[archiver]

Posted by Ken Leung at 03/11/2001 2:45 PM EST


Student on team #192, Gunn Robotics Team, from Henry M. Gunn Senior High School.


In Reply to: Poor Man's Balance
Posted by Justin on 03/11/2001 12:07 PM EST:



Well, first of all, the meaning of balancing the bridge means the bridge is manipulated into a position where it is not touching the playing field, supported by any balls, and not supported by any robots touching the playing field.

From the blue print and the kick off, most of the people "assume" the bridge will be so loose that there is only one balanced position. And we also "assume" that the bridge will stay lowered on the ground when it is tipped. All these assumption seems pretty easy to make.

But the fact is, nothing in the rules can confirm the two assumptions. And if the actual bridge decided to act against those assumptions, there is nothing you change about it. Consider it part of the competition. But if you think about it, sticky bridge makes it easier for teams to balance, providing them a chance to practice balancing before the bridge get loosen up by all the usage during competition. I am sure by then, the bridge will have far less balanced position... It might even act like our assumption.


About the time multiplier... I somehow disagree with you... To me, the time multiplier means a lot. It makes the game more and more interesting as each second pass by, and it force people to play the game thinking doing everything fast is the KEY. And part of making an intelligent play is to make sure the game goes by FAST.

And the teams that head into the end zone and shut down is only a few of the robot in the alliance. There are always the others balancing the goal(s) and/or picking up big balls. Overall the game is still pretty interesting to watch, in my opinion anyways.