More frequent events will speed up the rate of design evolution.
More frequent events will speed up the rate of design evolution.
Ha how times have changed. Ed Hoppit being positive about an active weapon rule
Basically its all about the entertainment. I own a featherweight rambot. But it has 800 watts of power and travels at over 10 mph and I hope looks quite entertaining. Rather than a slow robot with an ineffective lifter (analogy, not referencing a robot).
I agree there is a bit of an influx of ram bots but I would suggest that robo challenge has a 'robot wars tv show' qualification style where you have to prove your robot is not only entertaining but also runs fine. I would also hope that as Ed says, any new robotiers who have built there first drill controlled ram bot has leniency and is able to qualify for the first year or two.
I think an all out ban isn't the way to go
Even the most armored box is flippable/OOTAble.
There already are qualifying rounds for the UK champs, passing some sort of scrutineering? No thanks.
The fact is - there is no change from how we have always done it......
Id probably suggest an application type entry... put in your application with a picture etc, if your robots good enough to be entered into a uk championships, then good... but if you turn up with a hardox box with drill motors every year, expect to be turned down eventually.
Thats how most other sports run... you get into a big championship by building yourself a reputation and impressing people and working your way up... just because you own a tennis racket doesnt mean you can expect to enter wimbledon...
People seem to forget that robochallenge are the only EO capable of running fw full combat events... And if the show isnt good enough to watch, it might not happen the next year.
Your machine looked good in the video you put up PJ, you don't have anything to worry about. And your new machine looks cool and is fitted with an electromagnet! That would make the pass if it came down to qualifying.
There are many who seem to believe that building a spinner is difficult... it isn't. Conker was my first machine and that was happily tossing 4-4 Toon through the air and was still able to fend off Inertial XL with its plastic armour. Yes Conker 2 took a step up but underneath the electronics and internals were identical; just a different chassis and armour.
Tormanta and Tormanta 2 are also great examples of what looks like a push-but but is armed with some potent weaponry. A bit of tweaking and T2 could easily be made spinner proof (well for 3 minutes anyway).
Several people have built axe's this time too with drill motors with some good results. Again just refine them until they are a potent weapon. And if you gear one of those down further you suddenly have a lifting arm.
Having an active weapon doesn't mean you have to match something like LS4 or Beauty or 720 on your first attempt... that comes with experience and you will only get that experience if you have a go and build one. I started with a spinner in my first year and now the maths says Conker 3 will hit 30% harder than 720 did this year, and have better engagement.
Have a go and you will be pleasantly surprised about how little you need to keep out a spinner.
This sums up why this discussion in my opinion is pointless. That and the fact that it was discussed by the members and voted on,along with a reduction back to 12 kg, by the members of the FRA at the AGM. It was if my memory serves me correctly passed unanimously.
It seems I've started a flame war... oops![]()
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