LAST POSTING: January 29, 2001
Motors and SolenoidsCourse Questions
Controllers and Electronics
Rod and Reel Modifications
Cost questions
Batteries and Power Sources
Aiming mechanisms
General equipment questions
The PRIZES
for the finals at the 2001 Congress have been changed.
Please see the Prize page for more details.
(August 23, 2001)
Question Period Closed! Per the General Rules, no more questions will be answered since they will have been postmarked after Saturday, January 27.
TEAMS ARE NOW RESPONSIBLE FOR KNOWING WHAT IS IN THESE Q&A's AS THEY FORM AN OFFICIAL PART OF THE PROBLEM DEFINITION!!
Regional Contest Dates and Locations are available
at:
http://www.asme.org/students/design_contest/Y2001RSCLocs.html
Additional Contact Information: For those contestants (particularly those in Region XIII) having trouble getting a rod and reel either locally or by using the contact information in the problem statement, the person to contact at Zebco can be reached at jenni.foster@brunswickoutdoor.com, Ph: 918 831 6108 For shipping internationally there may additional costs.
Some slight modifications to the testing process: Some time limits (one-half hour) have been set on the assembly and testing process prior to device impound, and the two-minute setup and one-minute trial casting and adjustment period have been combined into one three-minute period to accomplish both tasks (but still with only one practice cast allowed.) Check the revised problem statement and the www.asme.org/students/design_contest/y2001guidelines3.html
Official Lures now completed. The official lures for the contests have now been sewn, filled, and weighed. They will be mailed to ASME Field Offices right after Christmas so that they are ready for the spring contests. The completed lures had an average weight of 19.85 gms with a standard deviation of 0.07 gms. (with the sand very dry). A picture of one is now on the web. Go to http://www.asme.org/students/design_contest/Y2001EquipPics.html
Equipment categories subdivided:
The Equipment questions and answers
have been further indexed into sub-categories for the sake of convenience.
This has not changed the total content of this page.
Final (Bottle Capping) contest results available. www.asme.org/students/design_contest/Y2kCongressResults.html
Here is some information on the "Snoopy" fishing pole, courtesy of the manufacturer and James Lanier of Oregon State, with the editor's comments in square brackets:
1. The handle of the fishing
rod is hollow
2. The fishing rod comes
from the manufacturer spooled with 45 yards of 8 pound test line.
3. The reel can be disassembled
if necessary to replace line, remove tangles, etc. [Remove the white
spinner cover. Then you can unscrew and remove the metal spinner
itself with the corrugated edges. To see the gear train you must
snap the black plastic parts out of the yellow plastic housing; look
for the screwdriver access slots to find the tabs.]
4. The actual rod itself
is made of fiberglas, and is hollow.
5. There is one gear set,
consisting of a crown gear on the crank handle and a spur gear on the spinner
shaft. The ratio is 2.5:1. Inertial properties of the moving
parts are not known. [But note that there are no rotating parts during
the cast.]
Correction to answer 39 to allow alternate energy sources. The original answer to question 39 mistakenly ruled out anything except battery power as a fundamental energy source. This was an oversight and has been corrected. Please review questions 9 and 39 (11/13/00)
Battery requirements clarified. See the answers to questions 21-23.
NOTE that the problem has been simplified somewhat over what was first posted. PLEASE review the current posting and PLEASE make sure your copy of the problem is dated May 17, 2000 or later.
New Page Added: Some thoughts from the organizing committee on how to succeed in the design contest can be found at http://www.asme.org/students/design_contest/HowToSucceed.html (5/31/00)
"How to Cast" instructions available
if you have never been fishing! Go to:
http://www.asme.org/students/design_contest/Y2001CastInstr.html
Please Review Q&A number 29 under "Equipment
Questions". Rules regarding the use of motor controllers have
been clarified.
Motors, solenoids, etc.
