Hi ,

Here's some updates and news from FIRST^® Tech Challenge.

In this week's blast:

📢 Upcoming Coaches Call

🤖 Tech Tip – Massive Android Studio "Apply Changes" Bug Fixed

🔋 Battery Safety Reminder – Power Your Robot, Safely

Upcoming Coaches Call
We are excited to host our first Coach Call of the season this Thursday, October 16 at 8 p.m. ET. While this call is tailored to newer coaches, any coach is welcome to attend. We'll share some important FIRST Tech Challenge resources, followed by an open Q&A where teams can ask questions about judging, gameplay, or other general support questions. You can sign up to attend here!

Tech Tip – Massive Android Studio "Apply Changes" Bug Fixed
A long-standing bug impacting Android Studio's "Apply Changes" (delta installs) feature has finally been resolved.

This bug, present since Android Studio 2024.1.2 Canary 6 (Koala), caused significant slowdowns during code deployment to the REV Control Hub by always forcing full application reinstalls instead of partial updates. This often caused the REV Control Hub to reboot multiple times during installs, leading to significant delays during a deploy.

Updating to the latest Android Studio Narwhal 4 Feature Drop restores speedy deployment, reducing those frustrating reboots. We highly recommend all teams using Android Studio update immediately.

Thank you to our community members for your tireless efforts in testing, issuing bug reports, and advocacy in helping bring about this important fix in time for this season.

Battery Safety Reminder – Power Your Robot, Safely
The power that drives your robot comes from its battery, and, just like any powerful component, it requires respect and proper handling. While the NiMH batteries FIRST Tech Challenge uses are fairly robust, they can pose risks if not handled correctly.

Important tips when using and managing robot batteries:

👉 Inspect before use – Always check your battery for signs of damage before charging or connecting to the robot. Never use a damaged battery.

👉 Charge responsibly – Only use an approved charger in a well-ventilated area away from flammable materials, as recommended by the vendor/manufacturer. Never leave charging batteries unattended, and unplug immediately once charging is complete.

👉 Store Properly – Store batteries in a cool, dry place, and away from extreme temperatures, protecting the terminals from short circuits during storage.

👉 Use Care On Robot – Protect your batteries from sharp edges, bolts, and other items that might cut or puncture the battery. This is especially true towards the "ends" of most batteries where the insulating plastic might not be as thick. Be mindful of battery placement on the robot to avoid excessive vibration or pinching wires.

👉 Use Care During Maintenance – Always disconnect batteries from the robot when not actively in use or performing maintenance on the robot. Always remove the battery fuse before performing any modification to battery cables or connectors. Never remove insulating plastic from a battery, leave that to the pros!

👉 Dispose Properly – If a battery is damaged or no longer holds a charge, dispose of it properly at an approved battery recycling facility. Never throw it in regular trash.