The rule book states that you can use a loop. But it cant be rigid? it needs to be loose. So if pulled on it tightens. And it cannot be any larger than 10" in diameter.
This can be found on page 100 for specifics.
Just remember that G15-C states you can not attach to the field using hook and loop (AKA velcro). When you add your own rope, it becomes part of the field, therefor, you could use velcro as a rope, but you can not attach to it.
I believe the rules in G15 make an exception on the rope so a velcro rope of “loop” and a winch drum with “hooks” would be allowed.
From G15:
Items A-G exclude ROPES installed on an ALLIANCE’S AIRSHIP.
A. Grabbing
B. Grasping
C. Attaching to (including the use of hook-and-loop tape against the FIELD carpet)
D. Grappling
E. Hanging
F. Deforming
G. Becoming entangled
I believe this only applies if you use the velcro to strategically hold the rope in place by attatching it to the carpet.
The field drawing doesn’t show anything nice about the 90 degree turn the rope makes in the davit. It’s shown as a square tube butted against sheet steel bent into a channel, with some weld. I wouldn’t expect it to be sharp, but it’s not going to be nicely rounded either. And a smaller rope is much more likely to swing and scrape across the edge than a larger one.
how about velcro, as according to the Ri3d 1.0 video?
Is there anything preventing you from using a nylon strap and a drum with barb wire to suck in the rope and winch yourself up?
Amsteel blue is another really good option that I’ve worked with in the past. Very strong, and super easy to work with, and manipulate.
Check out specs: http://www.samsonrope.com/Pages/Product.aspx?ProductID=872
And a tutorial on fixing an eye in your rope: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q22wgYZL9f0
Offhand, I’d say the inspectors that will take one look at your drum of barb wire, facepalm, and start patiently explaining the safety rules.
There is going to be a long Q and A on this one stand by. So many different ropes and straps. I’m supersized they only gave one example and did not spec minim diameters of weights.
As an inspector, do you believe that velcro would be allowed?
Just why…
Because who needs skin on their hands?
My team asked me that too. I need to look more closely at the construction of the loop half. I think I need the hook half is likely to be a no (75% confidence) and the loop half could be a yes, but possibly only certain brands if all the backing is woven. I’m 50/50 on that until I can look at it closely or the gdc rules.
Or you could just take the rope off of the airship, then remove the rope from the robot. I feel like that would be much easier.
Google “Monkeys Fist Knot”. You can start with an overhand knot and add larger and larger monkey’s fists around them.
I like out of the box ideas and I am not trying to be mean, but…
The scary thing about Chief Delphi is that some of these ideas become a reality.
If that thing WAS allowed on the field, the other robots would find the nearest corner and attempt to wet themselves.
There are at least 3 questions on the Q&A regarding velcro. Just keep watching for answers.
Thanks to FRC1339 we have a final answer on glass beads.
https://frc-qa.firstinspires.org/qa/51
I still think the linked rope does not actually contain glass beads after reading the manufacturer’s website, but a theoretical rope containing glass beads is not legal.
After speaking with representatives of Pigeon Mountain Industries, (manufacturer of the retro-reflective rescue rope), I believe neither the question that was asked nor the answer given really settle the issue. IMO, microscopic beads of glass contained entirely within an individual nylon fiber which is then woven into the rope sheath covering the rescue rope clearly does not render the nylon fiber any less a fiber nor inflexible. Just my two cents. Careful wording of questions in Q&A is paramount.
You omitted the verbiage of the rule that makes Velcro legal from your definition, specifically “woven”. Loop-side Velcro consists of very thin strands woven together, sometimes with a fabric backing that is also woven. Sometimes the backing and the Velcro loops are even interwoven! This means certain strips of Velcro clearly meet the rules as written. I suspect the rules will probably be changed to add a Velcro exception so that we don’t all just have winches made of Velcro that can be designed in five minutes, but as of now it doesn’t seem very ambiguous.