Gravity Vehicle C

[GoldenKnight1]

When you say runs could be easily timed (electronically) if they ran straight - gate timing IS relative cake- catching a vehicle moving across two lines (like MagLev), but from start, to (even w/ a straight run) varying (by quite a bit) end points, how would you do that w/photogates?? Another technology/approach in mind?

Taking a video of the run and watching it as they do at some track meets would be an option if you could borrow the equipment. The issue is implementing it on two tracks with a total of 120 runs all day and having the time to go back and watch the film to get the time scores.

[Balsa Man]

When you say runs could be easily timed (electronically) if they ran straight - gate timing IS relative cake- catching a vehicle moving across two lines (like MagLev), but from start, to (even w/ a straight run) varying (by quite a bit) end points, how would you do that w/photogates?? Another technology/approach in mind?

Taking a video of the run and watching it as they do at some track meets would be an option if you could borrow the equipment. The issue is implementing it on two tracks with a total of 120 runs all day and having the time to go back and watch the film to get the time scores.

Yup, that's the only 'electronic' approach I can think of - and it doesn't need a straight run to work. And you've nailed the issues on actually being able to use it at a competition

[chalker7]

Not sure if you're talking to me, or the broader audience. Having been in the middle of the (Scioly board side of) those discussions, I'm quite aware. TOTALLY agree with, and understand the absence of electronic timing. Good that everyone understand the issue here. The adjustment of rules to slow things down was a great, realistic, solution. As I said, hats off!
When you say runs could be easily timed (electronically) if they ran straight - gate timing IS relative cake- catching a vehicle moving across two lines (like MagLev), but from start, to (even w/ a straight run) varying (by quite a bit) end points, how would you do that w/photogates?? Another technology/approach in mind?

Just the general audience (this is a question I had years ago and assumed some people would have it as well.) You're totally right that measuring the end point is basically impossible (without video, as suggested is highly technically challenging,) but another strategy is to do something like what Mousetrap Vehicle did this year and only measure a predefined portion of the run.

[Cheese_Muffin_Man]

What elastic devices were you guys thinking of?

[Balsa Man]

What elastic devices were you guys thinking of?

Not sure what your question is about - the only recent mention of elastic was me just saying that a sliding weight was not an "elastic storage device', so didn't violate the rules about such devices...

[iwonder]

What elastic devices were you guys thinking of?

If I remember correctly you asked about this earlier in the season? For the record, my vehicle still doesn't use elastic devices.

[XJcwolfyX]

Does anyone have a full functioning device yet? If so, what kinds of scores have you been getting?

[bigNick]

Is it within the rules to move the paper clip between runs? I don't see anywhere where it would expressly prohibit it, but I was just wondering.

[blazer]

Is it within the rules to move the paper clip between runs? I don't see anywhere where it would expressly prohibit it, but I was just wondering.

Yes, see rule 5g.

[JTMess]

Is it within the rules to move the paper clip between runs? I don't see anywhere where it would expressly prohibit it, but I was just wondering.

We did this last year and it can work quite well if the car is over the mark on your first run, but the paperclip isn't on the correct side or needs to be moved forward/backwards.