MagLev C

[darkwinters]

3h mentions:

h. Vehicles must have one motor rotating one propeller. Propellers must have a diameter of <= 14.0 cm
and must be shielded from direct contact such that the event supervisor is not able to make contact
with the propeller with a standard 1/4" dowel. The supervisor must be able to verify these diameters.

Question: would event supervisors most likely be okay with a 1/4" mesh covering the duct (such that the dowel would have to be inserted perpendicular to the mesh to get inside)?

[Phys1cs]

Question: would event supervisors most likely be okay with a 1/4" mesh covering the duct (such that the dowel would have to be inserted perpendicular to the mesh to get inside)?

If I were you, I would play it safe and go with 1/8 inch mesh. We have asked supervisors and they will try to touch the propeller in any way, so there's no saying that they won't try perpendicular.

[joeyjoejoe]

Question: would event supervisors most likely be okay with a 1/4" mesh covering the duct (such that the dowel would have to be inserted perpendicular to the mesh to get inside)?

I'd call "perpendicular" the most likely or obvious way for a event supervisor to try to touch it.

[darkwinters]

The joys of LiPo batteries.

Including excessive discharge.

Gotta love that.

So now I'm working around making a safe-ish setup for the maglev board- considering soddering the contacts at the end of the motor wires such that they'd be wired to a switch and the . Thoughts?

The motors are capable of spinning viciously fast- so much so that a 5" propeller with a ring (from Kelvin) tore part of the ring and one of the prop blades off (so obviously going to have to use a better prop ;P )

Would anyone reckon it'd be worthwhile switching to a smaller prop and keeping it closer to the base? (i.e. 2.5" diameter)

[iwonder]

Especially this year since (at least my interpretation of) the intent of the rule change was to slow down the vehicles and make them less dangerous, it would definitely be better to switch to a smaller prop.

[darkwinters]

How precise/strict are event supervisors about track dimensions?

Would an extra 1/16th" make too much of a difference, given that it was somewhat of a margin of error from drilling the siderails in?

[Robotica]

How precise/strict are event supervisors about track dimensions?

Would an extra 1/16th" make too much of a difference, given that it was somewhat of a margin of error from drilling the siderails in?

Our team has been to three invitationals this season and our Maglev track has yet to be measured. You may get by at an invitational. Regionals or States could be (should be) stricter.

[09astro27nm]

In the official handbook, the target time would be set by the judges after impound. Is this correct or do we predict our own time?
Also, it said that we have to shield our fan so the judge can not touch it with a 1/4 in. dowel. What is the exact ruling on this, as there can be many ways to interpret this.

[Coach Marz]

In the official handbook, the target time would be set by the judges after impound. Is this correct or do we predict our own time?
Also, it said that we have to shield our fan so the judge can not touch it with a 1/4 in. dowel. What is the exact ruling on this, as there can be many ways to interpret this.

Correct - Judges will determine Target Time after impound from 5-15 seconds. You will then have to adjust your car to meet the target time.
In my opinion, there is no interpretation in regard to fan protection. If from any direction a 1/4" dowel can be used to touch the propellor, it would be considered illegal.

[masser12]

what are you guys using as shielding for the prop?