2006 Challenge Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Please check this site frequently.  Any notifications and/or clarifications for the 2006 Missions will be posted here as soon as they become available for all to see.  Answers will not be returned through e-mail.

If you have a question about a mission or the challenge in general please click on the "Questions?" link to the left and fill out the FAQ form.  This method will help us answer questions more efficiently and archive questions and comments for use in future planning. Please do not send questions through e-mail.  Thank you!

When asking questions, please keep in mind that the FAQ page is meant to address questions about the basic design and fundamental rules and goals of the missions. The missions are designed to encourage teams to think about alternative ways to design and program their robots to complete specified tasks. Exact reproduction of the courses is not necessary and is not encouraged. On trial day, each team will have the opportunity to ask detailed questions about the courses and visit with the course designers. Teams will also have time to test their robots on each course and make modifications to their designs and programs as needed.

Topic Question Answer
Batman Lair-IIE-APM Can the RCX play 2 notes at one time? How much of the Chopsticks tune needs to be played? You can only play one note at a time on the RCX. If you play a recognizable rendition of the song "Chopsticks" this will be satisfactory. A recognizable tune would also relate to the number of notes and the beat that they were played.
Batman Lair-IIE-APM We have searched everywhere to find out how to program chopsticks using RIS 2.0. HINT: To program music use the piano mode in Robolab. If you are using RIS, look on page 24 of the user's guide to see the chart that shows the RCX tone frequencies that correspond to notes on a musical scale. This page has been added to the IIE mission page for reference. You can only play one note at a time on the RCX. If you play a recognizable rendition of the song Chopsticks this will be satisfactory. A recognizable tune would also relate to the number of notes and the beat that they were played.
Batman Lair-IIE-APM Can you tell us where we can find the Chopsticks tune? I have searched the Internet and not found it. second link on goggle: http://www.music-scores.com/instrument/composer.php?instrument=Piano%20Duet&name=Traditional had the sheet music for it. A previous FAQ says it just has to be recognizable.
Batman Lair-IIE-APM Will the course be on the floor or on a table? The course will be on a table.
Batman Lair-IIE-APM How are the destination points awarded? The destination numbers will be placed throughout the course and the robot must make contact with the number or traverse directly over top of the number to be awarded the destination points associated with the number.
Batman Lair-IIE-APM What are measurements of the pedestal that holds the ping pong ball and quarter up? Consult the drawings (Overall Course Dimensions and Section Cuts Dimensions), these provide all necessary dimensions for the pedestals.
Batman Lair-IIE-APM The platforms holding the pingpong ball and quarter. What are they made of? Due to my neglect, I forgot to place the materials for the platforms in the BOM. They are made of scrap 2x6 lumber that was cut down to the dimensions stated in the section cut drawings.
Batman Lair-IIE-APM The platforms holding the pingpong ball and quarter. Are they fastened down or do they move? The platform is nailed down and can not be moved.
Batman Lair-IIE-APM How do we play chopsticks? The RCX can make sounds (tones, even notes). ROBOLab has a "piano-mode" so, if you know the music you can make it play a song.
Batman Lair-IIE-APM The thumbnail that is supposed to enlarge the scoring scheme for Batman's Lair isn't working. It is fixed. Please check again.
Hulk Rampage-EC Is there going to be time limit imposed? Looks like robots could possibly keep searching the platform indefinitely to knock the objects off if no time limit imposed. The robot has 10 minutes to complete the course. Additionally, the judge will have the power to adjust the time limit to his or her discretion for each contestant if the need arises.
Hulk Rampage-EC Will the course will be taped down? Yes, and the platform = the course surface
Hulk Rampage-EC If you break the pedestal, what happens? Points will not be awarded for that toy.
Hulk Rampage-EC Does the robot need to stay on the lines? No, its up to you and your robot.
Hulk Rampage-EC Does the robot have to stay on the platform? No it does not, as long as no one touches the robot.
