tiki



1. Message by: SharonA 09/27/2002 21:03:45 GMT
   We had this problem. The problem is the long beams are attached at the SECOND hole at the hinge, not the first hole. This causes the deck squares to be off by one, and you get that unsupported center piece. Look at the outer hinge pin joints carefully and then at the instructions. You will have to completely rip the deck up. The lowest ramp deck pieces overhang by 4 studs.
   
   --Jack Gregory



2. Message by: Team Tiki 09/27/2002 19:03:38 GMT
   Photo 2



1. Message by: Eco-Nuts 09/27/2002 19:46:31 GMT
   Problem one is that the portion of the bridge that closes does not have the large gray blocks on it. Take the portion of the bridge that closes and lay it down flat ("road" side down). Look at the black construction pieces. This should look like the last page (14) in the Bridge_1of4.pdf. Page 10 of Bridge_2of4.pdf also shows a picture of the underside. Look carefully and this. Your bridge should look identical. Page 3 of Bridge_4of4.pdf shows the same for the other half of the bridge. these photos may help in the diagnosis of your problem.
   
   Good Luck
   Dave Kolberg
   Ecco Nuts



2. Message by: RoboSquad 09/27/2002 21:02:43 GMT
   That's definitely not right.



13. Message by: Blue Wizards 09/28/2002 15:36:20 GMT
    Dear RoboSquad, Great job on the pictures. All of FL should thank you for your efforts. I found one setup problem on our table thanks to your willingness to share information. Good luck at your Regional and State competition. See you at Nationals! Cheers, Blue Wizards



14. Message by: Team Tiki 09/30/2002 15:48:55 GMT
    That's what we did wrong! Thanks-- what a difference 1 hole makes...



15. Message by: cranium 10/04/2002 20:49:08 GMT
    Great Photo's! Thanks.
    
    Can you do one more? Could you take an overhead photo?
    
    Last year there was a graphic of the table viewed from above that was perfect for making "Mission Planning" sheets for the kids (I've attached the Word file we used). I haven't been able to find a similar graphic for this year. (The image in the flash intro looks like it would work but I can't find the image itself.
    
    We gave the mission planning sheets to the kids to work out the sequence of events on. We then had them "pseudo-code" directly on the sheets before trying to actually program the 'bot. Things like "right-hand wall follow until black line", "lift arm up", "turn 180", ...



16. Message by: cranium 10/04/2002 20:59:51 GMT
    Great Photo's! Thanks.
    
    Can you do one more? Could you take an overhead photo?
    
    Last year there was a graphic of the table viewed from above that was perfect for making "Mission Planning" sheets for the kids (I've attached the Word file we used). I haven't been able to find a similar graphic for this year. (The image in the flash intro looks like it would work but I can't find the image itself.)
    
    We gave the mission planning sheets to the kids to work out the sequence of events on. We then had them "pseudo-code" directly on the sheets before trying to actually program the 'bot. Things like "right-hand wall follow until black line", "lift arm up", "turn around", ...
    
    There is a tiny image in the mission descriptions but it is too small to be of use. If anyone knows where a suitable image (photo or line drawing) of the table is located please let me know.
    
    Thanks and good luck!



1. Message by: Cool City Slickers 10/04/2002 21:45:18 GMT
   I can't open your attachment. Can you attach it again in a different format? Thanks.
   
   Mark
   Cool City Slickers of VA



1. Message by: cranium 10/06/2002 22:03:39 GMT
   Sorry, the attachment was huge and didn't work right. You can download smaller versions from;
   http://home.earthlink.net/~jimsluka/Mission_Planning_2001.doc
   or
   http://home.earthlink.net/~jimsluka/Mission_Planning_2001.pdf



17. Message by: Eco-Nuts 10/04/2002 21:44:10 GMT
    See other post on this subject:
    
    http://www.legoleague.org/scripts/webx.dll?14@@.ee94851/8
    
    Dave Kolberg
    Eco-Nuts



18. Message by: Lego Knights 10/09/2002 05:11:11 GMT
    are team is just about done with or playing field, and we do not have enough single/double connectors (black) not the single/double-bar (black) am I missing something. It calls for over 20 for the market. HELP!



