[Al Skierkiewicz]

Mike and Travis,
There may be an issue with a new Exide battery. We call it infant mortality but this is something new this year. It is too early to tell if there is a problem or if some other paranormal activity is involved. Could you please record the date code and any other data you can on the batteries. This is an unusual problem where six batteries show up bad. You are sure the battery charger is ok. The batteries were not heating up during charge.

For all teams,
When ordering batteries from some vendors, they may give you their house equivalent, not an EX or ES battery. Although these batteries are fine for practice, they may not be allowed for competition. If they should arrive in a black case or have something other than ES18-12 or EX18-12 as a part number, they may violate rule...
5.3.5 Electrical System Rules
<R46> The only legal main source of electrical energy on the robot is one of the two 12v DC non-spillable lead acid batteries provided in the Kit of Parts, or a spare of the same part number. The 7.2v “backup” battery is considered an integral part of the Robot Controller, and may not be used for any other purpose. The only 12V battery that may be used on your robot during competition (Friday and Saturday) is the Exide model ES18-12. (Additional ES18-12 batteries may be purchased through your local Exide supplier.) You
may use other equivalent 12V batteries during Thursday practice rounds.