SCRC Arena Upgrades 2017

[FingerTech]

Here is the list and discussion for upgrades we would like to do this year.

Numbered so we can easily refer to items.
1. Four TVs on top of the arena for displaying schedule, brackets, and highlight videos. [Travis has 1]
2. Double-stack the sponsor signs so we can fit the TVs up there. [Kurtis]
3. A 2ft metal post/stand that raises the spinning red light above the sponsor signs. [Travis]
4. A new control box that can run fights independently of a laptop (but can still take laptop inputs, etc).
5. New arena lights - 12V RGB LED strips that can be controlled via control box.  Possibly individually addressable.
6. Audio system with cues from the control box
7. Run permanent ready/tap out cables inside frame with connectors on the end.
8. Replace inner lexan walls (maybe just the broken side? Or all?)
9. Repaint everything again because slushy salty January events are the devil.  Get a paint shop to prep it properly!
10. New hazard heads, embiggen or harden the shafts (one is currently bent)
11. Hazard motors run from ESCs
12. New 12V battery (42Ah) and charger
13. Door lock interrupts so the control box can disable hazards and not start fights until locked.
14. Quick-release locking pins for doors [Test Travis's]
15. Ref controlled count-out trigger
16. Stainless steel floor? (Wouldn't need to be repainted as oftne)
17. 3 judging tablets/phones, tied into the laptop software.
18. Audio recordings of the announcer and inside arena (camera sound is not good)

Anything missing?  New ideas are welcome!
Let's work out the logistics - what needs to get started right away, when people are available, etc.  Starting with what needs to be done before the parade (August 8th)?

[FingerTech]

14. Quick-release locking pins
Like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Release-Finish-Button-Diameter-Usable/dp/B009P7MA3E/ref=pd_sbs_328_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B009P7ND1M&pd_rd_r=TMNTS6KBMSFRGVVEMRW4&pd_rd_w=f1JYS&pd_rd_wg=Fimh8&refRID=TMNTS6KBMSFRGVVEMRW4&th=1

[Travis7s]

We can put down "wants" too right?

15. Ref controlled countdown system. I noticed that its difficult to time a countdown with the actual timer, I'm either off speed or I'm paying too much attention to the timer. A button that the ref can press to start/cancel a countdown would be pretty cool, but I don't really know the best way to implement it.

[Travis7s]

16. Stainless steel floor

[FingerTech]

Of course, brainstorm!  Dream big!  I've added those two to the list. 

I think the count-out thing is a good idea but also haven't thought out the way it would work exactly.  Maybe a handheld button that starts counting as soon as it's pressed but resets if released?  We don't really have a referee for matches.  Should it be a designated judge, or should it be a separate person (actual ref)?

A stainless floor appeals to me because we wouldn't have to keep repainting it!  And I think we are well past the era when robots needed magnets just to move themselves around.    (People will think that's a joke but go watch fights from 10 years ago!)

[ACME]

9. Paint - I wonder if we could get a deal with a local paint shop to do the entire metal part of the arena? I've been fighting with paint quality and specs at work (street sweepers are a rust nightmare) and what I've found is that preventing rust is really just a matter of a quality prep job, which I'm not sure we've ever done. We strip all the non-metal bits and then get it blasted, primed, and painted black. At least in Winnipeg, most paint shops do a black paint run 2-4 times a week, and we don't care which "black" we get. We'd still have to touch up the floor (unless stainless) but that should keep the tubes looking nice for much longer.

[DBM]

Do we have any old lexan left to use on the roof so that the new lights can stay on the outside of the arena?

[nathanwiebe]

17. Rather than simple white 12V LED strips, we could go with addressable RGB LED strips that could be animated to attract attention in the parade, or just before a round of fights is starting at a busy and loud event like Nationals.  These lights could possibly be used on the inside and outside of the arena, and can actually provide a significant level of white illumination during fights for an economical price.  This could also drastically cut our power consumption compared to halogens, and alleviate the breaker tripping problem.  (also that pesky electrical code/CSA issue of mains powered lighting, if we care about that).
18. Scott suggested a web-app on 3 tablets/phones dedicated to judging, tied into the main system.  It would have the fight details, and could automatically gather and log all scoring data.  It could also be used by a judge/ref to trigger the automatic KO count down timer.  I have already volunteered to work on this if we figure this is something we want to go forward with.

[srw]

Thanks Nathan... I was already formulating my reply before I read yours.  Yes, the judging tablets could certainly trigger the "show motion" countdown.  Maybe it could be a two of three situation.  Do we need another "shot clock"? or would audio cues be cool for this?  Can we hire Allison Smith to do all our audio voicing?

[Travis7s]

I think we have 100% decided we are replacing the halogens. RGB should be used in at least some extent to do cool effects and can replace the light tower thingy if we want.

I think a visual shotclock is necessary for countouts, but I don't really want a second display. Is it feasible to have the timer shotclock keep time but cycle the countout in too?

[Darkwynter9]

Stainless on top of the old floor or just stainless?

[Travis7s]

Who are you Darkwynter?

Stainless floor idea is kind of a joke, we would definitely need to club vote on making changes to the floor. But if I had my way it would be just stainless (i.e. not very magnetic). Other problems is cost and even finding an non standard size sheet (8x6)

[srw]

Travis: the existing clock could definitely switch to a count-out mode.  What would be a good visual cue that it's no longer match time?  Should it refuse to count down a countout if there is not enough match time left?

[Darkwynter9]

It's Brandon Wiebe. I've had this account for a while, but I guess I hadn't posted yet. I have no objection to stainless even if it eliminates magnet use. I just was wondering whether I'd need to modify the new chassis for Scary Thing or just make it the same. If stainless is still a pipe dream for the moment then I'll go ahead with it as is.

[Darkwynter9]

Would hardening the hazard shafts be easier than embiggening them?