Subject:
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Re: Sumo-Train Competition
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto
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Date:
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Thu, 9 May 2002 03:50:36 GMT
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Viewed:
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519 times
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, Trevyn Watson writes:
> All right, I'm piping up. It sounds like a great idea, and a good excuse
> for me to get some train parts. I'm not clear on what Ben meant about
> the track configuration though. I was thinking that it could have two
> tracks in parallel, and they could be loops, but the rails would not join.
That's what I was thinking in the original "spirit of the game".
> For the train heads: Does a cross rail (a "t") make any kind of
> electrical connection?
The track (I think) is electricly isolated from each end...if there was a
electrical connection, then the track would short out due to polarity.
What about a switch?
I think this would interfere with gameplay. It might be interesting to see
such a variable in the mix, but I don't think in its overall concept, it
would seem like a reasonable addition. The power of the train is to be
"decided" by the RCX block....through the "robust" programming of the
contestant.
And, can you get level
> crossings at angles other than 90 degrees?
No. But I think they were talking about was having overpasses to give
equal opportunity for each robot (train) to have an outside corner (2 each
or so).
If so, the track could be a >folded figure-eight.
Well I am not so worried about the track layout...that can be discussed
and debated for a lengthy period. My only concern is the actual acceptance.
At this point, it looks like it could be a dead idea as far as rtlToronto
goes....but it could be picked up by someother event...
as it looks like there are those who are interested in playing up beyond
the scope of our Toronto group.
> > > > >
> > > > > Tracks would be generally parallel in a "large-size" double loop.
> > > > > The tracks would not be "powered" only by the power in the RCX.
I was pointing this out in the original posting with the mind of our train
events with the close parallel tracks....
> > > One problem with a parallel double loop is that with only one curve
> > > radius, you don't get a real "parallel" curve.
You are soo true at the moment...I guess we'll have to wait until LEGO
Company puts out different size tracks...
> >
> > True, but that's a problem for the crane arm designer to take into account.
> > Done properly it may actually be something to take advantage of!
> >
> >
Ohhhh Yeah!!!!! Knock off that Train!!!! (This is a game Chris could get
into...if he had any train components left!!!) :)
> > > > > Points would be 20 points for knocking off the engine or crane car. 30
> > > > > points (for increased difficulty, more tension and torque) for knocking off
> > > > > the coal car.
> > > > >
> > > > > So how does this sound for a future competition.
> > > > > To me, it sounds like fun and generally not too complicated.
> > > >
> > > > This sounds absolutely hilarious. One suggestion I would have might be to
> > > > have two crossovers so each competitor spent 1/2 of its time on the inside
> > > > of the "oval" and 1/2 on the outside. My suspicion is that the crane boom
> > > > swinging packs a lot more mo when swung outwards as you're rounding a curve
> > > > than it does when swung inwards.
Which is an issue to be discussed later. My original thought would be to
not award points for knocking off the train on the curve, but if there
were overhead passes, and each contesting (robot) train had an equal chance
on the outside curves, then this issue wouldn't be a problem.
> > > A double figure 8 would easily get an "even" fight.
> >
> >
> > Do you mean the kind that has 4 crossings? I'm thinking you could do it with
> > just one crossing if you sort of fold one lobe over the other (around the
> > outside... LMK if you need a .tdl to see what I mean), but that of course
> > means just one speed reg. Your idea allows for independent control.
> >
> >
Exactly....it's for the RCX to decide. Speed Regs are for Train events.
This is a proposal for a robot competition. No human intervention allowed.
> > > You then start each
> > > train on the outside track of one of the lobes. I would also say that
> > > the train which collides into the side of the other train at a crossing
> > > loses 50 points or something.
> >
> >
That might be fun...but I think the overhead pass concept is better as far
as gameplay goes. But it would be excruciatingly funny to see one "train"
smash into another one!!!
> > We may be veering off into off-topic.something.or.another...
Well the school bus part was slightly off-topic, and a little frightening to
mention especially to those with children who ride the bus to school. Yikes!!
Well Thanks for all your feed-back. At least I feel like the idea isn't too
far-fetched. It may not happen that soon with Capture the Flag and
Vending machines next on the plate. Who knows!!! There are at least 5
members with both RCX's and train components (Calum, Jeff VW, Iain, Dave, and
myself*). If I left you out, sorry.
Benjamin Medinets
* - who is only collecting RCX's so one day I can have 4 sets of robotic
level crossings with electric gates and lighted signals. I probably have
enough electrical components to run 1 1/2 automated crossings. Another
RIS, a few more light sensors, and several more (1x4) Light Bars.
(oops!!!! though, the RCX's make excellent cheerleading entertainment!!!!)
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Message has 1 Reply:
 | | Re: Sumo-Train Competition
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| (...) Well, yes, true. You're envisioning the train motor being directly controlled by the onboard RCX. Takes lots of batteries (which is a standard way to do things) However one interesting twist would be to have the train motor be UNCONTROLLED, (...) (22 years ago, 9-May-02, to lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto)
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Message is in Reply To:
| | Re: Sumo-Train Competition
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| All right, I'm piping up. It sounds like a great idea, and a good excuse for me to get some train parts. I'm not clear on what Ben meant about the track configuration though. I was thinking that it could have two tracks in parallel, and they could (...) (22 years ago, 8-May-02, to lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto)
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