DeathTriangleCoach wrote:I was on the committee re-doing the rules this year. The current version of the rules is absolutely nothing like any previous version. It's never been run as it is now. Similar in idea, yes, but it was re-written after the Coaches Clinic this year. Don't waste too much time speculating much until the rule manuals are available (which, per Nationals office, will not be until next week now...the C manuals didn't get printed until this past Monday, so they need to get packaged and sent to the respective states, then mailed out again. If on schedule, probably not going to see them until Monday or Tuesday at the earliest). The track is down to a 4 foot one now. Weight minimum on the vehicle, no carts anymore. Prediction time (like in Gravity Vehicle recently) is included. No ICs. Voltages and types of fan/motor are rewritten. So...be patient, all, be patient!
Sounds like it'll be more fun if it's similar to gravity vehicle (it also sounds similar to gravity vehicle)
'If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room' - Unknown
DeathTriangleCoach wrote:The current version of the rules is absolutely nothing like any previous version.
Well technically there are quite a few sentences we didn't make changes to, but this is still very good advice as the event was SIGNIFICANTLY revamped compared to the trial rules from last year.
I will mention one other thing that hasn't come up in detail yet: you are allowed to bring your own track to the competition that doesn't have to be the exact dimensions of a 'standard' maglev track. So for all those thinking about going out and buying a track, while you are welcome (and in my opinion encouraged) to do that, you also have the option of making one. We'll be posting instructions very soon to the soinc.org website that details how to go about that process with rather basic tools and construction techniques.
Student Alumni
National Event Supervisor
National Physical Sciences Rules Committee Chair
chalker wrote:I will mention one other thing that hasn't come up in detail yet: you are allowed to bring your own track to the competition that doesn't have to be the exact dimensions of a 'standard' maglev track.
Just to clarify: you can bring your own track to the tournament and compete on it? That is HUGE. We had an okay width adjustment, but trying to adjust for the lift supplied by the supervisor's track was by far our biggest problem last year.
chalker wrote:I will mention one other thing that hasn't come up in detail yet: you are allowed to bring your own track to the competition that doesn't have to be the exact dimensions of a 'standard' maglev track.
Just to clarify: you can bring your own track to the tournament and compete on it? That is HUGE. We had an okay width adjustment, but trying to adjust for the lift supplied by the supervisor's track was by far our biggest problem last year.
You had to adjust your car based on the lift of the track? That's...interesting. My team never had to do that; I didn't know lift affected the run too much, so long as the car was fully levitated.
Anyway, these new rules are sounding good...for NY, maglev was getting really old really quickly. One question: is there still a test?
RULES! After 2 weeks, they're finally here. The basics:
-Home-built tracks will be allowed
-Distance will vary rather than sled mass like last year
-No integrated circuits
-No remote controls
-Similar Test
-Track is significantly shorter
As for the rest...hopefully everyone will be getting their rules soon!
You got them?? Sigh... patience is not my strong suit. Thanks for the update though, if anyone could verify though, do the pitsco and kelvin tracks fit the rules? I don't see why they wouldn't, I just want to check. Thanks.
'If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room' - Unknown
iwonder wrote:You got them?? Sigh... patience is not my strong suit. Thanks for the update though, if anyone could verify though, do the pitsco and kelvin tracks fit the rules? I don't see why they wouldn't, I just want to check. Thanks.
Yeah, the rules are a lot more relaxed about tracks this year. The classic pitsco and kelvin tracks are still allowed and will be used, as well as homemade tracks. For the homemade tracks, dimensions from 2"-3" will be allowed, a MUCH larger range than in previous years.
chalker wrote:I will mention one other thing that hasn't come up in detail yet: you are allowed to bring your own track to the competition that doesn't have to be the exact dimensions of a 'standard' maglev track.
Just to clarify: you can bring your own track to the tournament and compete on it? That is HUGE. We had an okay width adjustment, but trying to adjust for the lift supplied by the supervisor's track was by far our biggest problem last year.
You had to adjust your car based on the lift of the track? That's...interesting. My team never had to do that; I didn't know lift affected the run too much, so long as the car was fully levitated.
The car was quite heavy, but provided a ridiculous amount of thrust. Of course, it appears that all of the components will be illegal under this year's rules, so it may not matter as much.
(it also sounds similar to gravity vehicle)
Thanks for the update though, if anyone could verify though, do the pitsco and kelvin tracks fit the rules? I don't see why they wouldn't, I just want to check. Thanks.