Edit: I missed a key part of <R11>, the part under the box. I still don't like some of these rules, but I've struck out the erroneous parts.
I normally go with the flow when it comes to Q&A, but this new direction they're taking with the fabrication rules are getting highly irritating.
Irritation #1: http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread...=3878#post3878
Quote:
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Under Rule <R11> the Operator Console is considered part of the Robot, and all associated rules apply. Rule <R35> prohibits the use of adhesive tape, except under certain circumstances. If the use of the tape on the Operator Console is not permitted by one of these exceptions, then it can not be used.
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<R11> says, in part:
Quote:
<R11> For the purposes of determining compliance with the weight and volume limitations specified
in Rule <R07>, these items are NOT considered part of the ROBOT and are NOT included
in the weight and volume assessment of the ROBOT:
...
The OPERATOR CONSOLE.
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I read further, thinking I missed something in the Robot section of the manual, and could not find any part of the manual definitively saying that the OPERATOR CONSOLE is part of the robot. Further language in the manual seems to indicate the opposite:
Quote:
<R18> During the Build Season: ... When the ROBOT shipment deadline arrives, all work on the
ROBOT must cease and the ROBOT must be placed in a “hands-off” condition. The entire
ROBOT (including all FABRICATED ITEMS intended for use during the competition in
alternative configurations of the ROBOT) and OPERATOR CONSOLE must be crated and
out of team hands by the shipment deadline specified in Section 4.5.1.1.
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It seems like if they're going to go this route (which, in my humble opinion, is more frustration than anything), a further update to the manual would be required.
Irritation #2: http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread...=3897#post3897
Quote:
During the match the flag must remain approximately vertical. If it is mounted to a body part that tilts significantly, then this is not an appropriate mounting point.
The intent of Rule <R15> is that during the majority of match play the flag is the tallest point on the robot, so that it may be easily seen and the alliance assignment of the robot may be easily determined. If an appendage or manipulator spends most of the match higher than the flag, then this is not a "temporary" condition. This would be considered a violation of Rule <R15>, and would need to be corrected before the robot would be allowed to play in another match.
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This one obviously rules out some past designs, but I sincerely hope their view of "temporary" will be one of those much-feared subjective situations. I'm telling my drivers to keep their arm down as long as they can safely do it.
Irritation #3: http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread...=3897#post3897
Quote:
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Per Rule <R11> and Section 4.2, the two 12V batteries supplied in the kit must ship with the robot. Any additional batteries you purchase as spares may be either brought to the event, or shippped with the robot.
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Now, I will concede that the 12V battery is part of the robot. But somebody tell me, what's the benefit to this rule? While most everything else has changed with the batteries, I can't see why we can't put them in the trunk of the car Thursday morning like the past two (or three, or maybe more) seasons.
This sure seems to be the season of seemingly odd rule changes.