Hulk Rampage-EC How do we get the plane off it's pedestal? As long as the plane is tipped over it will count as off the pedestal
Hulk Rampage-EC How will the toys be placed? Refer to the pictures of the course, the judges will place the toys on the course (the tank is perpendicular to the black line, the truck is parallel to the black line, and the plane will be at a 45 degree angle)
Hulk Rampage-EC Must the robot fit entirely into / within the starting box or can it have components that start outside the box? As long as the robot is behind the start line it is fine (does not have to be completely in the box).
Hulk Rampage-EC Is the center pedistal glued down, or only the cups? Only the cups are glued down.
Hulk Rampage-EC Will the 3 sections of the platform be taped(secured) together somehow? We find that our sponges push them apart. Electrical tape will be used on the bottom to secure each section to the adjoining section.
Hulk Rampage-EC What size are the pedestal cups? (i.e. how many ounces)) 16 oz.
Hulk Rampage-EC Does the robot need to STOP at the point where the 3 lines fork? (i.e. What do you mean by "dividing the course into 3 parts"?) No they do not need to stop, the course is only divided up for scoring purposes.
Hulk Rampage-EC What kind of pedestal is the center "plane" weight on? The plane comes with a pedestal which is what we chose to use. It's about an inch and a half tall.
Hulk Rampage-EC Where did you purchase the "toys" for your scenario? We have checked at Walmart, where you said your other supplies came from, but were unable to find any of them. If we had the "brand" it may help in locating them. Thanks! The three toys were purchased from the Wal-mart on Rock road. Knowing how large retail stores such as Wal-mart work, I know that they all have something similar to the items we will be using for the course. You do not need to use the exact items for your course replication, it is your choice. They are in with all the cars such as matchbox (they are NOT matchbox brand). I am not quite sure what brands they are, but if you bring the course picture, with the toys, into Wal-mart it may aid in finding the correct or similar items.
Hulk Rampage-EC Is there a supplies/materials list? Are there mission photos? The BOM and mission photos have been added to the Hulk Rampage mission page.
Hulk Rampage-EC In order to get all the points, does the weight need to first be knocked off the pedestal and then off the platform? Or can one sweeping action be done to collect full points? The order doesn't matter. If they can do it all at once, so be it.
Hulk Rampage-EC Can the pedestals be knocked off the platform? The pedistals are glued down, damaging them will not help your score.
Hulk Rampage-EC The description mentions a ""ramp"" but the pictures do not reflect one. Which section of the scenario is elevated to create the ramp, and how steep is it? There is not a ramp, sorry for the error in the description.
Line Follower The width of the course varies from the stated eight inches. How will this be accounted for? The width of the course does vary, so the tolerance will be changed in the narrow sections. The new tolerance will be 1.75 inches instead of one inch. The affected sections will be around every corner and between G and H.
Line Follower How far does the robot have to move to get the points for each section? The back of the RCX must be completely past the letter marker to score the points for that section.
Line Follower e are unclear where the hill is on the course. I see the pictures of how height the hill is, but where on the course is the hill. Thanks In the top view, "I" is the beginning point of the hill, "J" is the middle of the hill, and "K" is the end of the hill.
Line Follower "Kitchen Grip" as a needed supply to make some elevation. What is Kitchen Grip and how do we use it for our layout? The kitchen grip has been REMOVED. Sorry for the confusion. The slope of the hill has been reduced as the extra traction is not necessary (still a challenge, but doable!)
Line Follower Was wondering what type of structural support is used with the hill. Also, how is the Kitchen Grip used? Thanks! To reproduce the hill, I would just take some of the same foam for the rest of the course and cut it to the rough specifications of the hill. Then put the posterboard over it to make the road and use that for practice.
Oral Presentation What is the schedule for oral presention? The schedule for oral presenattions has been posted on the presenations page. Oral Presentations are done by Professional level teams only.
Oral Presentation Do we know in advance of challenge day what time our oral presentation is scheduled ? The presentation schedule is being created and will be posted as soon as it is ready.
Oral Presentation During the 5 minute time for questions, must the students keep track of when that 5 minutes is up, or will the judges let them know? The judges will keep track of all times and let the students know when they have reached the limit.
Oral Presentation Must the students do the entire set up / tear down themselves, or may the coach/mentor help? The student team is responsible for the ENTIRE presentation - this includes set-up and tear down. The three spectators allowed in the room are only there to WATCH not help.
