Answered: Orientation of Bonus Cube.

[JoeG]

At the start of the match, is the orientation of the colored sides of the bonus cube fixed or random? It is shown in all pictures of the field oriented like this:

http://www.vexrobotics.com/images/vex-elevation/elevation-iso-sm.jpg

But could it, sometimes, be like this:

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/5527/fielddifferantlw6.jpg

Also, am I correct that the bonus cube and platform can be used for scoring during the autonomous period?

[Karthik]

At the start of the match, is the orientation of the colored sides of the bonus cube fixed or random?

The orientation of the bonus cube will be the same as shown in the manual for all matches. A blue face will always be facing the blue alliance station, a red face will always be facing the red alliance station.

Also, am I correct that the bonus cube and platform can be used for scoring during the autonomous period?

The platform can be used for scoring in both the autonomous period and the programming skills matches. However the bonus cube is not eligible for point in the autonomous period.

At the end of the autonomous period, the alliance that has more total points excluding the bonus cube receives a five (5) point bonus.

During the programming skills challenge, the bonus cube is eligible for points based on the definition of programming skills challenge control.

Programming Skills Challenge (PSC) Controlled – A bonus cube is considered to be PSC controlled by a team if the bonus cube is not touching the platform. The face/color of the cube in contact with the surface has no impact on PSC control.