Re: Shooting from opposite side of the field
 

I wanted to add a spreadsheet I made to this thread. It helps with calculations for the ideal projectile in a variety of circumstances. Most importantly, it helps with the case of a fixed-velocity varying-angle shooter, as well as other cases. Please see my blog post about it: link

It doesn't take the drag into account, but will give an order of magnitude for different situations. It also tells you how much variation in your velocity or angle there would be between each of the hoops, so there is an indication of how much tolerance there is on the velocity or angle.

Re: Shooting from opposite side of the field
 

i would say its very difficult but possible and if a team perfects it then they would score alot of points

Re: Shooting from opposite side of the field
 

It was reasonably precise, and very accurate in altitude, but was difficult with that robot's drive train (which started holonomic and got a tank-drive conversion at the last minute) to get the azimuthal accuracy needed.

This year is definitely more challenging than 2006 for aiming.

Re: Shooting from opposite side of the field
 

I'm not sure if it was just the balls in our kit...

but they don't fly straight. Their CG is up to 1" off center... so you get some "wobble" mid-flight.

Re: Shooting from opposite side of the field
 

This is a product of the manufacturing process, when the ball is molded the side of the ball that is facing down ends up being more dense than the top part. Lower quality balls see this to a greater extent than higher quality (i.e. NERF). Depending on the manufacturer there may also be a had spot there the tube used for injecting the foam was inserted, this can also throw off the balance. All that said I haven't looked at these balls in person so I can't tell you what is actually causing it, I just know that these are concerns addressed when deciding on a manufacturing process for foam balls.

Who knew co-opping at a toy company would teach me something.

Re: Shooting from opposite side of the field
 

I really don't think it is worth pursuing. The chances of something like that happening are so remote...

With that attitude....