Questions and Answers

[snowblader13]

If you are entering this NXTCentral Challenge you MUST read this ‘Questions and Answers’ topic dedicated to challenge #1 frequently. Any post by snowblader13 over this topic is ‘official’ as rules! However, any post by other member should be considered a recommendation at best, until I reply to the
question at hand.

Download the rules Here:http://www.nxtcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/nxtcentral-challenge-1-rules.doc

[bazmati]

cool contest (do we win a sensor of our choice LOL) ok seriously

A) the load can be NON -LEGO ?
B) can the load be already on a Lego trailer that is pulled by our NXT Robot ?
C) if (A) is true can a rope or a net surround that object to easy the connection-tie with the NXT Robot
D) is the load already hooked up / attached /whatever 'but ready to be pulled' by the NXTbot as it starts its countdown/timer/program OR does it have to locate / catch/ hookup as part of the challenge (see also (B))

[snowblader13]

First off excellent Questions.

A) I spaced this part of the challenge LOL, The Load can be any thing, But you should put it into some sort of a cardboard box. And have the Box Connected somehow to the Robot.

B) The load would be attached to the bot at the start of the Challenge.

C) Yes you can have the load secured however to the bot. Just Remember on thing, you have to make several turns.

D) As stated in (B) the timer would start at the very beginning when you would start the program, be it the Orange button, or a touch or sound sensor.

To add A couple of other things:

1) It may help out to Map the course out onto the floor the space between the line can be what ever,

[snowblader13]

EDIT:

The Box that you pull must NOT have any wheels or anything on it at all.
Wheels on the Load would make this challenge much easier.
Also the load should be pulled on some sort of short hair carpet, this will also increase the drag to make it harder.

[Mini_Man176]

We don't have any carpets in our house. What should I pull it on?

[snowblader13]

We don't have any carpets in our house. What should I pull it on?

If there are no carpets in the house, you will just have to use hard wood floors, for judging purposes, I will test mine on both carpet and hardwood floor, to see if there is a significant difference, then your score will be adjusted slightly to compensate.

[Mini_Man176]

Yeah that's fine. We have plenty of hardwood floors.

[NXTMonger]

Can you have more that one NXT? If not, could you just use a second one as weight for more traction?
-NXTMonger

[snowblader13]

Can you have more that one NXT? If not, could you just use a second one as weight for more traction?
-NXTMonger

You can use as many NXT's as you wish, However, you can only have one robot.

You can only use Lego parts on the bot, but the weight that you pull in the box can be whatever.

Also you can use any kind of string or rope to connect the load to the robot.

[NXTMonger]

I think I may have to test mine on concrete instead of carpet, because my mom says the tape I use for marking the lines is bad for the carpet.
Question - Can I lay down reflective tape or tinfoil for a light sensor?

[snowblader13]

Question - Can I lay down reflective tape or tinfoil for a light sensor?

Yes, As long as you are only using it for the light sensor and not as traction for the robot.

[snowblader13]

Official Rules Update!!!

When you are weighing the weight that you are pulling, you should include the weight of the sled that your weight rests on when submitting. This is because some peoples sleds are heavier that others, so the total weight of your sled and weight will be counted.

[Mini_Man176]

Are we allowed to use line following to help the robot find its way?

[snowblader13]

Are we allowed to use line following to help the robot find its way?

Absolutely you can have your robot follow a line!!

[snowblader13]

RULES CHANGE!!!

The Course is now going to change! Instead of having your robot turn twice like previously planed, The course is going to be simplified. we are now just going to drive strait for 10 Feet in a strait line.

The robot and load must both start behind the 10 feet mark, and both end past the end mark.

This means that you will have to find something to mark the courses start and end positions. This does not have to be tape but something does have to be on both sides of the robot.

You must include pictures showing the courses lenth and the robot at the start and the end. If you include a video pictures are still required.

[Mini_Man176]

Does there have to be something on both sides of the robot, or will it do if it is only on one side? You will still be able to see if it is going straight.

[snowblader13]

Does there have to be something on both sides of the robot, or will it do if it is only on one side? You will still be able to see if it is going straight.

Having a line marked on just one side would be just fine!

[snowblader13]

A note to all!! You should include the weight of your robot as well.