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Measuring Devices

Posted: November 2nd, 2019, 3:39 pm
by Pranoob
I need help on how to make sure the gravity vehicle stops at the right place.

Are we allowed to just start the vehicle at the end line and roll it back to the start line to set up a wingnut braking system?

Re: Measuring Devices

Posted: November 3rd, 2019, 9:41 am
by Tendan
Pranoob wrote: November 2nd, 2019, 3:39 pm I need help on how to make sure the gravity vehicle stops at the right place.

Are we allowed to just start the vehicle at the end line and roll it back to the start line to set up a wingnut braking system?
Per rule 5.g. you cannot roll the car on the track.

Re: Measuring Devices

Posted: June 3rd, 2020, 7:20 am
by eatablechief21
Is buying a laser measuring device for testing a good investment.

Re: Measuring Devices

Posted: June 3rd, 2020, 7:01 pm
by CPScienceDude
eatablechief21 wrote: June 3rd, 2020, 7:20 am Is buying a laser measuring device for testing a good investment.
Honestly probably not. High accuracy and precision is 100% achievable with just a wingnut braking system and some sort of alignment device. Personally, I use a right angle ruler to make sure the end of my ramp is perfectly perpendicular to the track.
Pranoob wrote: November 2nd, 2019, 3:39 pm I need help on how to make sure the gravity vehicle stops at the right place.

Are we allowed to just start the vehicle at the end line and roll it back to the start line to set up a wingnut braking system?
No that is not allowed. For a wingnut braking system, I find it easiest to just test a bunch of known amount of axle rotations, then measure how far your vehicle goes, then make a line of best-fit equation. Hope that makes sense. If not shoot me a PM and I'll try my best to answer any questions!

Re: Measuring Devices

Posted: June 4th, 2020, 12:13 pm
by knightmoves
eatablechief21 wrote: June 3rd, 2020, 7:20 am Is buying a laser measuring device for testing a good investment.
It's not really necessary - you're measuring the distance along the floor. Doing that with a normal tape measure is easy - your floor is obviously free of obstructions, because your car is traveling on it.

They're useful enough toys, and don't take up much space, so if you've got lots of spare money and an interest in useful gadgets, you'll find use for one. But it's completely unnecessary for this.

Re: Measuring Devices

Posted: July 12th, 2020, 7:36 am
by GodOfCars
eatablechief21 wrote: June 3rd, 2020, 7:20 am Is buying a laser measuring device for testing a good investment.
Based on my understanding of rule 5c, this is illegal and could bring you down to tier 2. Correct me if I'm wrong.