Laser Pointer on Bot for alignment only: Legal or illegal?
 

We are working on autonomous code. We are considering attaching a laser pointer to the bot for alignment purposes ONLY (i.e. prior to the start of the match the setup team would press the button on the laser pointer to align the kicker up with the ball. Once the button is released the pointer would turn off and not have any way of coming on again while the bot is on the field).

I have searched the manual and have not found anything stating that this is legal or illegal (because this setup would be completely disabled during match play). Thoughts from those more experienced than myself would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Robyn

Re: Laser Pointer on Bot for alignment only: Legal or illegal?
 

I would say that would be a no. Even if you don't use it during the match. Check with the GDC though.

Re: Laser Pointer on Bot for alignment only: Legal or illegal?
 

No, it is not legal.

remember Adobe reader or acrobat have a search command thats very useful.

Edit: that, combined with rule R02, which ,4lex posted would pretty much bar them completely for any reason.

Re: Laser Pointer on Bot for alignment only: Legal or illegal?
 

I think "specifically prohibited" means no. :rolleyes: Yeah, I know you aren't planning to turn it on during competition, but it doesn't just ban lasers that are turned on... R02 bans ALL exposed lasers of any type. But go ahead and ask the Q&A if you think there is a chance that the GDC would okay lasers that are only turned on sometimes.

Why not just attach a sight to your robot? People have been doing target shooting for years without using lasers to aim, and alignment devices attached to the robot are allowed.

Jason

Re: Laser Pointer on Bot for alignment only: Legal or illegal?
 

Probably would have been helpful if I had used the electronic version of the manual instead of the printout...(slapping forehead)

Thanks guys!:o

Re: Laser Pointer on Bot for alignment only: Legal or illegal?
 

What? You haven't memorized the manual yet? We just typed that in, right off the top of our head! :]

Yeah, the electronic versions are pretty handy, but it takes a while to know where to look and what to search for sometimes.

Jason

Re: Laser Pointer on Bot for alignment only: Legal or illegal?
 

You guys should align the kicker with the ball using the laser pointer, and then just take the laser pointer off with you and bring it off the field ;)

Re: Laser Pointer on Bot for alignment only: Legal or illegal?
 

Can't. The head ref will arbitrarily reposition their robot. It's a non-attached alignment device, which is illegal under <G11>.;)

Re: Laser Pointer on Bot for alignment only: Legal or illegal?
 

That falls under <G11> as quoted above.

Re: Laser Pointer on Bot for alignment only: Legal or illegal?
 

I believe he's going for a comical/sarcastic comment. Quote the "wink".

Laser=Prohibited

Re: Laser Pointer on Bot for alignment only: Legal or illegal?
 

why not put a little U shaped holder on teh front, and have one of those $1.00 laser pointers that you just place there for alignment, then remove before the match, that way, its not actually a part of your robot

Re: Laser Pointer on Bot for alignment only: Legal or illegal?
 

You probably shouldn't try anything which is not completely necessary or. Neither is it good to risk a violation of the rules.

Re: Laser Pointer on Bot for alignment only: Legal or illegal?
 

<G11> forbids that.

Re: Laser Pointer on Bot for alignment only: Legal or illegal?
 

No question is a stupid one. You know why people say that?

Because NERF sells a non-laser focussed light beam (using a lens and a normal tiny bulb) that extends well over 30 feet but that can be stared into. You can get it for under 20 bucks at hundreds of locations - though you'll have to buy the gun too to get it. I'm sure you can figure out SOMETHING to do with the gun though :D

As long as you power it from your power board, you should be good (obviously no batteries allowed). Make sure it's permanently attached to your bot, then you've covered the laser rule AND G11.


The light beam is on the lower part of the front end of the gun and is only clips on so you can move it gun to gun. It's also made for kids and can be stared into without any danger of eye damage, so it's pretty doggon safe too!

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Nerf-N-Str...ci_sku=9863513

Of course, you could always just wait till your robot boots up and use the camera image too...

Re: Laser Pointer on Bot for alignment only: Legal or illegal?
 

Tom,
An inspector would have to see it to rule on it. A device like this comes under this rule if it is on for the entire match.

<R02> ROBOT parts shall not be made from hazardous materials, be unsafe, or cause an unsafe condition. Items specifically PROHIBITED from use on the ROBOT include (but are not limited to):
A. Shields, curtains, or any other devices or materials designed or used to obstruct or limit the vision of any DRIVERS and/or COACHES and/or interfere with their ability to safely control their ROBOT
B. Speakers, sirens, air horns, or other audio devices that generate sound at a level sufficient to be a distraction or hindrance affecting the outcome of a MATCH
C. Any devices or decorations specifically intended to jam or interfere with the remote sensing capabilities of another robot,including vision systems, acoustic range finders, sonars, infra-red proximity detectors, etc.(e.g. including imagery on your robot that, to a reasonably astute observer, mimics the VISION TARGET)

That leaves a lot to be looked at and this may be a good Q&A question.

Re: Laser Pointer on Bot for alignment only: Legal or illegal?
 

I have to reiterate what dtengineering said. Just fashion a mechanical "sight". Sheesh.

How is this any more complicated than using a good old #2 pencil to draw (or a rusty nail to scratch) two small dots/lines on the frame of the bot and then lining them up with a 3rd spot (on the field or venue) each time you set the robot down on the field?

Use as many pencil marks as you like in order to make use of as many reference points as you like.

If you care to, use colored pens to create sets of alignment marks for each 3rd of the field, and for red and blue alliance possibilities.

I dare say that I think that the accuracy you will get out of sighting along a few widely spaced reference marks on the bot will equal or exceed anything you could get from trying to connect a wiggly little pointer (with loosely installed guts) tightly enough to the bot's frame to be able to stay aligned after the pounding of a few matches.

Blake
PS: A team that really wants to create a really sexy set of sights will solder/expoy together a few tiny metal tubes (pointing in different directions) gotten from their local hobby shop, and will and attach them to their bot, instead of using mere pencil marks.
PPS: Please pardon me in advance if this message seems to be uninspiring - There is a time for being inspired to use lasers, and a time for remembering and appreciating the simple elegance of a Kentucky long rifle. This seems to call for the latter.

Re: Laser Pointer on Bot for alignment only: Legal or illegal?
 

Emphasis mine.

so attach a tape measure that you can extend to know correct placement then will retract and stay retracted. Or if you can get a laser pointer by R02 then you should be able to use that.

As G11 only disallows EXTERNAL positioning devices or jigs anything that is part of the robot meets all other rules specifications and weights should be allowed.

Re: Laser Pointer on Bot for alignment only: Legal or illegal?
 

Thank you team 190. MOH Goat strikes again!