possible ramp/lift configurations
 

I was thinking about what it would be like to have a huge, unfoldable 12'' ramp that could be deployed into the home zone, right after atonomous. This would alow your alliance partners to get up on it, and it would bock a good deal, or all, of the oposing alliances rings. I know that it would be illegal to just leave something on the field, detatched... but what if you "re-attached" at the end? would that be allowed? Please give me your input.

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

This sounds like a good idea if it is posable, I am not shure if the rules let you, please let me know. Thanks.

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

Robots can't have a ramp deployed, unless they are in their home zone, because of tipping hazards. The robots probably don't want to get on top of another until the end. And you probably can't have a detachable component, i.e. a ramp.

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

Can't have anything detach from your robot at any time, unless it's completely by accident. Even if you pick it back up. G40 is pretty clear. You can't intentionally detach part of your robot. If you could, I'd just as soon deploy a rack blocker on the opponent's side of the field and pick it up at the end of the match right before the bell.

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

Ohh well... thats too bad.:ahh:

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

<G40> states robots my not intentionally detach parts or leave multiple mechanisims on the field.

So If you detach then reattach later, you would have intentionally detached so it would not be allowed

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

Nah, you can't do that. Look at <G40> in Section 7 in the Manual.


I thought it was a good idea until my friend pointed that out to me. Sorry to ruin your idea...

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

just wondering... Does that still count as "attached" if its on a tether or cable?

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

as far as I know if it on a cable or tether it is still attacted to your robot... but then again if you deploy a ramp at the beginning you need ALOT of cable for your errands driving around, and then you would have to wind it all back up and make sure that it doesnt interfer with the other robots. Why are so many people stuck on a ramp anyways.. I mean I understand its easy, but so many questions about it lol

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

Also, consider that outside of the home zone any horizontal aspect can't exceed 72". In that aspect, the cable would be more of a leash.

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

hmmm...:ahh: does that refer to during the whole game or just when the robots are back in the home zone at the end?

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

Outside the home zone, the limit is 72". Inside, it's the size of the home zone. This applies all game. (See section 8 for details about size.)

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

You could still unfold your robot into a ramp setup that blocks your opponent's ringers, if you stay there the whole time.

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

I was talking about that the other day but man that is a huge robot.:yikes:

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

i think that even if you can leave a ramp at the home zone it counts as part of your robot and i cant think of a way to lift the ramp 10cm above the floor level

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

yeh, that would be an awfully big robot, and would have to stay there the whole time... so thats not a good idea, because even if you could prevent the other alliance from getting their 9 ringers, if thats all you did, than it wouldent get you THAT far... however, it is still something that if someone can get to work, go for it.:D

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

yes it is counted as attached. HOWEVER... i would not want to do that. I believe that it was back in 2002 many teams were making little "minibots" that were tethered to the "main robot" and would drive off into the home row just before the match ended. we happened to be one of the teams that did that. one team decided that they would purposely entangle themselves on our tether(no its true i'm not making stuff up), somehow it was considered our fault, and thus we didn't make it to the finals. So i leave you with my though on long tethers: bad idea.

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

really? thats good to know that its allowed, however, I did notice that that might happen, robots getting tangled up that is.... If someone did it, it would have to be pretty well done to avoid contact.:ahh: Thanks for your help by the way:D

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

Anyone want to buy a motorized retractable ramp assembly, circa 2003? It was designed to have other robots drive on top, low mileage, etc. Heh, heh, heh. We call that robot "wedgie", our second year attempt.

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

Dick, We can't buy it, but we would love to see your drawings, photos & weight roll-up. :)

Paul Pawelski
first_team_2038@comcast.net
Igneum Ferrum

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

Our team considered doing this and just sitting there.

No, having a long tether is not allowed - This violates several rules, notably the 72x72 rule and the rule about not having a part on your robot which provides serious risk of entanglement (cable running along the floor.)

In 2002, this might have been allowed, it wasn't until 2006 that there was a size limit.

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

That year, we were using that 80/20 type frame material. We just slipped in some 1/4" Lexan in the grooves, put a plastic linear gear rack on the underside and fitted the window motors into the frame with the appropriate gear to match the rack. Due to weight and programming concerns (limit switches), we didn't use it in the competition. It was similar to those Jerr-Dan wrecker trailers with the ramp that extends down to the ground.

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

Another thing to think about is that if you are blocking your opponents tubes on the ground you are also blocking your human player.

Just a thought.

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

How are you blocking your human player; he can just throw the tubes over the robot.

Re: possible ramp/lift configurations
 

Its just an observation. Some robots will be designed to only pickup directly from the human player. Just a few things to think about.