New Off-season Defenses

[Arhowk]

Originally Posted by maxnz

Let me ask this: Where exactly was the problem on the portcullis? I know what the problem is but I just want to know what part of the portcullis caused the problem. Then we could try to think of a new portcullis that removes this problem.

1) Size
2) Little bit topheavy
3) The giant blade that can easily deal enough damage if it slides on its track
4) the fact that, atleast in FiM, you have to have four people grab the portcullises and shove them on top of everything else

[Karibou]

Originally Posted by DareDad

So, an improved portcullis is:

• lighter.
• has no exposed counterweight components.
• has fewer sharp edges.
• has a door that can be locked in place during transport.
• has handholds for the field reset folks.

I'm sure there's more.

I'd specifically say "has no exposed track components" - the weighting isn't the issue regarding pinch points (aside from the top-heaviness), it's the exposed track/wheel And if you cover that, you also pretty much cover the spring. But otherwise, that's a solid list. Just adding a latch/lock or handholds alone would have saved a lot of fingers.

[scott.smith]

I have heard a lot of ideas for a rolling log defense, and I really like the concept, but I feel one rolling log would be impossible to get over. I think that a better design for the defense would have 3-5 rolling cylinders, so it still has challenge, but isn't impossible.

[Doug Frisk]

Originally Posted by scott.smith

I have heard a lot of ideas for a rolling log defense, and I really like the concept, but I feel one rolling log would be impossible to get over. I think that a better design for the defense would have 3-5 rolling cylinders, so it still has challenge, but isn't impossible.

Something like 5 lengths of 1 1/2" PVC suspended across the base on taut paracord?

I like it, but it seems to me that something would have to be added to slow the robots down, otherwise crossing that defense would simply be a matter of charging at it at full speed at which point the defense wouldn't last more than a couple of matches.

[notmattlythgoe]

Originally Posted by DareDad

otherwise crossing that defense would simply be a matter of charging at it at full speed

This was the strategy for over half of the defenses this year... including the portcullis.

[techhelpbb]

A box with closing walls. Cause everything should get a great big hug:

>:)<

or
Something like this:


Drive fast...drive true...otherwise it will kind of crush you:

}:)

[ctt956]

Originally Posted by techhelpbb

A box with closing walls. Cause everything should get a great big hug:

>:)<

or
Something like this:


Drive fast...drive true...otherwise it will kind of crush you:

}:)

YES! Definitely! This or a Bomb-Omb, or maybe a Chain Chomp. Goombas and Koopa Troopas would probably be good too.

[notmattlythgoe]

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up of what I've heard from HQ.

Matt, thanks for your patience on this.

We just sent emails to District management instructing them not to supply the full portcullis to off-season events, but giving them the OK to supply the portcullis bases (as you have pictured below). As the game-specific elements stay with the Districts after the season is over, they have control of their own destinies on this.

We’ve also provided similar instructions to AndyMark.

[TheMagicPenguin]

There is no problem with the portcullis.
I competed at MAR district and even was a field reset volunteer at one of the events. I never hurt myself on it (wasn't wearing gloves either), and I haven't heard of anyone else hurting themself on it. Sure it's possible but after you get a cut once you learn to not put your fingers there. That simple. Getting rid of it because a few people weren't paying attention is ridiculous. With that logic we may as well get rid of all defenses because people can cut themselfs on it.

Getting rid of the portcullis penalizes all the teams (like mine) who spent hours on a autonomous for it. Even if HQ is nit letting people ship it out, make a almost identical defense, that doesn't penalizes teams who built a specific mechanism for it.

[CalTran]

Originally Posted by TheMagicPenguin

There is no problem with the portcullis.
I competed at MAR district and even was a field reset volunteer at one of the events. I never hurt myself on it (wasn't wearing gloves either), and I haven't heard of anyone else hurting themself on it. Sure it's possible but after you get a cut once you learn to not put your fingers there. That simple. Getting rid of it because a few people weren't paying attention is ridiculous. With that logic we may as well get rid of all defenses because people can cut themselfs on it.

Getting rid of the portcullis penalizes all the teams (like mine) who spent hours on a autonomous for it. Even if HQ is nit letting people ship it out, make a almost identical defense, that doesn't penalizes teams who built a specific mechanism for it.

If it were in season, you can bet that all of us would be up in arms over this. Hell, look at the reaction when they changed the material of the low bar, let alone got rid of an entire defense.
Since it's off season though, I don't feel quite as shafted that they're not distributing the Port. It's large, difficult to see around when reffing (Particularly when it's in position 2 or 3), and there seems to be a few "major" injuries related to it (Or at least, more injuries than I've heard about from past seasons field reset), and teams have already had a chance to use whatever mechanisms that were purpose built.
And on the plus side, if you take off your Port manipulator, you might now have enough weight to cheesecake a climber on!

[TheMagicPenguin]

Originally Posted by CalTran

Since it's off season though, I don't feel quite as shafted that they're not distributing the Port. It's large, difficult to see around when reffing (Particularly when it's in position 2 or 3), and there seems to be a few "major" injuries related to it (Or at least, more injuries than I've heard about from past seasons field reset), and teams have already had a chance to use whatever mechanisms that were purpose built.

I see your points and your certainty not wrong, but I still believe it's not enough of a reason to get rid of it.

Originally Posted by CalTran

And on the plus side, if you take off your Port manipulator, you might now have enough weight to cheesecake a climber on!

I would normally agree with this however we already have a hanger and a pound or two to spare. Another good point though.

[notmattlythgoe]

Originally Posted by TheMagicPenguin

I see your points and your certainty not wrong, but I still believe it's not enough of a reason to get rid of it.

There were multiple instances of multiple fingers broken because of the portcullis. That right there is absolutely enough reason to send it to the off-season events.

Had it been sent I would still be considering not running it at the Rumble in the Roads. The last thing I want is one of my volunteers to get a major injury.

[PayneTrain]

Originally Posted by notmattlythgoe

There were multiple instances of multiple fingers broken because of the portcullis. That right there is absolutely enough reason to send it to the off-season events.

Had it been sent I would still be considering not running it at the Rumble in the Roads. The last thing I want is one of my volunteers to get a major injury.

yea matt but what about the love of the game bro

[notmattlythgoe]

Originally Posted by PayneTrain

yea matt but what about the love of the game bro

[Crew Cox]

Anyone got an old treadmill belt and some spare 775s?
Really easy to cross one way not so much the other.