19. Message by: Sherrod1 10/14/2002 05:34:25 GMT
    Did anyone else end up with extra parts?
    My team finally finished the bridge and the tower. In the bottom of our parts box, I find several 12-nub "beam" bricks, pins, 2 black axle rods, and other assorted parts. Although the kids on my team seemed very able to independently follow the directions for most of the models, I am now worried that some may be incorrectly built.
    -Sean Williams, coach
    --Sherrod Robo-Panthers
    ---Palmer, Alaska



20. Message by: Eco-Nuts 10/14/2002 19:30:22 GMT
    Most of the time you will have left over pieces as they tend to make sure you have enough parts.
    
    Dave Kolberg
    Eco-Nuts



21. Message by: Tiger Sharks 10/17/2002 22:34:41 GMT
    These questions relate to the playing field. Is it permissible to create a hinged/folding table? A rigid 4 x 8 sheet of plywood with 2 x 4 borders and a lighting fixture will be difficult to transport unless the team has a large construction van! Is is permissible to fully assemble the table at tournament sites?
    
    R. Pelosi
    Tiger Sharks
    Hidden Oaks Middle School



1. Message by: SharonA 10/18/2002 03:46:20 GMT
   Yes. As long as you take care to ensure that the joints are even, it should be OK. But it is not strictly official.
   
   --Jack Gregory



2. Message by: Eco-Nuts 10/18/2002 22:15:52 GMT
   You are not required to bring your table to the tournament. Many tournaments have a practice table as well as the tournament tables available. You may want additional practice for specific missions, this can be done with the mat and a portion of the 2x4 depending on how you use the wall. You can usually find a flat spot to place you mat on and practice as you need. I wouldn't recomend keeping is set up for long periods of time, but in emergencies is quite handy. Also most of the pits only give you a small table to use for your setup (not nearly big enough for the practice table).
   
   Dave Kolberg
   Eco-Nuts



22. Message by: Nettle Knights 10/22/2002 20:35:01 GMT
    Hi, My table from last year has a 45 x 93 playing field. I was pleasantly surprised when I rolled out the mat for this year to find that it fit just right. I'm not sure why any trimming of the mat would be needed at all.
    
    Mike



23. Message by: LIRC 11/08/2002 06:49:26 GMT
    Dual Lock Template - Last year someone painstakingly figured out how to cut the Dual Lock to adhere all componants effectively with no waste. Has anyone come across this problem or done such an excersize? It saved us alot of time last year.



1. Message by: Eco-Nuts 11/08/2002 15:36:50 GMT
   This years directions eliminate that need. Just follow the directions, they are very specific about the size of dual lock for each table piece. If you must have one, here is one that I created using Visio.
   
   Dave Kolberg
   Eco-Nuts



2. Message by: ilsgreen 11/09/2002 00:04:36 GMT
   LIRC: Having written last year's template, I have a couple of notes for this year.
   1. There was more dual lock provided this year than last year in my kit. The two sheets I received were defiinitely bigger than last year's sheet.
   2. Two dads did the cutting for me this year while I coached two teams instead of just one. They did spend some time being efficient with the cutting by matching up similar cuts. After they were done, I still had close to a half sheet left over.
   I'm not sure if I still have what they drew up. If I come across that layout sheet in my stuff this weekend, I try to get it published. This is regional tournament weekend for my teams, so it won't be my highest priority.
   
   Dave, you might want to consider a more universal file format, as Visio isn't all that universal for the community. I had the same problem last year publishing a *.wmf (Windows metafile) picture last year. At some point, I think I even faxed Marie Hopper a copy since her Macintosh couldn't handle either the *.wmf or MS Word document containing the layout.
   
   Mark Beitz, coach



24. Message by: GMT
    

1. Message by: Eco-Nuts 09/17/2002 05:36:32 GMT
   The instructions show the nubs pointing down while the Missions show the nub up. Placing the food on the trees is easier if the nubs are up.
   
