Quote:
Originally Posted by Duke461
So, he argued that if we "release" an open source CAD of our drivetrain to the public (CD), then its considered a COTS item. That kind of makes sense to me, but i feel like that was not FIRST's intent.
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Don't read it like that. Remember, COTS is only meaningful in reference to a component or mechanism. The idea that a computer file is "a ROBOT part in its most basic configuration, which can not be disassembled without damaging or destroying the part, or altering its fundamental function" (i.e. a component) is remarkably shaky—even when referring to a program running on the robot (or a compiled equivalent). It's certainly inapplicable with respect to the software or the CAD files used to create a part, but not actually present on the robot. (Besides: that statement your colleague recalled is from the blue explanatory text, not from a rule. It conveys intent, but doesn't change the meaning of a rule in the event of a conflict.)
The way to make your drivetrain COTS is to sell it, as a vendor (with all the requirements and complications that arise from that status—see in particular the 3
rd through 5
th paragraphs of 2011's section 4.3).
Also remember, if your sponsor's personnel (in their capacity as team members) build stuff for you after the kickoff from raw materials, those parts don't have to be COTS. They're just fabricated items.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Duke461
Nonetheless, my plan was just to remake it from scratch, and add some "improvements", using the previous one as a reference. It'd only take a day tops. That way you made this design during the Build Season. In my opinion, that would be no different than a team reconstructing a replica drivetrain out of aluminum box that they used the previous year, or remaking an arm like 233 and 148 did (in NO way am i trying to offend them) .
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Given that you're improving it, this should be fine.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Duke461
As for whether the 2011 rules are still in effect, i would argue that it doesn't matter if those are the rules that HAVE to be followed; rather, those are the rules that should be respected, and abided by, whether or not they remain in effect.
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Do you mean that as a practical matter, or as a moral principle ?