Thread: 494........
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Unread 21-04-2004, 07:44
Unsung FIRST Hero
Al Skierkiewicz Al Skierkiewicz is offline
Broadcast Eng/Chief Robot Inspector
AKA: Big Al WFFA 2005
FRC #0111 (WildStang)
Team Role: Engineer
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Rookie Year: 1996
Location: Wheeling, IL
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Re: 494........

Quote:
Originally Posted by kacz100
If it was too sharp don't you think that they might have been caught during inspection?

my 2 cents
I inspected at GLR, MMR and nationals. When inspectors look for sharp edges on robots, we are more concerned about the potential damage to humans than to robots. The pits can get very crowded and the hike to and from the playing fields can be a dangerous one for competitiors passing each other in the darkened spaces leading to the fields. If a sharp edge is only revealed after the robot expands during play, that is not likely to raise any concern during inspection. Exposed sprokets and chains on arms pose a serious threat to any robot appendage that might end up near the sprocket but it does not violate a rule or pose personal hazard.
As to damage internal to a robot frame, inspectors are looking for loose wires and other parts that may become an entangelment or impede play. Remember that inspection is partly to keep everyone honest to robot rules and partly to insure that teams can play a two minute match. Although a team could have done a great job tywrapping everything into place and burying electrical deep within a robot frame, frequently covers are disposed of as too weighty. Inspectors can and will suggest some kind of cover be installed over vital areas but teams are not reguired under robot rules to do so. I, for one, inform teams of potential dangers during inspection and offer suggestions for solving the issues. Teams are under no obligation to follow suggestions from inspectors and not all inspectors give suggestions during inspection.
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Good Luck All. Learn something new, everyday!
Al
WB9UVJ
www.wildstang.org
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Storming the Tower since 1996.
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