|
My colleague, Jan Beyer has asked me to pass along word of something cool hes
working on.
As he works to help community build and spread even further in Europe, he was
thinking it might be fun to pull together an AFOL Mindstorms competition. Sorta
like a one-time First LEGO League for AFOLs.
If youre interested, the details are below. Wed love to hear you feedback and
ideas.
Jake
---
Jake McKee
Community Liaison
LEGO Community Team
Dear LEGO and Mindstorms enthusiasts,
As announced previously, we have have been thinking of doing an AFOL LEGO
Mindstorms tournament in the LEGOLAND Billund/Denmark. Now we are ready to plan
on an event.
Place: LEGOLAND Billund
Date: 2nd /3rd or 9th /10th April 2005 (wed like to hear your feedback which
day fits best for you) Minimum number of teams: 6 otherwise we will cancel the
tournament Minimum number of participants in each team: 3 persons
Last day for firm application: 1st February 2005
You will get the needed information about the game 2 weeks before the tournament
begins, so you can start working at home but you will get a normal LEGO
Mindstorms kit from us in Billund so you are not allowed to take any of your own
Mindstorms parts with you but you are more than welcome to take some of your
MOCs with you we can show off if you like.
Here is the agenda for the championship days:
Day 1, Saturday
14:30 Welcome in the LEGOLAND Billund. Each team will get a normal LEGO
Mindstorms Set to use it in the tournament and will have access to a variety of
different LEGO bricks for design matter.
15:00 The challenge is announced, and you will have until 18.00 to build the
robot. During that time you can practice on the tournament table also, but only
one team a time.
18:00 LEGOLAND closes and the robot must stay at the table. We all go to dinner.
Day 2. Sunday
10:00 The LEGOLAND Park opens and you will have 2 hours to fine tune your robot.
You will again be able to practice at the tournament table.
12:00 The tournament begins.
13:00 Award ceremony and lunch
There will be prizes for the best working robot and the best designed robot and
every team can keep the Mindstorms set theyve got from us.
So if you like to take part in this ultimate AFOL LEGO Mindstorms tournament and
compete against teams from other European AFOL communities and the LEGO All Star
team please register your team as soon as possible.
You need to pay for your travel and your Bed and Breakfast in Billund, while
LEGO will pay for the food and beverages on the two tournament days.
If you have further questions or if you want to register dont hesitate to
contact me under jan.beyer@europe.lego.com.
I am looking forward to seeing you in Billund in April next year,
Jan
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This sounds like a lotta fun, if not somewhat short notice.
One critical question, regarding the competition itself: What is the programming
environment?
-Ted
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You will get the needed information about the game 2 weeks before the
tournament begins, so you can start working at home but you will get a normal
LEGO Mindstorms kit from us in Billund so you are not allowed to take any of
your own Mindstorms parts with you but you are more than welcome to take some
of your MOCs with you we can show off if you like.
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Jake McKee writes:
> My colleague, Jan Beyer has asked me to pass along word of
> something cool he's working on.
>
> As he works to help community build and spread even further in
> Europe, he was thinking it might be fun to pull together an AFOL
> Mindstorms competition. Sorta like a one-time First LEGO League for
> AFOLs.
>
> If you're interested, the details are below. We'd love to hear you
> feedback and ideas.
Are you suggesting multiple events world-wide followed by the April
competition in Billund? Or multiple events coincident with the
Billund event?
In any case, it's an excellent idea.
--
--My blog is at angry-economist.russnelson.com | Violence never solves
Crynwr sells support for free software | PGPok | problems, it just changes
521 Pleasant Valley Rd. | +1 212-202-2318 voice | them into more subtle
Potsdam, NY 13676-3213 | FWD# 404529 via VOIP | problems.
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In lugnet.lego, Ted Michon wrote:
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This sounds like a lotta fun, if not somewhat short notice.
One critical question, regarding the competition itself: What is the
programming environment?
-Ted
|
You will get the needed information about the game 2 weeks before the
tournament begins, so you can start working at home but you will get a
normal LEGO Mindstorms kit from us in Billund so you are not allowed to take
any of your own Mindstorms parts with you but you are more than welcome to
take some of your MOCs with you we can show off if you like.
