pic: RED DRAGON Team 1270

[Ryan Foley]

Originally Posted by The Lucas

I interpret this to mean all (4) robot sides must be at least 8.5 inches off the floor and those sides must be within 10 degrees of vertical. If the "top" of your robot is less than 8.5 inches, then it is 90 degrees off vertical (it is horizontal) and doesn't satisfy this rule.

I would have to disagree with you on this one. As I understand it, 0 - 8.5in is the "bumper zone". I would imagine the intent of this rule is so that no surface in the bumper zone is sloped, to prevent robot tipping. Therfore, no surface in this zone can be sloped (more than 10 degree off vertical). Also, it says specifies this rule only for "that are used to push against or interact with an opposing ROBOT". As you said, 1270's frame top probably isn't intended as a pushing surface.

Something else to consider is that a robot with bumpers mounted as low means the top of the bumpers are 7.5in off the ground, which would put them in violation of the rule by this interpretation. I can see your point though about short robots being wedge-ish (our robot was accidentally flipped by another team's bumpers). It is something FIRST may want to clarify future manuals.

Back on topic though, I absolutely loved this drive train. Compact, relatively simple, and rock solid. How much does it weigh as pictured, and where can we find more pictures/ Inventor drawings of it?