   Dave Kolberg
   Clay Cougars



1. Message by: C&W Urban Knights 09/17/2002 14:07:33 GMT
   Is anyone else missing parts for the elements? We are missing tree parts, green plates and black plates, and more. It was a huge collection of parts so I can see how mistakes were easily made. I tried to call Pitsco but the line was busy.
   
   Joy Collins
   C&W Urban Knights



1. Message by: Morton Magic 09/20/2002 16:06:06 GMT
   I thought I was missing parts too. Then I realized that when my kids were putting things together they weren't checking carefully to see that they were using the right parts. They were just so excited to get the kit and put things together that they weren't careful. For example, they would be using a 10 instead of a 12. Things like that. Hope this helps.



1. Message by: C&W Urban Knights 09/20/2002 19:20:14 GMT
   I carefully inventoried everything I thought we were missing and contacted Pitsco. They were very good and determined that those parts are all in one plastic bag, except one, which may have rolled off. They are mailing that bag to me. They said I wasn't the only one who had some problem. Hey, the box says there are only 1308 pieces of which to keep track. Good luck to everyone on this building project. It helps to have a few LEGO maniacs around to decipher the diagrams.



1. Message by: C&W Urban Knights 09/29/2002 02:40:33 GMT
   We received the bag of parts that was missing this week. We have now been able to complete all of the props. Thanks Pitsco for correcting the problem so quickly. With these supplies our knights can now commence the quest.
   Joy Collins



2. Message by: 2575 09/30/2002 15:08:53 GMT
   We inventoried our kit when we got it, but there wasn't an inventory list for the board pieces. It would be nice to have in the future.



3. Message by: Cyberwarriors 10/03/2002 14:01:51 GMT
   We were missing the 6x12 base plate for the barrel rack I think it was, from every kit. We were missing about 12 different things from 1 kit, and we haven't gotten through the rest of the kits yet, but I expect there will be some missing there too. I haven't called Pitsco yet, but will.
   
   John
   Cyberwarriors



2. Message by: Central SpaceLab One 09/17/2002 16:55:43 GMT
   Rule 5)ALLOWABLE PARTS reads like we may add as many parts as we wish as long as they are factory-condition EGO parts. Is this correct? In the past we were limited to parts listed in the back of the Mindstorms books. Are we free to use thousands of parts?
   
   Jim McCarter
   Central Space Lab



3. Message by: SharonA 09/17/2002 17:13:57 GMT
   Jim: Yes. Any LEGO parts, the only restrictions are on the electronic ones.
   
   Joy: It is VERY unusual for them to miss a lot. They have incredible sorting ability. Check everything.
   
   --Jack Gregory



4. Message by: Junior M3 09/19/2002 02:14:59 GMT
   We seem to have the right parts but in different colors. Would that be possible??



5. Message by: 09/19/2002 14:25:51 GMT
   Deleted



6. Message by: SharonA 09/19/2002 16:04:16 GMT
   Yes, it is possible. What parts? In some cases, there are supposed to be different colors at tournaments, so maybe they sprinkled some stuff around.
   
   --Jack Gregory



7. Message by: Cybernautical Roboteers 09/23/2002 13:53:55 GMT
   Did you ever get a ruling on this? We just got our kit and assembled it. I agree with your question on the "nubs"
   Sue
   Cybernautical Roboteers



1. Message by: SharonA 09/23/2002 16:08:32 GMT
   I did get official word that the short "handles" on the tree branches should be pointing up. The building instructions are incorrect. This and other common questions should be posted by FLL soon.
   
   --Jack Gregory

1. Message by: TeknoDevils 09/19/2002 03:28:38 GMT
   I am the veteran coach memtioned here! If you keep the table horizontal at all times you do not need to glue the mat down. In my case, I had to store the table on its side and had to glue the mat down.
   
   This year I will simple staple the mat down along the edges and under the locations for the Dual Lock.



