timing of re-contact
 

If my robot vaults over the overpass while possessing the ball and I never lose contact with it, when do I need to re-contact it? Do I have to let go before I hit the ground, let it bounce and pick it back up, or can I land and then drop it and re-contact it?

Re: timing of re-contact
 

You're vaulting the robot over the overpass? I'd like to see that! No, on second thought, I wouldn't want to. I'd need more than eye protection to protect from all the flying shrapnel.

Re: timing of re-contact
 

I think if you could jump over the overpass reliably and consistantly, they would give you double points just for the heck of it.

But I too would be doing a "duck and cover" move to avoid the flying parts.

Re: timing of re-contact
 

As would I!

Gary, if your team does end up doing this, expect me to at least visit you during The Champs. @ Atlanta, or make my way to the FL regional somehow! :D

Keep us posted!

Re: timing of re-contact
 

Wouldn't it be kind of hard to keep your standard bumpers within the bumper zone? I would love to see you do it! I suppose some type of climbing robot could do it as long as you didn't grab the overpass and just layed across it.

EDIT: To answer your question, probably doing it after you land as long as it is before the trackball goes over the opposing alliances finish line. Could maybe be the same action since you can not possess the trackball when you do that either.

Re: timing of re-contact
 

I think the generally accepted interpretation of the rules for hurdling would tell you to release the ball while still in the air, and make sure it hits the ground before you re-contact it. The only possible point of dispute with that might be the rule about remaining in contact with the ball while crossing the finish line gives you no points, so you might have to release it before you cross the line...

Re: timing of re-contact
 

That rule doesn't apply to hurdling - see Update 1

Re: timing of re-contact
 

If you are concerned about giving up possession of the TrackBall, why not have your robot pass the TB over the overpass and pull it back? From the Q and A:

"A robot may break all contact with the Trackball as it passes over the Overpass. Likewise, a robot may be in contact with the Trackball when it passes over the Overpass. Either would be considered a valid Hurdle."

I can think of four or five ways to do this (or something similar). Of course, since the kids have only decided on their drivetrain at this point, I must keep those ideas to myself for now.

Re: timing of re-contact
 

If you vault over with the robot, I'm calling <S01>!

Re: timing of re-contact
 

Party pooper. :(
Remind me not to go to an event you Ref. :p ;) :rolleyes:

Re: timing of re-contact
 

You're safe for this year at least. The last event I reffed was FVC L.A. 2006.

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I can easily think ways of hurdling the trackball - without losing contact with it - that don't involve hurdling the entire robot. (In fact, it was one of the ideas I had right after the kickoff... :p)

Re: timing of re-contact
 

Hurdling without losing contact of the ball would probably be slower (a more precise operation almost inherently) and in a game like this, slower is probably worse. Not to mention it violates the rules. Our team has discussed this and we have come to the conclusion that the intent of the rule is to give your allies (and opponents) a chance to get the Trackball and play the game. After all, no one likes a ball-hog.

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Drat. I was hoping the Pink team would be one of the teams willing to catch us on the way down. My original plan was to collaborate with SPAM and Swampthing and have them modify their ramps from last year for takeoff and landing, but I'm open to other opportunities.

Re: timing of re-contact
 

Pink loves the ramps of SPAM and Swamp Thing, too (Florida regional and Nationals - good times). Now that I think about it, it would definitely be pretty epic to make them into a extreme course for us to drive around the track on. I'll have to convince my team members - we were looking forward to not needing any ground clearance. . .
I don't know how keen that my team would be on being the bot that breaks the fall of another. Maybe I'll bring it up at our top secret design/prototyping meeting tomorrow.