4. In past years there have been restrictions on the type and number of motors used. Are there any such restrictions on this problem? No. Motors and other actuators may be used as required. (Note, however, that weight is a significant factor in this contest.) (3/15/98)
7. Are there restrictions on the number or type of batteries used? Yes. Not on the number. Only common alkaline batteries may be used. (3/15/98)
5. What means will be used to insure that no significant power is transmitted to the vehicle through the control cable if one is used? No batteries, large capacitors, or other energy storage devices will be permitted in the control module. Batteries in the control modules will only be allowed for radio-controlled vehicles. (3/15/98)
10. Could you please define "readily available,
over-the-counter" with respect to the batteries. These are batteries
which are generally available to the public. They could be purchased
through catalogs or at the corner store. The general test will be
whether or not any student team could find and buy the batteries with a
little effort. The batteries must be alkaline cells. Experimental
cells or other batteries not available for general sale are excluded. (4/6/98)
11. Are there any restrictions on the size or
voltage of battery which can be used? No. See No. 7.
Alkaline batteries must be used, but size and voltage can be selected.
(4/6/98)
12. If small batteries are used, will teams be allowed to replace them between runs? No. Teams may not touch or service their retrievers in any way between runs. (4/6/98) See also Guidelines for Conducting the Contest (5/19/98)
23. When it says that the machine must be powered by over the counter alkaline batteries does this exclude the use of rechargeable battery packs which are easily obtained from any local Radio Shack? Yes. The rechargeable battery packs Radio Shack sells use either NiCad or metal hydride batteries. Alkaline batteries are not generally rechargeable. (4/21/98)
29. Can pressurized gasses be used in the device for any purpose? Yes, subject to some rules required for the safety of the contest. Specifically: 1. Any pressure vessels used must meet ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII Division 1 or Section X; teams must present the judges with calculations and construction details necessary to verify compliance. 2. Only non-toxic gasses may be used. 3. Gasses may not be allowed to enter the environment--significant gas leakage will be grounds for disqualification. (5/19/98)
37. Are the new Duracell Ultra alkaline batteries legal for use? Yes. (7/7/98)
56. The rules state that we cannot receive significant power from the controller. What if we keep the batteries on the vehicle, run power wires from it to the controller, then run power wires back to the motors on the vehicle? We get power from the controller, however, the controller got its power from the car. What you describe with the batteries and controller would be legal. The umbilical cord transfers negligible NET power. The question to be answered is where the source of the power (battery) is located. So long as the battery is in the vehicle you are OK. Note that no batteries are allowed in the controller if an umbilical cord is used. (See Question 5). (10/7/98)
76. In Q&A #29 you state that "significant gas leakage will be grounds for disqualification". Does this apply to the venting of gas from a low-pressure inflatable bladder (1-2 PSIG)? Does this change if the gas' source is not a storage vessel but is instead is provided by an on-board compressor? Yes, this does apply in both cases cited, regardless of the source of the gas. What atmosphere on Mars would a compressor be drawing from? (11/23/98)
81. Can standard dry cell 9 volt alkaline batteries be used for the vehicle? Yes. (12/08/98)
88. Can commercially available pressurized CO2 cartridges be used in the rock retrievers as an energy source? Commercially available pressurized CO2 cartridges may be used, subject to the same restrictions as use of other pressure vessels. Specifically, CO2 may not be vented to the atmosphere. The cartridges may not be changed, damaged, or otherwise modified from the way the manufacturer sells them. Instead of dimensions and calculations to show this is in compliance with ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel codes the team must specify the name of the manufacturer or the distributer from whom the cartridges were purchased. (12/16/98)
89. How much leakage is "significant gas
leakage? "Significant gas leakage" means any leakage which
can be detected by the judges. If they can hear a leak, smell
leaking gasses, feel or otherwise sense gas flows, observe falling pressures
in a closed vessel by any means available, or find a leak by any other
simple leak detection procedure the leak is "significant". (12/17/98)
90. Can Solar power be used (in place of or in
addition to Alkaline batteries) if it can supply adequate power to the
vehicle. No. Power for the vehicle must come from
the alkaline batteries. (12/20/98)
1. Can the control device antenna be manually extended after it is removed from the box? Yes. The antenna on the vehicle must spring up or extend automatically, but the control antenna may be extended manually. (3/15/98)
34. Is it allowable to use more than one controller,
or must all functions of the vehicle be operated by a single controller?