16. Are we allowed to use stepper motors as long as they conform to the power rating given? A: Yes (7/7/00)31. How can we determine what the power rating is on a specific motor? A: The name-plate or the manufacturer's specifications may give either the power rating or the rated voltage and current. In the latter case the power can be calculated with sufficient accuracy from E*I, since motor efficiency should be very high. Failing that you could test the motor under load yourself, and come prepared to show the judges your data and performance curve. (9/26/00)
32. If we already have a used motor that falls under the 50 watt rating, can we use it even though we do not know the cost of it, when it was new? A: Yes, you can use it, but you need to find the current price of either that motor or an equivalent motor. You should be able to get that information from the manufacturer or a motor supply house. (9/26/00)
40. Does 'motor' mean a device that turns electrical power into mechanical rotary motion? Or could 'motor' also be a more general term meaning any actuating device? A: "Motor" can be understood in a somewhat generic sense. The mechanical motion does not need to be rotary, for instance; a solenoid usually provides linear motion when energized. You do need to use a motor or a solenoid as at least the first link in the mechanical system which will cause the system to move. (10/4/00)
42. Our design team is still unclear on what is covered under electromagnetic devices. Obviously motors, solenoids, and relays are electromagnetic devices. But are diodes, photocells, DC to DC converters, transistors, and etc considered electromagnetic devices? Or are these devices even legal to use for the contest? A: Diodes, photocells, transistors, (and probably etc.) are not electromagnetic devices, but they are certainly legal to use. DC to DC convertors may have some electromagnetic components, but would not be classified as electromagnetic devices, and they would also be legal. The restriction under item 3 in the contest rules pertains to the device which will actually convert electrical energy to mechanical energy, and does not in any way prohibit or restrict the use of electrical circuitry. See also the answers to questions 29 and 40. (10/4/00)
49. If we use a relay in a student-built motor controller, does that relay count against the limit of 5 electromagnetic devices? A: No. The limit is on electromagnetic devices which "power the device", i.c. motors or solenoids which transform electrical energy into mechanical motion. Control devices are not covered. (10/13/00)
50. Are relays, used as part of the control electronics, considered as "electromagnetic devices" subject to the $10 limit? A: Yes. See also Question 13. (10/16/00)
57. In our design a solenoid is used to trip a release lever, starting the casting sequence. Would this solenoid be counted as one of the five allowable "electromagnetic devices"? A: Yes, it would count. It directly causes pole movement. (If a motor with a rack and pinion were used for the same function, it would clearly count.) (10/20/00)
59. If a solenoid is used to control the line release button on the casting reel, must that solenoid be counted as one of the five allowable "electromagnetic devices" that power the device? A: Yes. Any solenoid which provides forces directly on the rod or reel must be counted, even if the force is magnified or reduced through a gear train, lever, etc. (10/22/00)
61. If we have a gearbox designed to be attached to a motor, can we use it with a $10 motor, or do we need to include its price in the $10? A: The price of a gearbox is NOT included in the $10 limit UNLESS it is purchased as part of a single, packaged "gearhead motor" and the individual costs of motor and gearbox are not stated or can not be obtained from the manufacturer. (10/24/00)
66. We purchased a 'planetary gear box set' which conforms to the power requirement. We purchased it for $17. Can we use it? A: Yes. The cost limitation is on the motor or solenoid and any associated electronic controllers. (10/10/00)
67. In Rule #3, is the limitation of a motor's "maximum power rating of 50 watts" the the motor's STALL power draw, or is it the maximum power which our device draws during normal operation? A: The 50 watts is the maximum power output for which the motor is continuously rated at its stated voltage rating (or the allowable 24 Vdc excitation voltage, whichever is lower). At stall the power output of the motor reaches zero although of course it may be drawing a lot of current. (11/10/00)
68. Does the $10 cost limit apply just to motors or to all electromagnetic devices, no matter of what type? In particular, we have in mind an electromagnetic clutch. A: The $10 limit only applies to motors or solenoids which transform electrical to mechanical energy. An electromagnetic clutch is a power transmission device and is not subject to the limit. (11/10/00)
72. Are solenoids restricted to the ten dollar limit or is that just for motors and the associated controllers? A: Solenoids are restricted to the $10 limit. (11/10/00)
79. Must a pneumatic solenoid valve which would open and close to allow air pressure to travel to the air cylinder that would in turn apply the force to the reel be counted as one of the allowable electromagnetic devices? In question #49 it states that a relay used in a control system is not counted in the limit of five electromagnetic devices. A: The solenoid does not directly put force on the rod, so it is part of the control system and it would not be counted as one of the five devices. However, as a solenoid it would fall under the $10 cost limit. (11/24/00)
98. Can students design and manufacture their own solenoids/motors? If so are they subject to the $10 price restriction? Can they be manufactured using any used parts from existing solenoids/motors, or must all parts be manufactured by the students? A: Students are free to design and manufacture their own solenoids and motors. As student-built devices they are not subject to the $10 price restriction. However, the student must build substantially all of the motor or solenoid. While it is allowable to purchase and use some standard parts such as bearings, simply changing the windings on an existing motor would not be allowable. If you use a student-built motor or solenoid you will need to come prepared to satisfy the judges that this motor or solenoid was designed and built by you to fit certain system requirements, and that it is not merely an existing motor which has been slightly modified to escape the cost limitations. (01/22/01)