Oral Presentation In the Professional level instructions, it says that there may only be 3 observers besides the 2 presenters from the team. Will the team be up behind the presenters, in the audience or out in the hall available? I understand that they are to be able to answer various questions. Where do you want them? This seems it could be somewhat of a distraction to the presentation if not done just so! The entire team will be in the presentation room during the presentation. All team members will stand at the front of the room during the presentation. The room is a small classroom size (holds 20ish). At least two of the team members MUST be actively involved in the presentation but more are encouraged. ALL team members will be prepared to be involved in the Q&A. Only three spectators (in addition to the entire team and the three presentation judges) will be allowed in the presentation room during the presentation. REMINDER: Trial Day: February 12, 2006 - 11:30am - 12:00pm. How to Improve Your Mindstorms Challenge Oral Presentation. Presented by: Don Malzahn, Professor of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Wichita State. Don has judged previous LEGO MINDSTORMS oral presentation will present some ideas on how to maximize the effectiveness of the 4-6 minute oral presentation and 5 minute question and answer period. This presentation is open to all registered teams.
Other Does everyone that I signed up recieve a Name Badge or do I have to order them seprately?? Each 2006 Mindstorms Challenge team member and head coach will receive a personalized and engraved name badge made of LEGO bricks. Additional name badges for other coaches, parent volunteers, or others may be ordered for $5 each. E-mail Tonya.Witherspoon@wichita.edu to place your order.
Psychic Rescue-WS Can you touch the walls after the arch at the beginning? Yes. All the walls after the arch are fine to bump into.
Psychic Rescue-WS In what order should the blocks be tipped over? You only need to touch one, the first one you hit is the one you get points for.
Psychic Rescue-WS What is the black fabric on the course? Black fabric 98% cotton 2% spandex purchased at Walmart on a bolt on the clearance table $1/yd. The intent of this fabric is to provide a better look for the course. For the purposes of the challenge, you should use a touch sensor and the fabric should not impact the sensor.
Psychic Rescue-WS In the photos you have posted, it looks like the foam is covered with black cloth. What is the black stuff covering the foam walls? Also, your BOM calls out for half inch (.5) thick foam walls but the dimensions of the walls on the drawing are three-fourths of an inch thick (.75). Which is correct if it matters? The walls are made with 1" thick foam (the 0.5" foam was not strong enough. The walls are indeed covered with black fabric.
Psychic Rescue-WS What is the clearance under the entrance archway? Is the entrance opening square or rounded? Can you improve the dimensional drawings so the numbers are more legible? New drawings were posted that make the numbers more legible (sorry for the problems!) The drawings show that the height is 4.5" and the archway is 1" less making the clearance to be 3.5". I realize that the side views do not make it that clear, but the isometric view should show that the opening is rectangular.
Psychic Rescue-WS Where is the orange tape talked about in the description? Where is the orange block that is mentioned in the points information? Sorry for the confusion. The orange tape is now listed as black electrical tape and is now shown clearly on the drawings that were updated. (There is no orange tape or block - the electrical tape is there to signify you have reached that section of the course.)
Psychic Rescue-WS What material is the base of the course and what material are the walls made of? What material are the blocks external of the course constructed of? As per the BOM, the base is wood and the walls and the blocks are made of foam.
Psychic Rescue-WS Also, which block is orange, which block is number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5? What are the boundaries for sections A, B, and C? A new diagram with the pedestals numbered has been posted.
Psychic Rescue-WS The plan view needs to be rotated 90 degrees so it can be enlarged. The dimensions are not readable. The drawing was rotated and re-posted.
Psychic Rescue-WS In the text of the story, it says, "Be careful for the sides, as they are intensely hot from being cut through". Does this mean that we can not touch the walls with the robot? The no touch rule is not stated in the description section. Go ahead and touch them. That was just thematic elements in the story. The idea is to use a touch sensor to help. Sorry for the confusion.
Psychic Rescue-WS Is there a materials list? The BOM has been posted on the mission page.
