– FIRST Tech Challenge DECODE Season Guide

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Overview
Job Description
Wi-Fi Technical Advisor (WTA) is a volunteer who helps the Event Director plan for large FIRST^® Tech
Challenge (FTC) events. The WTA is also responsible for monitoring the wireless spectrum and
troubleshooting wireless issues at large and/or critical FIRST^® Tech Challenge events. This position
requires a high level of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills and can affect the quality of the
event. This role can be performed either seated or standing.
Not every FIRST^® Tech Challenge event will require a WTA. Most smaller events (less than 40 robots) do
not require the skills of a WTA. However, events with many robots (greater than 40 robots), or events
that have difficult wireless conditions would benefit from having a designated WTA available. The
FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA) can plan and execute most of these duties for smaller events.
Requirements
Technical
High
Physical
Medium
Administrative
Medium
Communication
High
Pre-event Training
High
Time Commitment
Wi-Fi Technical Advisor should expect to spend 10-12 hours at a full day event. Approximately 6 hours
of pre-event training and planning are required.
Attire
• Comfortable closed-toe, closed-heel shoes, much of the day will involve standing and walking.
• Safety glasses or safety rated glasses with side shields (ANSI-approved, UL Listed, CE EN166
rated, AS/NZS certified, or CSA rated are required in the pit and arena.
• Comfortable professional wear is encouraged.
Training and Certification
Read and complete all tasks listed in the Pre-Event Trainingsection.
Any volunteer who applies to a role will be able to get into the Learning Management System (LMS)
using the 'FIRSTTraining' button on their FIRST^® dashboard. Roles with the training required will appear
in the 'roles missing certification' area. For more help, you can read moreabout how to access your
training.
If you have applied for a role but have not received access to the training, please email
customerservice@firstinspires.org. A separate confirmation of the role assignment will come later.
The WTA should speak to the FTA and Event Director to find out what additional requirements, such as
meetings before the event or run-throughs of the space before the event is required.
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Roles and Responsibilities
FIRSTis fun for all. The most important role of a volunteer is to provide a
safe, fun, and welcoming environment for all FIRST^® participants. When
executing the duties of your role, always make decisions with the team
experience in mind. Ask for help from event leadership if you feel your
required duties conflict with the best team experience.

Wi-Fi Technical Advisor
The Wi-Fi Technical Advisor role is the technical volunteer who helps ensure that the wireless
environment at a FIRST^® Tech Challenge event is clean and not too noisy to ensure that teams can
compete effectively.
Before an event, the WTA might be asked to conduct a wireless network survey to determine if there are
potential sources of wireless interference in the venue. The WTA might also be asked to work with the
venue’s IT staff to make any appropriate changes to the wireless equipment in the venue to ensure a
clean environment for the scheduled event.
During an event, the WTA will be responsible for monitoring wireless activity near the arena to identify
and resolve any wireless issues. The WTA might also need to “police” the wireless environment and
look for clues for potential malicious activity during an event. The WTA might also be asked to help the
FTA and/or Control System Advisor (CSA) answer questions about the wireless environment.
Prerequisites for Wi-Fi Technical Advisor
It is important that prior to the event, the Wi-Fi Technical Advisor (WTA) reviews this manual, and reads
the supporting documents listed in the checklist below. These training materials will help WTAs learn
how to provide effective Wi-Fi monitoring and technical assistance for the event. Learning ahead of
time will go a long way towards keeping the event running smoothly and on time.
The WTA requires advanced and specialized skills:
• Experience/familiarity with computers running a modern Windows OS.
• Mac OS and Linux operating system knowledge may be helpful.
• Knowledge of the FTC control system and diagnostic tools.
• Experience with Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct networking.
• Experience using tools such as Wireshark, Fluke (NETSCOUT) AirCheck Meter, Aircrack-ng,
AirTight Networks SpectraGuard and MetaGeek inSSIDer/Chanalyzer may be helpful.
• Able to use deductive reasoning to solve technical problems.
Reporting Structure
The Wi-Fi Technical Advisor (WTA) reports to the FIRSTTechnical Advisor (FTA) during the event.
Before the event, the WTA will most likely work with the Event Director or the Program Delivery
Partner(PDP).

