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Unread 30-01-2003, 11:37
Eric Reed Eric Reed is offline
I am somebody now!
#0481 (De Anza Robotics Team)
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Richmond, CA
Posts: 103
Eric Reed will become famous soon enoughEric Reed will become famous soon enough
My 2c

I am 99.99% sure that the purpose of this rule is to prevent people from communicating in any way with the robot during autonomous mode.

Many have been asking the questions 'can we use the e-stop to cycle through programs', 'can we use the e-stop to let another robot pass by' and 'can we reset the robot during the autonomous period'.

In my blunt opinion these questions are from those who are ungraciously trying to redefine the word 'autonomous'.

Given the intent of this rule, I think it is very unlikely that FIRST will allow a 3 foot tether on the OI controls.

It sounds to me like Innovation FIRST does not have a way to control the OI to the extent that it intended to. It seems like if a fix were possible, it would be a very simple one. Perhaps this is a hardware issue inside each team's OI, and not something they can program or fix in the competition control system.

I agree with many that the 3' rule creates a safety hazard, and a problem for those with disabilities. Another solution is needed.

Eric.