A few questions

[BrendanB]

HELLO!

An answer to some of your questions-

1. Batteries can be charged and stored horizontally. We have a charging station in which the batteries are slide under the chargers. Just note that when horizontal, the terminals will have a larger chance of getting smacked around/damaged. We store ours vertical but whatever works out for you.

2. Multifunctional crates are allowed, but don't go making your crate just yet, FIRST most likely is going to change the size of them for this upcoming year so waiting until kickoff to build your crate would be a good idea. More info on the crates can be found here- http://usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/...70&terms=crate

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by BrendanB

HELLO!

An answer to some of your questions-

1. Batteries can be charged and stored horizontally. We have a charging station in which the batteries are slide under the chargers. Just note that when horizontal, the terminals will have a larger chance of getting smacked around/damaged. We store ours vertical but whatever works out for you.

2. Multifunctional crates are allowed, but don't go making your crate just yet, FIRST most likely is going to change the size of them for this upcoming year so waiting until kickoff to build your crate would be a good idea. More info on the crates can be found here- http://usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/...70&terms=crate

Not to try to confuse you but this needs a disclaimer, Rules from previous years may not apply in the future.

In the past battery orientation has not mattered, I can't see this changing but there is the possibility of it changing.

The common theory is that Crate rules will be changing, it may be wise to hold off on actually building a crate until we know for certain. Until that time though, design away.

As for the camera, the prior statement applies here. You best bet would be to wait until the robot rules come out and then check there. If there is confusion after that feel free to use the official Q&A. However, if you happen to have two cameras at the moment and would like to learn with them in the off season no one will stop you.

[BrendanB]

Andrew, you're right, I should have included a disclaimer. Walter like Andrew said, rules change a lot from year to year. Never plan too much ahead for the upcoming season as no one (except an elite few) know what the game and rules are.



**DISCLAIMER**-statements in post two are subject to change by FIRST representatives following the kickoff date of January 9, 2010. Be advised that prior rules will not apply following said date.