HELP!!! question about inspection
 

our robot has a metal cover over the entire electronic/motor/gears/everything. we need to know whether or not we will have to take it off for inspection because right now it is riveted to the frame. we could take it off with some force and about 2 hours of work, but we really dont know if it is necessary.

:confused: :eek: :mad: :D

Re: HELP!!! question about inspection
 

Can you see the RC from three feet in front of the robot? Can an inspector see the breaker panels? Pneumatics? Motors?

If the answer to any of those questions is "No", you will need to at least modify it to allow for seeing through it. Especially the controller; you can't compete at all if you can't see it.

Re: HELP!!! question about inspection
 

the top is hinged so that people can see into it and mess with stuff but being as it is made of metal you cannot see the stuff when the top is closed

Re: HELP!!! question about inspection
 

Hinged so you can see in will probably fly at inspection...but the IFI folks are going to have a hard time seeing the RC through metal. You could probably cut a section out and put lexan or something of that sort in so the controller can be seen.

Re: HELP!!! question about inspection
 

here are the pics:


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Re: HELP!!! question about inspection
 

I recommend you replace those top metal panels with Polycarbonate (Lexan, etc). That should be sufficient to pass inspection and keep them visible pre-match.

Re: HELP!!! question about inspection
 

Yeah... You look like a BattleBot with all that metal. The top should be Lexan; more than that probably won't be necessary to change. (And it's a relatively quick change--get the metal off, and then use virtually the same attachment to put the Lexan on.

Re: HELP!!! question about inspection
 

You do need to put a window in the top. It should be strong enough. Very nice skin though!

Re: HELP!!! question about inspection
 

You may want to check out your radio range, too. The radios are usually pretty good... but you have placed yours inside a big conductive box!

If you don't want to pull the "lid" from your robot, you could cut a window in in and cover the window in with lexan so that you can see the RC from 3' in front of the robot when it is in it's starting configuration.

I like the look of this machine, though!

Jason

P.S. If you haven't already done so, don't forget to think about how you will access various components for repair during competition.

Re: HELP!!! question about inspection
 

I agree with the posts thus far and to reiterate...
<R72> The Robot Controller must be positioned within the ROBOT so that its indicator lights can be seen during inspection and when standing three feet in front of the ROBOT while the ROBOT is in the STARTING CONFIGURATION at the beginning of a MATCH. This will greatly facilitate analysis in case of problems.

As Jason has pointed out, your modem is your link during match play. To hide it behind sheet metal will cause loss of data and possible loss of handshake. In spite of the obvious external antenna, there is also an internal antenna. Remember this is a two way device, so there is a transmit and receive antenna. The modem should be mounted in a mostly vertical position to keep the same polarization as the field modems and away from large pieces of metal if at all possible.

I also noticed the 9 volt battery in your pictures...
<R43> The only legal main source of electrical energy on the ROBOT during the competition is the 12VDC non-spillable lead acid battery provided in the 2008 Kit Of Parts.

and

<R45> Items specifically PROHIBITED from use on the ROBOT include:
 Primary 12v batteries different from those provided in the Kit Of Parts (i.e. manufacturer and part number must be the same as those provided in the Kit Of Parts)
 More than one primary battery, or more than one back-up battery

One last thing, I will be looking for sharp edges that may puncture people or playing field objects. So be ready to have all the edges checked over during inspection. I like the nice big window for the main breaker. Field personnel will be very happy if you identify it's location on the top and back of the robot. Don't forget your team numbers and school name and sponsors.
This is a very impressive robot for a rookie team. Congratulations!
Hope this helps.

Re: HELP!!! question about inspection
 

thank you all soooo much.... you guys are awesome

Re: HELP!!! question about inspection
 

Speaking of 9v battery (as pointed out you can't use it), your IR reciever is going to have difficulties hidden in the box too...

Re: HELP!!! question about inspection
 

the IR board is mounted temporarily, in the finished one it will be mounted underneath the Lexan cover...

speaking of that, will we be able to get a signal through lexan?

Re: HELP!!! question about inspection
 

That's a good question. My guess is lexan won't block IR, but it should be easy enough for you to test. My instinct tells me it wouldn't be a good idea, because depending on angle your signal my reflect rather than pass through (like visible light).

Re: HELP!!! question about inspection
 

Just a quick look from me and the first thing I noticed is the angle of the front and rear panels. From the floor to 8" up, the robot and frame shall be vertical within 10 degrees. (Not including bumpers.) Are they within 10 degrees?

Team numbers and weight also come into question immediately. Maybe it just looks heavy.