Re: Throw or Drop?
 

Since we're not, all it takes is a consistent shooting mechanism and a little time spent to solve the problem empirically. One physical example is worth a thousand models, so go build something and see what happens!

Re: Throw or Drop?
 

Our team has looked at both, and may end up with both. If the basket is 14 inches long then it ends up something like 3 -4 inches from the edge of the rim. I poured basketballs into a trash can from this distance with ease. We are trying to figure out a way to use a dumping basket as a hopper for a shooter so we can do both.

Re: Throw or Drop?
 

Just checked the math:
Not possible to dunk/drop balls into the hoops (Though you can get really close)

Barriers:
Fender: 38.75"

Now all the things to take out of that:
Hoop: Inside Diameter 18"
Backboard: 0.5"
Connection from hoop to backboard: 6" from inside of hoop to backboard
Total: 24.5" + some tiny distance for the diameter of the hoop ring (the metal itself not the gap in the middle)

38.75 - 24.5 = 14.25

You are allowed to extend out 14"

14.25" - 14" = 0.25"

So even under ideal circumstances your extention falls just short of the hoop. Dunking is physically impossible without tipping your robot somehow, or violating the rules.

Re: Throw or Drop?
 

can't you overcome a quarter inch with spin? what about the diameter of the ball?


anyways, my team is ging to try for a shooting mechanism, our ultimate goal being the ability to take half-court shots. we are still in the process of selecting the best way to do this though,...

Re: Throw or Drop?
 

i believe you also forgot the width of your bumpers between your frame and the fender. so we add another 3.25 inches or so...

0.25'' + 3.25'' = 3.5''

You might gain inspiration from 47's 2000 bot. It collects balls in a open ended box then lifted it up and spat it out

Re: Throw or Drop?
 

Well yes, but then you'd sorta be shooting it, not dropping/dunking it (unless we're talking about the 1 point basket. The two point baskets are both at 61", so there really wasn't a ton of vertical space to drop from anyway). Additionally, my calculations were incorrect (see next quoted post), and 3.5 inches is a bit harder to cover with spin alone (and at the point where it is covered you're not even close to dunking anymore).

Oops, you're right. Good call. Same conclusion regardless though.

Re: Throw or Drop?
 

Our team decided that we should go for shooting.

Re: Throw or Drop?
 

I think that any team that can quickly and efficiently score points will be very effective, and since time spent moving accross the field is time wasted, a shooting mechanism should be better.

plus, if one robot is REALLY good at shooting balls, the other two could just feed him the balls from the other side of the court

Re: Throw or Drop?
 

For the people who plan to drop the balls into the hoops..please keep in mind that there is a limit to how far something can extend from your robot. I believe that the limit is 14". Plus the fender is adding additional space away from the basket. With all that being said...my team (#1850) decided to throw the dropping idea out of the loop. I hope with the information that I just gave you is helpful. Good LucK!