View Full Version : changing bumper colours
we are thinking of using velcro to quickly change the colours of the bumpers on our robot. however we are not sure if it is the most effective or durable way to change the colours so that they will not come off during the match. any other suggestions?
Wayne Doenges
22-01-2010, 06:59
We are going with two sets of bumpers.
ttldomination
22-01-2010, 07:42
We're gonna try and use these: http://www.wholesalemarine.com/p/NAT-1344/
We are planning on using a cover with velcro as well. Our debate is on which color should we use for the bumpers and which for the cover.
Our team colors are red and black (red camo). I though it would be good to have the base red so we wouldn’t have to worry at all about the cover for off seasons and demos – the robot would still be in our normal color scheme. But if we use the velcro, making the cover red and the base bumpers blue might be more attractive because the velcro won't be visible when the cover is on. So now I'm looking for red Velcro I can have the red bumpers pretty even when the Velcro shows on the back of them.
Edoc'sil
22-01-2010, 08:38
I would strongly sugest not using those brackets. I have used them before on my dads boat, and have found that they easily jam and then break when you try to remove them. They are built to hold loose canvas together, not take a beating like the bumpers will.
Alex Cormier
22-01-2010, 09:59
We are planning on using a cover with velcro as well. Our debate is on which color should we use for the bumpers and which for the cover.
Our team colors are red and black (red camo). I though it would be good to have the base red so we wouldn’t have to worry at all about the cover for off seasons and demos – the robot would still be in our normal color scheme. But if we use the velcro, making the cover red and the base bumpers blue might be more attractive because the velcro won't be visible when the cover is on. So now I'm looking for red Velcro I can have the red bumpers pretty even when the Velcro shows on the back of them.
You guys need to find red and blue camo. That would be awesome!
You guys need to find red and blue camo. That would be awesome!
Somebody really needs to read the rules.
.
Yeah, your bumpers have to be the same colour as the aliance that you are apart of. So you should be able to quickly switch the colour of you bumpers.
BrendanB
22-01-2010, 11:33
If you plan on using velcro, I would highly recommend the industrial strength stuff from Homedepot. We picked some up last year and that stuff is extremely strong!
Good luck!
Alex Cormier
22-01-2010, 11:48
Somebody really needs to read the rules.
.
Not against the rules to have their numbers in the camo, now is it?
Jon Stratis
22-01-2010, 11:54
Not against the rules to have their numbers in the camo, now is it?
Dave is referring to <R07>F:
The fabric covering the BUMPERS must be solid red or solid blue in color. Visually, the red or blue must be as close to the corresponding color in the FIRST logo as reasonable (i.e. to a reasonably astute observer, they appear similar). The only markings permitted on the BUMPER fabric cover are the team number (see Rule <R15>).
Note the "solid red or solid blue". Camo is not a solid color - it's an overlay of multiple colors, and would additionally count as markings other than the team number.
Alex Cormier
22-01-2010, 11:56
I did not say anything in the previous post about covering the entire bumper in the colors. Now did I?
Where can you legally put the velcro? If you can put it on top and bottom of bumper,does it have to match that bumper color? Could you cut your numbers out of velcro for added holding power?
Not against the rules to have their numbers in the camo, now is it?
Shhh, Alex. Now you are giving away our secret plan. ;)
Where can you legally put the velcro? If you can put it on top and bottom of bumper,does it have to match that bumper color? Could you cut your numbers out of velcro for added holding power?Oh, pooh, now you are going to make me go re-read the rules to make sure there isn't something against having velcro on the outside of the bumpers!
I envisioned having the soft part of the velcro on the bumper backs or top edges as needed, depending on how they are mounted. For aesthetics, I am trying to find a velcro to match the color.
Base camo and have a removable red and blue:D
JaneYoung
22-01-2010, 13:12
Base camo and have a removable red and blue:D
That's what I am mulling over in my brain and will talk to our lead mentor about tomorrow. We have tie dyed our bumper fabric in the past and for demo purposes after the competition season, we would prefer to have the purple tie dye bumpers. I think the weight of the additional fabric will not be that much more, but it will need to be considered and factored in.