99. Is it legal to use a gearbox that comes with a motor that retail's for over $10.00 as long as we use a different motor that is within the ten dollar limit? A: Yes. What you are in effect buying in this case is the gearbox; the motor that you obtained with the gearbox is simply scrap that you have purchased. (01/25/01)
100. Is it allowable to use the gearbox as long as the motor that comes with it is priced under $10.00? A: Yes, under the restrictions of answer 61. That is, you must be able to prove that the cost of the motor without the gearbox is less than $10. (01/25/01)
101. If the gearbox set comes with a motor and is unassembled could we be able to use the gear set even though the retail price is over ten dollars? A: The gearbox could be used subject to the restrictions in answers 61 and 66. You must be able to prove that the cost of the motor you are using is under $10. The cost of the gearbox is unregulated. (01/25/01)
11. On the use of controllers for the electromagnetic devices: Are we permitted to use something like the Motorola 68HC11 microprocessor if the programing is written and loaded into the processor by our team, and the chip is wired up to the device by our team? )A: Yes. Of course, the chip and its associated power supply, connectors, etc., become part of your device, and must fit in the sizing box. (6/8/00) (6/9/00)
14. Can switches be pushed simultaneously or do the mechanisms have to operate one after the other? A: The switches may be pushed simultaneously or pushed in any sequence you wish. (7/6/00)
29. It is unclear what is considered a legal "student built" controller. It is stated that the regular retail price of each electromagnetic device, including any associated purchased motor controller, must be less than or equal to $10. (Student designed and built motor controllers or electronics are not subject to this limitation.) Are student-programmable microcontrollers such as a Basic Stamp subject to this $10 and under limitation? A very similar question was received: It is stated in question 11 under equipment questions that we (the students) can use digital chips for the main motor control. It is also stated under question 3 that a ten dollar limit applies only to commercial controllers. If the student buys a controller chip but still builds the remaining associated support circuitry and system board, is each controller chip considered a "commercial" controller and thus within the ten dollar limit? A: A "commercially available motor controller" for the purposes of this contest is an integrated circuit or "black box" which requires that the student use only a single input signal line or a programmable input on the controller and a single output port on the controller to run a motor without the intervention of any student designed or built electronics. (Power supply connections to the controller, while necessary, are immaterial here.) The cost of such a controller, together with the motor it controls, is limited to $10. The BASIC stamp, handyboard, miniboard, and all other similar micro controllers are part of the motor's "associated controller" and are subject to the $10 limit. Individual chip and component costs within a student-built electronics package will not be assessed. A student wishing to build his or her own motor controller is free to do so. However, it is the opinion of the Committee that there are several very good solutions to this challenge possible which make little or no use of electronics. (9/21/00)
38. Our design team is unclear on the 'Sip and Puff' technology. Are we supposed to use a particular one (sip and puff device), if not are there any limitations? Does the sip and puff have any mounting criteria? A: The use of actual "sip and puff" controllers was deleted after the first posting of the problem, and replaced by a switch box using manually operated "momentary on" switches. Please make sure you have a current problem listing (dated May 17, 2000 or later on the bottom of the page). The action of these hand-operated switches simulates what a "sip-and-puff" device would do with pressure-actuated switches, and substantially reduces the equipment costs for contestants. (10/3/00)
48. On the control box, may we use one DPDT (double pole, double throw) switch in place of two SPDT (single pole, double throw) switches? A: Yes. The total switch count must be four or fewer, but the number of poles on any given switch is not restricted. (10/13/00)
52. What if we use rotary switches with 16 or 20 poles? Since the number of poles is not restricted, will that be allowed ? A: A rotary switch is legal only if it is momentary in nature and has only three positions. That is, if you release the handle, the switch must return to its "neutral" or central position and the device must stop. You could move it one position either side of the neutral position, but you must hold it to keep it in that position. (10/17/00)
69. Is a sensor considered part of the associated motor control? If it is not, is there a cost limit to the sensor? A: A sensor would be part of the motor control only if it was sensing motor operation and providing feedback to the motor controller. For example, an optical sensor which provides the motor rotor position to a controller which switches motor windings on and off would be part of the controller. Sensors which provide information on system status in general are not part of the "associated motor controller" and are not restricted. (11/10/00)
70. Are switches not built into the controller allowed? ie. a switch that is activated when the rod is in a certain position or a timed switch that automatically triggers after a specific event. A: Switches which a paraplegic would not have to operate to use the casting device are legal. Limit switches, timers, etc., are all legal. What is limited are the number of input switches which can be manually operated. (11/10/00)
71. Question 48 says that a DPDT switch may replace 2 SPDT switches. In this case, does the DPDT switch count as two switches or one? A: The count is on the number of switches, not the number of poles. Thus the DPDT switch is a single switch. (11/10/00)
86. My team is planning to use a Rheostat to control the voltage going to our motors, does this fall under the $10 rule? A: A rheostat or potentiometer may be used to control the motor voltage without falling under the $10 rule. Strictly speaking, this is a "motor controller" only in the most general sense. And it certainly would be viewed as student-built electronics, which are not limited. (12/8/00)
