4.3.4.1 - onboard laser?

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by mechanicalbrain

Wait if you have a user controlled light, nothing potentially harming like a laser, that wouldn't interfere with the CMU and was attached to the robot powered through the robot would it be legal. I mean using it so its only on when pointing at the top goal would it be legal?

Of coarse if it started being shone at another driver it would fit in what you mention and the robot would be subject to shut down, but legally is such a aiming mechanism against any of the rules? I'm also assuming that the light is sufficiently guided so that none of the glare of the light finds it's way to the player station. I think you would have to narrow the beam much more then a standard flashlight to get any real indication of your cannon position but it is a good guide if you either can't get the camera to work or if it breaks during normal game play.

Mech,
I think you will find that the light source will be sufficient to aim the camera. You may not need your own source. Remember that an added light source will reflect on the face of the diffuser and send the beam somewhere else where you might not see it. I am assuming you are trying to aim a shooting device prior to match start. If that is the case, I am guessing that a team update will make that illegal while still allowing power to the camera (as last year's rules allowed) prior to match start. Just my opinion, I have nothing to do with the Q&A or the GDC, just a voice in the wilderness.

[dhitchco]

Ok,
on one hand <G11> says you can't use "alignment devices" taht are NOT part of the robot at the beginning of a match or at any other time....,.Fair enough.

On the other hand, if some sort of "alignment device" is permanently attached to the robot, then that device likely falls under the classification of a "decoration". Yes?

And then, under <R102> and on-board decoration can't affect the outcome of a match and must be in the spirit of "gracious professionalism".

Therefore, Perry Mason...case closed. Just line-up within your 5'x5' box of tape and pray you don't go off inthe wrong direction during autonomous mode; hey which end of the robot faces the wall anyways? Oops....

[KenWittlief]

Originally Posted by dhitchco

On the other hand, if some sort of "alignment device" is permanently attached to the robot, then that device likely falls under the classification of a "decoration". Yes?

well, actually no. Alignment is a function. It has a purpose that is critical to thats robots performance, therefore and to wit it is not decoration :^)

[Ethulin]

FIRST Q&A have answered:
http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=181

Ruled legal.

[Rombus]

Originally Posted by Ethulin

FIRST Q&A have answered:
http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=181

Ruled legal.

Actually that refers to an onboard scope or sighting device mounted to the robot.

This post:
http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=129

Says that lasers or any bright light for aiming can pose a safty issue and therefor may not be used.

[JamesBrown]

I would reccomend just lining up the robot with one side touching the wall and let your programmer take it from there. From the camera posistion you can aim you cnnon(whatever shoots the ball) and using the gear tooth counters you can get yourself to a posistion on the field with relative accuracy. THat is how 75% of the teams will do it this year(some may just count loops rather than using sensors) It has proven effective in the past and makes lining up you bot very fast and easy. With a gun sight you run the risk of damaging the sight or having it bumped ruining the accuracy. If you have every shot a gun with a scope you have likly realized that if it gets bumped a little then it will ruin the accuracy, there is more than a little bumping on the field. Just because it is allowed does not make it a good idea.