Quote:
|
Originally Posted by greencactus3
twisted the cans? can you explain further on this? do you mean you realigned the brushes to the magnets? is that allowed?
|
No, modifying the timing of the motors in the kit is NOT allowed (at least not under the rules in 2005 and prior years). Okay, since this topic keeps coming up, lets try to take care of it once and for all. This issue was covered in Rule <R31> last year, and further reinforced in update #5 and in multiple Q&A answers. In 2005, Rule <R31> stated the following:
Quote:
<R31> So that every robot’s maximum power level is the same, the motors in the kit may not be modified except as follows:
• It is acceptable to modify the mounting brackets and/or other structural parts of the motors (output shaft, housing, etc.) as long as the electrical system is not modified and the integral mechanical system of the moving parts (bearings, bushings, worm gear output stages, etc.) is not changed or removed.
• The gearboxes for the Fisher-Price, and Globe motors are not considered “integral” and may be separated from the motors. FIRST will not provide replacements for parts that fail due to modification.
[Clarified in Team Update #5: ] The intent is to allow teams to modify mounting tabs and the like, not to gain a weight reduction by potentially compromising the structural integrity of any motor.
|
Notice the underlined phrase. Make a logic flow chart and trace out the logic path if you have to. If you do ANYTHING to modify the performance of a motor, it is subject to Rule <R31>. The rule is very straightforward - YOU MAY NOT MODIFY THE MOTOR. It doesn't matter if you are rewinding the armature, reducing the rotating mass, strengthening the magnets, altering the structure to modify the field strength, or anything else - including altering the timing of the motor. And let's be very clear, altering the timing of a motor is definitely a modification to the performance of the motor - otherwise why would you be doing it - so any such alteration would be subject to this rule.
The rest of the rule provides for two, and only two, exceptions. The first exception permits modification of the mounting surfaces of the motors for the sake of attaching the body of the motor to the robot, and the output shaft of the motor to the structure to be actuated (as even further clarified by the note in Update #5). The second exception explicitly permits the removal of the gearboxes from the Fisher-Price and Globe motors. These two exceptions do not enable any other modifications. There is nothing in either of these exceptions that would permit altering the timing of the motor. Since the exceptions do not cover such a modification, then such a modification would be subject to the primary statement of the rule - "the motors in the kit may
not be modified."
The rule is explicit (read the WHOLE RULE, not just the exceptions). The logic is clear (map out the logic of the rule - it is really quite simple). The intent of the rule is explained ("so that every robot's maximum power is the same" is pretty clear). If you alter the timing on the motors, or drill holes in the casings (which alters the airflow, thereby changing the cooling characteristics thus altering the performance), or turn down the casing thickness (which alters the field strength, thereby affecting the performance), then you have violated the rule. Such modifications are NOT allowed. If a team violated the rule but didn't happen to get caught by an inspector, that does not change the fact that the rule was broken. If the rule was violated accidentally because they didn't read the rules or didn't understand them, then it is incumbent on the team to correct the situation immediately when their error is discovered.
-dave