Minibot Tetrix Modification?

[Deriboy]

Does modifying (filing down a gear for example) Tetrix parts for use on a minibot comply with the rules? If not, can we make our own out of accepted materials like aluminium or polycarbonate?

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Deri,
As long as your modification does not violate
<R93> Motors may not be modified with exceptions of those in Rule <R47>.
This rule negates making changes to motors or integral transmissions other than for mounting. if the gear is internal to the FTC motor, then you may not modify. If it is an FTC mechanical part, there does not appear to be a rule that prevents it.

[rocketeer1]

Polycarbonate and aluminum (in the form of sheets, 90 degree angles, u-channel, tubes and bars) is all allowed material, so you can machine, drill or do whatever you want to make parts out of it. See <R92>.

[Deriboy]

Thanks.

Where is the Q&A?::rtm::

[DonRotolo]

On the FIRST site, accessible for questions only to your team FIRST contact (usually the coach). But you can read all the answers you like. Once it opens...

[Bmarquez]

while this thread might not be the best place for this question,

ive combed through the minibot rules back and forth and up and down, and i cant find a direct answer of yes or no.

Does the minibot frame itself have to be made with tetrix parts?
because i'd much sooner make it out of an ultralight aluminum and drill/mount the parts myself then deal with the shoddy tetrix parts any longer then i already have today in class.

[EricH]

while this thread might not be the best place for this question,

ive combed through the minibot rules back and forth and up and down, and i cant find a direct answer of yes or no.

Does the minibot frame itself have to be made with tetrix parts?
because i'd much sooner make it out of an ultralight aluminum and drill/mount the parts myself then deal with the shoddy tetrix parts any longer then i already have today in class.
What is allowed for use by <R92>?

If it's on the allowed list, then it is allowed. If it is not on the allowed list, then it is not allowed.

[Matt C]

Per the rules, you could make the MINIBOT out of nothing but cable ties and wire nuts.

[Bmarquez]

looks like me and my power drill are going to get very friendly tomorrow.... making a working frame out of sheet metal should be pretty quick to bolt together, and grind/polish/finish. According to the materials in part R92, sheet metal is allowed so i guess it was a silly question x.x.

i figure the extra zerospace allowed in a fully sheet metaled part will also keep the weight down and give me freedom in mounting/angling the pieces where i want them.

Thank you for clearing that up!

[Tytus Gerrish]

can i melt down the tetrix aluminum in a forge and pour sand castings to use on my pole-bot?

[Matt C]

looks like me and my power drill are going to get very friendly tomorrow.... making a working frame out of sheet metal should be pretty quick to bolt together, and grind/polish/finish. According to the materials in part R92, sheet metal is allowed so i guess it was a silly question x.x.


Specifically sheet aluminum.

[aldaeron]

The following items are very vague with regard to modification (I expect more clarification as the season goes on but am curious to see your thoughts):

F. Polycarbonate
H. Aluminum sheet, 90° angle, u-channel, tube, bar
Q. PVC or CPVC pipe

In particular I am interested in manufacturing my own wheel with a "U" cross section (think of a pulley) where the radius of the "U" in the wheel is 1.74 inches/2 = 0.87". This would keep the minibot on the pole very nicely.

Can I machine or form this type of wheel out of polycarbonate stock?

Can I take a piece of U channel aluminum and carefully heat and bend it backwards using a steel guide to create this type of wheel?

Can I get four PVC 90 degree elbows, cut them in half along the radial center and glue them together to create this type of wheel?

Also - can the aluminum pieces be welded?

[PAR_WIG1350]

Per the rules, you could make the MINIBOT out of nothing but cable ties and wire nuts.

Don't forget the battery.::rtm::

[EricH]

Don't forget the battery.::rtm::
And the motor(s), assuming of course that you want to go upwards.

[Jack Jones]

And the motor(s), assuming of course that you want to go upwards.

And every thing else you need to actually play the end game ....

MINIBOT – an autonomous vehicle designed and built to perform specific tasks when competing in the 2011 competition LOGO MOTION. The MINIBOT must obviously follow a design approach intended to play the 2011 FRC END GAME and must be compliant with all MINIBOT rules defined in Section 4.4.14.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

The allowed lists is just that. You are allowed to use anything on the list. Per Update #1 you must use one battery and one or two motors.
Tytus, I think the air in your suit is getting a little thin, open the door and let some fresh air in.

[vamfun]

Deri,
As long as your modification does not violate
<R93> Motors may not be modified with exceptions of those in Rule <R47>.
This rule negates making changes to motors or integral transmissions other than for mounting. if the gear is internal to the FTC motor, then you may not modify. If it is an FTC mechanical part, there does not appear to be a rule that prevents it.

I think I'm going to get a headache since it seems now that the gear_box on the FTC motor is not part of the motor and can be done away with or modified.

Tetrix motor/gearbox (http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=16187&highlight=motor)

This was not my earlier assumption and opens the flood gates to new ideas.


Are the connector/wires/fuse not part of the battery now?


Seems that there is no gauge requirement or circuitry restrictions.

Can we use uninsulated wire (with separation isolation) or enameled solid wire in the circuit?

[Al Skierkiewicz]

As Chris has pointed out the Q&A has deemed the gearbox may be removed from the FTC motors. That will be passed along to the inspection teams.