UK Kilobots - 1.362kg (3 lbs) Combat Robots

[xtreme]

Re: UK Kilobots - 1kg Combat Robots

Like Kenny said, were not bothered about putting on events. Theres not enough robots to have our own event plus its stress and finding and paying for venues, but we can run at other EO's events if there ok with it.
Its only going to take up 2m x 2m so we can bring it along and stick it in a corner at events. Its a weight class more for the roboteer to enjoy a bit of full combat all year round.
I think if we take it to other EO's events it will be like when the ant arenas get taken to other EO's events there probably wont be a set time slot in the shows it will be most likely a few robots in little arena between HW or FW fights and during show breaks. The weight class just gives us a chance to build a small cheap robot that you chan fit a decent weapon and drive system in. We will have private events where its just roboteers no crowd. Were still not 100% sure on what were going to do in the future, it all depends how popular the weight class is. Cos as we start out were not going to have enough robots to put on a good long show, so we have to run along side another event, in the pits or just the private meet ups. We can record all the fights, challenges, gauntlets etc.
Were going to eventually get lighting and stuff sorted for the arena.
The arena is going to be able to be flat packed so we can transport it easily. Im guessing 20-30 mins assembly time

[dgr]

Re: UK Kilobots - 1kg Combat Robots

If it gets to the stage where people are actually building enough robots, I'd like to see it run as a separate event at some point. Would be good to actually have a competition and a winner, which you wouldn't get running it alongside the heavies and feathers, cos any of us involved in those too would be too busy to dedicate full time to the smaller robots. However, if its a separate run event, I'd definately be interested in building and attending, cos then I can dedicate my full time to it rather than just feel I'm building one for a few seconds worth of interest before I go back to attend my bigger robots.

[gravity]

Re: UK Kilobots - 1kg Combat Robots

active weapon rule ftw.
should be in every weight class imho.

[typhoon_driver]

Re: UK Kilobots - 1kg Combat Robots

I was beginning to think I was the only one that wants to see an active weapon rule made mandatory

[john]

Re: UK Kilobots - 1kg Combat Robots

i thought i was from 1st jan 2010? or did that not get voted in

[typhoon_driver]

Re: UK Kilobots - 1kg Combat Robots

No idea if it was but I'll be glad if it is now part of the rule book.

[john_frizell]

Re: UK Kilobots - 1kg Combat Robots

I'm told that the US experience is that small robots [1 lb and 3 lb are popular classes] do not have enough of a draw to pull a paying crowd. But they are great for filling in between fights of larger robots. And if they are one attraction at a mixed event [like Brighton Modelworld] a lot of people watch them. They are the kind of thing that would do very well at a stand at an exhibition.

[RogueTwoRobots]

Re: UK Kilobots - 1kg Combat Robots

i thought i was from 1st jan 2010? or did that not get voted in

Nah it was decided that, should an active rule come in to play in any way, shape or form, it would at the sole discretion of the event organisers, and not part of the FRA ruleset as it would contradict one of the FRA's aims (promoting the sport, something that couldn't be claimed by banning a class of robot).

The only rule I'm aware of kicking in from 1st Jan 2010 was making the use of 2.4GHz compulsory for heavyweights (1st Jan 2011 for feathers).

I can understand the smaller classes not pulling in enough interest from the paying public to warrant their own events. I think you need the heavier weight classes for that (due to the louder crashes and bangs, plus its easier to see the bigger weights). Seems like they would work well at Modelworld or something as John says, or even at the likes of RL's Expo shows. But don't need to worry too much about it yet I reckon, especially as the guys say its all just for a bit of fun between roboteers at the moment.

Gonna maybe start looking into parts soon and get something together. I think HDPE could work well here seeing as it's good for armour, is lightweight and, due to the lighter loads of a 1kg robot, will be suitable for structural chassis material.

[RogueTwoRobots]

Re: UK Kilobots - 1kg Combat Robots

Also, just a thought:

In America the nearest weightclass equivalent is the 3lb category (or 1.36kgs). Since the featherweight and heavyweight limits have been standardised to allow international mingling without having to add/take away stuff from robots, should the same be considered for this? I know 1kg is a nice round number here compared to 1.36kg but if a new class is starting here would it be better to match up with an already exisiting limit across the pond than try to change it to standardise ourselves with the US at a later date, by which point there may be loads of machines already built to 1kg?

Just something for discussion/dissection/flaming

[dgr]

Re: UK Kilobots - 1kg Combat Robots

I'd hate it if an active weapon rule was enforced in all catagories! I'm only just finishing my heavy and then I wouldn't be allowed to fight it. On the bigger machines, some of us just don't have the engineering skills to do it. On these small ones though, everyone does, so I'm all for it being a rule.

I'd stay with the limit of 1kg. Why do we have to always match up with the yanks? lol.

[typhoon_driver]

Re: UK Kilobots - 1kg Combat Robots

I don't see the difference between engineering a featherweight weapon and a heavyweight weapon apart from the size difference. Old skool heavyweight style weapons are the ones to look at if you don't have much spare cash or engineering skill. A spike on a pneumatic ram? An angle grinder gearbox and disc attached to a bosch 400? Its been forever since I last saw a chainsaw on a heavyweight! And they are the style of weapon that is good to watch but doesn't do much damage.

Since the featherweights have been brought into line with the USA how many machines have made the trek in either direction? None that I'm aware of. Build to a kilo, a nice easy weight to remember and build to.

[daliad100]

Re: UK Kilobots - 1kg Combat Robots

Anyway, with 1kg we match up with the Canadians

Also, any weight bonuses for non rollers and is a full body drum spinner a bit crazy?

[xtreme]

Re: UK Kilobots - 1kg Combat Robots

Gary i really like the active weapon idea too but there could be some cool thwack bots and stuff. I kinda just wanna see a mini saint... I dont think many people will build just a box on wheels.
we need some people to build vert spinners, crushers, flippers, lifters, and axes, would be nice to see a clusterbot too.

[typhoon_driver]

Re: UK Kilobots - 1kg Combat Robots

I don't disagree that robots like the saint are entertaining to watch I just dont want to see another weight limit filled with your standard 4wd rammer bots. I think you could get around it by stating that robots must have an active weapon or a visible static weapon that is in the spirit of an active weapon (more than just a box on wheels)

The spirit part could be left down to the discretion of judges or fellow combatants.

[xtreme]

Re: UK Kilobots - 1kg Combat Robots

What if we just dead leg everyone that shows up with a box on wheels?

Ye thats a good idea Gary