FAQ for Q&A

[EricH]

Remember, we aren't Q&A, but I can shed some light: autonomous is not controlled by the humans. I would also suspect that contact with the minibot in the deployment area is fine, as long as it didn't continue after the deployment line, but I can't be totally certain. See #8 in the list.

The hostbot will not be able to communicate with the minibot, BTW, due to the minibot size and lack of communication ability.

[Dustin Shadbolt]

Originally Posted by bobzwik

how about this one. It's been bothering everyone in my team now.

-Please define "autonomous" in <G19>
(After DEPLOYMENT, MINIBOTS must remain completely autonomous.)

What I am asking exactly is: Does autonomous mean it is not being controlled by the human (communication) or it is completely independent of the HOSTBOT's movements.
I remember seeing in the demonstration after the game animation (in the live feed yesterday) robots pushing the minibot to the tower. Obviously, the minibot is still dependent of the hostbot after deployment (it still needs to be pushed to reach the tower), but I am wondering if the robot can give a little push to get the minibot started on its race.

I am very confused, so what I'm saying might be confusing. If you need any kind of clarification, just let me know!

Same type of question. This was very very confusing to our team.

[Aaron V]

Just a quick clarification on <G19> (under my interpretation):

1. First of all DEPLOYMENT (as defined in the introduction) is:

the act of positioning a MINIBOT on a TOWER. DEPLOYMENT starts when the MINIBOT breaks the vertical projection of the TOWER BASE circumference during the END GAME.

Therefore <G19> means that your hostbot (your main robot) is allowed to place the minibot on the tower, but after deployment the minibot must be completely autonomous.

Autonomous basically means it can't have external commands (I believe - it definitely cannot have human control). Whether or not it can communicate with your hostbot is solved by the fact that there is no way of doing so with the allowed parts and also that there is little reason to do so - if the minibot is running code off the hostbot, it might as well run its own code.

Hope this clears that up.

Also, as a general thing, people sometimes overlook the glossary in the introduction when reading the rules. Any word in the rules that is all in capitals is in the glossary. Check there first.

[buildmaster5000]

What are the limitations on pnuematics this year??? The rules (Section 4.3.11) say that the KOP tank but it never says if we can or cannot have more tanks. Also a similar question about cylinders. Can we have more than the three Bimba KOP cylinders or not??

[Karibou]

Originally Posted by buildmaster5000

What are the limitations on pnuematics this year??? The rules (Section 4.3.11) say that the KOP tank but it never says if we can or cannot have more tanks. Also a similar question about cylinders. Can we have more than the three Bimba KOP cylinders or not??

I think that this answers your first question:

<R69> Compressed air for the pneumatic system on the ROBOT must be provided by one and only one compressor. This compressor may be either the compressor from the KOP, or an equivalent compressor that does not exceed any of the KOP compressor performance specifications (specifically: nominal 12v, 1.03 cfm flow rate, 120psi maximum working pressure). Compressed air shall not come from any other source. Off-board compressors must be controlled and powered by the ROBOT.

(emphasis mine)

I do not have an answer to your question about the cylinders.

[bassoondude]

Originally Posted by EricH;994068}
The reason for the minibot moving upwards is that any scores within 10 seconds[U

after the end of the match[/u]

According to rule <G02>, the game ends when all minibots make it to the top of the tower, or when the clock hits 0, whichever comes 1st.

The AUTONOMOUS PERIOD ends when the ARENA timer displays zero seconds. The MATCH ends if all TOWERS are TRIGGERED or when the ARENA timer displays zero seconds, whichever comes first.

emphasis mine

[EricH]

Originally Posted by bassoondude

According to rule <G02>, the game ends when all minibots make it to the top of the tower, or when the clock hits 0, whichever comes 1st.

emphasis mine

According to rule <G68>, scores are assessed either when everything on the field stops moving, or at 10 seconds, whichever is first. Because of this, it is foreseeable that one minibot is released in a match, climbs up halfway before the clock hits zero, and finishes climbing 9 seconds later, triggering the target. Does that Minibot count? I'm not certain for sure. I suspect that it would. But if the targets shut off at clock = zero seconds, then it does not.

That is what that question is asking. Remember, minibots have zero connection to the field controller, so they aren't shut off when the robots are.

[Bill_B]

Originally Posted by h1n1is4pigs

How high are the different levels of the scoring rack?
i looked through the manual and technical drawings but could not find a specific number. thanks in advance

the Team field elements PDF pages 1 and 2 contain the PVC cut lengths for a peg rack pole assemblies.
for example, the first one is:
A 16.875" [428.6 mm] segment on top 1
B 14.125" [358.8 mm] pegs 3
C 35.25" [895.4 mm] between the two pairs of pegs 2
D 37.375" [949.3 mm] lower segment to the floor 1

From this you can get very close to the heights involved. However, the dimensions of the T-fittings used to make the assembly will affect the heights slightly. That is, the vertical segments are not strictly additive. Not a plumbing nightmare at all.

[DavidGitz]

Originally Posted by DavidGitz

To continue on this thread...
<R03> Custom circuits and COTS electronics are expressly prohibited if they:
A. Interfere with the operation of other ROBOTS.
B. Directly affect any output devices on the ROBOT.

ROBOT – ... ROBOT = HOSTBOT + MINIBOT
What (if there exists) requirements are there for the electrical (power and signal) systems of the MINIBOT?
i.e.
Is it legal to have a the required 12V FTC Battery on the MINIBOT, directly wired through switches to power wheels to CLIMB? (Assume not, for now)
If not, what requirements do we follow for power and signal distribution as the Power and Signal Distribution Diagrams can not obviously be followed for the MINIBOT.