1. Message by: SharonA 09/19/2002 16:06:04 GMT
   I recommend not attaching it at all.
   
   --Jack Gregory



1. Message by: Aspire 09/21/2002 19:55:17 GMT
   We did not attach our mat last year even though our table was also stored vertically. However, this year I have already re-rolled the mat (this means that the design is on the outside of the roll) so the ends of the mat will want to rest on the table rather than stick up.
   Granted, living in a warm climate may have helped this problem.
   Lea Crawford
   Aspire #474
   Coral Gables (Miami), FL



2. Message by: The LRTS 09/19/2002 16:20:29 GMT
   Last year we used double sided carpet tape from Home Depot (ask for a donation !). It's very sticky and about 1.5 inches wide. We taped down the 4 ft. ends. The mat can be removed and re-applied without damage.
   
   Note that double sided scotch tape does not work well.



3. Message by: City Fire 09/20/2002 22:07:08 GMT
   I can understand the reasoning behind holding it down if you are storing it vertically. But if you can leave it flat I agree with the others that nothing is required. The material, though curly when it is received will flatten out in a few days (warmth helps to speed this along) and should stay nice and flat through the season. Plastics don't like things stuck to them. The carpet tape is about the best you'll find for an adhesive to this material but be sure to remove it at end of season... it can leave it's adhesive behind. Nasty.
   
   A note on Tables. I directed a tournament last year and found that several tables that came to the tournament were not built to specification. Not trying to be overly picky here but some of these robot programs are expecting walls to be within a certain number of 'ticks' away. The walls should be smooth because some robots butt up against and slide down them for accurate alignment during challenge runs. I suggest a bit of care in the construction of your tables.
   
   Good times!
   
   Ross Freeman



1. Message by: Traffic Jam 09/27/2002 20:34:52 GMT
   I agree with Jack Gregory of SharonA; there should be no need to tack it down. I built our table before we had the mat. Our kids would help me roll the mat out and then stow it at each session; in fact, toward the end they were doing all the setup and breakdown. There wasn't too much curl, and ours didn't delaminate, though it did get dented. This also meant our table is ready to use this year, with no glue or other adhesive remnants to remove or add bumps.
   
   i I directed a tournament last year and found that several tables that came to the tournament were not built to specification. Not trying to be overly picky here but some of these robot programs are expecting walls to be within a certain number of 'ticks' away. The walls should be smooth because some robots butt up against and slide down them for accurate alignment during challenge runs. I suggest a bit of care in the construction of your tables.
   
   Well, yes, it's important to build your table carefully, but rough wood or other minor defects are par for the real-world course. The 'bot should be adaptible or the kids should be. The fact is that even the mats can end up with slight variations, so you have to go with the flow.
   
   Obviously, your tournament may vary (ytmv). All the tables at ours looked good. But keep in mind that, while the rails are supposed to be "black", there are real spectral differences between flat black and gloss black and that in between. Then there's the fun of how overhead lighting might affect your team's 'bot...
   
   -Del Merritt, in a cool spot in Maine



1. Message by: Eco-Nuts 09/28/2002 04:19:24 GMT
   The official FLL table plans call out the wall to wall inside distances are 93" and 45" with +/- 1/8". You should be able to count on that. If a tournament table is not in spec it will have to be remade to be within spec. The robot should be designed to tolerate this +/- 1/8" but need not have to tolerate more. The lighting is also trying to be standardized and overhead lighting should be kept to that in the plans again. However, lighting for cameras and other things sometimes interfere and unfortionatly you should try to build your robot to tolerate the differences in light by shielding the light sensor as much as possible. the black was specified as flat black 2 years ago but was not specified last year nor this year.
   
   The mat is designed to fit under the round edges of the two by four so will stay down without any adhesive. We have coiled up our mat and stored it in the shipping tube. We never had a problem with curling.
   
   Dave Kolberg
   Eco-Nuts



1. Message by: SharonA 09/28/2002 16:02:50 GMT
   There is simply no way a table is going to be rebuilt at a tournament. When I show up, I measure the tables, and try to correct what is correctable, but I strongly recommend not relying on a tolerance of +/- 1/8 over 8 feet of possibly warped 2x4.
   
