I was thinking about what it would be like to have a huge, unfoldable 12’’ ramp that could be deployed into the home zone, right after atonomous. This would alow your alliance partners to get up on it, and it would bock a good deal, or all, of the oposing alliances rings. I know that it would be illegal to just leave something on the field, detatched… but what if you “re-attached” at the end? would that be allowed? Please give me your input.
This sounds like a good idea if it is posable, I am not shure if the rules let you, please let me know. Thanks.
Robots can’t have a ramp deployed, unless they are in their home zone, because of tipping hazards. The robots probably don’t want to get on top of another until the end. And you probably can’t have a detachable component, i.e. a ramp.
Can’t have anything detach from your robot at any time, unless it’s completely by accident. Even if you pick it back up. G40 is pretty clear. You can’t intentionally detach part of your robot. If you could, I’d just as soon deploy a rack blocker on the opponent’s side of the field and pick it up at the end of the match right before the bell.
Ohh well… thats too bad.:ahh:
<G40> states robots my not intentionally detach parts or leave multiple mechanisims on the field.
So If you detach then reattach later, you would have intentionally detached so it would not be allowed
Nah, you can’t do that. Look at <G40> in Section 7 in the Manual.
<G40> Detaching mechanisms - ROBOTS may not intentionally detach parts or leave multiple mechanisms on the field. Violations will result in a 10-point penalty per incident. If an intentionally detached component or mechanism significantly impedes access to the RACK or an ALLIANCE ROBOT during the END GAME, the offending ROBOT will be disqualified from the match.
I thought it was a good idea until my friend pointed that out to me. Sorry to ruin your idea…
just wondering… Does that still count as “attached” if its on a tether or cable?
as far as I know if it on a cable or tether it is still attacted to your robot… but then again if you deploy a ramp at the beginning you need ALOT of cable for your errands driving around, and then you would have to wind it all back up and make sure that it doesnt interfer with the other robots. Why are so many people stuck on a ramp anyways… I mean I understand its easy, but so many questions about it lol
Also, consider that outside of the home zone any horizontal aspect can’t exceed 72". In that aspect, the cable would be more of a leash.
hmmm…:ahh: does that refer to during the whole game or just when the robots are back in the home zone at the end?
Outside the home zone, the limit is 72". Inside, it’s the size of the home zone. This applies all game. (See section 8 for details about size.)
You could still unfold your robot into a ramp setup that blocks your opponent’s ringers, if you stay there the whole time.
I was talking about that the other day but man that is a huge robot.:yikes:
i think that even if you can leave a ramp at the home zone it counts as part of your robot and i cant think of a way to lift the ramp 10cm above the floor level
yeh, that would be an awfully big robot, and would have to stay there the whole time… so thats not a good idea, because even if you could prevent the other alliance from getting their 9 ringers, if thats all you did, than it wouldent get you THAT far… however, it is still something that if someone can get to work, go for it.
yes it is counted as attached. HOWEVER… i would not want to do that. I believe that it was back in 2002 many teams were making little “minibots” that were tethered to the “main robot” and would drive off into the home row just before the match ended. we happened to be one of the teams that did that. one team decided that they would purposely entangle themselves on our tether(no its true i’m not making stuff up), somehow it was considered our fault, and thus we didn’t make it to the finals. So i leave you with my though on long tethers: bad idea.
really? thats good to know that its allowed, however, I did notice that that might happen, robots getting tangled up that is… If someone did it, it would have to be pretty well done to avoid contact.:ahh: Thanks for your help by the way:D
Anyone want to buy a motorized retractable ramp assembly, circa 2003? It was designed to have other robots drive on top, low mileage, etc. Heh, heh, heh. We call that robot “wedgie”, our second year attempt.
Dick, We can’t buy it, but we would love to see your drawings, photos & weight roll-up. 
Paul Pawelski
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Igneum Ferrum