Re: How to control the minibot?
 

Patrick, It will do that if you remove power from the motor and short the leads of the motor. This is the technique that is in use when you select "brake" mode on a speed controller.

Re: How to control the minibot?
 

This is what our team is doing. all it is, is a limit switch from the kit last year, wired so that when we hit the pole, it sends a signal to the motor telling it to start.

Re: How to control the minibot?
 

I don't think minibots are going to come down nice and easy. i would build one to with stand a fall from 122 inches. take a pole vaulters advice, hitting the ground will not be fun. ten-and-a-half feet, you would want a nice thick pad to fall on. build it so it can take the fall, and be ready to rewire if need be.

Re: How to control the minibot?
 

Of course, of course, and as a physics teacher I already know that... ;) But it's only true if your MINIBOT back-drives down the pole in the first place -- which ours currently does not. Thus, shorting the motor leads will result in it continuing to not come down at all, instead of coming down slowly.

It's all good. Just more stuff for the kids to figure out!