Scioly.org

To those that have already built/used maglev tracks, is there any advantage to using rectangular ceramic magnets or magnetic strips for the track?

OK, we did not really have a photogate based timing system, so I tried to build one to test different designs our team would come up with. I think it's working pretty well. So if somebody is in a similar boat, maybe they can use some ideas;-)

http://marcoscorner.walther-family.org/ ... ate-timer/

Have fun;-) Sorry no question today;-)

harryk wrote:To those that have already built/used maglev tracks, is there any advantage to using rectangular ceramic magnets or magnetic strips for the track?

I have used both circular tile magnets on a track and magnetic strips. I am currently in the process of getting new magnetic strips, as the strips that came with the track were crud and stank. But I have use a homemade track that circle magnets and it is still good, but if they are not the same potency, you might have a problem with bumps and things of that sort. Magnetic strips for the most part have equal magnetic potency, and don't vary too much along the strip. It all really depends on how you build it and whether or not you get lucky with some magnets. If your vehicle runs nicely on circle magnets or rectangular magnets, then go for it. But is pretty much safer to use strips. It is a very varying process thing...

Anyone know when rules for the design for MagLev tracks are coming out, or does someone need to file an FAQ? I just curious since I don't think we're the only team needing to build a track, and don't want to build something to have it simply get disqualified.


~Kami

kamikaziH2Omln wrote:Anyone know when rules for the design for MagLev tracks are coming out, or does someone need to file an FAQ? I just curious since I don't think we're the only team needing to build a track, and don't want to build something to have it simply get disqualified.


~Kami

'
What do you mean buy the 'rules for the design of the tracks'? The only official rules are what is printed in the manual, which include some basic specs regarding the track. There won't be any additional 'rules' regarding that, although we might post some FAQs in response to questions submitted on soinc.org.

I think that was the question. There are a number of track-related issues which have arisen on this thread that you have very kindly given your opinion on, but as your brother recently posted on the Gravity Vehicle thread, it is unwise to make significant investments until you have something official. The time is approaching, however, when we will have to start building with or without them. It would certainly help our decision making process if we had a sense of when those FAQs would be answered, especially since NY has pretty much committed to follow your lead on this.

I think that was the question. There are a number of track-related issues which have arisen on this thread that you have very kindly given your opinion on, but as your brother recently posted on the Gravity Vehicle thread, it is unwise to make significant investments until you have something official. The time is approaching, however, when we will have to start building with or without them. It would certainly help our decision making process if we had a sense of when those FAQs would be answered, especially since NY has pretty much committed to follow your lead on this.

Exactly. I'm (as you see) not too familiar with the general basis of FAQ's relating to Science Olympiad, so I thank you Chalker for clearing it up a tad.

Flavorflav was able to essentially say exactly what I was intending to say, I just worded it horribly. I was wondering if anyone put out an FAQ as of now.

~Kami

kamikaziH2Omln wrote:

I think that was the question. There are a number of track-related issues which have arisen on this thread that you have very kindly given your opinion on, but as your brother recently posted on the Gravity Vehicle thread, it is unwise to make significant investments until you have something official. The time is approaching, however, when we will have to start building with or without them. It would certainly help our decision making process if we had a sense of when those FAQs would be answered, especially since NY has pretty much committed to follow your lead on this.

Exactly. I'm (as you see) not too familiar with the general basis of FAQ's relating to Science Olympiad, so I thank you Chalker for clearing it up a tad.

Flavorflav was able to essentially say exactly what I was intending to say, I just worded it horribly. I was wondering if anyone put out an FAQ as of now.

~Kami

As I've said before, we can't put out a FAQ unless someone submits a formal question via the form on the soinc.org website. The form went live last week, so I encourage you to submit questions and we'll respond as quickly as our very busy schedules allow.

Flavorflav wrote:I think that was the question. There are a number of track-related issues which have arisen on this thread that you have very kindly given your opinion on, but as your brother recently posted on the Gravity Vehicle thread, it is unwise to make significant investments until you have something official. The time is approaching, however, when we will have to start building with or without them. It would certainly help our decision making process if we had a sense of when those FAQs would be answered, especially since NY has pretty much committed to follow your lead on this.

I think the key factor in what I said over on the Gravity Vehicle thread is to make sure what you're doing is legal. If someone already submitted the question then you should be gold, but don't assume we're mind readers and will be posting answers on our own. We need questions to answer before you'll see any FAQ's (as mentioned by my brother above.)

chalker wrote:

As I've said before, we can't put out a FAQ unless someone submits a formal question via the form on the soinc.org website. The form went live last week, so I encourage you to submit questions and we'll respond as quickly as our very busy schedules allow.

I submitted about a dozen, about ten days ago.