Dear Teams,
Since there are less than two weeks until the RoboCup, we wanted to share our list of what to bring (and what to avoid) for the RoboCup with you.
This list is most useful for newer teams, but I'll start with a few important items that are relevant to all.
RoboCup 2024 Special Items
First, you need to bring your own networking equipment. This year, this includes a very long (and reliable) Ethernet cable (RJ45) to connect your central machine to the vision network next to the fields (>15m divA, >10m divB).
While this is usually provided by the venue, it looks like we need to bring it ourselves this year. Since we want to avoid an endless switching loop, a long cable is preferable to bringing shorter cables and a switch. Also, bringing a 2nd, backup cable is probably useful, either for yourself or to help a team in need :)
As usual, the venue will include ONE RJ45 Ethernet cable at your team's table. Since you probably need more than one person connected to the internet while working on your robots, we strongly suggest bringing switches / routers with enough ports for all members in your team. It is unclear if there will be Wi-Fi with internet at the venue (see also below).
Second, since some of our teams and adjacent leagues use the 2.4 GHz frequency range to control the robots, please avoid using wireless (bluetooth) keyboards, mice, or headphones, as they share the same frequency. Additionally, do not set up a "wild" Wi-Fi yourself. For RoboCup, wired solutions are superior, since they do not congest the already crowded frequency spectrum. If you choose to bring a Wi-Fi capable router as part of your networking equipment, please make sure you know how to disable Wi-Fi.
General Items
Third, you will need some equipment to adjust the color paper on top of the robots.
To establish a well-calibrated ssl-vision setup, we will require all teams to use the same color paper on top of their robots.
The paper is provided to you at the venue, but only you know how much equipment (if any) you need to change your color paper to the official one.
Fourth, you will need a machine for your central team software. A powerful laptop is preferable here, since you sometimes have to move your setup from one field to another (either in Division B because your next match is going to be at the other field, or to move between the practice field and your match setup).
Fifth, do not forget to bring power adapters / transformers and power strips. The Netherlands uses Type F, two pin grounded socket, with 230V 50Hz electricity; please plan accordingly.
That's all for now,
see you in Eindhoven,
Tobias Heineken
P.S: In accordance with the procedure outlined in our previous email, we have now concluded which teams play in which group.
However, we have renamed the groups so that the larger group of 5 (without the Dummy team) is called Group A, and the smaller group is called Group B.
This simplifies writing the schedule, and has no impact on the matches your team is expected to play.
We will announce a schedule for the competition shortly.