5.9 ALLIANCE WALL
The ALLIANCE WALL separates ROBOTS from DRIVE TEAM members in the ALLIANCE AREA. It consists of 3 DRIVER STATIONS, an OUTPOST, and a TOWER WALL.
Figure 5‑14: ALLIANCE WALL
5.9.1 DRIVER STATIONS
Figure 5‑15: DRIVER STATION (ALLIANCE AREA perspective and FIELD perspective)
A DRIVER STATION is 1 of 3 assemblies within an ALLIANCE WALL behind which a DRIVE TEAM operates their ROBOT. Each DRIVER STATION is made from a 36.8in (93.5cm) tall diamond plate base topped with a 42in (1.07m) tall transparent plastic sheet and a top rail.
An aluminum shelf is attached to each DRIVER STATION to support an OPERATOR CONSOLE. The shelf is 69in (1.75m) wide and 12.25in (31.1cm) deep. There is a 54.0in (1.372m) long by 2.0in (nominal) wide strip of hook-and-loop tape (“loop” side) along the center of the support shelf that may be used to secure the OPERATOR CONSOLE to the shelf. The shelf also includes two clips to hold the shelf in place with a 1.0in (2.5cm) wide by 2.0in (5.1cm) deep tab that sits on the top surface of the shelf.
There is a 6.0in (15.2cm) tall sponsor panel in each DRIVER STATION. The top of this panel is 42.9in (1.09m) from the carpet.
There may be a ramp available at events for DRIVE TEAMS with limited mobility. It is designed to allow an individual using a wheelchair to access the DRIVER STATION shelf and/or see onto the FIELD; however, this accommodation is available to anyone who has a wheelchair or other physical disability that obstructs their view of the FIELD. Teams should speak to the FTA before MATCHES begin to ensure that it is available for each of the team’s MATCHES.
This ramp is available at many Regional and District events. For questions, please connect with the local Program Delivery Partner.
Teams should also speak to the FTA for any other FIELD side accommodations needed.
Each DRIVER STATION contains the following elements for DRIVE TEAMS:
- 1 Ethernet cable: attaches to the Ethernet port of the OPERATOR CONSOLE and provides connectivity to the FIELD Management System (FMS).
- 1 120VAC NEMA 5-15R power outlet (i.e. standard US outlet): located on each DRIVER STATION shelf and protected by its own 2-Amp circuit breaker. It can be used to power the OPERATOR CONSOLE. DRIVE TEAMS are responsible for monitoring their power consumption as a tripped breaker in the outlet does not constitute an ARENA FAULT. For some events in regions that don’t use NEMA 5-15 shaped outlets, event organizers may install appropriate plug adapters to be used throughout the event.
- 1 Emergency Stop (E-Stop) button: located on the left side of the DRIVER STATION shelf and is used to deactivate a ROBOT in an emergency.
- 1 Autonomous Stop (A-Stop) button: located on the right side of the DRIVER STATION shelf and is used to DISABLE a ROBOT during AUTO.
- 1 team sign: located at the top of each DRIVER STATION. The FIELD facing side of the sign displays the team number in the ALLIANCE color. The ALLIANCE AREA side of the sign displays the following information in red:
o Pre-MATCH: team number and ROBOT connection state
o During Qualification MATCHES:
§ Current SHIFT and time remaining in that period,
· A shows for AUTO when both ALLIANCE’s HUBS are active
· T shows for the TRANSITION SHIFT when both ALLIANCE’s HUBS are active
· R shows when the Red ALLIANCE’S HUB is active
· B shows when the Blue ALLIANCE’S HUB is active
· E shows for END GAME when both ALLIANCE’s HUBS are active
§ Progress towards the FUEL Ranking Points. This shows total scored out of the ENERGIZED RP and once that threshold passes it shows out of the SUPERCHARGED RP
§ AUTO TOWER points, and
§ remaining MATCH period time.
Figure 5‑16 Back of team sign (during Qualification MATCH)
o During the MATCH during Playoff MATCHES:
§ Which MATCH period is active and time remaining in that period,
§ MATCH scores, and
§ remaining MATCH period time.