(For example, use one controller for the vehicle itself and another for
a robotic arm type device?)
All functions must be operated from a single controller in the sense
that all knobs, switches, and other input devices must be on one electronics
package which is managed and used by only one team member. There
may only be one umbilical cord from the electronics box to the vehicle
or one antenna on the electronics box. Of course, it is legal to
have a number of control functions or circuits within this box as necessary
to accomplish different tasks. For example, one joy-stick used for
vehicle movement control and a second one, plus some switches, for robotic
arm control, all mounted on one box, would be legal. The same controls,
mounted on two different boxes which were not directly affixed to
one another would not be legal. (5/22/98)
36. Are we allowed to use purchased radio-controlled
vehicles as a basis for our design? In particular, are we allowed
to use purchased radio controllers? FCC regulations would make it
difficult to build our own transmitters.
Yes and Yes. There are no restrictions on what you can purchase
for use in your design beyond those in the rules. (6/26/98)
47. If the same controls, mounted on two different boxes were directly affixed to one another, would it be legal? More specifically, would it be legal to affix two two-channel radio control devices to one another and consider it one controller, rather than using one controller capable of controlling more than two channels? All functions would be operated by only one team member. The "combined" controller would be considered as one controller as described, but please note that the radio controllers would need to share an antenna. See Question 34. (9/16/98)
55. Would it be legal to use a transmitter that
operates on radio-controlled model aircraft control frequencies?
There are no rules regarding which frequencies you can use. There will
be some rules for controlling the transmitters at the contest sites to
avoid interference between teams. Of course, your device must obey
all applicable FCC rules. (10/7/98)
63. Would it be legal to use two two-channel receivers on the vehicle, but one two-channel controller to control both by using a different frequency? More specifically, is it legal to change the crystal in the controller during the run?: What is looked for in this problem is a prototype device in a fairly "finished" condition. Thus it would not be legal to physically remove one crystal and plug in another crystal in the controller during the run. However, if both crystals were mounted inside the control box and the crystal choice were made by means of a switch (or other circuitry) that would be legal. (Note that Q&A numbers 34 and 47 deal with similar issues.) (10/27/98)
72. Often time's RC units experience a lot of interference or unpredictable behavior inside buildings or in certain areas. What kind of guarantees will we be given that those of us who choose to go the RC route will not be plagued with this consequence of our decision? Or is this a chance we take? This is a chance you take. Contest organizers will attempt to avoid obvious perils such as large metal reflecting surfaces close to the test range, and the transmitter should be very close to the vehicle at all times, so problems should be minimal. Suggestions on how to minimize this potential problem from those with RC vehicle experience are welcome. (11/04/98)
74. Can we use two small two channel radios attached to each other and operating with one antenna composed of two enameled wires coiled around each other and coated with rubber?" No. The two radios would be legal if taped or fastened together, but one antenna means one antenna conductor. You would also have electrical problems with the arrangement you propose. (11/23/98)
75. The rules state that "No repairs or adjustments are permitted except for allowing an antenna to extend or to plug in an umbilical cord." Does this permit the antenna to be screwed into the transmitter after being taken out of the box? No, the antenna on the vehicle must spring up or extend automatically. See also Q&A #1. (11/23/98) Note: (12/08/98) This question was misinterpreted and answered with reference to the vehicle. On the transmitter (control unit) the antenna may be screwed on after removal from the transport box.
