30 Pound Exclusion Rule
 

Our team originally planned on making our electronics board modular and therefore easily removable in entirety, which we had intended to be our 30 pound exclusion item. However, after an in-depth reading of R18 etc, I'm not entirely sure this is legal. Being a rookie team we still have trouble deciphering the meaning of the rules. Can anyone offer some assistance with this?

Re: 30 Pound Exclusion Rule
 

If you bag it with the robot, it is completely legal and does not take up your 30 pound limit. But, If you bring an extra one (or don't make the board until after stop build) all of the fabricated parts must be under 30 pounds. The 30 pounds does not include COTS items, such as your CRIO and speed controller, if they are not attached to the fabricated board. That said, as a third year electrical lead, I would strongly advise against a modular electronics board your rookie year. That is because it is very hard to do and if you spent the same time making your electronics cleaner you would have less stress on competition day. Any other questions?

Re: 30 Pound Exclusion Rule
 

They probably need to have the electronics not bagged with the robot so they can spend time programming. Being a rookie team, they probably don't have a second electronics board to play around with. I think it would be best if the board wasn't modular and they just borrow one from an older team. Even so, if they can't find one to borrow, they should definitely hold it back.