Re: Al's Annual Inspection Thread 2015
 

While not formerly defined in the glossary. Bumpers are still an inspection check list item. Listed as optional. I understand why it is there since it is a considerable departure from previous years rules.

"Previous years rules do not apply to the current game." Now where have I heard that before? :]

Re: Al's Annual Inspection Thread 2015
 

I checked on this when that compressor became an option a few years ago. The manufacturer requires it as it supplies a cooling path for the hot air. On that compressor only, as it is required by the manufacturer, the hose is considered part of the compressor and must be attached. As a note, I have only seen one in inspection.

Re: Al's Annual Inspection Thread 2015
 

Are we permitted to put a two-way manually operated tee-valve between 60 a psi source and a solenoid valve, such that in one position, the valve connects 60 psi to the solenoid input (like if it were a normal connection), and in the other position, the valve connects atmosphere/vent to the solenoid input, and blocks off the 60 psi source? (We want to be able to move some pistons by hand during setup, but don't want to evacuate our air tanks to do this.)

Re: Al's Annual Inspection Thread 2015
 

I can guarantee you'll see another one up in Duluth this year :)

Re: Al's Annual Inspection Thread 2015
 

Would that be an R66F Flow control Valve?

Make sure that in either position, R78 requirement is met (vent the entire system), and
R79 (output of multiple valves) are not plumbed together (solenoid and manual valve).

Re: Al's Annual Inspection Thread 2015
 

It's essentially one of these, but plastic: http://www.valworx.com/product/bronz...8utBoCiA7w_wcB

So yes, R78 is met, as well as R79 (this is a series system, not a parallel system).

Re: Al's Annual Inspection Thread 2015
 

Thad,
From your description I would say the valve does not meet the intent of the rules. I would however recommend you ask the Q&A for a more definitive answer.

Re: Al's Annual Inspection Thread 2015
 

While we are on the subject, the pneumatic rules haven't really changed much for many years, this year but there may be one or two gotchas...
1. Please understand the "one and only one" in R68. This means that only one compressor can supply air to the robot. If it fails you can replace it with a functional and identical one without the need to reinspect. If you have one mounted on your robot, you may not use another one to supply air for a match. That means you cannot have a compressor on your cart, in your pit or behind a curtain that you use to supply air to your robot. You may not run the compressor connected directly to a battery, ever.
2. The one compressor can be on board you robot or off board your robot. In all cases the one compressor must be controlled by the RoboRio sensing system pressure.
3. No white Clippard tanks.(P/N: AVT-PP-41)
4. The only pressure switch you may use is a Nason pressure switch, P/N SM-2B-115R/443 under R67-C. Often teams mount this near the outside of the robot, please be sure to insulate the terminals once you have connected your wiring.
5. There are several example drawings in the robot rules for your use.
6. Pneumatic parts may not be modified in any way other than the prescribed use and attachment of tubing adapters and mounting. Painting, filing, gluing, drilling, etc. are considered modifications.
7. If you are using pneumatic parts that are not normal devices, be sure to have manufacturers sheets detailing the max pressure ratings. Home made manifolds do not meet pneumatic rules under R64.
Hope you are getting close to finishing your robots. Bag day is just two days away.

Re: Al's Annual Inspection Thread 2015
 

Someone asked this in the 148 reveal thread, and I'm curious, so I'm asking it here: how would a robot like 148's be inspected with regards to numbering? Seems like it's in a bit of a gray area.

Re: Al's Annual Inspection Thread 2015
 

There is another HUGE thread about numbers. Black numbers on a white background, etc. There are three parts to number, they number all three and they are done. I really don't get the mystery over the numbers, it's pretty plain and simple.

Re: Al's Annual Inspection Thread 2015
 

My question was more about multi-part, tethered robots like 148. I get the regular numbering rules, but when a robot has multiple almost-separate components, it could be hard for viewers to tell that they're all part of the same machine.

Re: Al's Annual Inspection Thread 2015
 

I know your are an inspector and not a referee, but are we allowed to, during setup on the field, activate our pneumatics systems via pushing the buttons on the solenoids of our robot? I would like to start a match with our pneumatics systems out of the robot, but during transport, no pressure and with pressure, they would be fully contained within the transport configuration.

Re: Al's Annual Inspection Thread 2015
 

A good way to think about this is to find the rule that allows what you want, and think about how you might argue that what you want to do is permitted. If there's some ambiguity, use the Q&A system.

Re: Al's Annual Inspection Thread 2015
 

In R65 (allowed changes to pnumatics), the blue box says: "Do not, for example, paint ... any part of a pneumatic".

I remember a discussion last year about no labels or writing on plastic air tanks. In theory, the ink or adhesive could weaken the tank wall.

However, R65-E allows labeling.

So, can people put stickers, or write, on the air tanks or hoses?

Re: Al's Annual Inspection Thread 2015
 

At a Week 0 event this weekend, I noticed a lot of batteries that were not fully restrained. I mentioned it to the teams, and the typical response is: "Oh, we've driven it, and it doesn't move". At which point I show them the R22 that says the battery must be secured in any arbitrary orientation, including turning the robot upside down.

Teams: Fully secure your battery.

BTW: I also saw one team violate the frame perimeter of another team during autonomous. Robots still need to be protected.