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Unread 14-04-2011, 08:09
Unsung FIRST Hero
Al Skierkiewicz Al Skierkiewicz is offline
Broadcast Eng/Chief Robot Inspector
AKA: Big Al WFFA 2005
FRC #0111 (WildStang)
Team Role: Engineer
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Rookie Year: 1996
Location: Wheeling, IL
Posts: 10,798
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Re: Al's Annual Inspection Thread

OK,
Last installment I hope....
Let's talk about minibot batteries. As I posted earlier, you may not modify any battery including the minibot batteries. There are two types of legal minibot batteries and the difference is simply the color of the shrink wrap. If you purchased your batteries in the last six to eight months, they likely came in black shrink wrap. If you purchased them earlier or bought them from someone who still had older style on the shelf, then the shrink is clear. Both are legal FTC and minibot batteries. The black looks cooler while the clear allows you to see if there is any damage or leaking. Modifying includes removing the connector or adding a different one, cutting the wires, opening the shrink wrap and/or separating the cells.
Battery chargers...
Some teams are using battery chargers that are not intended for either the robot battery or the minibot battery. While there is no specific rule relating to these, we defer to the manufacturer specification for safe battery charging. If you attempt to force charge either battery type by using high current, battery damage, fire and possible personal injury may result. For this reason, any battery charger that is capable of this high current can be banned from the pit area. The minibot batteries are best charged by a smart charger at no more than 900ma made for charging NiMH batteries. The main robot batteries are best charged by smart chargers at 6 amps or less with chargers designed for SLA batteries.
Inspection Checklist...
While I don't anticipate any changes in the rules over the next two weeks, any change will be reflected in an updated Inspection Checklist. We are currently using Rev D of the Robot Inspection Checklist and Rev B of the minibot Inspection Checklist. These are the documents we will be using at Champs if no rules changes are made.
Bumpers...
Always an issue, and we will be checking for construction and alignment, as well as attachment and the use of floppy skirts. Remember this is the big show, there is no excuse for bumpers (and everything that is attached to them) to fall outside of the bumper zone, 1" to 7" above the floor. Refs will be watching.
WPA...
This will be essentially self serve as it was at the regionals. As a reminder, you need to factory reset the DAP-1522 prior to bringing it to the WPA kiosk to reprogram.
Inspections...
Will take place any time the pit is open. That is from 5 PM to 9:30 PM on Wednesday and each day until finals begin on Saturday. Please plan to get inspected Wednesday night or Thursday morning. There is no excuse to miss a match because you are not inspected. All minibots must be inspected as well or they cant be used. Please remember there are specific rules concerning teams that are not inspected. Use the next two weeks to review those rules.
Sharps...
Of course we are concerned about popping tubes, so should you. If your tube handler has sharp edges, or pointed parts, be prepared to correct that during or prior to inspection. We will also be checking for objects and robot parts that could injure participants.
Wiring...
This is one of the most seen and difficult to correct issues that arise each year at Champs. Even if you have a well meaning sponsor who gave you 10,000ft. of green and yellow wire, you can't use it on the robot. The robot rules are very specific as to color code and wire size.
Inspectors and inspections...
Most of the inspection team will have performed inspections during the season and all will have reviewed all the robot rules in Section 4. If an inspector wants you to change something on your robot and you question that change, please ask if a lead inspector could be consulted. Please be sure that you understand the change. I don't want any team to change the wiring on the entire robot when only one wire was illegal. The majority of the inspection team will be present Wednesday night and Thursday through the afternoon. Many of them perform other volunteer duties during match play. We will fall to a skeleton crew once these volunteers start in their other positions. However, any changes you make to your robot during the weekend must be re-inspected. Robots playing or asked to be alternates for the finals matches must be reinspected prior to finals match play. If you suspect you will be in that group, please re-inspect following your last match on Saturday morning. The rules allow any robot to be re-inspected at any time and that includes on the field prior to a match start.

The Championship is a crazy time but also one of the most fun. I hope you have a great weekend if you are going to be there. If you did not qualify this year, I hope to see you next year.

Good Luck everyone!
__________________
Good Luck All. Learn something new, everyday!
Al
WB9UVJ
www.wildstang.org
________________________
Storming the Tower since 1996.

Last edited by Al Skierkiewicz : 14-04-2011 at 11:09.
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