I've never done FRC inspecting but from my ftc inspecting experience you can not just fail someone for a poor design choice. For instance this weekend I had a team who used fuzzy Velcro to vertically mount their ZTE phone. Would I ever do this no... But I couldn't fail them for it. I did recommend zip ties for the day and for them to build a more permanent solution. After I found out they had a 3d printer I pointed them towards some files I found on grab cad. But, those were only suggestions if their phone falls off mid match and gets destroyed it was their fault.

Re: Velcro for electrical components
 

We've used fuzzy (industrial strength hook and loop) Velcro for years, and have played some absolutely ridiculously aggressive defense, and never had an issue. Failing inspection for using a proven method that isn't against the rules would be infuriating.

Re: Velcro for electrical components
 

One year we held the battery in with Velcro (actually hook & loop, but Velcro is shorter to type). No issues with them coming loose even with the robot upside down. They where difficult to change. I wouldn't recommend it. We continue to use a Velcro strap to secure the battery. We use Velcro to hold the radio. No issues ever even with inspectors.

I do perform FRC inspections. You don't fail robots for poor design choices except for where that design choice violates a specific rule. Like using hook & loop tape on bumpers. Using Velcro for securing things may or not be a good design choice depending on the application.

Re: Velcro for electrical components
 

Gosh Nate, I thought I was the only one that did that. I use the example at the bottom of the page for audio patchbay cabling using the flat waxed lacing.

WildStang used velcro for many years but migrated to a better solution. We use perforated aluminum sheet now and ty-wrap everything to the perf stock. That way you only need one tool, wire cutters, to replace components. Perf stock also makes tieing wires in place much easier as well as pneumatic hose, valves and manifolds.

Re: Velcro for electrical components
 

Somehow I missed the lacing twine post...and I have a tiny bit about it on my web page! From the olden days when I worked for the Army, in the satellite communications field. Our installers used zip ties, but they were still being trained to tie things up with string in the 1980s.

http://selectric.org/manuals/lacing/index.html

Re: Velcro for electrical components
 

From my experiences, Velcro has been extremely durable in terms of securing electrical equipment; even with the challenges that had quite a bit of contact. I don’t recall us having any issues with Velcro failure/flex during Aerial Assist, which involved some heavy defense. That being said, if you’re still concerned like I often am; I’d recommend using zip ties as they’re strong and efficient in terms of time it takes to install and remove for maintenance.

Through reading the concern about bumpy defenses such as the rough terrain; I’d say it’s vital to have a sturdy and ergonomic belly pan to protect much of your electrical if you plan to house devices towards the bottom of the bot. Placing some sort of foam beneath your electrical board could even help in reducing the shock exerted by the obstacles.

P.s. Here is a link to the Velcro our team usually uses; it’s fairly strong which I believe aids in the lack of flex/oscillation.
http://www.amazon.com/VELCRO-Industr...eywords=velcro