Springs on a minibot?

[hans4]

So I have some team member wondering if springs are allowed on the minibots.
I believe that rule <r-92> says no, however part J makes me wonder if its possible.

Any ideas?

Thanks!
Nick

[cbeavers6790]

i would agree with you and say no. If its not listed under the things that can be used on the mini bots then i wouldnt risk it. I would stick with the things that they say can be used. i will check the rules to make sure though

[EricH]

Spring springs are not in the list.

But rubber bands and surgical tubing are (parts U and V).

Twisted rope could also act as one, but I'd go for rubber bands first.

[hans4]

Thanks guys i'll let my team members know


Nick

[Waffles]

It's rather questionable, considering that ruling <R92> under listed part J says:

non-metallic rope, or cord

If you're thinking about a different materialized spring, it may be considered. Deff check with the Q&A, otherwise assume no because springs can be deemed dangerous in some way shape or form.

Just my two cents.

[ThePeracha]

What about launching it? Can we launch it directly from the robot to the pole?

[cbeavers6790]

Originally Posted by ThePeracha

What about launching it? Can we launch it directly from the robot to the pole?

NO that would not only be dangerous, but from what i have looked at in the rules it is not allowed please do not try it

[Waffles]

Originally Posted by cbeavers6790

NO that would not only be dangerous, but from what i have looked at in the rules it is not allowed please do not try it

Can you provide a reference point from the manual? I mean, there are methods we've thought about, and considering that we're working with a steel pole, that means that there's potential for magnets as well.

Just my two cents.

[ThePeracha]

Originally Posted by Waffles

Can you provide a reference point from the manual? I mean, there are methods we've thought about, and considering that we're working with a steel pole, that means that there's potential for magnets as well.

Excellent idea. But won't the magnets disrupt both the sensors and the electronics on the minibot?

[ThePeracha]

From thread http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/ne...reply&p=993370:

Originally Posted by Waffles

It's not necessarily the BASE. When you "deploy":

DEPLOYMENT – the act of positioning a MINIBOT on a TOWER. DEPLOYMENT starts when the MINIBOT breaks the vertical projection of the TOWER BASE circumference during the END GAME. (Related form, DEPLOY, verb)

DEPLOYMENT LINE – located on the POST, approximately 18 inches above the top surface of the BASE.

These are the Manual definitions.

I believe you have an 18" buffer zone on which you PLACE the minibot.

(Otherwise, correct me if I'm wrong)

Does this mean it can't be thrown above the line area?

[Mike Ounsworth]

Originally Posted by ThePeracha

Excellent idea. But won't the magnets disrupt both the sensors and the electronics on the minibot?

Who says the mini-bot needs electronics?

What if your mini-bot was a passive cylinder that wraps around the pole and is then launched from a HOST-mounted "crossbow" (or other stored-energy launcher). I get the feeling this isn't in the spirit of the mini-bot, but I don't see anything in the rules specifically forbidding it.

[ThePeracha]

Originally Posted by Mike Ounsworth

Who says the mini-bot needs electronics?

What if your mini-bot was a passive cylinder that wraps around the pole and is then launched from a HOST-mounted "crossbow" (or other stored-energy launcher). I get the feeling this isn't in the spirit of the mini-bot, but I don't see anything in the rules specifically forbidding it.

Interesting. However, I see a few problems. If the magnet is powerful enough to attach a minibot onto the pole, won't the electronics be disrupted on the hostbot and the sensors on the pole?

[AntonOlsen]

Originally Posted by ThePeracha

Interesting. However, I see a few problems. If the magnet is powerful enough to attach a minibot onto the pole, won't the electronics be disrupted on the hostbot and the sensors on the pole?

The magnets will not affect the electronics or sensors in any way unless you are using magnetic reed switches or hall effect sensors.

I've build a few VEX bots that use magnets to climb steel walls and I-Beams and never had a problem with the sensors, electronics, or radios.

[Andrew Remmers]

Originally Posted by ThePeracha

Interesting. However, I see a few problems. If the magnet is powerful enough to attach a minibot onto the pole, won't the electronics be disrupted on the hostbot and the sensors on the pole?

Who said you need magnets?

[salman1992]

<G46> MINIBOTS may only be used to climb the TOWER.

I don't know if launching would be allowed.