   Use the mat when you can. Use the walls as guides, but not precise positions.
   
   --Jack Gregory



2. Message by: 2575 09/30/2002 15:13:18 GMT
   Our mat arrived in somewhat sad shape. Somewhere while being delivered it something crushed part of the box and we have divots down the center of the mat.
   
   I'm hoping it gets better over time, but is the mat something that we can request a replacement for?



4. Message by: B.O.B. 09/21/2002 23:38:49 GMT
   We don't attach our mats either. We went through the 2001 challenge for review and then it was easy to roll out the 2002 mat. We saved the tubes they came in and store the mats in the tubes when we are not using them.
   
   Did anyone notice the 2002 mats are bit too big compared to last year's? The 2002 is a bit over the edge, while 2001 mats were a bit too short of the table width.



5. Message by: AMPA 09/24/2002 23:32:49 GMT
   WE did the same thing as B.O.B. from texas.



6. Message by: Mindblasters 09/25/2002 17:37:40 GMT
   My mat has bend lines in it...
   ...because the box it was shipped in was rather flimsy and it looked like someone stepped on it and squashed the whole roll. I've got the mat on the table now with another piece of plywood on top to try to smooth it out, but I'm concerned that this might not do the trick. Does anyone have any experience with bends in these mats? Will the lines eventually smooth themselves out? What else can I (safely) try? How will the lines affect robot performance? And do you think Pitsco would (or even could, at this point) consider a replacement?



1. Message by: Catlin Gabel 09/25/2002 18:03:22 GMT
   Ours was shipped the same way with the same result. Heat helps somewhat (like a hair drier) but be careful not to get it too hot least it delaminate or melt. Heat and time got about half of the creases out but we still have the problem. I hope next time they return to shipping these in a tube!



2. Message by: SharonA 09/25/2002 18:51:14 GMT
   I definitely would complain, and try to get a replacement. It is the only way that they will "fix" the problem.
   
   I assume you are speaking of "creases" that will not lie flat. You can use carpet tape to get these areas down.
   
   --Jack Gregory



3. Message by: Mindblasters 09/30/2002 15:31:10 GMT
   I called Pitsco and they are supposed to be shipping a replacement. I'll update when I actually receive it. They said that all mats are being shipped in the cardboard boxes as they have no tubes this year. The customer service rep also let on that there was an unspecified quantity of mats which got damaged as a group (before shipment!), but in order to make the tight shipping schedule, they were sent out anyway in the hope that they would be okay. They did manage to reorder an additional supply in anticipation of complaints, so if they make good on their replacement promise, I'll be happy. At least we have all the Lego pieces so the kids can begin planning and testing with those.



1. Message by: Mindblasters 10/05/2002 00:33:10 GMT
   Got the new mat yesterday - it's an improvement, but still has a few lines which I believe will eventually flatten out. Box had no obvious signs of crushing this time, but it's pretty obvious that next year they need to go back to tubes, even if it costs a little more.



1. Message by: B.O.B. 10/06/2002 05:21:58 GMT
   I agree, they should go back to the tubes. Our mat was ok, but the box is not going to hold up as well over time as the tube from last year.
   
   The material that the mats are made from is a bit on the fragile side and will "bubble" if bent. So it needs the extra protection of the tube for both shipping and storage purposes.
   
   I also agree that the only way they will know there are problems is if people let them know. So if you did receive a damaged mat, by all means, say something to them.



7. Message by: Eco-Nuts 09/25/2002 19:03:09 GMT
   We also received a mat that had creases in it. The problem with the creases is that it delaminates and leaves "bubbles" in the playing field that may interfere with the operation of the robot. We called and were told that the mats were supposed to be shipped in tubes like most got last year. We received a second mat and again it was not shipped in a tube and received with creases and delaminations on it. So shipping has not corrected their problem yet. So yes everyone should call up and complain because this is unacceptable. The mats need to be shipped in protective tubes to avoid being crushed in shipping. I agree that they will not "fix" the problem unless they know that there is a problem.
   
