Breakaway Discussion

[johnr]

You might want to think about re-inforceing your bumpers to take a hit from above. Just saw 120 pounds of bot coming down a bump. Looks scary. If your bot is passing by at the wrong time , i could see some bumpers getting sheared off.

[AlexSortor]

Originally Posted by 2945Robotics

thanks, that helps tremendously

I dont believe i have, lolz, i actually only saw "Team Update #1"

[EricH]

Originally Posted by AlexSortor

I dont believe i have, lolz, i actually only saw "Team Update #1"

Means you need to look at the updates page again. They're up to #3, and #4 is due out Friday.

[vic burg]

Originally Posted by EricH

Means you need to look at the updates page again. They're up to #3, and #4 is due out Friday.

What?! Oh crap I need to find those.... I only knew about 1. My computer must be hiding these from me.

[johnr]

I understand the answer to the question the way it is written, http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=13940 , but are you not able to change robot size if you are in touch with tower? Also understanding that you are not protected during this change. What, maybe i don't understand gdc answer. Can anybody clear this up for me?

[EricH]

Originally Posted by johnr

I understand the answer to the question the way it is written, http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=13940 , but are you not able to change robot size if you are in touch with tower? Also understanding that you are not protected during this change. What, maybe i don't understand gdc answer. Can anybody clear this up for me?

I had to think about this, and it's both sides' fault for that one. I believe that the question referred to expanding and contracting the frame, which is specifically disallowed.

Anything above the frame perimeter/not affecting the frame perimeter, no big deal.

[KrakatoaCoo]

i love this game because it seems there are a lot more challenges than last year. The changeable bumpers are a really great idea because I was always confused as to which robot was on which alliance.

[JHSmentor]

Originally Posted by johnr

I understand the answer to the question the way it is written, http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=13940 , but are you not able to change robot size if you are in touch with tower? Also understanding that you are not protected during this change. What, maybe i don't understand gdc answer. Can anybody clear this up for me?

the way I read it is that you can not make the perimeter of the robot wider or narrower. The Frame perimeter cannot chage even during the FINALE (R11). The question that I have is can the height change any time before the FINALE? Below is the definition of the NORMAL Configuration of the robot and it seems to say that the once the robot is placed on the field for the MATCH, it cannot change shape until the FINALE period. I know that the allowed NORMAL configuration height is up to 60" but can it change during the game? Or, is this statement only saying that the starting configuration must be identicle for a given MATCH (like the playoff rounds when it's the best of 3 for the match).

NORMAL CONFIGURATION – The physical configuration and orientation of the ROBOT when the MATCH is started. This is the state of the ROBOT immediately before being enabled by the Field Management System, before the ROBOT takes any actions, deploys any mechanisms, or moves away from the starting location. This configuration is static, and does not change during a single MATCH (although it may change from MATCH to MATCH).

[EricH]

You are allowed to expand up to the Finale Configuration at any time provided that you contact the Tower or that it's the Finale period. I would encourage you to read <G30> carefully, particularly <G30-C>.

[JHSmentor]

Originally Posted by EricH

You are allowed to expand up to the Finale Configuration at any time provided that you contact the Tower or that it's the Finale period. I would encourage you to read <G30> carefully, particularly <G30-C>.

Hmmm - yeah, it seems that you are correct the way it's written - but it sounds like risky business to me. if you got pushed off/away from the tower while you were extended then you risk getting a penalty if this happens prior to the Finale period. I personally can't think of a reason to do this or where it might be beneficial - but I'm sure i'm not thinking far enough outside the box for various possibilities.

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by JHSmentor

Hmmm - yeah, it seems that you are correct the way it's written - but it sounds like risky business to me. if you got pushed off/away from the tower while you were extended then you risk getting a penalty if this happens prior to the Finale period.

If you're pushed away, your opponents would be forcing you to incur a penalty, which isn't allowed.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by JHSmentor

Hmmm - yeah, it seems that you are correct the way it's written - but it sounds like risky business to me. if you got pushed off/away from the tower while you were extended then you risk getting a penalty if this happens prior to the Finale period. I personally can't think of a reason to do this or where it might be beneficial - but I'm sure i'm not thinking far enough outside the box for various possibilities.

If you're pushed away by an opponent, <G13> protects you from getting a penalty. (Though once they've stopped pushing, you need to either get back to the tower or get back to normal configuration.)

I can think of a reason or two to extend like that. Slow hanger is one reason; there are others.