Mission Possible C

[nicholasmaurer]

Would using a motor to turn a threaded rod and move a wingnut count as an electrical timer if it lasts more than 10 seconds? It seems like it would be electrical if the timing depended on the speed of the motor turning, but mechanical if it depended on the number of winds--any thoughts?

Since the motor would be powered by electricity, this would violate 3.i. if running longer than 10 seconds.

[daydreamer0023]

Would a set of AA batteries in series count for the single battery bonus (especially if they were in a single battery holder)? Our state supervisor ruled that this would not count as the bonus, but I couldn't remember what the verdict was for other areas.

[0ddrenaline]

Would a set of AA batteries in series count for the single battery bonus (especially if they were in a single battery holder)? Our state supervisor ruled that this would not count as the bonus, but I couldn't remember what the verdict was for other areas.

Look at the newest question on the FAQ here: https://www.soinc.org/mission-possible-1

03/15/2018
CAN ONE BATTERY SOURCE CONSIST OF SEVERAL BATTERIES WIRED IN SERIES, OR ONLY ONE PHYSICAL BATTERY?
Yes, one battery source can consist of several batteries wired in series as long as when combined they do not exceed the limit of 14.4 volts as labeled (rule 3.j.line 2).

If a state supervisor ruled against this after the time it was posted... I always suggest to bring a copy of every relevant rule/clarification/FAQ, and also the General Rules. The last sentence of General Rule #3 is especially important when arguing for FAQs.

[Rezalis]

I suggest a 14.4V NIMH rechargeable battery. That is what we've been using and it's worked consistently 100% of the time. We use voltage regulators to power different devices.

[ScottMaurer19]

I suggest a 14.4V NIMH rechargeable battery. That is what we've been using and it's worked consistently 100% of the time. We use voltage regulators to power different devices.

This is exactly what I did.

[Rezalis]

In addition to the voltage regulators, we use small power rails to which we can attach multiple devices. For example, the 14.4V battery powers a 9V regulator which is then connected to a power distribution rail. All arduinos are connected to the 9V rail in parallel.

[absolutezerok3]

I ran into some trouble at regionals with my mechanical timer. I used coffee filters to slowly drip water into a container and complete an electrical circuit( which is also a scorable action). However, the event proctor told me that it could only be counted as a mechanical timer, and I couldn't get points for it being a scorable action. When I looked at the rules, it said:

"To receive Bonus Points, participants must designate an action, either scorable or non-scorable, taking
over 30 seconds that does not use electricity or springs for power"

I take this to mean that you can receive timer points for a designated action in addition to any points it receives for being scorable. I'm pretty sure the proctor was wrong, but I'm not sure for states. Does anyone have any clarification on this?

[PM2017]

I ran into some trouble at regionals with my mechanical timer. I used coffee filters to slowly drip water into a container and complete an electrical circuit( which is also a scorable action). However, the event proctor told me that it could only be counted as a mechanical timer, and I couldn't get points for it being a scorable action. When I looked at the rules, it said:

"To receive Bonus Points, participants must designate an action, either scorable or non-scorable, taking
over 30 seconds that does not use electricity or springs for power"

I take this to mean that you can receive timer points for a designated action in addition to any points it receives for being scorable. I'm pretty sure the proctor was wrong, but I'm not sure for states. Does anyone have any clarification on this?

You were absolutely correct. I don't mean to be offensive to the better ES's, but a large proportion of regionals proctors don't really know the rules as well as the students. Therefore, you should print a copy of the rules to take with you. States should, in theory, be much, much better.

[marty3]

...a large proportion of regionals proctors don't really know the rules as well as the students.

This is probably less true for the students who read these forums, but in my experience as an ES in this event, not all students know the rules inside and out either. The most common mistakes are overlooking FAQs and assuming everything ES from previous tournaments allowed/overlooked will apply for the next tournament. Don't forget to review the official Science Olympiad policies too (e.g. general rules, battery policy, eye protection).

And to any student who has had problems with ES at tournaments, let it motivate you to volunteer at future tournaments (once you're alumni, of course).

Therefore, you should print a copy of the rules to take with you.

Always a good idea. And just to clarify, I read "rules" as "rules + National Clarifications + National FAQ + any additional local tournament rules/clarifications/FAQs".

[nicholasmaurer]

I ran into some trouble at regionals with my mechanical timer. I used coffee filters to slowly drip water into a container and complete an electrical circuit( which is also a scorable action). However, the event proctor told me that it could only be counted as a mechanical timer, and I couldn't get points for it being a scorable action. When I looked at the rules, it said:

"To receive Bonus Points, participants must designate an action, either scorable or non-scorable, taking
over 30 seconds that does not use electricity or springs for power"

I take this to mean that you can receive timer points for a designated action in addition to any points it receives for being scorable. I'm pretty sure the proctor was wrong, but I'm not sure for states. Does anyone have any clarification on this?

You were absolutely correct. I don't mean to be offensive to the better ES's, but a large proportion of regionals proctors don't really know the rules as well as the students. Therefore, you should print a copy of the rules to take with you. States should, in theory, be much, much better.

You are correct that the underlying action should still be scored, with timing points added as a bonus. However, because you have an electrical sensor that is actively sensing for a completed circuit for longer than 10 seconds, this risks being considered an electrical timer (which not only receives no bonus points, but also gets a penalty).