Trajectory B/C

[wlsguy]

The rules say that the device must fit within the cube prior to ALL launches. This means they can measure your device at any time prior to launch. If your adjustment takes it outside of the cube, that shot will not count. Obviously some event supervisors will be more strict than others but this is the intenet of the ALL that was added this year.

[Balsa Man]

The rules say that the device must fit within the cube prior to ALL launches. This means they can measure your device at any time prior to launch. If your adjustment takes it outside of the cube, that shot will not count. Obviously some event supervisors will be more strict than others but this is the intenet of the ALL that was added this year.

Correct. Now, parts can extend outside the cube, and the launch area - 4.c., during firing, but must return to and remain in the launch area "immediately after firing." And triggering devices do not count, either for fitting the cube, or being within the launch area.

[Flavorflav]

The rules say that the device must fit within the cube prior to ALL launches. This means they can measure your device at any time prior to launch. If your adjustment takes it outside of the cube, that shot will not count. Obviously some event supervisors will be more strict than others but this is the intenet of the ALL that was added this year.

If that was their intent, and I agree with you that it was, they did not choose their words wisely. Prior to the first launch is obviously also prior to all other launches. They should have said "each," instead.

[anon y mouse]

Agreed, but the rule is clear. At the moment in time when your device is ready to fire for each (or all) of your launches, the entire trajectory must be within the specified cube.

[wlsguy]

The rules say that the device must fit within the cube prior to ALL launches. This means they can measure your device at any time prior to launch. If your adjustment takes it outside of the cube, that shot will not count. Obviously some event supervisors will be more strict than others but this is the intenet of the ALL that was added this year.

If that was their intent, and I agree with you that it was, they did not choose their words wisely. Prior to the first launch is obviously also prior to all other launches. They should have said "each," instead.

I agree, the rules are sometimes misinterpreted because of the words chosen. It would be nice if this type of rules discussion took place on the main soinc website and the National Supervisors or National Committee memebers were involved. They could then help provide clarification to the intent of the rules (without adding multiple pages to the rules book).

Anyway, I would keep my device inside the cube prior to each and every launch.

[Flavorflav]

The rules say that the device must fit within the cube prior to ALL launches. This means they can measure your device at any time prior to launch. If your adjustment takes it outside of the cube, that shot will not count. Obviously some event supervisors will be more strict than others but this is the intenet of the ALL that was added this year.

If that was their intent, and I agree with you that it was, they did not choose their words wisely. Prior to the first launch is obviously also prior to all other launches. They should have said "each," instead.

I agree, the rules are sometimes misinterpreted because of the words chosen. It would be nice if this type of rules discussion took place on the main soinc website and the National Supervisors or National Committee memebers were involved. They could then help provide clarification to the intent of the rules (without adding multiple pages to the rules book).

Anyway, I would keep my device inside the cube prior to each and every launch.

It did, for a while. For a couple of years there was a forum on soinc that had draft rules available for comment. I thought it was a fantastic idea, but the powers that be killed it.

[lagiroflee]

Hey, new to this board...

My build teams are slacking, so I'm left building trajectory (again >.<)
Last year we used a modified cannon/push device... and it didn't go so well.
I'm thinking Ill try a catapult this year, but am concerned about accuracy. With the cannon thing, we could alter the spring constant, angle, and the distance we pulled the bands. What variables would I be looking to manipulate for the catapult design? (Sorry if this is a basic question... No experience with catapults.)

[anon y mouse]

With a catapult design, you'd be primarily concerned with manipulating the distance back you pull the arm. Angle adjustment (by adjusting the angle of the entire device) is also possible.

[AlphaTauri]

For a catapult design, you could also use different non-metal solids (bungee cords, rubber tubing, etc.) as the lauching force.

[Draylon Fogg]

Also with the cannon there would be some degree of drag when the mechanism slides forward