Quote:
Originally posted by Mike Rush
If we were close at weigh in, we would weigh all of our available current year batteries and choose the lightest one. This helped us a little and also fell well within the spirit of GP and FIRST.
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I think many teams did this exact thing. Using a "lighter, Real Battery" is much different than a "dummy". It's completely legit but at the same time unfair to those teams who get stuck with the heavier batteries.
I have seen a ~2lb difference (12.2lb - 14lb) between some batteries. 2lb's is a lot of speed holes if you don't have the "right" battery to weigh in with.
My suggestion:
Rule: Battery must be easily removed in under 15 seconds.
Reasons:
1) Very few designs have broken that
2) Easy for battery removal weigh in after Systems check.
Team shows up, does all the tests (lights, air, etc.), then gets timed for battery removal, then weighs in without putting the battery back in.
This alleviates the 'dummy battery' problem, battery weight flux problem, and gives grounds for "changing" weight limit. Be it, "lower" to 120lbs [no bat] or "keep" at 130. (Keep in mind 12-14lbs + for battery when on field)