Mechanism height
Can a robot vary its height during a match, so long as the frame perimeter remains fixed and it does not exceed the maximum height of 60"? We are asking this question to clarify the GDC's answer from January 20 to 2010FRC2949, because in our interpretation the answer implies that the robot cannot have mechanisms that change height during a match, outside of the FINALE CONFIGURATION.
Examples:
In order to see over the bumps, the intuitive position for a camera mount is above the bumpers. The top of the bumpers must be between 15" and 16" high and the camera is 3 1/2" high, meaning the overall height of the robot would be greater than the 17 7/8" required to fit under the tunnel. Based on the GDC's answer referenced above, we are wondering whether the camera can be raised/lowered to go through the tunnel.
This also applies to any type of kicking mechanism that is at ground level in the robot's starting position, but able to be raised high enough to climb the bumps. This mechanism is at ground level during game play and in order to hit the ball, but raised when attempting to climb the ramp. This mechanism also conforms to G30, in that it does not extend outside of the frame perimeter except for the direct purpose of interacting with the ball.
During both of these scenarios the frame perimeter remains fixed in both its horizontal and vertical dimensions and the only aspect of the robot that changes is the height of certain mechanisms within the static frame perimeter.
