Thread: pool noodles
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Unread 08-12-2014, 07:34
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: pool noodles

Now that we are approaching the start of the season, I would like to remind everyone to read the rules, all the rules, please. We change rules from season to season including those rules that everyone think do not change from year to year. I tell everyone to expect the unexpected and read everything. If you think you are at the end of a rule, turn the page and check that it does not continue on the next page. If I had a nickel for every time a team told me that they didn't read that rule "because it never changes", I would be a rich man.
As to the pool noodle for bumpers. There was some exhaustive testing done in an attempt to come up with a easy to implement method of protecting robots. Up to that point, we were seeing a team be put out of competition in an unfortunate collision that damaged some part of their robot. Woodie, especially hated to see that, and so did/do I. The bumper design is a way to protect robots with a predictable, energy absorbing system, that should be easy to build from cheap parts. Inspectors check the construction of your bumpers to insure you and everyone you play against will be able to play match after match. When you use other materials or try to fill the void with 'hard parts', that puts you and other robots at risk.
BTW, the construction is also to help you make you robot look good on TV. That is why we don't want you to use tywraps, duct tape, etc. to hold them on. Our viewing audience may not understand the game or your strategy, but they certainly can tell an ugly bumper system when they see one.
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Good Luck All. Learn something new, everyday!
Al
WB9UVJ
www.wildstang.org
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Storming the Tower since 1996.

Last edited by Al Skierkiewicz : 08-12-2014 at 07:37.