2. May someone manage (hold or guide) the umbilical cord on the vehicle if it is not radio controlled? Yes, so long as the cord is not used to move, restrain, or direct the vehicle through forces on the cable. (3/15/98)
3. Must the vehicle have a connector so that the control cable can be removed for vehicle weighing? Yes. If no connector is provided the entire cord weight and control weight will be included in the vehicle score. (3/15/98)
21. If you use an umbilical cord will you be able to walk onto the test course to follow and control your vehicle? No. You and other team members may walk along the edge of the test course as necessary, but not within the course boundaries. (see also no. 2 above) (4/21/98)
24. If you use an umbilical cord can you use a collapsible rod or "fishing pole" to manage the cord during the run? If so, must it fit within the storage box? Yes, a rod may be used. To parallel the requirements on the radio controls it must collapse and fit within the storage box with the retriever, and you can extend it manually (as you would a radio antenna). See also nos. 2 and 21 above. (4/21/98)
Note: For controller with umbilical cord--See also answer 34 under "Radio control questions" above--answer pertains to both methods of control.
22. Is 1.5 inches the largest the rock can be or is it possible that it may be bigger at the contest? The maximum dimension across the rock is specified as 1.5 inches; this will be adhered to in all contests. (4/21/98)
26. During the competition itself, is a rock supplied, or do we use our own? The rock will be supplied by the contest organizers. (4/22/98) See also question 30 for a later discussion on this. (5/19/98)
30. How is the rock selected? The rock at the Regional and National contests will be supplied by the Student Design Contest Committee through the Regional Offices. This rock will be supplied in a box which can be "unveiled" at the beginning of the contest, and no school, host or otherwise, will have advance knowledge of what it will look like. Regions may request more than one contest rock if they plan to have more than one test course. Review the Recommended Guidelines for Conducting the Contest for further information. (5/19/98)
31. Will every team test with the same rock? Every team testing on the same course in a given Region will use the same rock. Similar, but not identical, rocks will be supplied to other Regions, or to one Region if they have two test courses. (5/19/98)
32. Who decides how the rock is positioned initially? The rock will be positioned by the contest organizers. The rock must start at the specified position. The same orientation of the rock should be used for all contestants using that rock on that test course. (5/19/98)
38. NOTICE: Rock weights corrected. Thanks to one of those pesky calculation errors, the rock weights in the original problem specification were in error. The weights should have been 0.35 to 2.8 ounces, or 10 to 80 grams. The size is unchanged. The actual rocks for the regional and international contests have now been collected, measured, and sequestered, and weights are well within the tolerances given. The problem statement has now been corrected. Thanks to those who brought it to our attention early. (Also please refer to "Recommended Guidelines for Running the Contest" for the new rock handling procedures.) CJH (7/7/98)
65. What do you mean by the "major" dimensions of the rock? Basically, a dimension through the center of gravity of the rock. Another way to describe the rock is that all of its surfaces must lie on or inside of an imaginary spherical surface of 1.5 inches diameter, and must lie on or outside of an imaginary spherical surface of 0.75 inches in diameter. The two imaginary spheres must be concentric.
8. Are there any restrictions on the number of wheels a vehicle may use? No. In fact, wheels are not required. The vehicle may move on tracks, walking mechanisms, wheels....... (3/15/98)
9. The problem statement allowed the option of fitting inside a box with inside dimensions of "32x32x75 mm". Is this correct? No. The problem statement was in error when first published. The box dimensions should have been 370x165x165 mm. The problem statement was fixed on 4/6/98. Thanks to several who called this to our attention. (4/6/98)
17. Did the Committee arrange for the article in the April 1998 issue of "Mechanical Engineering" on the NASA "Sojourner" design in an attempt to influence our choices? No--but the article is great, isn't it? Good background reading for this design contest! How and why will your design be different? (4/16/98)
25. Does the vehicle have to be ground based, or are flying craft allowed? The vehicle must be ground based. Flying craft are not allowed. (4/22/98)
27. The actual Sojourner rover used sharp cleats on the wheels to increase it's traction on Mars & help climb over obstacles. Are we allowed to use spiked or studded wheels in our design? Yes, so long as they do not damage the floor. (See no.18 under "Course and Strategy" questions) (4/22/98)
35. Can my machine automatically extend some links (using springs, etc.) when I take it from its storage box? If so, can they stay extended for all runs? No, and No. At the end of the run your vehicle must "be in its starting configuration after depositing the rock." Furthermore, note that "Any expansion or extension must be done by the vehicle itself during the competition run." ( A radio antenna wire is the only exemption from this requirement.) Taken together, these statements mean that the vehicle must retract and stow any parts which it extended during the run. Also please note that the vehicle can not extend parts of itself after you remove it from the storage box, as the question implies. All extensions must be done by the vehicle itself during the run. (6/12/98)
39. Are the box dimensions in the problem statement
from the inside of it or from the out side? The inside.
