[Specialagentjim]

Originally Posted by phrontist

Right, I understand they don't want teams gaining an advantage by purchasing magical parts, but that's what the cost limit is for! If the cost limit is enough to ensure equality as far as mechanical components go, why isn't it enough for electrical components?!

Therefore the "unfair advantage" arguement doesn't make sense, as it's internally inconsistent with other FIRST rules.

UPDATE:
If these companies have generously supported FIRST, and this is FIRST's way of returning the favor, I see no problem with it. I just wish I knew why specifically we've been restricted to certain arbitrary component suppliers.

Just about anything tangible to be used on a robot can be found from these vendors. FIRST does not want you buying the "Magical Robot Control System with super duper sensors built in an all-in-one black box" electrical system from a vendor that no one else would have access to. If you want to build a decent control system, you have to do it piece by piece and maybe (the horror) have the students learn something.

...or so my thoughts go