I can't make any sense of FIRSTs answers in the Q/A on this issue.
Quote:
Section: 5.3 Status: Answered Date Answered: 1/28/2004
Q: Last year we did not have to include wires, switches, pots or banner sensors in our $200 budget for electronics. The rules are not clear this year - please clarify.
A: Please see the modification to R71 in Team Update # 05.
|
So, looking at team update 6 (the latest version of R71), I see that they must be purchased from one of the suppliers and accounted for in the $300.
Quote:
Section: 5.3.2 Status: Answered Date Answered: 1/26/2004
Q: Can we add additional banner sensors to improve line tracking ability?
A: Yes.
|
Simple answer, but doesn't let you know how to account for them.
Quote:
Section: 5.3.2 Status: Answered Date Answered: 1/28/2004
Q: We are assuming that since Banner sensors cannot be purchased from the 4 approved suppliers for electronics, they are counted against the $3500 limit but not the $200. Is this correct?
A: Yes.
|
This answer seems to be in direct contradiction with R71, but inline with the answer above. However, it was given 2 weeks ago, and we haven't seen a new version of R71 that allows this.
Quote:
Section: 5.3.2 Status: Answered Date Answered: 2/12/2004
Q: May additional Banners sensors be used (for instance the 02 or 03 banner sensors) that aren't provided in the kit for additional functions on the robot?
A: If they pass the 2004 Part Use Flowchart and are properly accounted for in the cost of your robot.
|
Properly accounted is very vague, especially since R71 says one thing and the answer above says another. Also, the parts use flow charts flowchart is unclear, since it says "does it exceed the quantiy or cost limit in the robot section". Well, that is the question we have.
Quote:
Section: 6.1.1.1 Status: Answered Date Answered: 1/26/2004
Q: We did not get the sensor bag with the kit. What are the banner sensor part no.'s? Can we use last years?
A: The Banner Sensor part # is QS18VN6D. This is a different part # than last year. You are allowed to use last year's sensors as long as you do not violate any other rule and account for their value.
|
Where do we account for the cost?
I guess the main issue is the cost accounting and supplier issue. FIRST has been consistant in saying that extra banner sensors are allowed, and said that they should be accounted for in the $3500. So consitancy betwen Q/A answers is not an issue, but I can't see how FIRST justifies their answers with the rules as written.
If you want to use more, I would suggest submitting another question to FIRST which points out this inconsitancy.