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I hope they allow whatever programming environment you are comfortable with /
used to!
This sounds like a blast!
--
David Schilling
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In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
|
My colleague, Jan Beyer has asked me to pass along word of something cool
hes working on.
15:00 The challenge is announced, and you will have until 18.00 to build the
robot. During that time you can practice on the tournament table also, but
only one team a time.
Day 2. Sunday
10:00 The LEGOLAND Park opens and you will have 2 hours to fine tune your
robot. You will again be able to practice at the tournament table.
|
Jake/Jan
Sounds cool. Sign me up.
The software allowed is a big question.
The other issue that could easily be a problem is table time. With at least
six teams, using one table, one at a time, it may be necessary to impose some
kind of time limit to restrict how much of the 5 hours a single team can spend
on the table.
Beyond that, I just need to finish filling out the roster for Team Hassenplug,
and well be all set.
Steve
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"Steve Hassenplug" <steve@teamhassenplug.org> schreef in bericht
news:I7ouDv.1LGG@lugnet.com...
> In lugnet.lego, Jake McKee wrote:
> > My colleague, Jan Beyer has asked me to pass along word of something cool
> > he's working on.
> >
> > 15:00 The challenge is announced, and you will have until 18.00 to build the
> > robot. During that time you can practice on the tournament table also, but
> > only one team a time.
> >
> > Day 2. Sunday
> >
> > 10:00 The LEGOLAND Park opens and you will have 2 hours to fine tune your
> > robot. You will again be able to practice at the tournament table.
>
>
> Jake/Jan
>
> Sounds cool. Sign me up.
>
> The software allowed is a big question.
>
> The other issue that could easily be a problem is "table time". With at least
> six teams, using one table, one at a time, it may be necessary to impose some
> kind of time limit to restrict how much of the 5 hours a single team can spend
> on the table.
>
> Beyond that, I just need to finish filling out the roster for Team Hassenplug,
> and we'll be all set.
>
> Steve
Programming environment sounds easy to me: You get a mindstorms set you have
to use. Would say to me you have to program it with the software delivered
in the set...
Greetings
Maico Arts
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> > > My colleague, Jan Beyer has asked me to pass along word of something cool
> > > he's working on.
> >
> >
> > The software allowed is a big question.
>
>
> Programming environment sounds easy to me: You get a mindstorms set you have
> to use. Would say to me you have to program it with the software delivered
> in the set...
Yes, that sounds easy. But keep in mind Pitsco sells the Mindstorms set with
RoboLab software. And, looking around at Lego.com, you can find LEGO's own
text-based programming language, Mindscript, available for download.
Most AFoLs seem to use NQC or some other programming software.
It really doesn't make too much difference to me what software is allowed, as long
as we know in advance.
Steve
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I got answers to a some of the questions we've been asking from Jan Beyer about
the contest.
Question: There seems to be two aspects to the competition. You mention
registration is required by February "so you can work at home", as well as an
event on the weekend in Billund. Can you give more details about this? What
will the 'at home' aspect be? What is the championship about if you can do stuff
at home beforehand?
Answer: With this we mean you will get the task/layout from the tournament in
Billund about 1-2 weeks before the tournament, so you can start to design a
robot at home but you are not allowed to take the home designed robot with you
to Billund and use this one. You have to build a new one in Billund but perhaps
you can use some ideas from the time you have try to find a solution to solve
the task at home.
Question: What programming environments will be allowed? Will computers be
provided? Or do we need to bring our own laptops? Can we bring our own
laptops/programming environments even if computers ARE provided?
Answer: All programmes will be allowed and you have to bring your own laptop.
Question: You say that we'll have a Mindstorm's set available, and it sounds
like other pieces will also be available. Can you be more specific about what
other parts might be available? Will batteries be provided? Will we have fresh
batteries available for the tournament?
Answer: You will get a standard Mindstorms Set to build your robot, but you can
also a prize for the best robot design, so there will normal LEGO Parts
available you can use for design purposes. And there will be batteries too.
