[Mike Betts]

Originally Posted by Ian W.

That means for the OI, you can buy whatever you want, so long as it doesn't break any of the OI rules (such as plugging a laptop into the gameports).

The RC on the other hand can only have $200 of custom electronics plugged into it, so that all teams have a fair chance, I believe. The OI can only do so much, so there's no limit on cost of parts.

I agree with your interpretation. The OI has no price limit.

I also agree with $200 on the robot. However, the original intent of the $200 rule was for a custom printed circuit board.

I hope that FIRST realizes that $200 gets chewed up pretty fast when you start including anything conducting electricity (switches, connectors, encoders, pots, et cetera) $200 does not go far at all.

Even a simple linear taper 10-turn 100K pot can cost over $25 each...

I hope that FIRST changes/clarifies this rule. Soon...