Question Answer Section

E-mailed questions will be posted here with the answers.
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Gerald Glasser, Dreamland Robotics, Wed 4/02/08

For the Data Recorder:  Do we know the net force on the box ( Fb - Mg ). I have re-read the rules and did not find it. That can/will make a big
difference in design if we do not know the "range" of the lift required.

Answer by Fredi Lajvardi

It as a downward force of 38 Newtons in air. It is weighted so that it is negatively buoyant in water, just under the neutral side. 

 

Kandi Romero, WISE, Wed 3/19/08 1:50 PM

If we use two robots for the competition does that mean the count times 2 for the power requirements?

Answer by Fredi Lajvardi

You can have as many ROVs as you want. You are limited by the overall power limit of 1700 Watts and the upper limit voltage and current listed in the rules. Your total number of Robots power limit should not exceed  1700 Watts combined.

 

Kandi Romero, WISE, Tue 1/29/08

What is the spacing between the vials (glowsticks)?

Answer by Fredi Lajvardi

1 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches, or 3.82cm to 8.89cm depending on their orientation, they will be able to rotate freely if bumped

 

Kandi Romero, WISE, Tue 1/29/08

What are the glow sticks stuck into, i.e., is it a piece of styrofoam? What is the material made of so that we know how much force our arm will need to pull them out .

Answer by Fredi Lajvardi

There is a hole that they will slip into  and they they will be weighted to sit in the hole without floating out. They will be slightly negatively buoyant. There will be no other form of attachment, so  they should be able to slip out. 

 

Frances, Blue Tide, Mon 4/14/08 7:42 PM

Our  team, the Blue Tide, is registered for the upcoming Underwater Robotics Competition. I am working on the temperature probe and was wondering if we need to measure the temperature in the hole where the serum vial is removed from or just in that area?

Answer by Fredi Lajvardi

It will be the area next to it. There will be a marked off area that we will show you prior to the mission so you will know where to be.

 

rene valenzuela, Embry Riddle, Mon 4/14/08 1:40 PM

I have some questions on the listening part of the competition. At what frequency will the pings be transmitted? What will be their decibel level? For the listening device, does it have to be on board the ROV or can it be attached, say at the side of the pool?
 
Thank You
 Rene Valenzuela

Answer by Allan Cameron

Volume: 75 db at a distance of 1 meter in the air.  Submerged will affect the volume, but this should be a good ballpark figure

 More Code, standard International Morse, Farnsworth spacing, 5 words per minute.

Click here to hear sample

 

Gerald Glasser, Deamland Robotics, Sun 4/27/08 6:01 PM

 Will Power Point equip. be available for the tech presentation or should we bring our own. And , can we set it up. Other teams may use our system also if they are not so equipped.
 

Answer by Fredi Lajvardi

You will need to bring your own power point equipment.

 

rene valenzuela, Embry Riddle, thu 5/08/08 6:53 PM

For the temperature we have to measure in the case, do we have to measure it underwater, or could we bring the case up to the surface and measure it there? Also how much guessing is allowed? If we can't bring up the case, we plan on using two thermometers, each set at a different starting temp and see where they converge.

Answer by Fredi Lajvardi

The case will be attached to the seat on the plane. You will not be able to bring it up. I am not sure about how to answer the guessing question...you have to show how you know what the temperature is. Try this link for thermometer, http://www.extech.com/instrument/products/310_399/39240.html
To the question of your video problem. Yes we use Supercircuits. The quality of the image is dependant on several factors. One is interference with control line of the ROV. This can be tested by shutting down all system except video. The other is the lux rating of the camera, The lower the lux rating the darker the environment can be and the picture quality will still remain good. This can be tested by adding  more light to the environment. Another factor can be the quality of the camera you  purchased, what is the resolution of the camera?
 
Hope this helps


Ruy Garcia-Acosta, Thu 5/29/08 3:02 PM

I have a question. On the place where we have to measure the depth, is the measurement of the plane on the mark?

Answer by Fredi Lajvardi

There will be a mark that is movable up and down by about two to three feet, so it can vary between teams. It will be on the side of the opening of the plane and will be of a bright color so you can see it.