All teams will get some equipment the following parts:
1 RCX, 3 motors, 2 light sensors, 2 pressure sensors and 1 rotation sensor
[I take it that this means besides the standard Mindstorms set, we get an extra
motor, extra light sensor, 2 pressure sensors (!) and a rotation sensor, plus a
variety of 'normal' bricks for decorating our robots. I wonder what the pressure
sensors will be? Normally I'd consider these to be for pneumatics, but pneumatic
parts don't come with a Mindstorms set.]
Question: On Sunday there is a 'fine tuning' session. How much rebuilding is
allowed during this time? Will access to all the parts be available? Will the
arena be available?
Answer: You can rebuild your robot as much as you want and yes, the parts will
be available and you will have access to the arena.
Question: You say you need a minimum of 6 teams. Is there a maximum? What if 20
teams register, for example? That would make time on the arena very scarce, not
to mention giving only an hour to run the tournament on Sunday.
Answer: Honestly we have not counted on that there will be register so many
teams but if there are so many interested teams we will see at this time if we
need more time or do a second event.
--
David Schilling
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David,
I think by pressure sensors they mean touch sensors.
Scott
-----Original Message-----
From: news-gateway@lugnet.com [mailto:news-gateway@lugnet.com] On Behalf Of
David Schilling
Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2004 1:41 PM
To: lego-robotics@crynwr.com
Subject: Re: AFOLs and Mindstorms
I got answers to a some of the questions we've been asking from Jan Beyer
about
the contest.
Question: There seems to be two aspects to the competition. You mention
registration is required by February "so you can work at home", as well as
an
event on the weekend in Billund. Can you give more details about this? What
will the 'at home' aspect be? What is the championship about if you can do
stuff
at home beforehand?
Answer: With this we mean you will get the task/layout from the tournament
in
Billund about 1-2 weeks before the tournament, so you can start to design a
robot at home but you are not allowed to take the home designed robot with
you
to Billund and use this one. You have to build a new one in Billund but
perhaps
you can use some ideas from the time you have try to find a solution to
solve
the task at home.
Question: What programming environments will be allowed? Will computers be
provided? Or do we need to bring our own laptops? Can we bring our own
laptops/programming environments even if computers ARE provided?
Answer: All programmes will be allowed and you have to bring your own
laptop.
Question: You say that we'll have a Mindstorm's set available, and it sounds
like other pieces will also be available. Can you be more specific about
what
other parts might be available? Will batteries be provided? Will we have
fresh
batteries available for the tournament?
Answer: You will get a standard Mindstorms Set to build your robot, but you
can
also a prize for the best robot design, so there will normal LEGO Parts
available you can use for design purposes. And there will be batteries too.
All teams will get some equipment the following parts:
1 RCX, 3 motors, 2 light sensors, 2 pressure sensors and 1 rotation sensor
[I take it that this means besides the standard Mindstorms set, we get an
extra
motor, extra light sensor, 2 pressure sensors (!) and a rotation sensor,
plus a
variety of 'normal' bricks for decorating our robots. I wonder what the
pressure
sensors will be? Normally I'd consider these to be for pneumatics, but
pneumatic
parts don't come with a Mindstorms set.]
Question: On Sunday there is a 'fine tuning' session. How much rebuilding is
allowed during this time? Will access to all the parts be available? Will
the
arena be available?
Answer: You can rebuild your robot as much as you want and yes, the parts
will
be available and you will have access to the arena.
Question: You say you need a minimum of 6 teams. Is there a maximum? What if
20
teams register, for example? That would make time on the arena very scarce,
not
to mention giving only an hour to run the tournament on Sunday.
Answer: Honestly we have not counted on that there will be register so many
teams but if there are so many interested teams we will see at this time if
we
need more time or do a second event.
--
David Schilling
|
|
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> Question: You say that we'll have a Mindstorm's set available, and it sounds
> like other pieces will also be available. Can you be more specific about what
> other parts might be available? Will batteries be provided? Will we have fresh
> batteries available for the tournament?
>
> Answer: You will get a standard Mindstorms Set to build your robot, but you can
> also a prize for the best robot design, so there will normal LEGO Parts
> available you can use for design purposes. And there will be batteries too.