Actually, as far as I can tell from Update #1, this question still stands and shouldn't be crossed off your summary list. It seems to me that, at least from reading the Blue Box in Section 4.3.15, that a MINIBOT should be able to pass the FTC inspection, which I assume has the answer to the question regarding signal and power distribution. However, is that the end-all rule, that they HAVE to be able to pass FTC inspection? I don't think so, so my question above remains.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by DavidGitz

Actually, as far as I can tell from Update #1, this question still stands and shouldn't be crossed off your summary list. It seems to me that, at least from reading the Blue Box in Section 4.3.15, that a MINIBOT should be able to pass the FTC inspection, which I assume has the answer to the question regarding signal and power distribution. However, is that the end-all rule, that they HAVE to be able to pass FTC inspection? I don't think so, so my question above remains.

You aren't required to have the NXT on the Minibot. Therefore, you must be able to control the minibot some other way.

If the GDC comes out and says that the minibots have to pass FTC inspection, the uproar over requiring the FTC motors for vertical motion will be as nothing compared to the ensuing "virtual riots".

FYI: FTC inspection != Minibot inspection. Minibot inspection will check for size, weight, and legal parts. I'm sure FTC inspection is a bit more rigorous.

[DavidGitz]

Originally Posted by EricH

You aren't required to have the NXT on the Minibot. Therefore, you must be able to control the minibot some other way.

If the GDC comes out and says that the minibots have to pass FTC inspection, the uproar over requiring the FTC motors for vertical motion will be as nothing compared to the ensuing "virtual riots".

FYI: FTC inspection != Minibot inspection. Minibot inspection will check for size, weight, and legal parts. I'm sure FTC inspection is a bit more rigorous.

I understand, however, my question still remains as far as power distribution diagrams and rules (since the only rule that is specific here is that you have to use wire types as referenced from <R40>).

[EricH]

1) Minibots at the top of the pole: Do they have to stay there until after the match, or can they slide down during/after the match under their own power or via gravity to make retrieval easier?

2) Are you allowed to move your own tubes, other than ubertubes, around after they are in scoring position?

3) If a minibot is moving upwards at the end of a match, does it still get the 10 seconds to finish for points?

4) Assuming an NXT is used, are the internal batteries allowed power sources?

5) Wiring rules/conventions/schematics for Minibot--where are they, if there are any?

6) What methods are acceptable for removing the Minibot from the post? For example, could it drive itself down autonomously? Could someone bring a long pole out and activate something on the robot to make it come down?

7) For determination of "above the line" during deployment, is the top of the Minibot supposed to be below the line, or just the hostbot device?

8) Pneumatics rules are unclear: How many and what type of a) storage tanks, b) cylinders, and c) other pneumatic actuators are allowed to be used on a robot?

9) Can a tube intentionally be placed over the minibot tower?

10) Who records the coopertition points? How does anyone know if a scoring minibot has been loaned by another team?

11) Does <R14> have any exemptions for fastener heads?

12) What are the exceptions for objects/manipulators passing through the Bumper Zone?:

a) Is it legal for an arm to enter the bumper zone and not be protected by bumpers?

b) Assuming (a) is legal, what if the object entering the bumper zone is not intended to manipulate a game piece (ex. wheels to support a larger structure which deploys from the starting configuration at some point during the match)?

[DavidGitz]

Originally Posted by EricH

1) Minibots at the top of the pole: Do they have to stay there until after the match, or can they slide down during/after the match under their own power or via gravity to make retrieval easier?

2) Are you allowed to move your own tubes, other than ubertubes, around after they are in scoring position?

3) If a minibot is moving upwards at the end of a match, does it still get the 10 seconds to finish for points?

4) Assuming an NXT is used, are the internal batteries allowed power sources?

5) Wiring rules/conventions/schematics for Minibot--where are they, if there are any?

6) What methods are acceptable for removing the Minibot from the post? For example, could it drive itself down autonomously? Could someone bring a long pole out and activate something on the robot to make it come down?

7) For determination of "above the line" during deployment, is the top of the Minibot supposed to be below the line, or just the hostbot device?

8) Pneumatics rules are unclear: How many and what type of a) storage tanks, b) cylinders, and c) other pneumatic actuators are allowed to be used on a robot?

9) Can a tube intentionally be placed over the minibot tower?

10) Who records the coopertition points? How does anyone know if a scoring minibot has been loaned by another team?

11) Does <R14> have any exemptions for fastener heads?

12) What are the exceptions for objects/manipulators passing through the Bumper Zone?:

a) Is it legal for an arm to enter the bumper zone and not be protected by bumpers?

b) Assuming (a) is legal, what if the object entering the bumper zone is not intended to manipulate a game piece (ex. wheels to support a larger structure which deploys from the starting configuration at some point during the match)?

Has anybody submitted any of these yet? If so, which ones?

[EricH]

#1 has been answered. Just hit the target, then prepare to retrieve however you want to do it.

The GDC has only answered 3 questions at this point in time, so I'm not surprised there aren't more.

[GaryVoshol]

Originally Posted by EricH

The GDC has only answered 3 questions at this point in time ...

I'm thinking there will be a whole bunch of answers coming out late tonight (Friday) after Team Update #2 - and most of them will say, "No, please see Team Update #2".

Team Update #1 was published before Q&A was opened, and it changed some very basic parts of the game - clarifying what the GDC intended and what thought they had said in the first place.

Now they have some questions from the teams, and will answer them and make rules updates as needed. These updates will be minor clarifications of existing rules - but they will be major for teams that made assumptions contrary to the GDC's asssumptions.