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THE GAME
DECODE™ presented by RTX is the 2025-2026 FIRST Tech Challenge game, featuring an archaeology theme where alliances of robots collect, classify, and score 36 "artifacts" (purple and green spheres) into corner goals. The game focuses on high-speed collecting and sorting artifacts through ramps, with specialized scoring patterns and end-game parking.
SEASON Progress
SEASON Progress
More pattern points in auto → Add recycling to all autos and recycle while moving.
Auto logic inconsistent → Remodel state machine.
More partner flexibility → Add adjustable delay using d-pad.
Meet 1
What went well:
Delay option helped adapt to alliance partners.
Consistent close-range shooting.
Successfully sorted artifacts and scored pattern points on close-side auto.
“60-second” strategy worked well: flush ramp, then build pattern.
Improvements Needed → Steps Taken:
Auto shooting too slow (3–4 sec between shots) → Increase recycler speed, reinforce recycler lid, use faster kicker servo, tune shooter PID.
Auto shooting blanks → Add touch sensor to confirm artifact position before shooting.
Inconsistent driver alignment from far away → Use Limelight auto-alignment and alignment indicator lights.
Meet 2
What went well:
Consistently scored 20+ classified artifacts (best: 23 classified, 12 overflow).
Earned 24 ranking points, with 6 RP in 4/5 matches.
40-second pattern strategy worked very well.
Improvements Needed → Steps Taken:
Power switch unreliable → Fix mount and replace switch.
Shooter RPM recovery too slow → Add flywheels to shooter wheel.
Meet 3
What went well:
Variable delay improved alliance flexibility.
Better pattern awareness during matches.
Autonomous consistently scored ~9 artifacts.
Improvements Needed → Steps Taken:
TeleOp cycle time too slow → Add auto-align to goal.
Overshooting/undershooting → Improve auto-shoot speed control.
Slow long-range alignment → Add TeleOp auto-drive functions.
Kicker still slow → Add second servo.
Recycler lid bug in auto → Fix inconsistent closing issue.
Both teams shooting in auto → Create no-pattern auto.
Too many auto opmodes → Combine into menu.
League Meet
What went well:
Reached finals after eliminations.
Won 3rd Place Inspire Award!
Advanced to State!
Improvements Needed → Steps Taken:
Faster shooting → Switch intake belts to motor, use double-servo kicker, design custom touch sensor, fix recycler RPM recovery.
Prevent artifacts getting stuck under kicker.
State
What went well:
2nd place Innovate Award.
Qualified for Premier Event.
Combination Auto worked really well.
No damages to robot.
Cri updates coming August!!
Cri updates coming August!!
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