>
> All teams will get some equipment the following parts:
>
> 1 RCX, 3 motors, 2 light sensors, 2 pressure sensors and 1 rotation sensor
>
> [I take it that this means besides the standard Mindstorms set, we get an extra
> motor, extra light sensor, 2 pressure sensors (!) and a rotation sensor, plus a
> variety of 'normal' bricks for decorating our robots. I wonder what the pressure
> sensors will be? Normally I'd consider these to be for pneumatics, but pneumatic
> parts don't come with a Mindstorms set.]
How about 2 "Touch" sensors? I thought the same thing, the first time I read it
(when Jan replied to my e-mail, earlier today :)
Steve
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In lugnet.lego, David Schilling wrote:
> Question: What programming environments will be allowed? Will computers be
> provided? Or do we need to bring our own laptops? Can we bring our own
> laptops/programming environments even if computers ARE provided?
>
> Answer: All programmes will be allowed and you have to bring your own laptop.
Huh. They might want to clarify/restrict that, just a bit. Unless they really
mean for people to write all their code ahead of time, and bring it with them.
Steve
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In lugnet.robotics, Scott Davis wrote:
> David,
> I think by pressure sensors they mean touch sensors.
>
>
> Scott
Oh, that makes sense. I guess I was too excited about the possibility of a new
sensor that I overlooked the obvious!
--
David Schilling
|
|
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> In lugnet.lego, David Schilling wrote:
> > Question: What programming environments will be allowed? Will computers be
> > provided? Or do we need to bring our own laptops? Can we bring our own
> > laptops/programming environments even if computers ARE provided?
> >
> > Answer: All programmes will be allowed and you have to bring your own laptop.
>
> Huh. They might want to clarify/restrict that, just a bit. Unless they really
> mean for people to write all their code ahead of time, and bring it with them.
The main thing is that it's even for everyone. Allowing everyone to bring
pre-written code is fair. On the other hand, not allowing anyone to bring
pre-written code would also be fair. It kind of comes down to how they want to
organize the event.
Steve
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In lugnet.lego, Steve Bliss wrote:
> In lugnet.lego, David Schilling wrote:
> > Question: What programming environments will be allowed? Will computers be
> > provided? Or do we need to bring our own laptops? Can we bring our own
> > laptops/programming environments even if computers ARE provided?
> >
> > Answer: All programmes will be allowed and you have to bring your own laptop.
>
> Huh. They might want to clarify/restrict that, just a bit. Unless they really
> mean for people to write all their code ahead of time, and bring it with them.
>
> Steve
Three hours for building and programming is *extremely* tight, even with a
second two hour session the next day if everything had to be done from scratch.
I've run a couple of competitions that way, but only because more time wasn't
available. The number one request by virtually everyone who has participated is
"Need More Time!" So perhaps allowing you to use code you've already written
isn't such a bad idea.
I was under the impression from Jake's initial post that we wouldn't know ahead
of time what the challenge was and would only be told at the event where we then
have to build a robot from scratch. ("Saturday ... 15:00 The challenge is
announced".) Sort of like the BrickHeap Wars that I've run a number of times. I
thought there'd be a simpler challenge as the 'at home' one, that would warm us
up for the final 'real' one. But it sounds like we could almost just memorize
what we've built before, and rebuild it at the event. In that case, you reusing
code you've already written doesn't sound like so much of a stretch.
But re-reading the original post with the new information in mind, I'm fairly
sure that the event will be very similar to one of the First Lego League events
where there are a dozen or so activities your robot must do. Even if you knew
all the specific activities, since you won't have the actual layout until the
day of the event, there will still be SOME programming that will have to be
done. And quite possibly even the robot you built at home won't work on the
final layout because of some differences that you didn't expect.
--
David Schilling
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In lugnet.lego, David Schilling wrote:
> In lugnet.lego, Steve Bliss wrote:
> > In lugnet.lego, David Schilling wrote:
> > > Question: What programming environments will be allowed? Will computers be
> > > provided? Or do we need to bring our own laptops? Can we bring our own
> > > laptops/programming environments even if computers ARE provided?
> > >
> > > Answer: All programmes will be allowed and you have to bring your own laptop.
