Re: Pnumatic Rules Suggestions/Gripes
 

There is no limit to the number of solenoid valves, air cylinders, and connecting fittings you may
use on your robot. They must, however, be “off the shelf” pneumatic devices rated by their
manufacturers for pressure of at least 125psi. Besides the “free” pneumatic components listed on
the Pneumatic Components Order form, you may use additional air cylinders or rotary actuators,
however, they must be identical to those listed on the Pneumatic Components Order form, and
obtained from a Bimba or Parker Hannifan distributor.

This was from the rules of 2004. The only exception that I know of was that Canadian teams had SMC cylinders donated and they were allowed. Last year they were very strict on all pneumatics. There were some different rule interpretations but most issues followed the rules to a T.

Re: Pnumatic Rules Suggestions/Gripes
 

A-men. Last year, 1293 fell on the wrong side of that rule with our actuator (I think that's the technical term--we dealt with it for about five days before shipping, when a million things are on our minds) for our 2X ball gripper. We came up with a simple solution that made the inspectors happy--we disconnected the air lines and turned it into a darn expensive structural member.

Moral of the story? Read the manual--all of it!

Re: Pnumatic Rules Suggestions/Gripes
 

Just a response to our air filter - the judges did discuss it at both regionals that we competed in and decided it was fine, although they did let us know if there was question from other teams then they may half to make us remove it.

Re: Pnumatic Rules Suggestions/Gripes
 

Just because volunteers OK at one regional does not make something legal. There have been many times that things are missed or overlooked but then noticed at another event. A rule is a rule. Sometimes we don't even realize there is a problem. Our team used a wrong Victor once and it wasn't caught until the second regional. It was missed by both us and a set of inspectors. Once pointed out we corrected the problem. Last year I saw teams with bad or wrong wiring and pneumatics that passed at one regional and they were upset that they had to redo at the 2nd regional. As inspectors we have a lot of robots to see in a short time and a lot to cover. We will occasional miss some items.

Just the fact that you were told that you would have to replace it if questioned says to me that the inspectors knew that there was a problem but didn't want to deal with it.

Re: Pnumatic Rules Suggestions/Gripes
 

If you look at the stock compressor they give you, you will happen to notice that it has a suction/vacum port and a pressure port as the pump I belive is dyaphram or piston it creates a pressure side and a vaccum side hook what ever to the vaccum side and amazing you got urself vaccum power and without adding stuff tada. look at it all pressure pumps can create at least some vaccum i mean how can it suck it into the pump chamber without vaccum u tell me

Re: Pnumatic Rules Suggestions/Gripes
 

I dont know how to delete posts or w/e so im sorry there isnt a suction port but im sure u could remove the air filter and test what it can do so i looked at teh pump and changexd my mind ps. tell me how to maniplulate posts.