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Division C Events
Technology & Engineering

Technology & Engineering

Reveal Questions

Flight - Div C
- (Section: 5 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: ii / Line: 1)
  
  09/22/2023
  
  Do teams checking in two planes need a separate measurement box for each plane, or can a single measurement box be used to verify the dimensions of both planes?
  
  No, teams do not need a separate measurement box for each plane. You may if you wish, but one is sufficient. Per rule 2.b "Teams must bring one or more Measurement boxes..." One box will satisfy this requirement, the sentence does not require more, only allows more. Rule 5.d is consistent, competitors provide measurement box(es), but may be as few as one for both planes.
Robot Tour - Div C
- (Section: 6 / Paragraph: c / Line: 2)
  
  11/22/2023
  
  (6.C) Are competitors allowed to run the program files on their laptops prior to loading it onto the robot?
  
  No. Running the program on any device other than the robot would violate rule 6.d.i as this would be a software simulation of the robot.
- (Section: 6 / Paragraph: C / Sub-Paragraph: i / Line: 1)
  
  09/26/2023
  
  (In reference to rule 6.C.I) If the robot is configured wirelessly via a web browser, through a network created by the robot itself, does opening a web browser to configure the robot violate this rule? The wireless network is not connected to the ...
  
  Configuring the robot via a web browser or any other tool other then the robot's programming software would violate Rule 6.c.ii. Sending a configuration to the robot would not be modifying the robot's impounded program during the event. A wireless network is not allowed to be used as this would be a violation of rule 3.a. and/or 6.b..
- (Section: 5 / Paragraph: g / Line: 4)
  
  10/25/2023
  
  Are the Gate Zone marked with a letter in tape in the middle? Or by writing on the tape that outlines the Gate Zone?
  
  The local event supervisors choose the method of marking the Gate Zone. The only requirement is the Gate Zone is clearly labeled.
- (Section: 3 / Line: 1)
  
  11/06/2023
  
  Can a team use a positioning jig to line up the robot before a run? The jig will be removed from the robot/track before starting the run.
  
  Yes. A positioning jig or alignment device may be used, but must be removed before the robot starts its run.
- (Section: 2 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1)
  
  11/08/2023
  
  Can the programming unit be impounded while connected to the rest of the robot, or does it have to be disconnected from everything else when impounding?
  
  The programming unit must be disconnected from the robot during impound. The programming unit cannot be connected to the robot until the start of the team's setup time.
- (Section: 3const / Line: 1)
  
  10/04/2023
  
  Can we decide what front of the robot is, or is there a specific definition of front, as it seems vaguely worded(especially in cases like symmetric robots or mecanum wheeled robots)?
  
  Per rule 3.e. and 6.m., the front of the robot will be the end where the dowel is placed.
- (Section: 6 / Paragraph: III / Line: 1)
  
  11/06/2023
  
  Can we open a log file that the robot generates after a run?
  
  Yes, students may open a log file generated by the robot after the run is completed.
- (Section: 6 / Paragraph: c / Sub-Paragraph: i / Line: 6)
  
  11/17/2023
  
  Given the impounded USB drive containing our code, will the provided computer(if there is one) for code editing also have the Arduino IDE installed, enabling us to upload the code back to our microcontroller?
  
  Teams are responsible for providing their own programming tools, cables and/or computers. The tournament or event supervisor will not be providing a computer to be used during the competition.
- (Section: 5 / Paragraph: f / Sub-Paragraph: f / Line: 1)
  
  10/24/2023
  
  Is it possible that the target or gate is surrounded by obstacles in all sides?
  
  No. The Track Setup must contain a path clear of 2x4 obstacles to enter all Gate Zones and reach the Target Point.
- (Section: 5 / Paragraph: f / Sub-Paragraph: f / Line: 1)
  
  10/24/2023
  
  Is there any requirement for the tape color?
  
  No. The color of the tape used to mark the track is the choice of the Event Supervisor.
- (Section: 6 / Paragraph: c / Sub-Paragraph: i / Line: 1)
  
  11/09/2023
  
  Is using Lego Mindstorm as the platform for the robot and the program legal?
  