> >
> > Huh. They might want to clarify/restrict that, just a bit. Unless they really
> > mean for people to write all their code ahead of time, and bring it with them.
> >
> > Steve
>
> Three hours for building and programming is *extremely* tight, even with a
> second two hour session the next day if everything had to be done from scratch.
> I've run a couple of competitions that way, but only because more time wasn't
> available. The number one request by virtually everyone who has participated is
> "Need More Time!" So perhaps allowing you to use code you've already written
> isn't such a bad idea.
>
> I was under the impression from Jake's initial post that we wouldn't know ahead
> of time what the challenge was and would only be told at the event where we then
> have to build a robot from scratch. ("Saturday ... 15:00 The challenge is
> announced".) Sort of like the BrickHeap Wars that I've run a number of times. I
> thought there'd be a simpler challenge as the 'at home' one, that would warm us
> up for the final 'real' one. But it sounds like we could almost just memorize
> what we've built before, and rebuild it at the event. In that case, you reusing
> code you've already written doesn't sound like so much of a stretch.
>
> But re-reading the original post with the new information in mind, I'm fairly
> sure that the event will be very similar to one of the First Lego League events
> where there are a dozen or so activities your robot must do. Even if you knew
> all the specific activities, since you won't have the actual layout until the
> day of the event, there will still be SOME programming that will have to be
> done. And quite possibly even the robot you built at home won't work on the
> final layout because of some differences that you didn't expect.
Sorry for taking so long to follow-up on this!
A few answers from Jan:
The Programming environment: You will get a normal Mindstorms set from us, the
latest version.
Software: see above, normal LEGO Mindstorms Software
Jake
---
Jake McKee
Community Liaison
LEGO Community Development
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|
|
> In lugnet.lego, David Schilling wrote:
> But re-reading the original post with the new information in mind, I'm fairly
> sure that the event will be very similar to one of the First Lego League events
> where there are a dozen or so activities your robot must do. Even if you knew
> all the specific activities, since you won't have the actual layout until the
> day of the event, there will still be SOME programming that will have to be
> done. And quite possibly even the robot you built at home won't work on the
> final layout because of some differences that you didn't expect.
I'll bet the rules are still subject to change. If anyone has an opinion, about
what would be better, they should express it to Jake and Jan
Steve
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Jan Beyer has sent me an email with current details about the AFOL Mindstorms
competition in Billund including what the date will be. He asked me to post it,
and its included below (formatting is his).
The other thing he mentioned is that there are currently only three teams that
have contacted him with tentative commitments. He needs six teams with firm
commitments by the end of the month, so if you are considering attending, get
your group together, and let him know!
--
David Schilling
=========================== Jans email ===========================
Dear LEGO and Mindstorms enthusiasts,
I will remind you once again that the last day for register to take part in our
AFOL LEGO Mindstorms tournament in the LEGOLAND Billund/Denmark is February 1st.
Until now we have 3 registered teams but we need at least 6 teams, otherwise we
have to cancel the tournament.
So please register your team by sending an e-mail to:
jan.beyer@europe.lego.com until February 1st.
Here you get once again the modified rules and informations:
Place: LEGOLAND Billund, Denmark
Date: 9th /10th April 2005
Minimum number of teams: 6 otherwise we have to cancel the tournament
Minimum number of participants in each team: 3 persons
Last day for firm application: 1st February 2005
You will get the needed information about the game 2 weeks before the tournament
begins, so you can start working at home but you will get a LEGO Mindstorms kit
(which contents 1 RCX, 3 motors, 2 light sensors, 2 touch sensors and 1 rotation
sensor) from us in Billund so you are not allowed to take any of your own
Mindstorms parts with you. All computer programs are allowed and you have to
take your own computer with you.
Here is the agenda for the championship days:
Day 1, Saturday
14:30 Welcome in the LEGOLAND Billund. Each team will get the LEGO Mindstorms
Set to use it in the tournament and will have access to a variety of different
LEGO bricks for design matter.
15:00 The challenge is announced, and you will have until 18.00 to build the
robot. During that time you can practice on the tournament table also, but only
one team a time.
18:00 LEGOLAND closes and the robot must stay at the table. We all go to dinner.
