Re: Whats the Best way to do Bumpers?
 

Always a good reminder! Don't count your chickens until they hatch and don't make firm plans for a bumper design until the game rules are released!

This is Team 1511's approach as well. Easy on, easy off!

(emphasis mine)

You can't say enough about the talented seamstresses / seamsters who sewed fitted covers and flip bumpers this past year. As the person running the sewing machine for our team, my firm belief is that although the flip bumpers looked awesome, given the chance to do it again, our team would have two sets of bumpers.

Re: Whats the Best way to do Bumpers?
 

I agree completely. It took me way to long to do the reversible cover. We loved having it but I'm not sure I would want to spend the time making it again.

Also we used ball lock pins from McMaster to hold our bumpers on the last 2 years. thay are the easiest thing we've found.

Re: Whats the Best way to do Bumpers?
 

I did not run the sewing machine so I cannot speak on how difficult it actually was (although I know our seamstress spent a considerable amount of time on it). I did really enjoy having the flip as opposed to an additional set though. I guess that will be one of the discussions we have next season, assuming similar bumper rules. If FIRST does go with similar bumper rules for 2011, it may be worthwhile to look into having the flip covers mass produced.

-Brando

Re: Whats the Best way to do Bumpers?
 

If team 811 needed a set, they could have kept the numbers on.

Re: Whats the Best way to do Bumpers?
 

You want to get me a copy of this rule book? :rolleyes:

Re: Whats the Best way to do Bumpers?
 

Can do, but due to circumstances beyond our control, it will not get to you before January. It will have the bumper instructions, though.

Re: Whats the Best way to do Bumpers?
 

We countersunk 2 "U" chanels into the plywood for the bumpers than wraped the fabric around it. The "U" chanels slipped over the frame we than slipped eye bolts through drilled holes and install wing nuts. This allowed us to remove and install with out tools.

I wonder if we can use the same bumpers for next year? That would save some money and work.

Re: Whats the Best way to do Bumpers?
 

Was the bumper necessary every year? or was it just last year? Was the bumper as limited as last year was?

Re: Whats the Best way to do Bumpers?
 

Bumpers are required and have been since 2008. They were optional in 2006 and 2007. You must use the pattern given in the rules, and yes, they are that limited, though openings are typically allowed.

Re: Whats the Best way to do Bumpers?
 

We were a wing-nut bumper team this year as well. It started out very fast and got progressively more difficult as our additional functionality started blocking hand access. Still a clean and simple system and much better than some of our previous methods.

My favorite technique? Probably these guys. Then again, it's hard to beat the Thunder Chickens and their rivets.

Re: Whats the Best way to do Bumpers?
 

As far as construction, we just took the wood, glued on pool noodles, put the fabric around it, and stapled on the back end.

For mounting, we used 254's slick idea of codder pins. Took us about 10 seconds to replace a single bumper (total of 4 bumpers). After one competition, we made it a requirement that each drive team member carry an extra codder pin on them at all times :D

Re: Whats the Best way to do Bumpers?
 

Chances are, you won't be allowed to. They'd be fabricated items used on a previous robot, thus not allowed under the 2010 rule <R35>. Assuming that the 2011 rulebook has the same rule, which is in fact a pretty safe bet (it's been in the rules for as long as I can remember), then no use of this year's bumpers would be allowed.

Also note that robot design plays a factor; your robot design next year may not call for bumpers all around the perimeter.

Standard disclaimer: I am not on the GDC, and therefore have no knowledge of the game, and this is an unofficial forum, so this is not to be construed as an official statement in any way, shape or form.

Re: Whats the Best way to do Bumpers?
 

Even if the rules would allow reuse of the bumpers, you'd be wise to look at making a new set. They get pretty beat up over the course of a year, especially if you go to several events and off-season events. The pool noodles begin to compress, and the wood starts to splinter and even crack. Besides, don't you want a fresh look for your new robot each year?

Re: Whats the Best way to do Bumpers?
 

As far as bumper construction, we made ours according to the guidelines set forth in the manual. (I know, suprise :P)

For attachment we made brackets out of aluminum "U" channel that could slip over our frame without much effort. From there we used 1/4" Push Pins from McMaster similar to part number 92384A036. We found that these worked excellently and almost never came loose during competition. The only drawback is that they're pretty expensive at ~$20 a piece.

Re: Whats the Best way to do Bumpers?
 

$$$ Yikes!!!

If you need more pins take a look at 98320A135.

They should be a direct replacement for a lot less. $1.39 / piece. I've used them on 3 robots over the last 2 seasons without issue.