Programming Minibot

[Ethan E]

I think the GDC needs to be a little more careful with ROBOT vs. HOSTBOT. <R45> says that only CIM motors and the BaneBots motors are allowed on the ROBOTS. But since the MINIBOT is part of the ROBOT (ROBOT = HOSTBOT + MINIBOT), and <R92> doesn't say that either of these can be used on the MINIBOT, NO motors are legal for the MINIBOT. Of course, I don't think anyone is going to use <R45> on the minibots, but we shouldn't have to take a loose interpretation of the rules.

In the same vein, <R03-B> prohibits custom circuits and COTS electronics from affecting any outputs on the ROBOT. But the MINIBOT is part of the ROBOT (can you see where this is going?) and as the NXT controller isn't in the KOP, it's a COTS electronics item. And a limit switch wired to the motors would be a custom circuit! I can't figure out any way to control a completely autonomous MINIBOT legally!

Ok, I'll stop being such a smart-aleck now.

On a more serious note, obviously an exception will be made for the motors, and we'll be able to control the MINIBOT with an NXT controller, but will we be able to control the MINIBOT with a custom circuit and NO NXT controller?