Water Game Next Year?

[Samwaldo]

First of all a water game is impractical!!!! If the venue even allowed a field with water on it, then FIRST field set up would have to figure a way to transport water to the field, probably being buckets if a hose was not long enough. Also leakage would be a huge problem. Lastly putting away a wet field would Be difficult due to slippage but also FIRST volunteers would have to figure a way to get rid of the water.

I think though if they ABSOLUTLY wanted to do something with water then they could do something similar to the 2011 minibots, they could put a small lane, or bowl of water that involves a minibot either racing down the lane of water, or floating in a bowl and doing something

[Taylor]

Bill Miller said a similar thing at QCR. The crowd was awash in speculation, but I suspect he was dripping with sarcasm.

[fox46]

I don't think water is as impractical as it is being made out to be. As far as the motors and battery etc are concerned, they will operate quite happily fully immersed in water (relatively clean water). Water as a matter of fact is non-conductive, rather it is the ions present in the water that account for the conductive nature. However, for driving motors and higher current loads, the power leak through the water is negligable. In fact, I have read several articles stating that the best way to break in one of the mabuchi-style motors is to immerse it in a glass of water and run it at low power for up to an hour. The problem with water and motors is corrosion which would have to be mitigated with sacrificial anodes or chemical inhibitors. The only trickky bit would be the electronics as they are indeed affected by current leak through water. FIRST would have to design and provide a waterproof control system. Something as simple as a waterproof Pelican case fitted with amphenol connectors or thru-case terminal strips would work quite well. An even cheaper solution would be military surplus ammunition boxes (cost about $5 each at surplus outlets) fitted with a lexan window to view the blinking lights and thru-case terminal strips for input/output connections. I know a number of people who have built waterproof cases for camcorders using these boxes. Model RC boats seem to do just fine so why not robots??

As for the venue, I think the only place you will have issues are gymnasiums with hardwood floors. Convention centers and arenas will have no problem dealing with water due to concrete construction and floor drains. Heck- in Toronto they flood an arena 5 feet deep and drive powerboats around towwing wakeboarders for the Toronto Boat Show! I have also attended several events where organizers have set up above-ground pools to hold mock RC warship battles and such. It's not out of the question IMO. Such a field could be filled from any standpipe or fire hose in no time and drained using a portable gasoline utility pump outside into a storm drain.

I do however think that FIRST is too "lazy" to pull something like this off. It is just so much easier for them not to bother.

[MrForbes]

Originally Posted by fox46

I don't think water is as impractical as it is being made out to be.

Yes, it is....

I do however think that FIRST is too "lazy" to pull something like this off. It is just so much easier for them not to bother.

I think there's a difference between being realistic, and being lazy. Although they often go together.

[Brian Selle]

I agree this is all quite impractical at the local level, but just to run with the idea... how about a pool the size of the current field 4-6" deep and the robots are jet boats with bumpers. A max weight 120lb bot would draft < 4".

The KOP contains 3 pairs of rubber boots and 3 offical FRC towels. It would certainly be exciting.

[Jenn Feathers]

but still atleast 6" thick acrylic walls would be needed to hold back the water, take a hit from the robots, and give the audience a clear view of whats going on under the water. perfectly clear 6" thick acrylic is quite expensive.

[MAldridge]

Originally Posted by Jenn Feathers

but still atleast 6" thick acrylic walls would be needed to hold back the water, take a hit from the robots, and give the audience a clear view of whats going on under the water. perfectly clear 6" thick acrylic is quite expensive.

yes, but 0.5" thick transparent aluminum would work just fine...

[Gigakaiser]

This thread is still going on...

[Jenn Feathers]

Originally Posted by MAldridge

yes, but 0.5" thick transparent aluminum would work just fine...

can that hold up to being hit and what about props chopping through it?

[PAR_WIG1350]

Originally Posted by MAldridge

yes, but 0.5" thick transparent aluminum would work just fine...

Originally Posted by Jenn Feathers

can that hold up to being hit and what about props chopping through it?

Well, there is an armor grade version which can withstand multiple hits from .50 caliber rounds without being penetrated, but I'm not sure if it retains its water holding abilities. Also, the manufacturer claims that it "can be cost effectively scaled to high volumes," but that doesn't mean that the cost would be affordable. According to Wikipedia, the AG version is 10-15 dollars per square inch which makes it the most expensive 'bullet proof' window material.

[kylelanman]

Bill stopped by our pit at the QCR and we were talking about various things with him. The question was raised how he thought the mini-bots worked out. He fired the same question back. We gave him our opinion. In general more on the negative side. He then told us sarcastically that next years game was going to be a water game with mini-bots. Needless say he pretty much said neither was going to happen.

[Jaxom]

Originally Posted by btslaser

The KOP contains 3 pairs of rubber boots and 3 offical FRC towels. It would certainly be exciting.

Nice....although don't you think we might need snorkels as well?

You would, however, also add to the volunteer position list. "Lifeguard" would be important, right?

[Libby K]

Originally Posted by Taylor

Bill Miller said a similar thing at QCR. The crowd was awash in speculation, but I suspect he was dripping with sarcasm.

Oh good, the puns are back.

Originally Posted by EricH

1993. Some of the balls on the field had water inside.

Okay, so I guess the idea of 'we've never had a water game' is sunk.

[z_beeblebrox]

A water game would be awesome (especially with our mentors http://selectric.org/nurc12/index.html), but it won't happen.

[DevinW]

Originally Posted by z_beeblebrox

A water game would be awesome (especially with our mentors http://selectric.org/nurc12/index.html), but it won't happen.

The thing I love about you saying it would be awesome, is that you're in Arizona.