Peter S,
Thanks for the details.
For communication couldn't one use a combination of message streamers and those underwater writing plaques that SCUBA use if more detail is required on a specific message. Somebody at the surface writes the details and drops it down the line.
Also, it keeps being stated that the circumstances are unforeseen and definatelly proven that the systems have not been worked with to demonstrate their feasibility, under various conditions. It seems that most systems are being tested for the first time at costly competitions (not only the USAA National). And if this is not the case, whoever argues that it isn't, then please detail the processes that were taken to test these systems in advance and how these uprisings of problems varied from testing circumstances, so we can alleviate ourselves of this perspective. However, my point I am leading to here, is it seems obvious that new systems should be tested many times, before being deployed to the unsuspecting competitors. Who I guarantee, unless told ahead of time, assume the system is tried and tested.
I know the people putting these together are good people and doing things in their spare time, so don't flame me as though I am ignorant of this. If you argue this, then it suggests that the competitors are due an untested system because of poor organizing. Volunteer or not, organizing is about organizing. And good organization does not leave frequent holes (referring to the consistent problems with these systems in practice). But the systems can be tested plenty ahead of time and others can be included in this process. One mind will not see what 3 minds will. And this is part of organizing. Organizers have the time between each competition to "organize" the advancement and testing of these systems, so that does not strike me as any small window of time. It is part of the efficiency of organizing that finds one rushing to do the most important things as the time draws to a close.
Why not have weekends where you simulate a competition with the rigs? People come out to try the system out and help work on the issues. Bit by bit the system's performance is assessed and suggestions are pooled. We have lots of problem solvers in the communities, many perform intensive problem solving for their jobs every day or just out of passion.
Anyhow, maybe some out there feel there has been considerable testing and proper approach taken to these systems, and maybe you are right. Myself, and I am certain others, would love to understand the extent to wish this may be the case. Especially, one should be aware that if it is detailed, then probably people with more experience could shed some light on fundamental holes in the organizing process, which allow these problems to regularly occur. Maybe... and maybe these are just unforeseeable. But discussion and community/multi-person involvment will only improve it.
Cheers,
Tyler