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Before the Event
Verify with the Event Director that a table, chair, and power drop are available in the arena for you to set
up your Wi-Fi monitoring equipment.
The robot control system does not require any centralized control infrastructure. Teams will bring their
own driver stations and robot controllers to the event. However, the WTA should do a wireless survey
and conduct some wireless tests a week or more before event day. This helps to avoid troubleshooting
wireless issues immediately before an event.
Prior to event day, the WTA needs to conduct a wireless survey of the venue to make sure the wireless
environment is clear and that there are no Wi-Fi suppressors operating in the venue.
• The FTA will perform this task if a WTA or CSA is not available.
• Coordinate this activity and share the results with the Event Director and the FTA.
• The WTA can use one or more pairs of Android devices to measure the ping time in different
areas of the venue and on different Wi-Fi channels of the spectrum. If available, use a tool
(such as the Fluke or NETSCOUT AirCheck meter) to measure Wi-Fi and non- Wi-Fi activity in
different areas of the venue. If no hardware tool is available, using a free software tool such as
“Wi-Fi Analyzer” or the free version of the “Netspot App” is sufficient for a cursory survey.
• If necessary, the WTA should coordinate with local IT staff at the venue to turn off Wi-Fi
signals, which could be detrimental to the event, particularly for events involving 40 or more
robots.
• Obtain the venue’s IT on-call phone number in case there is a need to contact them on event
day.
• Select preliminary Wi-Fi channels for the Wi-Fi robot communications, local FTC Live scoring
system, and any other Wi-Fi access points needed to run the event based on the Wi-Fi site
survey of the venue. Share the channel recommendations with the Event Director and the FTA.
• If there are any Wi-Fi or wireless devices operating in the venue that cannot be turned off by
the local IT staff, select channels that will not overlap or interfere with these existing devices.
• If your event takes place alongside a FIRST^® Robotics Competition (FRC), you must coordinate
with the FRC event organizer to select Wi-Fi channels that will not overlap or interfere with the
FRC wireless activity.
• Wi-Fi channels can be assigned to teams within the FTC Live scoring system. Please note: Th
assignments can be organized in the scoring system to support the inspection/configuration
process.
Important Note:A Wi-Fi Suppressor or Blocker is a device that disrupts
the operation of unauthorized Wi-Fi networks in a venue. They are
typically used to prevent people from creating Wi-Fi hotspots through
cellular tethering. Schools often use the device to force students onto the
school’s network where it can monitor traffic and institute firewalls to
block sites deemed unsuitable.

If a Wi-Fi Suppressor or Blocker is present at an event, then teams will be unable to control their robots
properly. The most common symptom that a Wi-Fi suppression device is in use in a venue is that the
driver station and robot controller will not be able to pair or will pair but then shortly thereafter will
disconnect.
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The FTA should check for the presence of such a device beforethe event, then work with the IT staff to
disable the device for the day of the scheduled event.
Pre-Event Training
The Wi-Fi Technical Advisor is encouraged to complete the reading in this section prior to serving in
this role.
Resources for training:
Wi-Fi Technical Advisor Pre-Event Training List
Requirement
Resource
Required
Welcome to FIRST
Required
TheWi-fi Technical Advisor Manual(this document)
Encouraged
Read the FIRST^® Tech Challenge Wi-Fi Event Guide
Encouraged
Read the Venue Networking Requirements Guide
Read the Robot Troubleshooting Guide,which explains
Encouraged
how to troubleshoot common problems with the FIRST
Tech Challenge control system.
The Competition Manual – specifically:
Encouraged
• Section 12 - ROBOT Construction Rules
Encouraged
Complete Strategies for Inspiring Success for All modules.
Encouraged
Attend the CSA/Robot Technical Support Calls
watch the game animation videofor a general understanding of
Encouraged
the game

