Parallels question

[Uncle Fester]

A better explanation, one I've used over the past two centuries:

There has to be ONE chain of steps, whether point-able or not, from beginning to end. No alternate routes, and no "this will kick in elsewhere after 10 seconds if step whatever doesn't work. In short, only one possible path for things to go.

As far as one step starting before the one before stops, use this rule-o-thumb: Following step has to:

1) be started by the previous step ONLY
2) only start AFTER the previous step has legally earned its points (there is a huge difference between "stopped working" and "successfully did its job and earned points-- the latter one is the one that matters).
3) if any step fails to operate AT ALL, the device needs to grind to a halt. Don't confuse this with a failing step that accidentally (but successfully) fires the next step or "becomes a jumper" (fires a step much further down the line). In that case, you're just lucky-- kind of.

[illusionist]

So you are saying that it is okay for me to do that right?

[Uncle Fester]

Read what I wrote, compare it to what you have, and make a decision.

I'm not being mean; honest! I have neither seen your device, nor know if your description is accurate, and ALSO don't wish to mistakenly mislead you. Also, in order to work Nationals this year (It'll be my 11th), I 'm not allowed to pre-judge anybody's stuff.

SHOULD be okay though.

[illusionist]

Read what I wrote, compare it to what you have, and make a decision.

I'm not being mean; honest! I have neither seen your device, nor know if your description is accurate, and ALSO don't wish to mistakenly mislead you. Also, in order to work Nationals this year (It'll be my 11th), I 'm not allowed to pre-judge anybody's stuff.

SHOULD be okay though.

Okay, thanks. But just so you know, we haven't even started building our device yet
Our regionals is on the 27th, so I hope we can get it done in time.
Thanks, illusionist

[Uncle Fester]

Good luck, and get busy. Trust me, it'll be far more fun than it may seem to be at times.

[unquantumphysics]

Is it considered a parallel if the inflating balloon continues to inflate after the next task has been set off? There's really no way to stop the balloon from inflating at a specific point in time... (unless you do a TON of trials to see how much reactants are necessary to keep the reaction going for a specifc period of time)

[Primate]

Is it considered a parallel if the inflating balloon continues to inflate after the next task has been set off? There's really no way to stop the balloon from inflating at a specific point in time... (unless you do a TON of trials to see how much reactants are necessary to keep the reaction going for a specifc period of time)

That's fine, so long as the balloon only triggers one thing, obviously. (As in, expands, presses switch, expands without anything else happening.)