(And the box wall thickness is not specified.) (7/9/98)
43. Must the controller fit in the box?
Yes. The "vehicle and all control equipment..." must fit.
(9/16/98)
44. Must everything be able to fit back in the box at the end of the runs? Yes. (9/16/98)
48. In question number 25 you said that the craft must be ground based and is not allowed to fly. Would a craft that hops or is capable of jumping long distances be allowed as long as it doesn't use any kind of atmosphere dependent propulsion system (i.e. a propeller or wings)? A craft may hop, roll, jump, somersault, crawl, etc., as long as the propulsion system is based on reaction forces from the ground. It may not use a propulsion system which is dependent on aerodynamic or jet reaction forces. (9/22/98)
49. Are we allowed to display sponsors on our vehicles? Yes. Student Section names and ASME identification are also strongly encouraged! (9/22/98)
53. If a purchased radio controller is used, can a rechargeable pack be used to power the receiver and servos? Most purchased systems now come with rechargeable packs. A rechargeable battery pack can be used to power the radio control unit which the team member holds. Only alkaline cells may be used anywhere in or on the vehicle itself for any purpose. (9/30/98)
54. The dimensions given of 370x165x165 mm for the alternate box are quite different than the "Popular Mechanics 16 inch Tool Box." The tool box is not truly rectangular, it is tapered from top to bottom and there is a constriction in the middle of the box where the latch attaches. The dimensions at the bottom of the tool box are smaller than the dimensions given for the alternate box. Which dimensions should be used in the design of the vehicle? You may use either set of dimensions. Your device must fit in one or the other of the boxes--both will give devices of about the same size. The PM Tool Box was specified because we felt it would be easy and inexpensive for teams to acquire. On the other hand, students outside the United States (Region XIII) sometimes have difficulty finding "commonly available" items like the toolbox, so we specified a rectangular box as an alternate. We do not feel that using one or the other will, per se, give any team an unfair advantage over others. (9/30/98)
58. Can a component of the vehicle (such
as an attached bumper or the tires) be slightly flexible so that the vehicle
can be easily pushed into the carrying box and the top of the box can be
closed with some force, but the component springs out when the vehicle
is removed? Some "fine adjustments" can be made with your
fingers (no tools) when putting the vehicle into the box. However,
it should be evident to the judges that the device was designed to fit
the space. We would not want to see a team really pushing and shoving
on a device to cram it into the box, which would then bulge with strain
even if "closed". Furthermore, no part if the device except the antenna
(for a radio controlled vehicle) can "spring out" and extend significantly
beyond the box size limits before the device begins to run. There
is some flexibility in the Popular Mechanics Toolbox so a very rigid limit
is hard to set, but it would not seem any part should extend more than
about 1/8 inch beyond the box limits at most, and this should not occur
over much of the vehicle. (10/19/98)
59. Can the vehicle be stored upside down or on its side while it is in the container? Yes. There are no restrictions on how the vehicle may be positioned in the box. It must just "fit". (See also Q&A # 58 for a related question.) (10/20/98)
62. May we build our own box using the dimensions given by Popular Mechanics for the Popular Mechanics 16" Tool Box (PM00983)? The rules require that your device fit inside the Popular Mechanics toolbox or the alternative box whose dimensions are given in the problem. Nowhere does it say you must actually build or purchase one of the boxes. However, you will be required at the contest to demonstrate that your vehicle fits inside either an actual PM toolbox or the alternate box. Sizing to a rectangular box built to the nominal PM toolbox dimensions will not give you a legal device. (See also Q&A no. 54) (10/27/98)
68. Are there any limits on what type of materials
we are allowed to use in building our "retreivers"? No.