Figure 5‑17 Back of team sign (during Playoff MATCH)
- 1 timer (in DRIVER STATION 2 only): displays the official time remaining in the MATCH period on the FIELD-facing side (in white) and on the team facing side the following information in red:
o remaining MATCH period time, and
o MATCH scores.
Figure 5‑18 Back of timer
- 1 team LED stack: indicates ALLIANCE color, ROBOT status, E-Stop and A-Stop status, and is centered at the top of each DRIVER STATION.
The stack includes 2 identical ALLIANCE-colored ROBOT status LEDs above a third amber A-stop/E-stop LED. LED states are as follows:
o ROBOT status LEDs
§ Solid: indicates that the ROBOT is connected and enabled. This only happens during a MATCH.
§ Blinking: indicates that either the FMS is preset for the MATCH and the ROBOT is not connected yet, or it’s during a MATCH and the corresponding ROBOT has lost connectivity, or the E-stop was pressed.
§ Off: indicates that the ROBOT is linked and DISABLED prior to the start of the MATCH, or the ROBOT is BYPASSED. This light is also off, regardless of ROBOT connection status, after the MATCH has concluded.
o A-Stop/E-stop LED
§ Solid: the ROBOT is DISABLED due to a press of the team E-stop button, the FIELD E-stop button, or by the scorekeeper via the FMS.
§ Blinking: the ROBOT is DISABLED for the remainder of AUTO due to a press of the team A-Stop button.
§ Off: the ROBOT is not DISABLED by the FIELD.
- FMS hardware and wiring: mostly located below shelves in the 2 DRIVER STATIONS closer to the scoring table.
5.9.2 OUTPOST
Figure 5‑19 OUTPOST
An OUTPOST is an assembly through which HUMAN PLAYERS feed FUEL into the FIELD and ROBOTS can deliver FUEL to their HUMAN PLAYERS. There are 2 OUTPOSTS, 1 on either end of the FIELD connecting the guardrail to the ALLIANCE WALL. Each OUTPOST has a 31.8in (80.8cm) wide by 7.0in (17.8cm) tall opening through which FUEL passes to the FIELD. The bottom of the opening is 28.1in (71.4cm) off the floor.
A 15.0° sloped tunnel, called the CHUTE, leads to the upper opening in the OUTPOST. The CHUTE can hold approximately 25 FUEL at a time retained by the CHUTE DOOR. The CHUTE DOOR is an HDPE arm on a pivot that can be rotated approximately 90 degrees by the HUMAN PLAYER to open or close the CHUTE.
At the base of the OUTPOST is an opening 32.0in (81.3cm) wide by 7.0in (17.8cm) tall where ROBOTS can push FUEL into the CORRAL. The bottom of the opening is 1.88in (4.77cm) off the ground. The opening is divided in the center by a vertical 1-1/4in Sch 40 (1.66in (4.216cm) OD) pipe. The CORRAL is made up of 8.13in (20.6cm) tall polycarbonate panels that create a 35.8in (90.8cm) wide, 37.6in (95.5cm) deep area on the floor in which FUEL can be stored.
The CHUTE and CORRAL each feature an ALLIANCE-colored tape line that indicates where DRIVE TEAMS may be restricted from reaching. The near edge of the CORRAL tape is 12.7in (32.3cm) from the FIELD-facing wall of the OUTPOST. The near edge of the CHUTE tape line is 12.9in (32.8cm) from the FIELD-facing wall of the OUTPOST.
There are 2 stools available at events for DRIVE TEAMS to use. Each stool is 23.0in (58.42cm) wide by 13.5in (34.29cm) deep, 6.25in (15.88cm) tall, and rated for 300lb (136.0kg).
It is specially intended to allow individuals who are shorter, better sightlines onto the FIELD; however, this accommodation is available to anyone who has another physical disability that obstructs their view of the FIELD.
Only 2 stools are available, and priority will be given to those with the biggest need. Teams should speak to the FTA before MATCHES begin to request that it is available for each of the team’s MATCHES. Teams may also purchase their own (Item Number: 779ac01stpm) or bring an equivalent (e.g. not foldable and similar dimensions) version to the event to guarantee use for every match.
This stool is available at all events within the US & Canada and equivalents are available at international events. For questions, please connect with the local Program Delivery Partner.