97. Is using a computer joypad or joystick allowed as a device controller? Also, is a joypad regarded as 1 switch? In the earlier Q&A, you stated that we can only use max. 4 single switches. But if we use a 6 button joypad, will that be illegal, instead of using 4 switches and 2 solenoids? A: The control box is supposed to simulate a sip-and-puff controller which uses simple pressure-operated switches to control tasks. For simplicity, in this contest, we have specified that manually-operated switches should be used. A computer joypad or joystick is a different type of interface device and is not allowable as a substitute for the switches. (Since it is illegal, the remaining questions you have then become moot.) (01/22/01)
Rod and Reel modifications
1. To what extent can the fishing rod and reel be modified? Can the crank be modified for a motor to reel the line? Can the handle grip be modified for better attachment to the device? Can the cast button be modified? A: (These questions are kept together since they are related.) The basic rod and reel can not be modified except as necessary for either mounting the pole or mounting things to the pole. The crank on the reel may be modified or replaced to adapt it to a motor drive. The handle grip and cast button may not be modified, but you may attach things to them using screws, rivets, glue, or other fasteners. (5/17/00)26. May we drill a hole in the handle of the pole for mounting purposes? A; Yes, provided the hole is only for the installation of a screw, clamp, rivet, bolt, or other mounting device. See Q&A #1. (9/14/00)
45. Is it in compliance with the rules for us to replace the fishing rod or reel, which is suggested with a totally different structure, while achieving the same goal as stated in the problem a "well-tested, cost-effective, and reliable prototype apparatus which would allow a quadriplegic to cast accurately a fishing lure". A: No. You must use the specified rod and reel. (10/11/00)
51. So as long as we don't modify the fishing pole itself as stated under the rules for the competition, can we clip/attach any supporting device to it? A: Yes. See also questions 1 and 26. (10/16/00)
64. Is it permissible to permanently remove any part of the rod and reel combo, for example the white cap on the reel? A: No. The rod and reel combo must remain intact. The only exception is the replacement of the crank with any appropriate linkage. See Q&A #1.(11/10/00)
93. Would it be legal to use another fishing reel as part of the design that has nothing to do with casting the lure (like in the take up device)? A: No. The line must be retrieved by the reel which comes with the rod. (1/3/01)
94. Is it allowable to use an independent fishing reel as a winch to actually pull the mechanism that casts the pole back? It would have nothing to do with the line that has the lure on it and it would have nothing to do with retrieving the line whatsoever. A: Yes, this would be legal. (1/4/01)
95. Q: Can the rod be positioned on the casting device with the release button facing "the pond"? A: Yes. The position of the rod with respect to the device is not specified. (01/16/01)
Cost questions
2. It appears there is an emphasis on limiting the cost of the device; is there a cap on the total cost of the device? A: No. (5/17/00)3. It is stated that any motor or other electromagnetic device and its controller must retail for less than $10; does this apply only to motors with commercial controllers or does the same requirement apply to student-built controllers as well? Is a student-built controller and purchased motor limited to the $10 cost limit? A: The limit applies only to commercially available controllers. There are no limits on student-built controllers. (5/17/00)
13. Do relays and switches fall under the $10 limit mentioned in item 3 of the problem statement? A: The rule specifically includes "electromagnetic devices", so relays would be covered within the $10 limit. Switches would not be covered, but it would have to be a very unusual switch to cost more than $10 apiece. (5/9/00)
91. Is the manufacturer's suggested retail price of these motors for the actual retail price of the current object, or does the manufacturer's suggested retail price mean what the motor would cost if it were "brand new" and on a sales rack? A: The MSRP is what the motor would cost if it were "brand new", on a sales rack, and not the target of any promotional or other vendor price reductions. (12/14/00)
103. If a vendor offers a year-round student discount, does this qualify as an exception to question 91 since this discount is directly from the manufacturer and is not purely promotional? A: Regardless of the source, this is still a promotional discount. It is not an allowable exception. (01/25/01)
9. Q: The problem statement does not mention anything about potential energy devices. Are they allowed and if so must the device charge them or can they be charged prior to the competition? A: Potential energy sources other than batteries are allowed, and these sources may start charged and end up in a state of lower charge or energy. It is not necessary to charge these sources using energy from a battery. In selecting an energy source designers should keep in mind the desirability of being able to make repeated casts (beyond the required six casts plus the trial cast) without recharging the energy supply. If a device runs out of energy during testing (regardless of the cause) any and all casts after that will be counted as unsuccessful. Changes to the energy supply will not be permitted once the device has been mounted on the pole. (5/28/00)
10. The problem statement states that electromagnetic devices cannot draw more than 50 Watts at 24 Volts DC and says nothing of the actual power source. Is there a specific limit to the size of the battery used to power the device? A: No. (6/1/00) [Note: see also the answers to questions 21-23 concerning battery sizing. (9/25/00)]
21. What is the power source for the electrical devices? Car battery, AC outlet, small batteries hooked in series? A: Ultimately this should be battery powered. At the contest it must be battery powered, and your batteries must fit in the sizing box with your device. You can choose your own battery configuration. To avoid buying lots of batteries you could do your test and debugging work with a dc power supply of some sort if you wish, but remember to test it with your final batteries before the contest. (7/25/00)
22. How many volts and watts may the battery be? A: Any voltage you wish up to and including 24 Vdc nominal battery voltage. Wattage is not specified, and depends on your device. (7/25/00)
23. Will the power source be provided, or do we have to bring the supply of power? A: You must bring your own supply of power (batteries). (7/25/00)