(11/04/98)
82. Is there a maximum weight for the vehicle? No. (12/08/98)
83. Will my design be assessed by how applicable it is in a real Mars exploration scenario? I have 2 prototypes at hand....the first is extremely fast within the competition constraints but would probably prove to be quite useless if it is to be used on the rocky terrain on Mars. The second is comparatively slower but I designed it to suit the uneven grounds with realistic test conditions. I would like to know whether any any extra credit will be given to my second design or is this competition solely based on the ideal conditions as outlined? The contest will be judged solely on how you do on the (admittedly) idealized conditions on the test track specified in the contest rules. There is no provision in the rules which allows judges to modify the scores based on their opinions of how the design might fare on Mars.(12/08/98)
92. Is there any cost limit for the vehicle? Can the ENTIRE vehicle be designed from scratch? There is no cost limit for the vehicle. The entire vehicle can be designed from scratch, and the most competitive vehicles probably will be because of the heavy penalty for weight.(1/13/99)
6. The rules require that a vehicle leaving the
course accidentally must re-enter "at the same point". Is there a
tolerance on this measurement? Yes. It is expected that
the centerline of the vehicle should be within about one inch of the centerline
location where the vehicle exited. (3/15/98)
13. Is the contest surface specified (tile, plywood,
etc.)? No. Only that it be "a flat, level, uncarpeted section
of floor". Tile, wood, vinyl flooring, concrete, .... are all
acceptable. "Floor" implies that it is an indoor surface. (4/7/98)
14. Will the barriers be securely fastened to the contest surface? Yes. But realistically the barriers can only be held in place by tape or other removable adhesive device. The barriers are not to be moved by your device, so try to minimize the lateral forces on the barriers from your device. (4/7/98)
15. Will the rock placement target be securely
fastened to the contest surface? Yes. The target should
be drawn on paper or very thin cardboard which is taped securely to the
floor around all edges. (4/7/98)
16. The barrier positions in the test course
are specified by giving endpoints of a line. The problem statement
says that "measurements are to be made to the origin side of the barriers."
Does this imply that the edge of the barrier should be placed along the
line? Yes. The edge of the barrier should lie right along the
given line, with the rest of the finite-thickness barrier on the side of
the line away from the origin (0,0 point). (4/16/98)
18. Must the floor of the test course be left undamaged? Yes. The floor must be undamaged. Furthermore residue which would interfere with the operation of other team's devices (e.g. water, oil, dirt, gritty material, adhesive materials ...) may not be left on the floor. (4/21/98)
19. Are we allowed to leave objects on the course and have only the mobile part of our rock retriever return to its original spot? Or does every piece that leaves the starting rectangle as shown in the diagram on the web site have to return to the rectangle at the end of the first and second runs? All parts of the rock retriever must return to the starting rectangle at the end of each run. (4/21/98)
20. When the vehicle returns back to its parking area does it have to be facing in the same direction as when it started off? Yes. It must "return to its starting location and configuration." (Emphasis added.) Time stops when the vehicle is "....in its starting configuration...."(4/21/98)
28. Must the vehicle we design completely cross all three obstacles? In other words, can only a portion of the vehicle cross the wooden barriers? Yes and No. The complete vehicle must cross at least the FIRST barrier to demonstrate climbing ability. A vehicle will be considered to have crossed the first barrier if all of its weight is supported by the floor (directly or indirectly) beyond the first barrier (i.e., on the side of the barrier away from the origin of the test course). No part of the vehicle or its attendant systems may touch the top (horizontal) part of the first barrier when the crossing is completed. (4/24/98)
33. Does the rock have to be 'placed' in the center of the target? Could we drop the rock near the center, and then push it into place with the vehicle? Yes, you may use the vehicle to maneuver the rock into its final position any way you wish. The scoring position will be determined by where the rock is sitting when the vehicle is back in its parking place after the run is complete. (5/19/98)
40. Does the vehicle have to come out from the box all ready turned on? No. The vehicle may be turned on any time after leaving the box. (7/9/98)
41. Is it legal to have a part of the vehicle extend beyond the course boundaries if it does not come into contact with the floor? Yes. Out-of-bounds is determined solely by where the vehicle touches the floor. (8/28/98)
42. How precisely are the obstacles placed on the
course? Are there tolerances? Measurement tolerances on
the course will be +/- 1/4 inch for all layout distances. This is
fairly "sloppy" but will make things easier for those trying to hold barriers
on the course with tape, etc. You should not count on very precisely
placed barriers in order for your device to work; it is unlikely
that your device would face only these barriers when on Mars. The
ball deposit target concentric circles, however, should be laid out to
the nearest 1/16 of an inch. Vehicles should be weighed to the nearest
gram, and times should be recorded to the nearest tenth of a second. (8/28/98)
