Mini projects FAQ
1.
Q: What kind of flooring for the mousetrap car
competition?
A: Low-pile carpet (see the floor in DCC 308).
2.
Q: Where can we get practice courses for the
line follower?
A: The practice course is available on LMS as a .pdf document. You can print it
on one of the large-format plotters at the VCC. (See helpdesk.rpi.edu website
for more info on printing at Rensselaer. Direct link to plotter information: http://helpdesk.rpi.edu/update.do?catcenterkey=78
). A plotted course is also available
for use in the IED Fabrication Area – JEC 2322.
3.
Q: Can we use compressed air for our marshmallow
launcher?
A: No. If you read the rules, you'll note that compressed air (above 5 psi) is
not allowed.
4.
Q: Is the distance to the target (mousetrap or
marshmallow launcher) measured in feet or inches?
A: Inches. The target will be on the centerline of the course, with the
distance measured from the starting line. Examples of possible target
distances: 96 inches, 125 inches, 80 inches
5.
Q: What size / brand of marshmallows?
A: "Standard size", no particular brand. These are commonly available
at grocery stores, often under the name "Jet Puffed." They are
cylinders, around 1 inch tall and around 1 inch in diameter. When you buy your
marshmallows for testing, you are urged to measure them for a better
approximation of size and mass.
6.
Q: Can I place the mousetrap car at the finish
point and then roll it back to the starting point to set it for the right
distance?
A: No. You are expected to have calibrated your machine prior to the
competition. You may want to have a lookup table or graph so that when the
distance is announced you can simply look up the proper settings for your
device.
7.
Q: Can I place a piece of string on the mousetrap
car tied to a weight/anchor at the start so that the car stops when it fully
extends the string?
A: No.
8.
Q: Can I use an arm for the launcher that folds
or collapses to fit inside the size limits but then un-folds or extends prior
to launch?
A: No.
9.
Q. What voltage are the line-follower motors
rated for?
A. Unfortunately, we do not have specs on the motor. From the pictures, however, it can be assumed that they can be powered by 4 AA batteries.
9.
Q. The holes on the motor mount / battery holder do not line up with the holes on the chassis - what do I do?
A. The kits are very low cost and not made with high manufacturing precision. The chassis is only a starting point for your project. You can drill new holes or enlarge the current ones and make other modifications as needed.
More to come as questions are asked...