[EricH]

Originally Posted by roboruler

Because it is the offseason and teams maybe wanting to stock up on COTS parts for the 2017 season. Is it legal to utilise Planetary Gearboxes that have been purchased from a supplier like aliexpress in order to save money( a saving of around 50% percent).

There are several different types available from a variety of suppliers, that are identical to the Andymark ones. The motors even have the exact same labelling, and part numbers as the Andymark PG’s. But with a wider variety of ratio options:

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...727631977.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/45mm...d08ed0fb&tpp=1

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/45mm...2411aeed&tpp=1 (shows identical part number)

Considering that the motors are identical is it legal to use the gearboxes without replacing the motor?

Under the 2016 rules, the motors would have had to be the exact part numbers shown in the rules in order to be legal. Gearboxes can be used with the motors replaced, but the motors need to be the legal part number.

Subject to change for 2017, of course.