changing bumper colours
 

we are thinking of using velcro to quickly change the colours of the bumpers on our robot. however we are not sure if it is the most effective or durable way to change the colours so that they will not come off during the match. any other suggestions?

Re: changing bumper colours
 

We are going with two sets of bumpers.

Re: changing bumper colours
 

We're gonna try and use these: http://www.wholesalemarine.com/p/NAT-1344/

Re: changing bumper colours
 

We are planning on using a cover with velcro as well. Our debate is on which color should we use for the bumpers and which for the cover.

Our team colors are red and black (red camo). I though it would be good to have the base red so we wouldn’t have to worry at all about the cover for off seasons and demos – the robot would still be in our normal color scheme. But if we use the velcro, making the cover red and the base bumpers blue might be more attractive because the velcro won't be visible when the cover is on. So now I'm looking for red Velcro I can have the red bumpers pretty even when the Velcro shows on the back of them.

Re: changing bumper colours
 

I would strongly sugest not using those brackets. I have used them before on my dads boat, and have found that they easily jam and then break when you try to remove them. They are built to hold loose canvas together, not take a beating like the bumpers will.

Re: changing bumper colours
 

You guys need to find red and blue camo. That would be awesome!

Re: changing bumper colours
 

Somebody really needs to read the rules.




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Re: changing bumper colours
 

Yeah, your bumpers have to be the same colour as the aliance that you are apart of. So you should be able to quickly switch the colour of you bumpers.

Re: changing bumper colours
 

If you plan on using velcro, I would highly recommend the industrial strength stuff from Homedepot. We picked some up last year and that stuff is extremely strong!

Good luck!

Re: changing bumper colours
 

Not against the rules to have their numbers in the camo, now is it?

Re: changing bumper colours
 

Dave is referring to <R07>F:
Note the "solid red or solid blue". Camo is not a solid color - it's an overlay of multiple colors, and would additionally count as markings other than the team number.

Re: changing bumper colours
 

I did not say anything in the previous post about covering the entire bumper in the colors. Now did I?

Re: changing bumper colours
 

Where can you legally put the velcro? If you can put it on top and bottom of bumper,does it have to match that bumper color? Could you cut your numbers out of velcro for added holding power?

Re: changing bumper colours
 

Shhh, Alex. Now you are giving away our secret plan. ;)

Oh, pooh, now you are going to make me go re-read the rules to make sure there isn't something against having velcro on the outside of the bumpers!

I envisioned having the soft part of the velcro on the bumper backs or top edges as needed, depending on how they are mounted. For aesthetics, I am trying to find a velcro to match the color.

Re: changing bumper colours
 

Base camo and have a removable red and blue:D

Re: changing bumper colours
 

That's what I am mulling over in my brain and will talk to our lead mentor about tomorrow. We have tie dyed our bumper fabric in the past and for demo purposes after the competition season, we would prefer to have the purple tie dye bumpers. I think the weight of the additional fabric will not be that much more, but it will need to be considered and factored in.

Re: changing bumper colours
 

For those using removable bumper covers, don't forget this rule as well:

<G41> a. Bumper covers must not detach, even unintentionally, from the ROBOT. Violation: PENALTY.

Re: changing bumper colours
 

That's what I was thinking

seems like the thing my team will ignore until the last minute.

Re: changing bumper colours
 

Unfortunately, the rules require you to have a base red or base blue. <R07-F>.

Make camo covers for demos.

Re: changing bumper colours
 

Eric,
I'm reading <R07-F>. Can you point out where it says, base red or base blue? I'm not arguing, I'm asking.

Jane

Re: changing bumper colours
 

I would be very careful with those...they look like the basic snap fasteners that you see on soft-covers on boats and as Edoc'Sil commented they come loose easily after a few rounds of buttoning and unbuttoning. I'm going to try and put our fastener design in Inventor and post it. They are easily (and quickly) detachable and best of all they're green friendly!!:D

Re: changing bumper colours
 

(emphasis mine)

So it looks like if you want bumpers in your traditional colors or patterned material, you'll have to build a separate set just for demos.

Re: changing bumper colours
 

Somebody really needs to read the rules.

-dave





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Re: changing bumper colours
 

If you really want to have your teams bumper colors from previous years, there is one way to go around that. Make your bumpers with your teams special set on it, like 1511's wicked cool camo pants. Then make two sets of bumper covers, on red and the other blue. Put them on before the match and take them off after.

EDIT: Sorry for repeating a post, my browser skipped over most of the page.

Re: changing bumper colours
 

We just got done saying...

<R07-F> and <R12> say that that's illegal.

Nothing says that you can't have a second covering that's your favorite special color for demos and the like; just don't use it in competition.

Re: changing bumper colours
 

<R15> Teams shall display their team number on the BUMPERS in four locations at approximately 90-degree intervals around the perimeter of the ROBOT. The numerals must be at least 4 inches high, at least in ¾-inch stroke width and in a contrasting color from its background. Team Numbers must be clearly visible from a distance of not less than 100 feet, so that judges, referees, and announcers can easily identify competing ROBOTS.

How is red camo numbers on blue bumpers not contrast and vice versa?

Re: changing bumper colours
 

hmmmm. Maybe because....



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Re: changing bumper colours
 

Is someone going to ask gdc if velcro can be attached to exposed parts of bumper? I don't have access and our team is using 2 sets. Just seems like this should be cleared up.

Re: changing bumper colours
 

Would it be easier to use the velcro bumper covers like the ones that have been discussed or are the bumper covers from andymark? http://store.andymark.biz/am-0331.html

As a rookie team and not thinking that we might need pool noodles we were planing on buying the bumper kit from there too.