[FTC]: TETRIX DC Motors

[Tony_Allen]

Hi Teams,
Recently, we were informed by our TETRIX DC motor supplier that a shipment we received into our warehouse may have been built with a sub-standard component in the motor gearbox (Plastic gear) included in your 2013 FTC kit of parts. In order to be sure that your motors are not affected, we are sending you replacement gearboxes that we recommend you install on the TETRIX DC motors that power your robot. We will be sending out an update as soon as we receive these new gear boxes and they are ready to ship to teams.

Please know, ONLY TETRIX DC motors included in the 2013 FTC kit of parts which are part number 739083 may be affected, no TETRIX DC motors should have plastic gears. Our newly designed TETRIX DC motor V2 #739530 that we recently released is not affected.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused your team, and encourage you to contact our customer support team with any questions you may have on this matter.

Regards,
Tony Allen
Pitsco Education

[ftcTeam6389]

According to the FTC game rules, any modification of the DC motors makes them an illegal part. The question has been asked and answered on the official forums about taking a working gear box from one motor, and matching it up with a working motor (that may have had a bad gearbox).

I think Pitsco needs to coordinate this with FTC so teams don't violate the rules.

- Team #6389

[Tony_Allen]

FIRST is aware of this issue with the faulty gear. No modifications of the actual internal gearing will be required. The gear box change will only require 3 screws to be removed on the motor and then replaced with the new gearbox. A detailed diagram will be ship with each gearbox to ensure correct procedure.

Regards,
Tony Allen

[ftcTeam6389]

Ok, just sayin...

From the official FTC form...
"A2: Rule <R08.w> expressly forbids the modification of motors. This includes the dis-assembly and re-assembly of a motor using identical parts."

http://ftcforum.usfirst.org/showthread.php?1923-Robot-Parts-and-Materials-Answer-Thread&p=7488&viewfull=1#post7488

- Team 6389

[RoboFalcon3]

We have 2 failed gearboxes out of 4 motors purchased from Lego Ed in 2013. Ken, can you supply us with a Link or some idea how this replacement will take place.

Thanks,
Stan
Team 7998 RoboFalcons

[Tony_Allen]

You can contact customer service at 800-362-4308 and they will be able to assist you in replacing the gear box on the bad motors if you need it right away. Otherwise we will automatically be sending out new gear boxes to all customers that have received the motor with a plastic gear.

Regards,
Tony Allen

[RobJLHollis]

I just wanted to update that part number 739023 also released for the 2013 season has the plastic gears, at this point we have a total of 6, with 3 which have had the plastic gears break on the portion where the small plastic gear meets the larger metal gear. The small plastic teeth which have broken then get between the large metal gear and the gearbox housing causing the shaft to stop.