FRA Rules

[shredderteam]

FRA Rules

Mark

Yes clusterbots are allowed.

Possibly we need to add the joined at match start rule, but other than that theres nothing specific to them that needs adding.

Jeremy

The rules were and are continuing to be developed with both RW compatibility and American rules compatibility in mind.
We didnt however feel it was necessary to include some of the more restrictive RW rules as they dont actually conform to well to European requirements and are in our opinion stopping development paths needlessly.
We would be more than happy to work with RW with regards to developing the rule sets together.

The tethering rule is being developed as we speak, but weve decided that in order to provide a guideline that is safe, makes sense to competitors and is relatively easy to follow, we need to make sure its considered and tested properly before release.
I can tell you that ALL axe weapons are going to be required to include a tether and that single failure point flippers are likely to require them too.

Spinners are not currently included within this ruling as theyre unable to run outside class 2 arenas anyway.

If youd like more information on the tethering guideline, please contact Paul Cooper, or Mike Lambert who are currently working on it together. You can find their contact details on the front page of the FRA site.

My reading of the rules was that both power and receiver on-off switches were needed

Currently a switch is not required for the power, but is required for the receiver.
If the receiver is switched off the robot must failsafe.
Were aware that there was some confusion in the wording of issue 1 of the rules, and are currently working on version 1.2 where this issue has been solved.

Hope that helps and thanks for the feedback. Keep it coming!

Regards
Samuel Jones
FRA Safety executive

[robotwars]

FRA Rules

Alan,

Yes it was a little confusing, and this incident has happened before, with robots getting them selves out of the pit both by themselves and by means of another robot, however it isnt until the situation occurs in a competition where results are critical that it becomes a problem.


As far as I€™m aware, and this is the rule we worked to, and would hope to work to in the future.

A robot will not be deemed out of a fight until it has been physically immobile for 30 seconds.

Therefore, wedged against a side wall or in the pit, if you manage to break free, by yourself, or with help, you will not be deemed immobile as long as it€™s within the 30 seconds.

Hope this clarifies things for now.

There will be a notice at Witw to let everybody know for the future.

Jonno

[stu]

FRA Rules

Maybe someone counting down? The judges with stop watches maybe?

Stu

[big_nipper]

FRA Rules

I lost to Bigger Brother at Newark in a 10 second cound down and got free from the side after 15 seconds. I always thought you worked to 10 seconds in a 3 minute fight.

[john_frizell]

FRA Rules

I agree with Jeremys posting that we should be looking for convergence in the rule sets. Currently there are just two sets of rules in the Uk for robots, the RW rules and the FRA rules. It is not difficult to build a robot that qualifies under both sets of rules but it is possible to build one that will qualify under one set and not under the other.
Someone should do a description of the rule differences. Some important ones that I have noticed:

The following are allowed under the FRA rules but not under the RW rules

-Gas bottles other than the 3 named types permitted by RW

-Robots without an offensive weapon (rambots)

-High speed discs (RW has indicated that they will ban discs over 1,500 rpm)

The FRA rules also provide for the use of undefined high voltages over 36 volts, with the organisers permission. [Id guess this is an oversight and an upper limit will be set.]

Has anyone noticed other big differences in the rules?

John
Terror Turtle/Steel Sandwich

[leorcc]

FRA Rules

While on the subject on maximum voltage, I for one think 60V is approuching the very dangerous voltages for people that are not well versed in electronics.

I think 36V to 48V should be more than adequate for fighting robots, what do you think?

Bye,
Leo

[Guest]

FRA Rules

If the receiver is switched off the robot must failsafe

This makes the built-in failsafes of PCM-receivers useless. You will have to add external failsfes nevertheless.

[big_nipper]

FRA Rules

Holger, I dont agree. 4QDs that we uses will stop if the rx power is lost as the speed input is then zero. What can happen first is a sudden direction change when the direction power is lost before the decel ramps return the speed to zero. In anycase we have failsafes after the rx just in case. What is worrying is that if the failsafes in the PCM are not active (as has happened to ours on more than one occation under the tech check) then it will stay at the last set speed.

[Guest]

FRA Rules

In your case, the 4QD interface will provide the external failsafe function. Not too much of a problem for the drive system, as many speed controllers do. It is more a problem with the weapon system. where the controllers normally arent that intelligent.

You are right, if the PCM failsafes get stuck, an external solution wont help you. Id say: Buy a good radio system . We luckily never had that problem with our JR X-388s.

[john_frizell]

FRA Rules

Leo,

I agree with you - an upper limit of 48 volts should be plenty. The RW limit of 60 can probably be interpreted as 48 in practice since they specify that the 60 volt limit applies to a freshly charged battery pack which means that a series string of 5 12 volt batteries would go well over it. Im not aware of anyone using voltages higher than 48. In fact, I dont think Ive yet seen a 48 volt robot.

John
Terror Turtle/Steel Sandwich

[wenman]

FRA Rules

I have a question on fail the safe lighting.
4.3 in addition to the main power light showing the main power is activated. It should also indicate if the robot is in failsafe, off or zero position.
What should the light do?
Should it flash on and off?
Change colour?
Or would a second light next to it be acceptable? (This would be a lot easier than the other two options and just as clear).

[s8nsmum]

FRA Rules

Where can I find a copy of the official rules? I need to check the rules concerning Carbide teeth on discs.

[fluppet]

FRA Rules

I presume http://www.fightingrobots.co.uk/rules.htmhttp://www.fightingrobots.co.uk/rules.htm is current?

--
Fluppet

[stu]

FRA Rules

Yep.

Mr Stu

[s8nsmum]

FRA Rules

Can anyone find a rule that will stop me from putting tungsten carbide teeth on a spinning disc?