45. Where does the vehicle start the course?
In the parking area on the course. (9/16/98)
46. Will the second run come right after the first? Yes, and the vehicle may not be touched or serviced between runs. (9/16/98)
50. Is there a specific place where the vehicle operator must stand during the run? Anywhere outside the course boundaries. (9/22/98)
51. May two members of the team drive the vehicle, one each run? Yes. (9/22/98)
52. May two members control the functions of the vehicle simultaneously? No. See also Question 34. (9/22/98)
61. Is it possible to have two vehicles for this competition? One larger vehicle would have a crane-like mechanism which would put the smaller vehicle (the one that is supposed to pick up the rock) over the first barrier. That way, we want to eliminate the need for climbing over barriers. No, this would not be allowed. Demonstrating the ability to climb the barrier is a part of the problem. See also the answer to Question 28. (10/20/98)
64. What should the thicknesses of the concentric circle lines be? The lines should be as thin as you can conveniently draw them and make them easily visible. They should be less than or equal to about 0.5 mm thick. (11/2/98)
66. May the vehicle be turned on after the presentation and just before running, or must it be turned on right after removal from the box? It may be turned on after the presentation. See also Q&A # 40. (11/2/98)
69. What happens in the case that a vehicle turns over and becomes unable to continue, will the run be considered over or will the vehicle be flipped over and allowed to continue with a penalty? The run is over and unsuccessful. If an astronaut could go out and correct such a situation he or she could retrieve rocks! (11/404/98)
70. The barriers will be no more than 3.5 inches in height, so two 2x4's or smooth finished 4x4's will be used? Yes. Note, however, that the width of the barrier will be different with these two approaches. Either is allowed. (11/04/98)
71. Should we add our batteries to our vehicle before we hand it over the day of the contest, or will we be able to add our batteries before we make our first run? Your batteries must be installed when the device is presented to the judges for weighing and size constraint checking. They should not be removed after that. When the contestants report to the test range the vehicle must come out of the box ready to run. No adjustment or servicing is allowable at that time. It is permissible for contest organizers to require earlier battery insertion if necessary for the efficient operation of the contest. (11/04/98) (See also Q&A #66)
73. The design problem states that the test course will be a flat, level, uncarpeted section of floor, but does not state anything about the condition of this floor. Is there a possibility of debris on the test course? No, the only things on the floor within the course boundaries will be the barriers, the ball deposit target, and any tape necessary to make course boundaries and device parking place. (11/09/98)
77. Can our vehicle touch the top of the first
barrier at ALL? In Q&A # 28 it said that the vehicle can't touch
the top of the barrier once the crossing is completed. So does this
mean we can drive over the top of the barrier
or do we have to cross the 1st. barrier without touching the top
at ALL? You can touch the top of the barrier whenever necessary
in crossing it. The restrictions quoted in terms of touching the
top of the barrier have to do only with assuring that the first barrier
has been completely crossed. (11/23/98)
78. Concerning the definition of "starting configuration,"
if part of our vehicle is not in the exact position at the end of the run
that it was at the start, will it be disqualified? For example, what
if an articulated joint is in a slightly (or more than slightly) different
position, but the overall vehicle is close to its starting configuration?
