Beacon 2015-2016 update

[FTC9044]

Our coach stated that there was a way to update last years beacons with this years software, that is if we were able to make it to a launch event which we weren't. Is there a way to update it here, if so how would one do that?

Thank you for your time and consideration,
-FTC9044

[mikets]

You can update the firmware of the beacon so it will have the required behavior of this year's game. But you need to purchase a "programmer". Unless you can share the cost with a number of teams, it may not be cost effective. You may be better off just buying new ones.

[hexafraction]

What exactly is the new behavior?

[LukeTheCoder64]

What exactly is the new behavior?

The ability to reclaim beacons after five seconds. The old firmware (RES-Q) was locked on a color after claiming.

[kaurichm]

Our coach stated that there was a way to update last years beacons with this years software, that is if we were able to make it to a launch event which we weren't. Is there a way to update it here, if so how would one do that?

Thank you for your time and consideration,
-FTC9044

I would reach out to the group that hosted the launch event and see if there is another time that can be arranged to reprogram them.

[mikets]

I would reach out to the group that hosted the launch event and see if there is another time that can be arranged to reprogram them.

Yes, a lot of the local launch event organizers have purchased the programmer and offer local teams to have their beacons brought in for reprogramming. Contact your local organizer to see if they are doing this.
Actually, it's not awfully important to have our old beacon reprogrammed because we mainly need them for testing autonomous. In that scenario, we don't expect the need of "reclaiming". So the old behavior is still okay for that particular purpose.