  Lego Mindstorm is a valid platform provided the submitted robot meets all construction requirements. There are several Lego kits that use illegal batteries which is the largest concern with purchased robot kits.
- (Section: 6 / Line: 1)
  
  09/20/2023
  
  It is not specified in the rules whether the 2x4 obstacles will be announced before the 10 minute setup period. Will they be announced before this period?
  
  Yes. The 2x4 obstacles are part of the track setup and must be announced before the start of the 1st time slot.
- (Section: 6 / Paragraph: i / Line: 1)
  
  09/20/2023
  
  Rule 6.c.i states a "single program file" and Rule 2.a.i states "one robot program". A program can be made up of several source code files. Are multiple source code files allowed?
  
  Yes. Students are only allowed to impound one robot program which can be one or several source code files.
- (Section: 6 / Paragraph: iii / Line: 1)
  
  09/20/2023
  
  Rule 6.c.iii says opening other files on the laptop would be a violation. Does opening a programming tool (IDE) like Ardunio's violate this rule?
  
  No. Running a program or software tool on the laptop is not opening the file. Viewing the contains of a file on the laptop would be a violation. The only files that can be viewed or modified by the students during the competition must be the files impounded on the USB drive.
- (Section: 6 / Paragraph: m / Line: 1)
  
  09/20/2023
  
  Rule 6.m requires the robot to enter a Gate Zone to receive the bonus. Does the entire robot need to be inside the Gate Zone or does just the dowel rod need to enter the zone?
  
  The entire robot does not need to enter the Gate Zone. The entire dowel rod must be inside the Gate Zone to receive the bonus. The requires of Rule 6.m still apply on how the robot must enter a Gate Zone.
- (Section: 6 / Line: 1)
  
  10/25/2023
  
  Rule says, "Teams are allowed to make programming changes". Is there any restriction on structure of the program, what information can be fed to program, what can be configured in program and what can't be ? What are the impounding rules for progr...
  
  The only files that can be viewed or modified by the students during the competition must be the files impounded on the USB drive. Students are only allowed to impound one robot program which can be one or several source code files.
- (Section: 6 / Paragraph: m / Line: 1)
  
  11/22/2023
  
  Should a Gate Zone Bonus be awarded if a robot enters through an obstructed side of a gate (e.g. by pushing an obstacle into the Gate Zone)?
  
  Yes. The Gate Zone bonuses and Obstacles penalties are awarded independent of each other.
- (Section: 6 / Paragraph: m / Line: 1)
  
  11/20/2023
  
  Should the Gate Zone Bonuses still be awarded if the team chooses to run with obstacles removed (assuming they properly enter the Gate Zone)?
  
  Yes. The Gate Zone bonuses and Obstacles penalties are awarded independent of each other.
- (Section: 6 / Paragraph: i / Line: 2)
  
  10/25/2023
  
  Team will get 10min for setup to configure robot paths in program after seeing the tracks and all setup should be done away from the track. Can the team take notes of the paths on a paper and then go away and use those notes to setup program?
  
  Yes, students can make notes on paper during their 10 minute Setup Time. Per Rule 2.b, the only paper and notes that students may use must come from their impounded Practice Log.
- (Section: 3 / Paragraph: h / Line: 1)
  
  10/04/2023
  
  The rule states the robot must move as a whole, specifically citing tethers and such. Would actions such as pivoting the (still connected) dowel around the robot and/or putting the dowel on an extendible arm be considered not moving as a whole?
  
  No per rule 3.e., the placement of the dowel defines the front of the robot. You may not rotate, pivot, extend, or move the dowel around the bot as this violates rule 3.h. that the entire robot must move as a whole.
- (Section: 6 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: i / Line: 3)
  
  11/22/2023
  
  The rules note "The teams are not permitted to test their Robot's movements on any surface during the Setup Time." Does that mean we are allowed to test/start/run the robot in midair, if it is not contacting a surface?
  