39. Are we allowed to use any pneumatic cylinders for our design? A: Yes, pneumatic cylinders may be used.
However, your design many not include a pneumatic reservoir as a stored energy source unless you charge it with an electric motor or electric solenoid driven compressor of some sort during the test period. In other words, the motive power for your device must come from an electric motor or solenoid meeting the stated restrictions. (10/4/00)It is permissible to use precharged pneumatic ( or CO2 or ...) sources for energy input. Any student-designed or student-built pressurized vessels must meet or exceet ASME Pressure Vessel Standards. See Q&A 9 for more on energy sources. (11/13/00)41. Can the batteries be attached to the rod and casting devices or can they can be separate and connected with a wire like the control box. A: They can be separate and connected with a wire. The batteries do need to fit within the sizing box, however. (10/4/00)
65. This is in reference to Question 41, which states that the batteries may be separate from the casting device and connected with a wire. Does this mean that the batteries may be placed on the dock, or do they also need to be suspended from the pole? A: They may be placed on the dock. (11/10/00)
60. Can a single, non-momentary, switch be used either on the the casting device or on the controller as a main power switch to prevent accidental control inputs or motions while installing and removing the device from the mounting pole? A: Yes. (10/24/00)
102. Since we are allowed to use pre-filled Co2 tanks, where are these tanks allowed to lie during the competition? May they be placed on the dock or do they have to be attached to the control box or casting device? A: They must obey the same rules as batteries, given in answers 41 and 65. The CO2 cartridges may be secured on the dock. However, the cartridge and the connecting plumbing lines must all fit within the sizing box. (01/25/01)
44. Since we will not know and can not measure the distances to the targets, may we include some mechanism on our machine that would measure the distances to the targets for us? This device would not extend past the dock and would be controlled by one of the buttons on our control box. A: Yes, you may include any aiming or distance measuring device you wish, consistent with the constraints you mention. Of course, aiming or measuring device would need to fit in the sizing box with the rest of your device as well. (10/10/00)
87. What if a sighting device requires very small, soft movements of the head rotating up and down in order to adjust a gun scope pressed gently against the bones above and below the eye? Such a scope would not rest its full weight on the bones just below the eye and would require movements spanning no more than 1" in any one direction. A: This is allowable. See also the answer to Question 83. (12/9/00)
6. It is specified that the device must fit within a 370mm x 165mm x 165mm box or a 16" Popular Mechanics toolbox. I have not researched the toolbox, but the dimensions of the box are approximetely 6.5" x 6.5" x 11.5" which is nowhere near 16". Please clarify the dimensions that the system is required to fit within. A: The Popular Mechanics toolbox size is strictly nominal. The actual dimensions are close to those given in the problem. Either is acceptable. (5/17/00)
12. On casting: Must the device actually "cast" the lure, apply a rotational inertia, or can the lure be thrown by other applications of force? A: The device must use the fishing rod to cast the lure in a normal manner. (6/8/00)
15. Does the pole have to throw the lure, or can other mechanisms be used to throw as long as we use the reel to bring the line back? A: The pole must throw the lure. (7/6/00)
17. Could you please elaborate as to what would be the normal way of casting the lure? A: In a normal cast the rod would rotate about the location where it is held by the person using it. There may also be a translational component to the rod motion if the person rotates his or her forarm in a "throwing" motion, which is also normal. For purposes of this contest any translational motion of the rod is optional; the lure must be thrown primarily by the rotational motion of the rod. (7/7/00)
18. When you said rotational motion in Q&A 17, did it mean that the tip of the rod moves along a cone, or along an arc? A: Along an arc. The rotation is on one plane. See the recently posted description of the casting motion mentioned above. (7/8/00)
25. Is it permissible to include in the design pulleys or guides through which the fishing line must pass in addition to passing through the line guides which are part of the fishing rod as supplied by the manufacturer? A: Yes. (9/6/00)
33. If the fishing line that comes with the reel breaks in the process of testing and developing the "device",
can it be replaced with "non-original equipment" fishing line? A: Yes, but the line should be mono-filament nylon and as close as possible to the original equipment line in weight. (10/3/00) [Note: Specifications on the fishing line for replacement will be posted in the Q&A's when available.]34. Can any substances be applied to the rod and reel such as WD-40? A: Appropriate lubricating substances may be applied to the rod and reel, but not in such quantities or in such a way that they will drip, spray, or fall onto the test "dock" or "pond". Any such substance must be applied to the rod and reel before it is placed in impound at the beginning of the test period and must not contaminate other devices in close proximity during storage. (10/3/00)
