Re: Low Cost Field BOM
 

I don't think the center stucture will be mobile at all.

I imagine the center structure being a series of ramps and stairs. There will probably be a flat surface at the top. I'm guessing there will be mobile objects, similar to 2002, but not necessarily to hold scoring objects (but probably) which we will have to carry up the stairs/ramps. Maybe one structure is made completely of ramps and will be worth less than the one made of stairs. The PVC will almost definately be used to hold some sort of scoring object like in 2002, but I'm not sure whether they will be on the mobile objects or on the center structure. The 3 castors will be for 1 scoring object. The castors are big so they can climb the stairs (2" thick wood so I'm guessing either 2" or 4" stairs). I bet there will be at least 2 mobile scoring objects, but since this is the "low cost" version they only give us supplies for 1.

The steel bar might be for hanging. They give us 2 clamps for it but only 1 long bar. Unless they are having us cut the steel bar (I hope not) then it will probably be suspended across the center of the structure much like 2000. If not hanging them definately some sort of robot interaction.

Anyway, that's my best guess.

Re: Low Cost Field BOM
 

Im picturing something like a free spinning merry-go-round that is 18" high

with a ramp on one side that you can use to get onto it (to place scoring objects in a goal in the center)

but once you are on it, if another bot rotates it, you wont be able to go back down the ramp you came up - you will have to JUMP OFF!

Re: Low Cost Field BOM
 

The caster size was dropped down from 5 inch to 3.5 inch. Who knows if it will change again by the time saturday comes around. Something tells me that there won't be any more than 1 of these stairs if any at all. I'd guess it maybe include something similar to the 2001 feild barrier that had a 3 inch step to go over while going under the 14 inch bar.

Re: Low Cost Field BOM
 

We're probably all way way off. But only four more sleepless nights.

Re: Low Cost Field BOM
 

I soo want another hanging year. That was great in 2000

Ricksta Is Back
 

Ricksta's back in action and has some predictions/things to remember for this years game.

1. Everyone is coming up with uber complicated "center platforms" etc. Remember the game needs to be simple enough even for a poor little rookie team to surivie in (ie. a box with 4 wheels must be competitive in some small way).

2. I belive the stairway to heaven comment refers to a stairway to either a scoring object or goal. possibly multiple stair ways with the steeper stairs leading to higher point values.

3. Autonomous was big in 2003. It *should* be back in '04. I'm thinking a ramp again.

4. Steel bar could be some sort of limbo bar for ramp in middle ( if there is a ramp of course). This could be a consequence for using a shallow ramp rather than the steep staircase.

5. Casters on a mobile goal. Only show 3 for one goal.

6. Finish/end Zones were important for the past 3 games, expect them to be in this game (ie on top of ramp/stairs or an endzone of sorts)

Bottom line:

• Huge plywood wall dividing the field into blue and red.
• 3 ways across: shallow ramp, regular staircase, steep staircase.
• Each staircase/ramp leads to scoring object/goal/zone with value based on difficulty to reach it (ie high difficulty high score).
• Autonomous will be important
• Whatever the game is it looks like it will fun for rookies and veterans alike.

Oh yeah and ill be at kickoff so see ya all there.

Re: Ricksta Is Back
 

So, you think maybe that your alliance and you will have to posistion a goal next to a staircase, while the other alliance partner scores from atop the stairs? that'd be cool ;)

Re: Low Cost Field BOM
 

"Yes, there are two paths you can go by
But in the long run
There's still time to change the road you're on."

This is what I have come up with based on this clue. I think it will be some kind of ramp structure. It would zig-zag back and forth on its way to the top, like a winding uphill road. But it can also be approached head on in a stair like way. Well thats two paths anyway.

-------
| |_
| top \
| _____ |
/ ______ /
|_______ \
/ _______|
|________

floor

You get the idea
Well, Just a guess...

Re: Low Cost Field BOM
 

I dont think the wall is a likely possibility. Remember the driver setup...driver on opposite side of field to driver. This means if there was a wall we would either need real good autonomous or a spotter. But, remember, FIRST has done some crazy things in the past, so we'll just have to wait+see

Re: Low Cost Field BOM
 

The wall wouldnt be plywood....probably lexan so u could see through to the other side...it is the low cost field BOM after all.

Re: Low Cost Field BOM
 

why not? last year there was a huge blind spot on the opposite side of the ramp, where the drivers could not see their bot

esp if you had a bot low enough to get under the bar

Re: Low Cost Field BOM
 

you know i kinda like this idea as well

a rotating access gate

however if autonomous is used how would you apply it to the roatating gate ????

Re: Low Cost Field BOM
 

"a rotating access gate"

that would be cruel

esp if you had to get through the gate in auton mode, and all 4 bots were trying to get through a passage only big enough for 1

I promised I wouldnt pull out any of my remaining hair at the kickoff this year

I might as well pull it all out now and get it over with!

Re: Be careful, Dave can be misleading
 

If you had top secret information, and you knew 5,000+ people wanted to know, wouldn't you have a little fun with it? I would!! :p :yikes:

FYI: For the caster ... they have it listed on the BOM for $22/ea. On the site provided, the casters are $11.92/ea.

Re: Be careful, Dave can be misleading
 

[quote=Katie Reynolds]shipping + handling? ;)