Tetra auto loading zone clarification...

[AmyPrib]

Originally Posted by dhitchco

The term "being in the zone" is indeed somewhat ambiguous for the four zones (two manual and two aut-load zones).

FIRST could very EASILY fix the problem as follows:
a) For the two auto-load stations, the field attendant stationed at the auto-load to refill it, could simply raise a flag signalling that the robot is IN THE ZONE and alowing the team to do a retreive function.

b) Since there is no field attendant located directly near the human player loading triangles, FIRST could also easily implement a pressure pad in the field such that whenever a robot even touches the triangle, it sets off a green light indicating that the robot is IN THE ZONE. If a pressure pad doesn't work, then a proximity sensor or a human referee could signal "green" once a robot is in the zone.

I think these are good ideas. But I don't know that FIRST can guarantee different attendants for both auto loadzones at every competition. But it would be helpful to have a signal, but at the same time, the robot design should allow the driveteam to blatantly know they are in the loadzone. I suppose the way they let you know is by throwing a flag when you violate the rule.. No flag, then you must have been ok.

[663.keith]

Originally Posted by AmyPrib

I think these are good ideas. But I don't know that FIRST can guarantee different attendants for both auto loadzones at every competition. But it would be helpful to have a signal, but at the same time, the robot design should allow the driveteam to blatantly know they are in the loadzone. I suppose the way they let you know is by throwing a flag when you violate the rule.. No flag, then you must have been ok.

I have to agree with you on this one, a team should make it their own responsibility to make sure that their robot is "in" the loading zone. it does seem that the best way to know if you were ok is if no flag was thrown from a ref.

[WildEmerica]

So can you not touch the loading zone and still take a tetra if your really close? yo

[Spikey]

Originally Posted by WildEmerica

So can you not touch the loading zone and still take a tetra if your really close? yo

No, you have to touch the loading zone triangle. From the way they replied it looks like they want something like a wheel from your robot or part of the base to touch the zone. I don't think they will look too kindly on extending arms that touch the zone, they want the 38-28 part of the robot touching the zone.

[sirbleedsalot]

So what happens if in order to be in the loading zone your arm sticks over the side lines? Also what are the dimensions of the loading zone?

[CyberWolf_22]

I believe the triangles that make up the loading zones are equilateral triangles with 3 feet side lengths.

[AmyPrib]

Originally Posted by sirbleedsalot

So what happens if in order to be in the loading zone your arm sticks over the side lines? Also what are the dimensions of the loading zone?

I believe you are ok in sticking your arms out over the sidelines, so long as you don't cause harm or safety concerns for the bystanders or field attendants. Read Section 4.3.2 in the Game manual for further details.

The loading zone size is, as mentioned, 3ft per side equilateral. Read Section 3.2.1 of the Arena manual.