Hybrid period legal sonic remote system

[sparrowkc]

Anybody know where I can buy a sonic based remote control system like the IR one that came in the kit of parts that would be legal in the hybrid period?

[Mr. A]

We've been looking for the same thing, but havent found anything other than single output items, or remote controls from vintage TV,s which used to use ultrasonics.
I was told that some of the "clickers" actually activated little tuning forks in the remote that could be heard by the TV receiver. One of the other mentors said even jingeling his keys could make the chanel change!

[Gdeaver]

Raw ultra sonic recievers and tramscievers are available in a couple fequencies. You may have to make your own.

[Mr. A]

Originally Posted by Gdeaver

Raw ultra sonic recievers and tramscievers are available in a couple fequencies. You may have to make your own.

Any good sources?

Originally Posted by billbo911

I can confirm this. As a youth, we had a Zenith TV. The remote had four functions (Hmmmm.). Inside the remote were four metal rods of different lengths. Each button would strike one rod causing it to resonate. The TV would "hear" these notes and respond accordingly. And, yes we could get the channels to change by jingling a set of keys.

Sounds like you took a few things apart as a kid. It was one of my favorite pastimes.

[Steve_Alaniz]

Actually, I don't think there are any legal sonic remote systems. The board is IR so you'd have to modify it to be able to receive any commands from a sonic system. Or build an interface. Unless they specifically say you're allowed to modify or add to the IR board, you are in effect creating a new signaling device.
I just don't think it would be allowed but if there is any doubt, this should be asked directly so we can have an answer in an update.

Steve

[jgannon]

Originally Posted by Steve_Alaniz

you are in effect creating a new signaling device

Can you quote any rule that indicates that you are limited to the kit-provided IR signaling device? I'm certain that you're allowed to use anything you like to signal, so long as it isn't a radio.

[artdutra04]

Originally Posted by Steve_Alaniz

Actually, I don't think there are any legal sonic remote systems. The board is IR so you'd have to modify it to be able to receive any commands from a sonic system. Or build an interface. Unless they specifically say you're allowed to modify or add to the IR board, you are in effect creating a new signaling device.
I just don't think it would be allowed but if there is any doubt, this should be asked directly so we can have an answer in an update.

Steve

No, sonic remote systems are in fact legal. Under <R65> you can use any visible light, IR light, or sound emitting device (as long as it's smaller than 3'x3'x1' in size) as your signaling device. Use of the IR board is optional, not required.

Originally Posted by <R65>

<R65> SIGNALING DEVICES shall be designed to communicate signals from the ROBOCOACH
to the ROBOT. SIGNALING DEVICES are excluded from Rule <R64>. SIGNALING
DEVICES shall:
- use either passive (no emission of any electromagnetic radiation) or active (emits some
restricted form of electromagnetic radiation) means of communication
- be hand held and completely supported by the ROBOCOACH when operated
- does not attach to anything or anyone other than the ROBOCOACH
- exclusively receives input from, and is operated by, the ROBOCOACH
- not receive any input or feedback directly from the ROBOT (the ROBOCOACH may
receive feedback from the ROBOT and use it to control the SIGNALING DEVICE)
- be no larger than 3 feet tall by 3 feet wide by 1 foot deep (to fit within the confined
volume of the ROBOCOACH STATION
- remain entirely within the ROBOCOACH STATION
- use a maximum of four different inputs from the ROBOCOACH (e.g. use four different
buttons) during any single MATCH
- communicate no more than four messages, states or conditions to the ROBOT (please
refer to Rule <R69> and Rule <G01> for additional information) during any single
MATCH.
Active SIGNALING DEVICES shall:
- use visible light, infrared communications, or sound as the transmission method – no
other form of electro-magnetic radiation is permitted
a. All radio frequency communications (as defined by the United States Federal
Communications Commission) are explicitly prohibited.
b. All laser-based communications by any device classified by the U.S.
Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
as a laser are explicitly prohibited.
c. All communications must satisfy Rule <S01>.
- not be used to interfere with any other ROBOT
- be able to switch between no more than four states or conditions (i.e. send no more than
four messages)
- be operated through only a single input at any given time (e.g. may not be operated by
depressing two buttons at one time)
- not use changes in the signal states to encode or transmit larger messages (e.g. Morse
code)

[Steve_Alaniz]

oops... sorry my mistake. I stand humbled and corrected!
Steve

[Gdeaver]

Ops, 3 years ago lots of places were selling them. I only found 1 at sparkfun and it's a transciever. The SRF04 incudes a reciever and transmitter. I believe thier website has a white paper on it's operation. Could be kludged up. Time is ticking away. Is the development time worth it?

[Steve_Alaniz]

OK the remote control in question was the Zenith Space Command... an ultrasonic system as was mentioned before, also called, the "clicker". There are a few available on E-Bay... But there is not a receiver unless you can find an old Zenith TV and gut it for the control part (which would probably use vacuum tubes so good luck!) . Or if you are an electronics Demi-god built your own. Probably very do-able for the mad Scientist types out there.
Everything else appears to be a single command item like the "Clapper"...
It's a great idea, but certainly beyond anything I would want to do. Ironically, I think I used to own one of these sets and even had the schematics but have long ago disposed of the schematics and the set. ( I always thought the Smurfs were green ... THAT's why I got rid of the set!)

Best of Luck

Steve

[billbo911]

Originally Posted by Mr. A

I was told that some of the "clickers" actually activated little tuning forks in the remote that could be heard by the TV receiver. One of the other mentors said even jingling his keys could make the channel change!

I can confirm this. As a youth, we had a Zenith TV. The remote had four functions (Hmmmm.). Inside the remote were four metal rods of different lengths. Each button would strike one rod causing it to resonate. The TV would "hear" these notes and respond accordingly. And, yes we could get the channels to change by jingling a set of keys.