Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

not very competitive, but REALLY REALLY FUN!!!

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

or just steal some star wars repulsor lift coils :D

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

I'd say that a hovercraft above 5 feet could be legal.....I'm pretty sure that the rule is that you cannot exceed 5 feet while in a STABLE POSITION (flat on the ground?)

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

<R08> states "The robot may not exceed the 60-inch height restriction at any time during the match."

That is a direct quote from the manual

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

hmmm, in that case i'm not sure what i was thinking of. I seem to remember some mention of the height requirement only applying to robots in a stable position (so if another robot tips you over, one of your corners raising above five feet won't count against you).

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

Well, not to beat a dead horse, but I think if your robot is within the 60in cube during gameplay, unless you have a diagonal piece, tipping over would not put you outside of the limit. Lifting you up could, which is something you may want to look into if you're a tall robot and you're concerned of being lifted.


Hmm I assume the 60in is 60in from the ground? Ie...when you're on a ramp, its 60in from the top of the ramp instead of original playing field?

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

Call me dumb but what is the bumper "zone"?

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

I'm kind of curious, if bumpers are 2.5" off the ground, will they clear when the bot is going up the ramp? (assuming standard 4 wheels)

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

Well that's something to take into account when designing your bot...think trig. :-)

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

For those who think that if your bumpers are at 2.5" off the ground and come in contact with a ball, they ball won't go under them - YOU'RE WRONG!!

We have already tested this with our practice robot and the balls go under the robot a lot, luckily we have enough driving wheels still on the ground for it not to be a big deal, but I guarantee there will be plenty of balls ran over this year and FIRST will be prepared for it. In 2004, they stocked 3x as many balls as needed for any one competition. That year we had a robot with about 3-4 inches of clearance, and we ran over dozens of 13" balls and sadly popped a fair share of them. Luckily this year they don't pop, but I suspect they'll be fairly chewed up after a day of matches.

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

Question, when you were testing this, was the robot weighted a full 120 pounds or was it a light frame. If it was a light frame it would make a little more sense.

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

I was under the impression that bumpers had to start 2.5 inches above the ground. No more, no less.

As to the problem with running over the balls, the Manual says:
“Bumper height has been specified so that robots will make contact bumper-to-bumper and so that the balls will be pushed rather than pulled under the robots.”

The biggest problem I see with the bumpers is going up the ramp. If you use 6” wheels, and have the bumper placed an inch behind them, you cannot make it up the ramp without bottoming out. (that is of course if the bottom of the bumper cannot be higher than 2.5” off the ground)

Re: bumpers, a problem?
 

R35 is the bumper rule. It basically says the bumpers must stay between 2.5 and 8.5 inches. But if you use two pool "noodles" as suggested, that only gives you an inch or so of leeway. So 2.5 to about 3.5 inches from the ground. The mounting your bumpers so that you can go up the ramp is obviously something that needs to be kept in mind during your design and build stage. I won't give away our robot, but perhaps you could mount the bumpers on the sides perpedicular to the ramp instead of parrallel?

Another option, if you have drive wheels in the back and you hit the ramp, even if you're front wheels dont make the ground, the back wheels could push you up?


Just some things to think about ;)