No additional actuators can be used.
If the servos from your kit break, you may purchase new ones to replace them. The replacements must exactly match those found in the kit.
Only one pyboard per team can be used. All other components in the kit can be used 3N times where N is the quantity of that component that comes in a stock kit.
The master start button on the track closes a relay connected to each zone of the track for 30 seconds. From the standpoint of your device and necessary code, this is identical to setting up and reading a pushbutton switch that is held down for the entire 30 seconds of each round. So, that is the best way to develop and test your code, wire and test reading a pushbutton that is held down for 30 seconds.
No. We will provide a USB power connection for each zone. This removes any need for your computer to be attached to the pyboard during a contest.
No. Each team's start zone is not considered to be part of the team's zone. So, for example any points that are awarded for items being completely within the team's zone would not be if the item is in the start-zone area. Similarly, if negative points are awarded for a item remaining in the team's zone, then these points would not be deducted if the item was in the team's start zone.
Yes. The complete robot must be contained within the specified volume and start from within the start zone. This includes the Proton Torpedoes, as they become part of your device for delivery purposes.
There are no detailed specifications on your presentation for the judges. You should have a short (2-3 minute) overview talk ready and be prepared to answer the judges' questions. You may have a trifold board, a laptop, etc as you seen fit. The only real restriction is on the space you’ll have; expect to have about 1/2 of a "normal" table length. You can take a look at pictures from previous semesters to get an idea.
Woah. Woah... Give it 5 minutes.
Yes. The Inner Zone is inside the Sacred Mound, so the Sacred Mound points would be awarded.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes. You can makes parts using your printer, but you must budget for its use according to the type and amount material used by the printer to make your part.
They will be placed something like they are in the figures in the contest rules. N of them will be placed offset from the Sacred Mound, and 5-N of them will be placed between the Sacred Mound and the Start Zone.
We will only ask teams for receipts at contest time whose machines appear to be approaching the $100 limit. Having run this contest many semesters, we do have a good idea of what a $100 machine looks like. This information should, however, be in your report.
Yes. As long as your device is able to adhere to the contest requirements by the start of your next round, you are free to make changes between rounds.
Please do not alter the banana cables that we've given you to interface with the track by cutting or soldering extensions to them. If you need to extend them, we recommend that you buy extensions with banana plugs on each side, like these or these.
Yes, but they must be in their equilibrium state at the beginning of the round. In other words, if their ends were disconnected, their length would not change. No energy is stored in them.
For the individual contest, you can earn any of the Vibranium points. The only change from normal is that elevated part of the center zone is treated like any other on the track. This means that the area above it would count. This is only for this contest. For all other contest, the pieces of Vibranium must be completely contained in the Inner Zone, including in the vertical direction.
It's best to visit open lab hours to see for yourself. However, you can get an idea of what the center looks like using the flickr albums from this and past semesters and the "general" MCHE 201 album (all linked from the class page). For example, there is a render of the track in this year's album. There are images and video in the MCHE201 "general" album.
The ritual challengers and hearts will be on the track. The only pieces that will not be set up are the Kimoyo Beads.
Rule 20 states that "The device shall not be bonded in any manner to the competition track or its surroundings. Tape that interacts *temporarily* with competition pieces is not in violation of this law. However, it is possibile to get DQ'd for using tape or adhesives. If tape or adhesive damages any of the components, including peeling foil from the Kimoyo Beads or Black Panther Necklaces, the result is a DQ. Furthermore, leaving any adhesive residue behind on a piece or the track will result in a DQ. Both of these violations are covered by rule 14, "The device must be safe. It must not injure bystanders or team members. It must not damage, stain, or permanently change the competition area, components, or its surroundings. It must not scratch the floor. The faculty will disqualify any device they deem unsafe."
For more information, see the full project description and rules.