43. Are we to rewind the string and lure manually or mechanically after each cast has been complete during the 6 min period of judging ? A: The string and lure must be rewound mechanically. A paraplegic can not use his arms, hands or legs, and could only control the device through the "sip-and-puff" switches which will be simulated in your device by the switches on your control box. (10/6/00)
53. In question no 39 you mentioned that any pneumatic device used must be charged with a 'legal' motor/solenoid..... May we be allowed to use aerosol sprays in some way that they may be allowed to provide extra propulsion? A: No. (10/17/00)
62. Can the fishing line run through an intermediate spooling device so long as it ultimately runs back in to the original spooling device on the fishing pole? A: No. The line must be controlled (held or released) and retrieved by the original reel, and the line must pass through the original line guides. The use of a secondary spooling device is not allowed.
63. Can we place arms on the end of the rod to hold or guide the fishing lure prior to casting it? A: No. The lure must be supported entirely by the line and any incidental contact with the end of the pole prior to the cast. (10/24/00)
77. Can we have an air valve on our console to control air flow to or from the system? There would be an air hose going to the console along with the wiring for our motors. The rules specify the use of electrical momentary switches. A: As you note, the rules specify electrical momentary switches. Air lines are not permitted. The electrical switches simulate the output of a sip-and-puff controller, which are electrical. (11/24/00)
5. It is specified that the device must not damage the mounting pole, would the use of setscrews bearing against the pole be considered damaging with their tendency to raise a burr? A: No. Set screws would be allowed. (5/17/00)
27. Is there a limit as to how far away from the [vertical mounting] pole the rod may be mounted? A: The rod should be mounted resonably near the support pole. For instance, it should not extend significantly beyond the edge of the plywood simulating the dock. (9/14/00)
28. Can students mount a platform to the top of the pole and have their fishing pole cast from that position? Answer: Yes, so long as the mounting position does not extend beyond the dock. The platform would be part of their device and would have to fit within the sizing box. (9/20/00)
35. #6 reads "90cm +-1cm." Can this measurement be more precise? A: No, this is the stated tolerance on this measurement. (10/3/00)
36. Can anything be attached to the line besides what the judges will supply such as a fishing weight? A: No. You must design to cast the simulated lure at the weight specified. (10/3/00)
47. In the "lure" description, it states "The bag will have a small ring sewn into it, so that it can be attached...by a standard fishing swivel". Is this fishing swivel setup "mandatory" or "suggested". Specifically, can the fishing line be tied directly to the ring? A: The line can be tied directly to the "lure" provided the arrangement is such that the lure can be quickly and easily removed. (For example, a large enough loop tied into the end of the line would work; the loop could be passed through the ring, then the loop in the line opened and the lure passed through it and the resulting knot tightened on the ring.) At the contest sites all contestants will be using one or two supplied lures, so ease of attachment is an issue. (10/11/00)
54. Could get a sample lure (bag) from ASME? A: No. We are not set up to do this. (10/18/00)
58. Rule 6 states that the casting device "must be mounted to a vertical support pole attached to the dock." Does this mean that the device can touch nothing else, or can it also touch the dock? A: The device may not touch anything else but the mounting pole. The only exception to this is the control box containing the switches; this may be held or mounted separately. (10/22/00)
73. Rule #10 dictates that the operator needs to be SEATED in the chair at the end of the two minute setup time. Must the operator remain seated during the one minute practice cast and adjustment, whether or not he or she helps in the adjusting? Must the operator remain seated throughout the six minute run, or is it okay to rise out of the chair or stand for any reason (seeing the targets better, watching the judges do their marking, looking at something on the device, outbursts of excitement, etc.)? A: The operator must remain seated at all times. An exception will be allowed during the trial cast and adjustment period only if the operator has no other team members present to make adjustments. Penalties for leaving the chair can range from disqualifying a single cast to disqualifying the team from competition, at the judges discretion. (11/17/00)
74. Rule #12 says that we can't touch the device after the "practice cast has been completed." Should we take this to mean "after the ONE MINUTE practice cast AND ADJUSTMENT has been completed"? A: Yes. (11/17/00)
75. If the electrical connector (Rule #2) is mounted close to the control box, will it be considered "touching the device" if we need to handle the connector to cure a loose connection? A: Yes. Once the run starts you may only manipulate the switches. (11/17/00)
