Originally Posted by only1chip (Post 1550191)

1. How much weight could these parts save on your robot? Be as exact as possible, don’t forget the brass fittings that are no longer needed. We list the ‘packaged weight’ of the two parts above at 0.1lbs each – but I expect there is some rounding error there – maybe someone here on CD can help with a more exact figure??

2. What other AutomationDirect parts have you used on an FRC Robot (this year or previous)? Please include a link to the part on our webstore.

3. Your shipping address (if you are uncomfortable posting this publicly – you can PM me)

Chip

Originally Posted by only1chip (Post 1550191)

Woot, Woot!!!

A BIG THANKS TO FIRST for clarifying the rules to 'officially' allow the use of our excellent (and super lightweight) regulator!

To celebrate, AutomationDirect would like to give way 10 sets of the regulator and matching gauge to 10 deserving FRC teams:

PRU14 REGULATOR 15-120 PSI 1/4in TUBE CONNECTIONS INLINE $20.25
PGU14 PRESSURE GAUGE 0-170 PSI 1/4in TUBE CONNECTIONS INLINE $17.75


So, the first 10 teams to tell us the following three things (in this thread) will win the parts:

1. How much weight could these parts save on your robot? Be as exact as possible, don’t forget the brass fittings that are no longer needed. We list the ‘packaged weight’ of the two parts above at 0.1lbs each – but I expect there is some rounding error there – maybe someone here on CD can help with a more exact figure??

2. What other AutomationDirect parts have you used on an FRC Robot (this year or previous)? Please include a link to the part on our webstore.

3. Your shipping address (if you are uncomfortable posting this publicly – you can PM me)


Please note that IF you haven’t used your AutomationDirect $30 voucher yet (instructions are here) – THEN you could actually purchase this same pair of parts for only $8 plus shipping. See Rick’s post above to learn how to qualify for our FREE two-day FedEx shipping.

And note that ALL voucher orders include a FREE tubing cutter… great for getting a clean, square cut on your pneumatic tubing, and preventing leaks!

THANKS AGAIN FIRST!

Chip

Originally Posted by AllenGregoryIV (Post 1550241)

I am an LRI and I'm saying that R77 G was put in place to allow quick exhaust valves. I agree the wording isn't perfect but that was the intent of the rule to my knowledge and how I will be enforcing it.

Originally Posted by martin417 (Post 1550278)

Then would you also allow these valves? They contain check valves, but one is a flow control valve, and one is a shuttle valve. There is no rule that specifically allows a flow control (unless it was in a previous year's KOP, and there were some) or a shuttle valve (yes, you could make one from two check valves and a tee).

Originally Posted by AllenGregoryIV (Post 1550428)

Do you have an example product page and specification sheet? I'm not familiar with either of these and would probably call Al or HQ at the event to get a ruling, from talking to HQ already I know that the quick exhaust valves are legal. (unless they decide to change what they have communicated to LRIs, which they can do like with the regulators)

Originally Posted by martin417 (Post 1550441)

...
And why not specifically list flow control valves?
...

Originally Posted by Sparky3D (Post 1550447)

Maybe I'm missing something, but flow control valves are specifically listed as being allowed:

Originally Posted by martin417 (Post 1550441)

The whole point of my argument is to try to eliminate poorly written rules. If the GDC wants to make quick exhaust valves legal, then they should add quick exhaust valves to the list of allowed pneumatic parts, not add check valves and believe that teams will read that as quick exhaust valves.

They say they don't want teams to try to figure out the intent, only look at exactly what is written. Under a strict interpretation, the rules say quick exhaust valves are not legal, but a LRI says "I know they are legal, that's what they meant". How is a team supposed to know what they meant? Why not be clear in the first place?

Edit: removed incorrect statements

I don't mean to be a stickler or PITA, but it is very important for the rules to be explicit and clear, with no ambiguity.


As for the two valve types I mentioned, here are some data sheets

Flow control

shuttle valve

Originally Posted by AllenGregoryIV (Post 1550645)

On that you and I are in complete agreement. I got all bumpers banded for a little while a couple years ago because of the mission to make properly written rules. Looking at the shuttle valve you mentioned if it's plumbed in a way that meets the rules for check valves, I would allow it and seek further guidance from HQ/Al on the specific situation. In this case anyone can Q&A and ask specifically if quick exhaust valves are considered check valves by the GDC. I believe that they are and have been instructed to enforce it in that manner, if I was using one on my robot I'd probably ask in the Q&A just to be sure and have proof in case another RI or LRI doesn't see it the same way.

Originally Posted by GeeTwo (Post 1550776)

Q&A has consistently refused to rule a part legal unless it's recommended or mandated. You'll probably have better luck if you word the question to ask if the function of the part is consistent with a short list of rules, with reference to your part as an example of one that performs the function.

Originally Posted by GeeTwo (Post 1550825)

R77 was about the pressure switch last year; I presume the 2015 question was about R66 (F).
.....