Shooting Mechanism

[detctboylos007]

The top 2/3 of our robot rotates. If we mount a gun on top, does the turntable count as part of the shooting mechanism? Is it ok if the gun itself never leaves the starting dimension but part of the turn table does?

[Dan50]

Originally Posted by detctboylos007

The top 2/3 of our robot rotates. If we mount a gun on top, does the turntable count as part of the shooting mechanism? Is it ok if the gun itself never leaves the starting dimension but part of the turn table does?

As I read the rules It has to start in the foot print. After words it must not exceed 60 x 60 x 60.

[GaryVoshol]

Originally Posted by detctboylos007

The top 2/3 of our robot rotates. If we mount a gun on top, does the turntable count as part of the shooting mechanism? Is it ok if the gun itself never leaves the starting dimension but part of the turn table does?

I recall a Q&A that said the barrel counts as part of the shooting mechanism, and must remain within the original footprint. If that is true, I'm sure they would consider the moving turntable at the opposite end of the gun in the same manner.

[Jared Russell]

The turret itself is not part of the shooting mechanism, nor is a hopper. The flywheel/barrel and feeding mechanism are the only parts that impart force on the ball - therefore I think you would be fine.

If at any time the mechanism is used to eject balls from the robot, then it will be considered a "shooter" and must be in full compliance with Rule <S03> and Rule <S02>.

The way I read that, a rotating turret does not eject balls from the robot, but whatever is on top of it that does must remain in your original footprint.

[EricH]

I think this is one for Q&A. I see both sides here--If a barrel counts, then a turntable would also, but it isn't part of the shooting mechanism. OK, so what do you do? Ask the GDC.

[Joe Ross]

Here is the answer about a turntable: http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread...ghlight=turret

[Jared Russell]

But are we all in agreement that a hopper is not part of a shooting mechanism?

[AmyPrib]

Originally Posted by Abwehr

But are we all in agreement that a hopper is not part of a shooting mechanism?

A hopper is a collector and storage facility. Unless your hopper is directly ejecting poofs, then I wouldn't see it being considered a shooting mechanism.

[TheDrWho22]

Hey, sorry for the bad news but: Depending on the Hopper it could be considered part of the shooting mechanism.

A shooter includes the mechanism that delivers the final dynamic impulse that ejects the ball from the robot, and any parts of the robot that contact the ball while and/or after this impluse is delivered. Depending on their exact design and construction, a subsystem that delivers balls into the final energy transfer mechanism may or may not be considered part of the shooter.

Oh and I just have a question.... is the reason we are talking about this because if the hopper isn't part of the shooting mechanism, then it can be out of the starting envelope?

[Lil' Lavery]

The way I read the rule, if the hopper does not apply any force to the ball once it is in motion out of the robot it would be ok. If the hopper doubled as a barrel or aiming device of sorts then it would count as part of the shooter.