   Dave Kolberg
   Clay Cougars



8. Message by: AzTechs! 09/28/2002 19:36:01 GMT
   I used double-sided Scotch tape around the perimeter and
   diagonal strips spaced 18" or so across the middle.
   Worked well and was strong enough to stand up to storage.
   The only downside of this was when I had to move from
   indoors into a garage here in Oregon in November, the
   temp/humidity difference caused waves. I pulled up the
   mat, let it relax and stabilize, then re-pushed it down.
   No further problems.
   
   Suppose you could also use carpet tape but that seemed to
   wide and too sticky to me. The ~1/2" stuff from the local
   variety store worked just fine.



9. Message by: cranium 10/04/2002 00:20:31 GMT
   Staples under the duolock works well and lets you store the table on its edge AND lets you leave some of the parts mounted. It isn't difficult to remove the staples at the end of the season. You do need a pretty good stapler, not a generic paper stapler open out flat.
   
   Of course the bridge, windmill, construction site ... are pretty big and you may want to remove them when storing the table.



1. Message by: arctic dolphins 10/04/2002 05:43:06 GMT
   I haven't tried it yet, but your solution sounds best to me...thanks for sharing it.
   
   Robotic Dolphins, Eureka, CA



10. Message by: 10/09/2002 21:45:35 GMT
    Deleted



11. Message by: Cellbots 10/09/2002 21:50:51 GMT
    I heard a rumor abot not being able to velcro down the trees. Is this true? If it is can you please tell us how to fix it?



12. Message by: Eco-Nuts 10/09/2002 21:59:27 GMT
    No, read document doc_field_setup_2002_us.doc found in Challenge 2002 / Missions on the right side. It clearly explains:
    BUSHES AND TREES: Cut eight 1,5 x 1,5 cm squares of Dual Lock. Make and peel pairs, and use them to stick the two trees and two Bushes over their respective squares.
    
    So the trees and bushes are to be dual locked down.
    
    Dave Kolberg
    Eco-Nuts



13. Message by: lego lions 10/17/2002 23:15:25 GMT
    I don't think we're goin g to place our mat either. I think it would be bad if we did.



14. Message by: LIRC 11/08/2002 06:36:58 GMT
    Last year we used a 1" square piece of spare Dual Lock (included with the mat) in each corner to hold down the mat. This worked well and allowed us to remove it easily.

1. Message by: SharonA 09/19/2002 16:07:25 GMT
   What kits are you speaking of? The Challenge Sets, or the PLD robot sets? And what parts are in questionable colors?
   
   --Jack Gregory



1. Message by: torrington technics 09/22/2002 19:03:19 GMT
   can we use string thats made by lego?



1. Message by: B.O.B. 09/23/2002 19:31:56 GMT
   Yes we can. In the team guide book it shows the parts there are limits on. You can use all other peices.



2. Message by: DAWG ALUMNI 09/24/2002 02:32:03 GMT
   Does the color even mater?



3. Message by: AMPA 09/24/2002 23:24:50 GMT
   Can we use 4 moters but not at the same time?



4. Message by: Harris 09/24/2002 23:28:25 GMT
   The rules are very clear on this point - No.
   
   Here's the quote from the Official rules page:
   5) ALLOWABLE PARTS: The team may only use one robot in any match. One robot is defined as the sum of everything carried to the competition table, including the main body (the RCX and everything rigidly attached to it) and any intended add-ons, tethered units, satellites, projectiles, etc. The robot must be built entirely from LEGO elements in original factory condition, without restriction on type or quantity except as follows:
   
   --The robot may not contain any electrical parts other than: 1 RCX, 1 rotation sensor, 2 touch sensors, 2 light sensors, 3 motors, 1 lamp, and 6 wires.
   
   --The robot may not contain any non-LEGO materials or substances such as stickers, tape, glue, oil, etc.
   
   ( http://www.firstlegoleague.org/scripts/webx.dll?14@@.ee9451c )