As another
example, what if part of our vehicle (e.g., an extended member)
gets bent during the first trial? Will we be disqualified?
"Configuration" refers to the general arrangement of parts, not to
their exact postion. The vehicle must generally look like it did
at the start of the first run, it must fit within the size limitations,
and it must be in position to start another run. As far as bent vehicle
members--the fundamental questions the judges would have to consider would
be whether or not the vehicle still fitted within the size constraints
and whether it could still perform its function. Of course, if the
judges felt that the device was designed to deliberately bend some member
during a run in order to gain a competitive advantage, and if the device
did not then straighten out the member on its own before the end of the
first run they should disqualify the device. (11/24/98)
79. When the obstacles are to be constructed from lengths of 2X4 inch studding, what is meant by this? Is the highest point of the obstacle 4 inches or 2 inches? In the 3rd paragraph of the problem statement, what is the "3.5 inch direction up"? Nominal 2x4 inch lumber actually measures 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches. (Many years ago unplaned lumber studs actually measured 2 in. by 4 in., but modern sizes are much smaller. The nomenclature has persisted, however.) When the greater width of the board is placed vertically it is 3.5 inches high. (12/08/98)
80. Is the parking area the starting and ending point for the vehicle? Yes. (12/08/98)
84. What penalty will be imposed on teams who accidentally
bump the rock outside of the course boundary?: The penalty and
restrictions for bumping the rock out of bounds are exactly the same as
for going out of bounds with the vehicle (with or without the rock aboard).
A one minute penalty is imposed, and the rock must be brought back into
bounds at the same point where it went out without being touched by the
team. See the problem statement and also Q #6. (12/11/98)
85. Can the vehicle overhang
the parking area at the end of the run, or must it lie entirely within
imaginary vertical surfaces along the inside edges of the tape defining
the parking area? The vehicle can not overhang the tape
defining the parking area. It must lie within the vertical surfaces
indicated. If any portion of the vehicle
except the antenna or umbilical cord passes through any of these surfaces
a time penalty equal to 25% of the total run time will be added when the
score is computed. Note extension to time scoring rules.
(12/14/98)
86. If the vehicle goes out of bounds and the one minute penalty is added to the score, and this penalty causes the total time to be greater than 4 minutes, is the run considered disqualified or is that new time used in calculating S along with the actual accuracy score? The new time is used in calculating S along with the accuracy score unless the resulting time exceeds 500 seconds. Five hundred seconds is the maximum time score used, whether the run is disqualified or not. (12/14/98)
87. In past years contests there were several groups doing different parts of the contest at the same time. If this is allowed this year, will there be a check of the different frequencies used to ensure that there is no interference between groups? This only applies to groups using digital transmitters. This year the vehicle must come from the storage box fully assembled and simply be placed in the starting box. No "setup" time is allowed or planned for. Therefore we do not anticipate contest organizers having parallel courses this time. "Action" on the course should be nearly continuous, with minimal down-time for judges to record scores, reposition the rock between runs, etc. Should a contest organizer decide to have simultaneous contests going on the question of interference would have to be addressed. There is mention of the need for contest organizers to control transmitters at a contest site in the "Recommended Guidelines for Conducting the Contest". That has been expanded to include possible problems with parallel adjacent courses. (12/16/98)
57. Do the four members to a team include
upperclassmen advisors if the team is composed of underclassmen?
A team is always free to get advice and help from anyone. People
giving advice to teams are not counted as "team members".
[But think awhile. If you have upperclassmen interested in
working closely with you on the project (and there are no class-related
tie-ins or problems) you might want to think about forming two teams each
consisting of both upper and lower-classmen. That would give you
two stronger teams in place of the one with "advisors". It would
also be good experience for both upper- and lower-classmen.] (10/19/98)
91. Must all team members who participate in the design of the rock retriever be present at the competition? No. It is a team decision as to who will be present at the competition. There is no rule requiring attendance at the contest--only the practical considerations about who will operate your device. (1/13/99)