Thread: DART Linear Actuators for the CIM Motor
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Unread 10-01-2015, 08:43
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Re: DART Linear Actuators for the CIM Motor
Quote:
Originally Posted by cglrcng View Post
Thanks guys. Like I said...still learning. (SIMS are COTS items also), but are listed...I expected to find them on the list too (or at least see the highlighted words added to R18).

R18 The only motors and Electrical solenoid actuators permitted on 2015 FRC ROBOTS include the following: Or, a line added at the bottom of Table 4-1 like "Motor Driven Actuators allowed if supplied and/or fitted w/ a motor listed in Table 4-1: Legal Motors above." Limited (see motor limits above).

And, the answer to someones question in the Q&A I read today, really confused me about these particular Actuators.

So all 3 of the others in the thread are cots items also...But, Dart has the 2 lengths 6" & 12" whipped because they need no adapting whatsoever to install your CIM and just go. Smooth.

Thanks again.
Thanks for the concern, it's always good to talk through the questions.

They are legal and you are able to use more than just the CIM motors on them. Mini - CIMs, Versa Planetaries and the AM Planetaries all plug into the DART to give you a wide range of motor options. The Ri3D 1.0 intake used a Bag motor and Versa planetary to drive.

I think what's hanging you up is the word "actuator," which is how linears are typically described. The DART by itself boils down to a packaged gearbox and lead screw. It is designed to use FIRST legal motors. It is a unique way to convert the rotary motion of a FIRST legal motor to linear motion through a mechanical device. It doesn't become an actuator until you attach one of the FIRST legal motors to it as is with all COTs gearbox solutions.

I believe the original question was not whether the DARTs are legal but if other off the shelf actuators could be modified to be legal. Teams have done this for years without issue. To do so, you need to find a product that has a solution for a similar power density to the motor you are trying to use and adapt a FIRST legal motor. The modified linear solutions must also comply with the other COTs definitions.

Lead screws have been used for years in FIRST and are even offered in FIRST choice. The DART simply offers an efficient and engineered solution to package them.
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Last edited by Dan Richardson : 10-01-2015 at 08:58.
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