Active Weapon Rule?

[PJ-27]

More frequent events will speed up the rate of design evolution.

[Gaseraki]

FWIW I agree with the concept of the active weapons rule for the feathers, they need all the help they can get for spectacle

Ha how times have changed. Ed Hoppit being positive about an active weapon rule Basically its all about the entertainment. I own a featherweight rambot. But it has 800 watts of power and travels at over 10 mph and I hope looks quite entertaining. Rather than a slow robot with an ineffective lifter (analogy, not referencing a robot). I agree there is a bit of an influx of ram bots but I would suggest that robo challenge has a 'robot wars tv show' qualification style where you have to prove your robot is not only entertaining but also runs fine. I would also hope that as Ed says, any new robotiers who have built there first drill controlled ram bot has leniency and is able to qualify for the first year or two. I think an all out ban isn't the way to go

[maddox10]

Even the most armored box is flippable/OOTAble.

[PJ-27]

There already are qualifying rounds for the UK champs, passing some sort of scrutineering? No thanks.

[grant_ploughbot]

The fact is - there is no change from how we have always done it......

[Mouldy]

Id probably suggest an application type entry... put in your application with a picture etc, if your robots good enough to be entered into a uk championships, then good... but if you turn up with a hardox box with drill motors every year, expect to be turned down eventually.

Thats how most other sports run... you get into a big championship by building yourself a reputation and impressing people and working your way up... just because you own a tennis racket doesnt mean you can expect to enter wimbledon...

People seem to forget that robochallenge are the only EO capable of running fw full combat events... And if the show isnt good enough to watch, it might not happen the next year.

[Eventorizon]

There already are qualifying rounds for the UK champs, passing some sort of scrutineering? No thanks.

Your machine looked good in the video you put up PJ, you don't have anything to worry about. And your new machine looks cool and is fitted with an electromagnet! That would make the pass if it came down to qualifying.

There are many who seem to believe that building a spinner is difficult... it isn't. Conker was my first machine and that was happily tossing 4-4 Toon through the air and was still able to fend off Inertial XL with its plastic armour. Yes Conker 2 took a step up but underneath the electronics and internals were identical; just a different chassis and armour.

Tormanta and Tormanta 2 are also great examples of what looks like a push-but but is armed with some potent weaponry. A bit of tweaking and T2 could easily be made spinner proof (well for 3 minutes anyway).

Several people have built axe's this time too with drill motors with some good results. Again just refine them until they are a potent weapon. And if you gear one of those down further you suddenly have a lifting arm.

Having an active weapon doesn't mean you have to match something like LS4 or Beauty or 720 on your first attempt... that comes with experience and you will only get that experience if you have a go and build one. I started with a spinner in my first year and now the maths says Conker 3 will hit 30% harder than 720 did this year, and have better engagement.

Have a go and you will be pleasantly surprised about how little you need to keep out a spinner.

[cliveb]

The fact is - there is no change from how we have always done it......

This sums up why this discussion in my opinion is pointless. That and the fact that it was discussed by the members and voted on,along with a reduction back to 12 kg, by the members of the FRA at the AGM. It was if my memory serves me correctly passed unanimously.

[Revsmin]

It seems I've started a flame war... oops

[maddox10]

It seems I've started a flame war... oops

Actualy, you got half backed information. And you wanted to know the truth.

The truth is, Robot Wars is a show, with a competitive element in it.

And the organisers have the last word.

[Marien]

People seem to forget that robochallenge are the only EO capable of running fw full combat events...

... in the UK.

[PJ-27]

@Alex, thanks but that robot was all Dan's doing! It just uses the weapon system from BitzaWood.

I don't think there's anyway you can force everyone to make interesting machines (to make sure the spobby doesn't go stale) without alienating people already in the sport and people wishing to join.
Making the Champs some sort of elite event whereby you have to jump through hoops to get involved is a bad idea where what we really need is more people getting involved.

I very much get the impression that the RC guys would rather there were more people participating in the UK FW Champs, it's not like spaces are limited. More people leads to more designs.

[ady]

If people were concerned about redesigning their whole rammer bot for this new rule or not happy about it, it's pretty easy to get around. If you think about it, It has to be a active weapon not a effective weapon.

[daveimi]

I'm yet to enter an event, but I'm ready to now enter with an invert-able box. There are some good comments about different competitors being at different levels in the "spobby". It's like people have already said: the top-end machinery want blood and guts, and people like me just want to enter and not be marmalised. And so to attract new people you will need something hard-core to keep the top end happy, and something wrapped in cotton wool for someone like me to get started. This time last year I didn't even own a cordless drill...

Anyway, the point of my ramblings is that I quite like the idea of needing an active weapon to enter the big events, it gives me something to aim for. But at the same time, I really need the easy and more mellow events to give me that foothold and get some experience. I could now quite easily build a naff hammer, and I agree that watching the rammers on youtube gets boring, unless, as people have said they're La Machine spectacular.

[Mouldy]

... in the UK.

Be awkward holding a uk champs outside of the uk now wouldn't it.