Robot Race What type of material is used for the lines to mark off location one and two? Is it tape or marker?What color? It is black electrical tape.
Robot Race How can we tell if the robot is in what region? The boundaries of Region 1 and 2 extend vertically upward from the ground. In other words, a view looking down from the top is used to determine the location of the vehicle.
Robot Race What exactly defines the borders of the regions? Region 1 is defined to be the area bounded by the OUTER edges of the black lines bordering it. Region 2 is defined to be the area outside of region 1 to the OUTER edge of the black line at the far end of region 2.
Robot Race When exactly does the time start? The time is measured as the elapsed time from the judge saying "go" to the time the entire vehicle completely crosses the outer edge of the 1st line defining region 1.
Robot Race I don't see how the points add to 1000. So, the perfect scenario: Fast - Robot stops in the right spot (250) and was the fastest robot (250) Slow - Robot stops in the right spot (250) and was the slowest robot (250) Total 1000
Robot Race On the robot race, do the robots have to be the same build for both the fast and slow race? Or can students modify their robots between races? Yes! Students can modify their robots between races? That actually is the idea to use different gearing, etc. to modify their 'bot. However, the other rules still apply (same RCX, only parts from one kit, etc.)
Robot Race How much time do you have to change your robot between the fast and slow race? You simply come back at another time to do the second part of the race. If others are waiting to do the race, you get in line to do the next part. So, you just come back when you are ready.
Spiderman-APICS The ring specified varies with your information. It looks as though it is wooden yet is specified in different diameters. What is the proper size and where purchased? The ring is not wooden, it is a plastic ring of inner diameter of 3.00" and outer 3.1". This a piece cut from a scrap piece of pipe, any light bangle will solve the purpose for you.
Spiderman-APICS It looks like the latch is held to a threaded post by nuts above and below it at the proper height. True? If not, what is the arrangement? Yes, the latch is supported with nuts on top and below to place it at the right height.
Spiderman-APICS How much overlap will there be between the turning latch and the bar of the gate (approximately)? The overlap will be something close to 1/2" and it needs just a light tap to turn it around.
Spiderman-APICS Will a bolt be used as the weight on the back end of the bar? If so, how big is the bolt? It looks like something close to a 5/8" diameter bolt that is around 1.5" long. Yes, the bolt will be used as the weight. The bolt is a 1.5" long bolt weighing something around 250 gms.
Spiderman-APICS Will a bolt be used as the weight on the back end of the bar? Yes, the bolt will be used as the weight.
Spiderman-APICS What is the bar that crosses the path made of (the bar of the gate)? The bar used in the gate is a piece of scrap plastic that was cut into the dimensions in the bar.
Spiderman-APICS Does it take more than a light tap to push the lab wall over? A light tap is sufficient to push the wall over.
Spiderman-APICS Does the lab wall fit snug in it's frame? Yes the wall will fit in the frame but it will not be fastened to the frame it will just be placed there.
Spiderman-APICS Is the drop box fastened to the surface? Yes drop box is fastened to the surface.
Spiderman-APICS What kind of paint is on the surface the robots will be moving on? The paint used on the surface on which robot will move is "Plastic-kote" (brush on, odd n ends). Note that the light sensor will be affected also by the light in the room which will be different in the trial day room and the competition room at the Heskett.
Spiderman-APICS Is the course in the pictures the actual one that will be used in the competition? Yes, this is the course that will be used in the competition. there might be some other changes which will in no way affect the course they will just be made to make it more attractive.
Table Runner Are the table dimensions precise? The table is actually 2 1/2 ft wide, not 3 ft. (Note you should use a touch sensor for contact, not the dimensions anyway).
Table Runner Do extra touches count? If there is a tie, the tie breaker will be broken by the number of total edge touches.
Table Runner Does the base of the robot have to touch the edge? The tape on the edge of the table is concidered the edge. Any appendage of the robot can touch the tape and it will count.
Table Runner What color is the table? Copied from the mission description: "The color of the table and the color of the tape will be the same (beige table top and masking tape). There will not be a distinguishable difference in color between the table top and the tape for the light sensor to be used effectively in this challenge."
Table/Notebook May we move the table within our alloted space? No.
