Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Hill
Depending on how much air you use, the Thomas can let you drop an air tank meaning weight and volume savings. If FIRST were interested in limiting the advantage in this manner, why not put a similar limit on batteries and their chargers?
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How are you calculating that? The volume specs are not that different that it would allow you to drop a tank. Please remember it is easy to make decisions based on your regional expectations for availability but we do have an international competition here and all parties have to be considered. While many teams are going to the Viair compressors for weight savings, they know the downside of using this compressor is the heat generated and the lower efficiency as the system approaches 120 psi. This is likely a good place to remind teams that at one time, the robot took the field with no pressure on board and had to fill the tanks once the robot was connected to the field. Prior to that, pneumatics were not allowed on FRC robots. There is a limit on batteries if you think about it. (12 volt SLA/AGM, 18 AH to be charged at no greater than the manufacturer's recommendation, which is 6 amps or less depending on the manufacturer.)