Event Day
Report Time
The Event Director or Volunteer Coordinator will confirm the time you should arrive typically via email
the week before the event. In most cases, arrive as soon as the event opens. When you arrive onsite
check-in with the Volunteer Coordinator and report to the FTA.
Set-up
Tournament set-up generally occurs on the day before the competition. Setting up the arena and testing
the wireless environment normally takes two to three hours for a single field event and three to four
hours for a two-field (or more) event, although those times will decrease with experience. The WTA will
survey the wireless environment in the arena and practice area. It is helpful to have a pair of Android
devices running the FIRST^® Tech Challenge apps (FTC Driver Station and FTC Robot Controller) to test
the wireless environment on the playing field(s).
• Select the Wi-Fi channels for the competition and share the recommendation with the Event
Director and FTA. Verify that the selected channels will not overlap or interfere with other
wireless devices in the venue.
• Be sure to have all passwords of the computers or devices being used, if applicable.
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Event Day for the WTA
• Verify that the reserved wireless channels for the competition are clear and that low ping times
are observed for a test robot controller-driver station (RC-DS) pair operating on these
channels.
• The remainder of the day will be spent monitoring the wireless environment at the arena. The
WTA should monitor the spectrum to make sure the Wi-Fi channels that are designated for
robot control are clear and not overloaded. The WTA should also monitor the spectrum to look
for clues of potential malicious activity. Report issues of concern to the FTA.
• The WTA should remember that their primary focus is to ensure that teams are able to control
their robots over the Wi-Fi spectrum without interference. When dealing with potential
interference (such as a spectator running a portable hotspot) it is better to communicate that
goal instead of acting like an enforcer. In this manner, it turns the spectators into assistants in
keeping the spectrum clean instead of creating an adversarial situation.
• The WTA may also monitor which channels teams are on and help guide teams to the
designated channels.
• The WTA might also be required to help the FTA and/or CSA troubleshoot wireless issues.

Suggested Event Day Equipment & Document List
• A pair of FIRST^®-approved Android devices:
o Current FTC Driver Station App is installed on one Android device (Driver Hub or
approved smartphone).
o Current FTC Robot Controller App installed on one Android device (Control Hub or
approved smartphone).
o Wi-Fi Analyzer app (available from the Google Play Store) installed on the driver station
Android device.
• Laptop that supports wireless monitor mode with Wireshark installed.
Note: that Windows laptops will not support monitor mode. Apple Mac’s
out of the box will support monitor mode. Alternatively, most Linux
distributions will support monitor mode and can be burned to a USB drive
and live booted.

• If available, specialized Wi-Fi analyzing tools (such as Fluke/NETSCOUT AirCheck Meter,
MetaGeek inSSIDer with Wi-Spy hardware, etc.)
• Wi-Fi analyzing software tools such as “Wi-Fi Analyzer” or the free edition of the “Netspot
App.”
• Hard copy or electronic copy of theWi-Fi Technical Advisor Manual(this document).
• Hard copy or electronic copy of theFIRST^® Tech Challenge Wi-Fi Event Guide.

Team Interaction and Support
When interacting with teams, please always consider the team’s perspective. The teams have put
significant time and effort into preparing for this event and may be feeling very stressed about
everything working out as they have planned. Today is a very big deal for the team and we are here to
help!
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While it is our job to help guide the teams to a successful event, it is their responsibility to follow the
rules and be on time for judging and matches.
If you feel there is an issue with an individual or individuals from a team that warrants specific
intervention beyond just a kind reminder, please escalate your concerns to the FTA.
Note: the only person at an event who can give an official warning or
issue a yellow/red card is the Head Referee. Please refer these more
severe issues to the Head Referee and notify the Program Delivery
Partner.

End of the Day
If you have time to help with the load out at the end of the day it is always nice to clean up before
leaving. Make sure to return all equipment prior to leaving.

