Shooting Mechanism

[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.