Wonder Woman-SWE How picky are you about where we start our robot? In starting the race, the robot must straddle the line. We are not going to be too picky as long as front axles/wheels are basically in the red and the back axles/wheels are in the yellow.
Wonder Woman-SWE What is my robot goes off the "W" The robot must stay on the board surface; if it goes off the track, but comes back on, it will still be able to accumulate points. If it goes off the board, no more points can be scored, though you will get to keep what you have made up to that point. It is not possible to have points deducted.
Wonder Woman-SWE Can we add other pieces, like thinner wheels from some other kit? Since, this is a professional challenge, you can add however many (and from wherever) Lego products they want.
Wonder Woman-SWE On the site, a question was posed whether the ball had to be touched to knock it over and the answer was the ball did have to be touched specifically, however, it looks like some are just knocking over the column. Yes, the guidelines have been modified to only require the ball be knocked off, not actual contact (unless you want to). It makes it a little less complicated. So, the final ruling is: You do NOT have to touch the ball.
Wonder Woman-SWE At the end, does the RCX have to play the whole theme song? No, we just need enough to recognize it.
Wonder Woman-SWE What kind of paint was used? Taxicab yellow and energy red. They are both flat paints. (purchased at Wal-Mart).
Wonder Woman-SWE On specs, it said red poster board/paper would be the material the track was made of, but it is painted on plywood. There was some communication confusion with the design team and they wanted to be sure it was possible to build a similar track for under $20 (although, it turns out that the paint offers better light readings). Again, it will not be changed before Challenge Day.
Wonder Woman-SWE On design specs, did it say anything about the foam under the ‘change of outfit’ task? No, but during production we found that it needed to be there to make it turn easier. We will not be removing it or changing it prior to Challenge Day.
Wonder Woman-SWE How can I access the Wonder Woman theme song? Go to a search engine, locate a Wonder Woman web site (most of them have it) and note the music. To program, you need to use the sounds and tones functions - in robolab, use the piano code to make it easier to do.
Wonder Woman-SWE The ramp does not match the drawing posted on the web. Revised drawing was not posted on the web. It will be. Shorter ramp and shallower approaches will make it easier (about a 15 degree slope).
Wonder Woman-SWE Does your robot have to stay on the yellow line or can it go off as long as it stays on the red paper? The robot is supposed to follow a line as much as possible throughout the course. They may leave the line to complete the tasks but you cannot touch the robot to get it back on the course.
Wonder Woman-SWE Is the end of the ramp at the end of the red tape or where it touches the ground? The end of the ramp is where it touches the ground.
Wonder Woman-SWE Are the dimensions in Inches or centimeters? Inches
Wonder Woman-SWE Will we have to cross over the string to get to the ramp? No.
Wonder Woman-SWE Where is the end of the ramp? To locate the upper left hand corner of the ramp, measure perpendicular to the left edge of the ramp 5.60" and then measure 5.19" perpendicular to the top edge of the 'W'. For graphical representation of this, see Drawing 5. To finish the ramp use Drawing 2.
Wonder Woman-SWE What is the definition of a turn?180? or 360?Or is any movement a turn? Any movement that deviates from a straight line is a turn by our definition. By following the tape, you should make six turns. If you are asking how far the spinner must turn, then any movement will be considered a turn. We do not expect a robot to make the spinner turn more than 180 degrees.
Wonder Woman-SWE What is the yellow platform under the spinner? We found that our spinner needed a little more stability so that it would spin and not just fall over. The platform is a quarter inch thick piece of styrocore foamboard-the same material the ramp is made of.
Wonder Woman-SWE Does part of the jail wall fall down? Yes, the jail wall is closest to the path the robot should be on. However, there will be no points withheld if the mechanism doesn't work for any team.
Wonder Woman-SWE Is the string connected to the ping pong ball by the jail? The ping pong ball merely sits on top of the string on top of the toilet paper roll. The idea is that once the ping pong ball is gone, the string will be released, and the jail will close.
Wonder Woman-SWE When the ball is knocked off the column, can the column be knocked over also? The column may be knocked down as long as the ball was hit as well.