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Important Tools
Public Schedule
The Program Delivery Partner or the Event Director should publish the public schedule of events before
the event. This schedule will have a high-level overview of all the activities for the event. It is important
that everyone at the event does their best to stay true to the public schedule so that teams and
volunteers who have planned their day around these times have a good experience.

Time
Agenda
7:15 am
Doors Open for Staff & Key Volunteers
7:30 am
Judges and Inspectors Report
8:00 am
Doors Open for Teams
8:30 am
Judging & Inspection Commences
10:15 am Team Check-in Hard Deadline (Check the Competition Manual)
Match schedule is generated and distributed to teams. (Check the Competition Manual)
10:30 am Note to Scorekeeper: 6 Matches total(Check the Competition Manual)
10:40 am Drivers’ Meeting with Head Referee & Opening Ceremony
Qualification Matches 1 - 8
11:00 am Note to Scorekeeper: 7-minute cycle-time
12:00 pm Lunch
Qualification Matches 9 - 45
12:45 pm Note to Scorekeeper: 5-minute cycle-times
3:50 pm
Qualification Matches Projected End
4:00 pm
Alliance Selection
4:20 pm
Double Elimination Rounds 1 - 4
5:10 pm
Award Ceremonies Start & Double Eliminations Round 5
6:20 pm
Projected End of Event
7:00 pm
Doors Close
Occasionally things that happen out of the event’s control may impact the schedule. In these cases,
work closely with the Event Director to understand the updated agenda.
Figure 1: Example Schedule for a 30 Team Event

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Registered Teams List
The Program Delivery Partner may provide a list of teams registered for the event or the scorekeeper
can export a report of all the registered teams for the event. Sometimes this list may change the day of
the event based on which teams show up. The Scorekeeper report will have the most accurate
information about who is competing at an event. Notes that teams may be competing only in the
judging portion of the event and not have a robot present.
Figure 2: Competing Team Report

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Event Layout/Map
The Program Delivery Partner and Event Director should publish a map of the venue before the event. In
some cases, details on the map might not be available until the day of the event.
The Event Layout / Map should detail the following:
• Load-In Path
• Parking for Personal Vehicles and Busses
• Team Check-in
• Volunteer Check-in
• Competition Area
• Pit Area (May include thePit Map)
• Judging Room Locations (if applicable)
• Safety Details as available (Emergency Exits, AED, Shelter in Place Locations)

Figure 3: Example Event Map
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Judging Schedule

Figure 4: Example Judging Schedule
Match Schedule
The match list will be generated on the day of the event after the teams have been confirmed. This
schedule will list which teams will play in which alliance (Red or Blue) and it will also list a match start
time. Some events will have more than one competition field and/or more than one division, and each
division will have its own schedule.

Figure 5: Example Match Schedule

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Pit Map
Pit maps are typically provided by either the Event Director or by the Scorekeeper. Having a map of
where each team is in the pit is key, as teams, parents or Queuers might need to find. Below are two
sample pit maps. Pit Maps created in FTC Scoring will appear on the FTC-Eventspage.

Figure 6: Example Pit Map for a small12-team Qualifier Event

Figure 7: Example Pit Map for a Typical Regional Championship Event

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Useful Links and Information
On-Call Support Numbers
On-Call Support
These numbers are for volunteer support only. Teams should not use these numbers
to call about rulings or technical assistance.

Administrative, Judge, Referee and Non-Technical Issues:
(603)206-2412

Scoring System (FTC Live) or other Technical Issues:

(603)206-2450
Call or use the built-in chat feature on FTC Live available for events with internet
access.

Pre-Event Support
Mon – Fri
8:30am – 5:00pm Eastern Time (UTC-4 or UTC-5)
Contact Supportincluding live chat or emailcustomerservice@firstinspires.org

Program Resources
FIRST^® Tech Challenge Website
Event Search

Game and Season Resources
FIRST^® Tech Challenge Blog

Volunteer Resources
Team Email Blasts

Feedback
We strive to create support materials that are the best they can be. If you have feedback about this
manual, please emailcustomerservice@firstinspires.orgor bycontacting support. Thank you!
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Document Outline

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