Re: Trackballs
 

You are looking at a reference to the 2007 game's central scoring structure, the Rack (from Rack and Roll). Hence the reverse time travel. The Overpass has been called the rack by mistake.

Re: Trackballs
 

Take a look at page 11 of section 10 of the manual... not perfect by any means, but a pretty decent guide.

Re: Trackballs
 

This actually came from the 2008 Q&A system.

It was the question and answer.

It was posted on 1-15-08 by team 1350.

Re: Trackballs
 

if you check the manual under 6.3 it says that the trackball is 40" diameter and approximately 10 lbs. but update 4 its states that the trackball actually 7.3 lbs. To inflate the ball check the manual because it has an entire section on inflating the trackball to the right spot.

Re: Trackballs
 

I know. Hence the reverse time travel.

Allow me to explain: in 2007, the scoring structure was known as the "Rack". The 2008 scoring structure is the "Overpass". So, when someone asked about scoring on the rack (thinking of the overpass), the GDC responded that the rules for contacting the Overpass could be found in <G34>. But the rules on contacting the Rack (last year) involve reverse time travel (i.e. traveling back in time and contacting the Rack).

Re: Trackballs
 

That would explain why I did not understand what they meant at all.

Thanks.

Re: Trackballs
 

How do we prevent the balls from popping during the actual competition?

Re: Trackballs
 

You design your robot to not endanger them. Among other things, see rule <R05> regarding sharp corners and edges.