76. Rule #25 provides for the contingency of line breakage or entanglement. What if something else needs attention, like a slipped gear or jammed swing arm? A: If your machine jams or stops for any reason other than those specified in rule 25 the remaining uncompleted casts are scored as unsuccessful and your test run is over. (11/17/00)
78. We recently purchased a used electric motor for $3.00 from a electronics surplus store. Does this motor fall within the $10 limit even though the new price is not known? A: The correct cost of the motor for the purposes of this contest is the manufacturer's suggested retail price, either for that motor or an equivalent motor. See also Q&A 32. (11/24/00)
82. Will underhand casting be permitted? A: Yes. The direction of rotation for the rod has not been specified. (11/28/00)
84. As to question 27 it says, it [the device] should not extend significantly beyond the edge of the dock. What is the exact limit if any? A: There is no exact limit. The expectation is that the device will not extend beyond the edge of the dock in its "cocked" or pre-cast position. But adherence to this rule should be observable by the judges and should not involve their making measurements involving plumb bobs, levels, etc., to determine if a minor infraction exists. (12/01/00)
88. Can the paraplegic sit directly behind the fishing rod or can the seat be moved in any way, or can the exact location of the center of the seat relative to the mounting pole be revealed? A: The location of the mounting pole on the "dock" is specified, but the position of the chair is not specified except that it must be on the simulated dock. That means that all legs of the chair must be on the dock. The team may specify where the chair is to be located. (12/9/00)
96. Can the support pole rotate in one dimensional plane? A: No. The support pole is vertical, fixed, and does not move. (01/22/01)
8. Parameter four states that the device must fit in a 370x165x165 mm box, and that "teams may assemble their devices to be ready for later testing". Is there any maximum time for removal from box and assembly? A: No. This year's problem does not include design for quick assembly under pressure of time. But don't count on having "infinite" time! (5/17/00)
24.
The contest states that targets will be randomly placed by judges at the
time of the contest. Will the actual distances to each target be
announced to participants or will the participant have to make his/her
"best guess"? If the distances are not announced, will the particpant
be allowed to measure the distances? A:
The actual distances to each target will NOT be announced to participants,
and participants will not be allowed to measure the distances. Just
as in actual fishing, the operating contestant must gauge the distance
to the selected target by eye and attempt to cast the simulated lure into
it. The one practice cast is allowed to enable the operator to "calibrate"
the cast to the test conditions. (9/4/00)
37. #19 reads "after the lure comes to rest following each cast...." Can this be interpreted as meaning that the lure can land at the maximum distance, and, so long as it does not stop moving, the retraction of the fishing line can help to move the lure back to the target and then stop moving? A: No. The task is to see how accurately you can throw the lure with the cast. Rewinding will not be allowed before the judges have marked the resting position after the cast. (10/3/00)
56. Contest item 18 states, "two casts must be made towards each target distance", are we limited to ONLY two casts per target? If time permits may more casts be made to same target for better possible score? A: You are limited to only two casts per target distance (plus the one practice cast). You may not improve your score by making additional casts. (10/20/00)
81. We want to use a visual sighting device to gauge target distances by eye. It would be mounted to our fishing pole apparatus, and it would fit within the sizing box. But because its use involves touching the apparatus (it is not controlled through the control box), is it legal to use part of the two minute setup time to operate the sighter? What about the one minute practice cast and adjustment time? A: A sighting device is allowable only if it is one which could be used by a paraplegic, and is used in the manner a paraplegic would use it. Thus it may not be touched during the contest (the operator may touch only the control box and manipulate only the switches on the control box). The sighting device may be used during the practice cast and adjustment time, but only the operator may use it, and only other team members may make any adjustments. The two minute set-up time is to be used to attach the preassembled device to the pole. No sighting devices other than one for passive "bearing angle" alignment may be used during this two minute setup period. See also Problem Statement item #11. (11/28/00)
83. It has been clearly stated the controller must remain seated during the competition. Does the controller have to remain facing forwards simulating a paraplegic, or can the controller look to the device, to the "water", and back to the device, and so on? A:The person operating the controller must stay basically stationary from the collar (neck) area downward (except in our simulation for the hand manipulating the control box). The head may be turned but the shoulders and lower body may not move significantly. This is consistent with an injury to the third cervical spine vertebra and to the use of a sip-and-puff controller. (11/28/00)
Q: Given the answer to question 85, are there any appropriate uses for a laser in aiming the device at a target? A: No. (12/13/00)
