2014 FRC Game Breakdown

[jee7s]

FRC 2789 tried to consolidate our game breakdown into a single page...and we did. We narrowed the margins and used 9 point font, but it fits. Please comment, critique, or throw it in the trash as you see fit.

Scoring notes
Maximum Autonomous:
25 pts/team
75 pts/alliance

Maximum Teleop per Cycle:
60 points (10 TRUSS, 10 CATCH, 10 HIGH GOAL, +30 ASSIST BONUS)

Penalty for low goal:
9 points, constant

Pertinent points about the game:
* Top goal and Truss are roughly the same height
* Low goal easily defended
* Game is all about possession
* Possession is well defined.
* No “safe” zones. Robots are subject to contact across the field.
* No max score by rules
* Cycles don’t start until all Autonomous Balls are scored
* No provision for a ball stuck in a robot that is dead -- may never start cycles
* No requirement that all robots on an alliance possess a ball at start of match

Strategic estimates:
* Minimum estimated cycle time is 14 seconds, so max 10 cycles in game → Theoretical Max 675 points per match
* Realistic cycle time is 30 seconds, so max 5 cycles per game → Idealized 375 points per match
* Three well coordinated robots is unlikely, so drop catch chance to 1 in 5 → 335 points per match
* Nominal 2 coordinated robots, so drop match score to maximum expected 225 points per match. ← This is the Champs score expectation
* Average 1 in three can score all 25 auton points, 1 in three score 16, 1 in three score 5. In teleop one half of performance expected → Realistic Maximum of 121. ← This is the Regional Elims score expectation
* Defense is VERY signficiant as there are no safe zones
* Possession is key. Herding gets you the assist, but opponents will likely disrupt your movement down the field.
* Pay attention to human player rules re: balls that leave the playing field
* HOT goal will be hit-or-miss for most teams
* Three fundamental roles: Shooter, Midfielder, Inbounder
* Shooter is maneuverable but not necessarily fast, scores in top goal reliably, can catch
* Midfielder is maneuverable and fast, can score in top goal, can toss the ball
* Inbounder defends the opponent’s scorer and pushes their ball up the field

Robot Design Notes:
* Extension is 20” all the way around the robot, so no cylinder rule
* Solenoid Cv restriction is lifted
* 5’ Height restriction limits arm viability
* In the end, it’s an energy problem to shoot the ball -- they gave us those constant force springs for a reason
* Mecanum drivetrain is potentially trouble since there are no safe zones
* All robots need a fast on-the-fly pickup and good possession mechanism
* Midfielder needs to send the ball over the truss, but not necessarily accurately
* Scorer needs to hit the top goal. Period.
* Bumper rule is extra strict this year...build them well
* No reason a team can’t score 5 points in Autonomous with a modicum of effort.