RC cars at regionals

[sanddrag]

First, are they allowed? If so, would anyone like to set up a small race at LA next year? I think that would be fun. What do you think?

I don't see why the radio signals would conflict, because they are on a much lower frequency. But, is there something (like rules) specifically prohibiting them?

[Jeff K.]

If maybe they were after the competitions, I'd love to do that. I know many people on my team also would to. Howabout maybe during or after the Fall Classic?

[Mike Schroeder]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

First, are they allowed? If so, would anyone like to set up a small race at LA next year? I think that would be fun. What do you think?

I don't see why the radio signals would conflict, because they are on a much lower frequency. But, is there something (like rules) specifically prohibiting them?

you would probobly just have to get approval from either FIRST or IFI or Both

[Cory]

You need to get approval for any wireless device, regardless of frequency.

[sanddrag]

They'd probably be more uptight about these incredibly fast little vehicles running about all over the place rather than radio interference. LA has lots of space that isn't used though.

[Kyle Love]

Do it in the parking lot during lunch or something...I know I want to do that now...too bad all the regionals I go to are cold outside. *SHUDDERS*

[Jeff K.]

If I remember correctly, there was a large area outside in the parking lot that had been marked off and completely empty. Maybe during the lunch break or so, we might be able to organize a small race. You can also try asking the FIRST people that are organizing and heading the event if it is okay with them and to make sure that it won't interfere with the radios. Hey, it's worth a try.

[sanddrag]

At LA it is hot outside. But if it was outside, we could do nitro. Anyway, I was thinking it would be cool to do inside on the smooth concrete floor.

I'd probably bring my Tamiya Mini Cooper since this would most likely be a road dacing type of thing (and that is the only on-road car I have).

[Tuba4]

I do not think RC cars would be a technical problem at any FIRST event. A logistical problem perhaps. Does anyone remember the former Edubot kit? Last season the Red Barons used one and mounted a Lego Red Baron Fokker Tri Plane on it. You needed a standard RC radio transmitter and receiver to make it work. In fact, IFI recommended three units that could be purchased from Tower Hobbies, a major retail player in RC cars and planes. It just had to be in the frequency range for ground vehicles and not airplanes. As an aside, we found a prepainted bust of a pilot figure which we added to our plane. I swear it looked just like Woodie Flowers!!!!!

We used our plane at the Pittsburgh and Greater Toronto regionals with no comments at all from any FIRST or regional officials.

As far as someones previous comment about not being able to use any wireless devices at FIRST events, nothing could be further from the truth. There are always an abundance of cell phones and walkie talkie type devices (not being used to communicate with the robot operators of course!), PDAs, wireless routers and wireless equipped laptops.

We even loaned our wireless router to the GTA Regional. It was used to make wireless Internet available to all participating teams.

If this race were to happen at any of the regionals I go to, I'd love to compete.

My car, however, isn't too amazing... just an hpi rs4....
It has a top speed of about 30mph... However, it is very maneuverable. So, if the race is happening, i'd love to find out when/where

[team222badbrad]

Sure I am up for racing, anyone up for the streets of Philadelphia?

Anyway, I will be at regionals around the East Coast.

I have a lot of stuff going on around the Championships, so I probably won't make it to Atlanta.

I have:

Losi LST
Traxxas T-Maxx

Rather than racing, can we have a demo derby, perhaps vex bots against rc cars?

[bigboi146]

Well i have an r/c car and im bringing it to the Nyc regional. Anyone else?