For those using removable bumper covers, don't forget this rule as well:
<G41> a. Bumper covers must not detach, even unintentionally, from the ROBOT. Violation: PENALTY.
viper110110
22-01-2010, 13:43
Base camo and have a removable red and blue:D
That's what I was thinking
seems like the thing my team will ignore until the last minute.
Base camo and have a removable red and blue:D
Unfortunately, the rules require you to have a base red or base blue. <R07-F>.
Make camo covers for demos.
JaneYoung
22-01-2010, 14:17
Unfortunately, the rules require you to have a base red or base blue. <R07-F>.
Eric,
I'm reading <R07-F>. Can you point out where it says, base red or base blue? I'm not arguing, I'm asking.
Jane
rsegrest
22-01-2010, 14:22
We're gonna try and use these: http://www.wholesalemarine.com/p/NAT-1344/
I would be very careful with those...they look like the basic snap fasteners that you see on soft-covers on boats and as Edoc'Sil commented they come loose easily after a few rounds of buttoning and unbuttoning. I'm going to try and put our fastener design in Inventor and post it. They are easily (and quickly) detachable and best of all they're green friendly!!:D
GaryVoshol
22-01-2010, 14:43
Eric,
I'm reading <R07-F>. Can you point out where it says, base red or base blue? I'm not arguing, I'm asking.
Jane
F. The fabric covering the BUMPERS must be solid red or solid blue in color.
The color of the BUMPERS will be used to identify the ALLIANCE to which the ROBOT has been assigned, red or blue. Therefore, each ROBOT must be able to display red BUMPERS and blue BUMPERS This may be done via either of two acceptable methods:
A. Each ROBOT may be built with two complete sets of interchangeable BUMPERS, one red and one blue. If this method is chosen, the BUMPERS must be identical except for the color of the covering fabric (see Rule <R07-F>).
B. The BUMPERS may be constructed with a fabric covering of one color (see Rule <R07-F>), and then covered with a removable fabric shroud of the opposite color when appropriate.
(emphasis mine)
So it looks like if you want bumpers in your traditional colors or patterned material, you'll have to build a separate set just for demos.
Not against the rules to have their numbers in the camo, now is it?
Somebody really needs to read the rules.
-dave
.
BrendanB
22-01-2010, 14:52
If you really want to have your teams bumper colors from previous years, there is one way to go around that. Make your bumpers with your teams special set on it, like 1511's wicked cool camo pants. Then make two sets of bumper covers, on red and the other blue. Put them on before the match and take them off after.
EDIT: Sorry for repeating a post, my browser skipped over most of the page.
If you really want to have your teams bumper colors from previous years, there is one way to go around that. Make your bumpers with your teams special set on it, like 1511's wicked cool camo pants. Then make two sets of bumper covers, on red and the other blue. Put them on before the match and take them off after.
We just got done saying...
<R07-F> and <R12> say that that's illegal.
Nothing says that you can't have a second covering that's your favorite special color for demos and the like; just don't use it in competition.
Alex Cormier
22-01-2010, 14:56
Somebody really needs to read the rules.
-dave
.
<R15> Teams shall display their team number on the BUMPERS in four locations at approximately 90-degree intervals around the perimeter of the ROBOT. The numerals must be at least 4 inches high, at least in ¾-inch stroke width and in a contrasting color from its background. Team Numbers must be clearly visible from a distance of not less than 100 feet, so that judges, referees, and announcers can easily identify competing ROBOTS.
How is red camo numbers on blue bumpers not contrast and vice versa?
hmmmm. Maybe because....
<R15> Teams shall display their team number on the BUMPERS in four locations at approximately 90-degree intervals around the perimeter of the ROBOT. The numerals must be at least 4 inches high, at least in ¾-inch stroke width and in a contrasting color from its background. Team Numbers must be clearly visible from a distance of not less than 100 feet, so that judges, referees, and announcers can easily identify competing ROBOTS.
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Is someone going to ask gdc if velcro can be attached to exposed parts of bumper? I don't have access and our team is using 2 sets. Just seems like this should be cleared up.
Michaela3229
23-01-2010, 10:59
Would it be easier to use the velcro bumper covers like the ones that have been discussed or are the bumper covers from andymark? http://store.andymark.biz/am-0331.html
As a rookie team and not thinking that we might need pool noodles we were planing on buying the bumper kit from there too.
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