Hostbot/Minibot Communication

[mwtidd]

Anyone have ideas of how to get the hostbot and minibot to communicate prior to deployment? I would need 3 states, so a limit switch won't do, two would though. I have also considered color, any other ideas?

[EricH]

You are allowed 2 light switches.

It may also be possible to hit buttons on an NXT, but that requires some nice precise positioning.

[Bjenks548]

I might consider putting a countdown on the nxt program. Have every autonomous program set a delay in for 2mins and 5 seconds, after that no need to worry about turning it on right before the launch

[mwtidd]

Originally Posted by EricH

You are allowed 2 light switches.

It may also be possible to hit buttons on an NXT, but that requires some nice precise positioning.

Are these light switches at the driver station? ie can they be used to control it.

Originally Posted by Bjenks548

I might consider putting a countdown on the nxt program. Have every autonomous program set a delay in for 2mins and 5 seconds, after that no need to worry about turning it on right before the launch

i actually need to control the minibot during the match.

[Bjenks548]

Originally Posted by lineskier

i actually need to control the minibot during the match.

Not sure what your planning on, but keep in mind G<46> MINIBOTS may only be used to climb the TOWER. Violation: Yellow card

[mwtidd]

Originally Posted by Bjenks548

Not sure what your planning on, but keep in mind G<46> MINIBOTS may only be used to climb the TOWER. Violation: Yellow card

Hmm, I wonder what defines using. Technically having a minibot on you as a 15lb counter weight is using it for something other than climbing.

[Twisted eric]

Well that is just Physics we are planning the same thing but I don't know how to either time it right or control it to do the climbing.

[DonRotolo]

OK, how to use it for example:

You have a battery and motor connected through a push-type switch. Your Hostbot pushes the minibot on to the pole (say, with a pneumatic piston, or maybe a big rubber band...), and the pole presses the switch.

Depending on the rules, you can either use the switch to complete the circuit to power the motor, or you can use the switch to signal the NXT brick to turn the motor on (using the motor controller that's allowed).

Hope this idea gets you started.

[Twisted eric]

Originally Posted by DonRotolo

OK, how to use it for example:

You have a battery and motor connected through a push-type switch. Your Hostbot pushes the minibot on to the pole (say, with a pneumatic piston, or maybe a big rubber band...), and the pole presses the switch.

Depending on the rules, you can either use the switch to complete the circuit to power the motor, or you can use the switch to signal the NXT brick to turn the motor on (using the motor controller that's allowed).

Hope this idea gets you started.

Yes it does thanks

Originally Posted by lineskier

Not if you have a movable conterweight system. Then you are actively using your minibot to balance your robot. Personally I think the rule was meant to avoid minibot roaming the field during the endgame, but that's just my personal opinion.

ya you are right it is only to prevent minibots from roaming the feild

Thanks every body.

[mwtidd]

Originally Posted by Twisted eric

Well that is just Physics we are planning the same thing but I don't know how to either time it right or control it to do the climbing.

Not if you have a movable conterweight system. Then you are actively using your minibot to balance your robot. Personally I think the rule was meant to avoid minibot roaming the field during the endgame, but that's just my personal opinion.