FRC 2010 Team Update #5

[Marc P.]

Originally Posted by Don Wright

Your opposing alliance can reliably get an 8 point hang from the center field position of the tower.

Before the 20 second final period starts, you drive your robot to the position they need to be in and you block the tower (even touching their tower) and press e-stop.

If they can't move you, you now stopped them from getting 8 points and because you are e-stopped, you can't get any penalties...

Well...not anymore...

I was thinking about this as well. Strategically, it makes sense to block the opposing tower to prevent the 8 point hang. Is it an "appropriate" use of the e-stop? I wouldn't think so.

What I do know is, if I spent 6 weeks designing/building/debugging/perfecting a creative hanging mechanism, I'd like the opportunity to show it off without some "box on wheels" skirting the intent of <G34> and <G35>. It's pretty clear from those rules the GDC intended for robots to be able to hang without interference.

I do agree the drive team members should be able to e-stop if they feel something isn't right with the robot. However, if I were a referee, I'd find it very suspicious if a robot conveniently "broke down" in front of an opposing tower every match, and I'd cite the "obviously intentional" part of <G34> and <G35>.

Of course, if there is a clear or obvious mechanical or electrical failure, like popped chains, smoke billowing out, or a battery that came loose, there's no question of intent. I'd sincerely hope no one intentionally causes anything like that for a cheap strategic advantage.