Posted by Patrick Dingle at 1/21/2001 10:02 AM EST
Other on team #639, Red B^2, from Ithaca High School and Cornell University.
Does anyone know the purpose of the two heavy big grey boxes that say “Exide”? Are they just provided to help teams keep a center of mass where they need it?
Thanks
Patrick Dingle
T639 - Red B^2
Ithaca HS & Cornell University
Posted by Anton Abaya at 1/21/2001 1:50 PM EST
Coach on team #419, Rambots, from UMass Boston / BC High and NONE AT THE MOMENT! :(.
In Reply to: Rookie question
Posted by Patrick Dingle on 1/21/2001 10:02 AM EST:
yes, you must be.
from our experience they’re a waste of space and have never used them. we should just tether instead.
-anton
Posted by Ken Leung at 1/21/2001 3:46 PM EST
Student on team #192, Gunn Robotics Team, from Henry M. Gunn Senior High School.
In Reply to: Rookie question
Posted by Patrick Dingle on 1/21/2001 10:02 AM EST:
: Does anyone know the purpose of the two heavy big grey boxes that say “Exide”? Are they just provided to help teams keep a center of mass where they need it?
As far as I can tell, unless I am mistaken, it seems like you are describing the batteries, one of the only power source allowed on the robot. I am sure every team use them, but maybe not all the teams use them to keep a center of mass where they need it, although it can be useful that way. One thing is that you can only have one battery on the robot at a time, and can not use another one to add weight. You can do that by adding raw steel bar or some other heavy material.
Posted by Anton Abaya at 1/21/2001 5:54 PM EST
Coach on team #419, Rambots, from UMass Boston / BC High and NONE AT THE MOMENT! :(.
In Reply to: Re: Rookie question
Posted by Ken Leung on 1/21/2001 3:46 PM EST:
: : Does anyone know the purpose of the two heavy big grey boxes that say “Exide”? Are they just provided to help teams keep a center of mass where they need it?
: As far as I can tell, unless I am mistaken, it seems like you are describing the batteries, one of the only power source allowed on the robot. I am sure every team use them, but maybe not all the teams use them to keep a center of mass where they need it, although it can be useful that way. One thing is that you can only have one battery on the robot at a time, and can not use another one to add weight. You can do that by adding raw steel bar or some other heavy material.
good 1 dingle 
Posted by Michael Martus at 1/21/2001 11:15 PM EST
Coach on team #47, Chief Delphi, from Pontiac Central H.S. and Delphi Automotives Systems.
In Reply to: Rookie question
Posted by Patrick Dingle on 1/21/2001 10:02 AM EST:
Living inside the grey Exide homes are little guys called “Mr. Electron and Mrs. Electron”. Their children Neutron and Protron also are still at home. These are very useful guys to get to know.
I traveled the Circuit with them last year. You have to be careful because they sometimes give you Static and are Short when you push them to the Wire. They are fun though, I think you will get a Charge out of them and that will be a real Positive experience in the Negative path. Remember, they are very lazy and they will take the path of least Resistance.
Do not let them escape from the motors. We often see the magic smoke as they exit in a heated rush.
Posted by Ken Leung at 1/22/2001 5:46 AM EST
Student on team #192, Gunn Robotics Team, from Henry M. Gunn Senior High School.
In Reply to: The real answer
Posted by Michael Martus on 1/21/2001 11:15 PM EST:
The magical white smoke is what makes everythings work. They hide in the robot some where doing their little tricks to keep everything moving, and making sure each part of the robot talk to another part of the robot. But be careful, when ever the smoke appear in the air, the robot won’t really work anymore… I am not sure why, but they seems to be the essence of the robot’s spirit. It’s one of the mystery in life…
Posted by JVN at 1/23/2001 11:37 AM EST
Student on team #250, GE Dynamos - Capital District Robotics Team, from Shenendehowa High School and General Electric.
In Reply to: oh the magical smoke
Posted by Ken Leung on 1/22/2001 5:46 AM EST:
You speak the truth, last year we accidentally let some smoke out before the final match… got 2nd in Long Island because of it… ATTENTION ROOKIES: PROTECT YOUR MAGIC WHITE SMOKE AT ALL COSTS!!!
~John#250
Posted by control guy at 1/26/2001 8:21 AM EST
Student on team #250 from HVCC.
In Reply to: magic white smoke mishaps
Posted by JVN on 1/23/2001 11:37 AM EST:
Everyone speaks about not letting out the magic white smoke, but in actuality, the magic smoke is a difficult beast to contain. Aye, with the circuit breaker that allows current draws in excess of 60 amps for rather lengthy periods of time, controlly this beast will be difficult indeed.
Posted by Frank Toussaint at 1/22/2001 9:37 AM EST
Engineer on team #111, Wildstang, from Wheeling and Rolling Meadows and Motorola .
In Reply to: The real answer
Posted by Michael Martus on 1/21/2001 11:15 PM EST:
I like your explaination very much! Thanks!