85. Can a laser be use to pin point the target and calculate the gauge [range] for the cast? A: No. In the fishing environment with the low angle of incidence of the laser beam on the water the light would be very nearly 100 per-cent reflected away from the caster. All that would be reflected back towards the caster would be the backscattering from dust or impurities on the water surface, and in bright sunlight it would take a powerful laser to make the spot visible from a distance. See also Q&A 81. (12/01/00)
90. During the actual casting, it is understood that only ONE person can OPERATE the system, but can a fellow team mate verbally assist the operator in estimating certain aspects of the cast, say like how far back to swing the rod? Does that verbal assistance constitute more than one person operating the system? A: Yes. Other team members may not assist the operator in any way. (12/13/00)
104. Is it legal to attached a moving device on the end of the line that can navigate around the ground to drag/move the lure? A: No. The object of the task is to make the lure land on the "water" near where you want it. You are not allowed to drag or move it after it lands. (01/26/01)
7. The contest requires that all casts, markings and rewinds must be completed within 6 minutes. The time required for marking the cast location is beyond the control of the participants as it is being done by the judges. Will there be, or is it possible, to impose a time limit on the marking operation to avoid running over 6 minutes as a result of the marking operations? A: The judges will be instructed to use tape or "sticky dots" to mark the position of the edge of the lure closest to the target center, and to do this as quickly as possible. This should be a very quick operation (1 or 2 seconds?), but actually timing it would pose difficulties from a contest operation standpoint. It is strongly recommended that you leave some "margin" in your allowable casting time. (5/17/00)
19. Will there be any points awarded on the basis of time taken to complete the casts in the given time? Time does not directly enter into the scoring in this contest, except that all six casts must be completed within the six minutes. That is all spelled out in item 22 of the Rules. (7/8/00) See also Q&A no. 7.
20. Supposing the lure bounces back after hitting the ground and lands in another spot. . . which point will be marked for scoring, the final resting point or the first point ? A: The point marked will be the final resting place after all motion, including bouncing, has stopped. (We have determined that the "sandbag" lure simulators will do very little bouncing, although of course they could slide along the floor some. Determining and allowing for sliding distance is part of the "calibration" of the device which may be needed at the contest, and part of the reason for the insertion of a practice cast in the procedures.) The point marked will be that edge of the lure closest to the center of the target. (7/12/00)
46. If my mechanism for "releasing the button" didn't work on one of my attempted casts, and the lure doesn't leave the end of the pole, will this count as an actual cast or can I "recock" the pole and try again losing only the time this manuever "cost". What exactly is the precise criteria under which a cast shall be considered to have been made? Any forward movement of the rod? The lure touching the ground or releasing with a given amount of line? The lure leaving the dock? Please clarify. A: Anything that happens (or does not happen) after you push the "cast" button on your controller counts as one cast--successful or not. A cast lasts until your system is reset and you are prepared to try the next cast. (10/11/00)
55. What will happen if everyone hits all the targets? Will appearance, usablility, or cost play a role in the final decision? A: The purpose of the target circles is to give contestants and observers a visual target, but the scoring is based on the measured distance from the center of the target. We think it is unlikely that two or more contestants will have exactly the same scores after three casts. Should this occur it would be up to the Regional VP to decide who would represent the Region at the next level of competition, In that case the additional factors you mention would certainly be important, as would the time required to complete all of the casts. You have asked a good question, and we will try to provide some additional guidelines for this special situation. (10/18/00)
80. How is the contest scored exactly? Are
all 6 casts totaled, or just the best cast at each target? A:
All six casts are totaled. (11/25/00)
92. The rules state that the "system must come
to a complete stop" two seconds from when a control button is released.
If a team uses a mass as a counter weight as part of their system, and
that counter weight is on a string, if the counter weight oscillates
slightly like a pendulum after the system moves, is the movement of the
counter weight considered part of the system that must come to a COMPLETE
rest? A: There is a difference between "coming to a complete
stop" (which is required) and "stop and remain at rest" (which is not required).
Small
oscillations or vibration of parts of the system are not a problem.
By "come to a complete stop" we mean that all driving devices will stop
putting energy into the system, all sequential actions will be stopped,
and any brakes or mechanism
locks should engage. (12/16/00)