Gravity Vehicle C

[twototwenty]

Is the target point an actual point, or a line? As in, does it matter if the vehicle goes exactly strait? ( I dont have my rules yet, and wont for a while)

[chalker]

Is the target point an actual point, or a line? As in, does it matter if the vehicle goes exactly strait? ( I dont have my rules yet, and wont for a while)

We would have called it a Target Line if it was a line.....

[bearasauras]

Also check the scoring section. It tells you if it's a point to point measurement or a point to line measurement.

[twototwenty]

Is the target point an actual point, or a line? As in, does it matter if the vehicle goes exactly strait? ( I dont have my rules yet, and wont for a while)

We would have called it a Target Line if it was a line.....

Sorry, sometimes rules cam be vague.

[engineeringmaniac]

What are you guys going to build your chassis out of??

[illusionist]

Please read the Wiki page, which I have spent time writing for people like you. (Not trying to sound mean =P)

[engineeringmaniac]

I did, but it said nothing about what teams are actually doing and finding success with. What I was asking was about details such as what shape of chassis (rectangular, i shaped, triangular. Etc) and how they were shaping the materials.
The wiki is fantastic and I give you props if you wrote it, but it doesn't give any actuall building advice (which it's not designed to anyways). There's a pretty big gap Between saying "make it square and out of x material" and actually building what works best. My interpretation was that these discussion threads were to talk about what teams are doing and share advice and ideas, and on the build threads, talk about stuff like what people are designing their chassis' like. If this type of discussion belong somewhere else could you please direct me that way? Thanks

Ps don't want to sound spiteful but 3 pieces of advice for the wiki, a) section 1.2.5.3 Break Pad Type actually is illegal due to section 3.i b) there no section for the mandatory release mechanism and 3) in the ramp section maybe throw in some info about possible guidance systems as the vehicle moves down the ramp.

[chalker7]

I did, but it said nothing about what teams are actually doing and finding success with. What I was asking was about details such as what shape of chassis (rectangular, i shaped, triangular. Etc) and how they were shaping the materials.
The wiki is fantastic and I give you props if you wrote it, but it doesn't give any actuall building advice (which it's not designed to anyways). There's a pretty big gap Between saying "make it square and out of x material" and actually building what works best. My interpretation was that these discussion threads were to talk about what teams are doing and share advice and ideas, and on the build threads, talk about stuff like what people are designing their chassis' like. If this type of discussion belong somewhere else could you please direct me that way? Thanks

Ps don't want to sound spiteful but 3 pieces of advice for the wiki, a) section 1.2.5.3 Break Pad Type actually is illegal due to section 3.i b) there no section for the mandatory release mechanism and 3) in the ramp section maybe throw in some info about possible guidance systems as the vehicle moves down the ramp.

You are right about what the board is for, but I think it's just too early for there to be many proven/tested ideas. Most teams have not started practicing for the year (many haven't even received rules yet). I would recommend trying out a couple different things on your own and seeing how they work.

And to answer your question, we'll see a variety of chassis materials and shapes throughout the year with varying advantages. I imagine most teams are going to go with either wood (such as meter sticks or pegboards) or angle irons/erector set style metal. Most teams will also go with a rectangular chassis, although a triangular chassis could be beneficial to remove the friction from one extra wheel.

Finally, your signature says Division B. Is that correct? If so, Gravity Vehicle is just a C event and you should probably be looking at Mousetrap Vehicle. Otherwise, you might want to update your details.

[illusionist]

Actually, I'm glad that you understand that the Wiki is not supposed to give you answers.
But sure, ask any specific questions you have, and they shall be answered here. These threads are a place where teams can ask questions, give advice, and exchange ideas. But you must ask a specific question such as the shape of the chassis (which you did just now). Things like that can be answered.

Also, the advice is appreciated. I did not know about the mandatory release mechanisms and things like that since I don't have my rules yet :/
The things on the wiki as of right now are just general things, and will be updated when I do get my rules.

As to your question now about the shape, it depends on a couple of other things. First, how many wheels do you want to use? Do you want to make your chassis adjustable (steering mechanisms)? A triangle shape may be a little unstable and weak. A rectangle chassis will be sturdier, but also a little heavier.

[Faustina]

Here's a specific question. How does the fact that the ramp must fit within a 100 cm height * 75 cm * 75 cm box affect everyone's ramp ideas? To make a brachistochrone curve, the ramp would to be much "longer" than allowed, right? See http://curvebank.calstatela.edu/brach77/brach77.htm

Any thoughts?