  Yes. The Robot's program can be tested during Setup Time provided the Robot is not in contact with any surface as in the example of the Robot being held in midair.
- (Section: 5 / Paragraph: f / Line: 3)
  
  09/22/2023
  
  The rules state obstacles are "1.5 inches by 3.5 inches by 16 inches long," presumably to allow for six obstacles to be cut from a standard 8' 2x4. Can we assume the 16" length is approximate, as a small amount of length will be lost when cutting ...
  
  Yes. The 16" length is approximate.
- (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: I / Line: 1)
  
  11/22/2023
  
  The rules state that "The Robot must be designed and programmed to navigate a track, make decisions, travel to gate zones, and stop at a designated target point on the track without external interactions." My question is what is an "external Inter...
  
  "Without external interactions" refers to the Robot must not receive external information or instructions during a run. Rule 3.g. allows for sensors to provide information to the Robot's program about the environment. Sensors mounted on the Robot would be part of the Robot and not considered external.
- (Section: 3 / Line: 1)
  
  10/11/2023
  
  The rules state that the robot must fit in an area of "any height." Obviously a height of 2cm would not allow the 10cm dowel to fit - what is the minimum height the robot must fit inside?
  
  The height is determined by the design chosen by the students. All Construction Parameters of section 3 must be met.
- (Section: 6 / Paragraph: iii / Line: 1)
  
  09/20/2023
  
  Would using library files that are stored on the laptop's hard drive be a violation of Rule 6.c? Do these library files need to be impounded?
  
  No. A library is a file referenced by the students' program and not modified by the students. Only source code modified or viewed by the students must be impounded on the USB drive.
Scrambler - Div C
- (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Line: 2)
  
  09/26/2023
  
  "The gravitational potential energy of the falling mass may be converted to other forms of energy"Does this mean it is possible to use the falling mass and trigger another release mechanism such as an elastic rubber band release mechanism.
  
  It is possible to do that, but we are not prejudging a specific device. Per Rule 3.c.. the falling mass must transfer all of the energy needed to propel the vehicle into that elastic band. The elastic band must start with zero potential energy and must not have any stored elastic potential energy prior to the falling of the mass.
- (Section: 6 / Paragraph: d / Line: 1)
  
  10/24/2023
  
  As long as the pointed tip of the egg is the furthermost point of the vehicle relative to the Start Point, if the launcher is angled, can a part of the launcher touch the tape used to create the Start Point?
  
  Yes. The launcher can be in front of the Start Point provided no part of the launcher crosses the 0.5m Timing Line.
- (Section: 3 / Paragraph: e / Line: 6)
  
  11/09/2023
  
  Does the egg holder/backstop need to be rigid (like last year) or can it be cushioned in any way?
  
  The egg holder / backstop must be attached rigidly without cushioning or other mechanical methods to absorb the egg's impact.
Towers - Div C
- (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: i / Line: 4)
  
  10/10/2023
  
  My students want to label pieces of balsa with lengths, such as 11cm or 18cm as they measure and cut. Would this be acceptable or is it in violation of the rules that state wood can not be painted, colour enhanced. This is ink pen only.
  
  No, per Rule 3.a.i, only ink barcode markings, or markings from the construction processing are allowed. Labeling pieces with ink is not permitted.
- (Section: 4 / Paragraph: b / Sub-Paragraph: I / Line: 1)
  
  10/11/2023
  
  The design log template states "Add hand or CAD drawing to the back of this form or attach a separate sheet." Would a labelled, pre-testing photograph of the tower be sufficient for this requirement?
  
  No, a hand sketch or CAD drawing is required.
- (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: i / Line: 4)
  
  10/04/2023
  
  When it says soaked, is it referring to glue, or water? Can I soak my wood in water to allow it to be bent?
  
  Yes, you can soak wood in water. Rule 3.a.i prohibits soaking wood in glue and/or color enhancement.

‹ Under construction parameters 3C, it says Modification of the CD is not allowed (except via tape, glue, etc.) In regard to etc. Can a small small hole be drilled to use nuts and bolts to affix the blades to the CD? Or must the CD be 100% present.
Flight - Div C ›

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