Breakaway Discussion

[V_Chip]

Originally Posted by Creator Mat

after some thinking more points
5. going through the tunnel
I think this is the best choice for changing positions on the game field (which i don't think is something you should do often btw). It is safer because you don't run the risk of tipping over or losing the ball going through. Also the risk of being blocked is not a big problem. If someone blocks you from changing sections become a hindrance bot (not defense) because the more your opponent scores the better it is for you as long as your alliance can score more. I would say if you where to make a "runner" bot who depends on getting back and forth often by the tunnel, getting blocked could be detrimental. So i think all bots should have a way to move a ball over the bump be it by "kicking" or pushing

6. going over the bump
This method of travel is the best for those "frequent fliers" because no one can stop you which would be detrimental to your strategy (see the above point). However for those who want a bot who might want to switch sections once or twice a match, it would be a bad way to go. The risk of tipping would be too great for such a minor part of you game strategy. the cost your team would pay would be a lot of time and effort designing a drive train that can go over the bump and a self-righting system for when you do tip, when might not even use them in a match. Also when you go over the bump with a ball you are guaranteed to lose it because when you push it over the ball will roll away before you robot is over the bump.

The introduction of a field where one may only access the other sections either by climbing the "bump" or traveling through the tunnel definitely poses some problems. (The "bump" is a foot high with a one foot plateau at the top. Also, its trapezoidal shape forms an incline at 45 degrees for each side. On the otherhand, the tunnel is only 20 inches in height, with the opening width of 36 inches and extends 18 inches deep.)

These problems definitely pose a challenge in design: on whether a team would like to climb the bump, sacrifice height to go through the tunnel, or simply be a defensive or long range robot.

Other than these obvious qualms, the game is . . . "interesting". I will not take a side yet on whether or not it will be as quick-paced as last year's.

_I am also glad that FRC added rules G36 and G39!_
(Read the manual!)