Day 2. Sunday
10:00 The LEGOLAND Park opens and you will have 2 hours to fine tune your robot.
You will again be able to practice at the tournament table.
12:00 The tournament begins.
13:00 Award ceremony and lunch
There will be prizes for the best working robot and the best designed robot.
So if you like to take part in this ultimate AFOL LEGO Mindstorms tournament and
compete against teams from other AFOL Communities please register as soon as
possible.
You need to pay for your travel and your Bed and Breakfast in Billund, while
LEGO will pay for the food and beverages on the two tournament days.
If you have further questions or if you want to register dont hesitate to
contact me under jan.beyer@europe.lego.com.
I am looking forward to see you in Billund in April next year,
Jan
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While there's still a week and a half left to sign up for the AFOL Mindstorms
competition in Billund, I'm wondering how many new teams are planning on going?
Or at least considering it?
--
David Schilling
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On Thu, 20 Jan 2005, David Schilling wrote:
> While there's still a week and a half left to sign up for the AFOL Mindstorms
> competition in Billund, I'm wondering how many new teams are planning on going?
> Or at least considering it?
we (FreeLUG : French LUG) are planning on going. We need to know exactly
who will go in FreeLUG, but it is almost sure to be present.
see you at this competition :-)
--
BERGAMO Jean-Louis <jlb@freelug.org>
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In lugnet.robotics, David Schilling wrote:
> While there's still a week and a half left to sign up for the AFOL Mindstorms
> competition in Billund, I'm wondering how many new teams are planning on going?
> Or at least considering it?
>
> --
> David Schilling
Well, since no one else is promoting this and I want it to happen: here's your
last chance to attend the AFOL Mindstorms competition in Billund. As I
understand it, if you want to participate, you need to register by Feb 1.
See the earlier post <http://news.lugnet.com/lego/?n=3132> about details
Send your registrations to jan.beyer at europe.lego.com
--
David Schilling
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|
|
> In lugnet.robotics, David Schilling wrote:
> > While there's still a week and a half left to sign up for the AFOL Mindstorms
> > competition in Billund, I'm wondering how many new teams are planning on going?
> > Or at least considering it?
>
>
> Well, since no one else is promoting this and I want it to happen: here's your
> last chance to attend the AFOL Mindstorms competition in Billund. As I
> understand it, if you want to participate, you need to register by Feb 1.
>
> See the earlier post <http://news.lugnet.com/lego/?n=3132> about details
> Send your registrations to jan.beyer at europe.lego.com
Ok, I don't know if the deadline has totally passed, but this event IS going to happen.
David's team and my team will be competeing against teams from France, Denmark,
Italy and the Netherlands.
I'll try to make sure either David or I post updates right here, so keep watching...
Steve
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In lugnet.robotics, Steve Hassenplug wrote:
> David's team and my team will be competeing against
> teams from France, Denmark, Italy and the Netherlands.
Excellent! Congradulations to both teams, and please do keep us
"stay-at-homes" up to date on how it goes! While my LEGO can't go with you, my
best wishes certainly do!
> I'll try to make sure either David or I post updates
> right here, so keep watching...
To both Dave & Steve - may I ask who is on your teams, or what you know of
the other teams? And when details of the event might be released?
--
Brian Davis
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|
|
> In lugnet.robotics, Steve Hassenplug wrote:
>
> > David's team and my team will be competeing against
> > teams from France, Denmark, Italy and the Netherlands.
>
> To both Dave & Steve - may I ask who is on your teams, or what you know of
> the other teams? And when details of the event might be released?
Well, I must admit, my team is not exactly a "dream team" of builders. In addition
to myself, one teammate will celebrate the one year anniversary of leaving his "dark
years" (when he got his Mindstorms set) on our way back from Denmark.
And, of course, we can't go without our wives...
As for details, they said something would be announced at the beginning of March.
Steve
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In lugnet.robotics, Brian Davis wrote:
> To both Dave & Steve - may I ask who is on your teams, or what you know of
> the other teams?
As for the Italian team, it currently includes Giulio Ferrari, Marco Beri, Guido
Truffelli, Paolo Masetti and myself.
Ciao
Mario
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