Thread: Rule <R06>
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Unread 10-01-2004, 15:38
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FRC #0148 (Robowranglers)
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Re: Rule <R06>

I believe this rule has come under question in previous years. Before, the rule has always been that any possible configuration must be weighed-in and inspected before you can use it on the field. If you had interchangeable mechanisms, those would each be weighed in on the robot as they would be set up in competition i.e. if you have 3 different arms on your robot, you have to weigh it in with arm 1, arm 2, and arm 3 separately.

Now, let's look at the rule:
Quote:
<R06> The maximum allowed weight of all robot configuration components combined is 130.0 pounds (58.97
kg). At the time of weigh in, the basic robot platform and any additional items that might be used in
different configurations of the robot must be weighed together. Weight limit includes (one) 12V battery,
control system, decorations, bumpers, and any other attached parts.
So... this year's rule seems like it may be different. From this wording, it appears that all interchangeable mechanisms must be weighed all at once. Meaning... you can't have 3 different swappable mechanisms that each bring the robot up to 130 lbs. You can have removable end effectors, but they must all together weigh no more than 130 lbs.

Now, taking the example of Wildstang's wings from last year, those would be considered spare parts, as they were identical to the wings used. Thus, I believe they would not need to be weighed, so long as they were just identical spares, and not modified versions.
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Jeff Waegelin
Mechanical Engineer, Innovation First Labs
Lead Engineer, Team 148 - The Robowranglers