[Danny Diaz]

Originally Posted by Japper

Is it possible (per the rules & between now and the competition) to construct a new controller box with
switches and then re-write the code to use this set up and use the fix-it window to tweak the code?

Tread carefully when interpreting the Fix-It Window Rules. <R19> tells you that you are able to create SPARE and REPLACEMENT PARTS during the Fix-It windows between now and the FIRST regional, and <R22> tells you that you're able to create SPARE, REPLACEMENT, and UPGRADE parts after the first regional. So, in your case, I interpret your new OI as being an UPGRADE part since you're doing a redesign and also software modifications. This means you have to wait until the first regional has completed, but after that you're able to begin working on your upgraded OI. If your team is only able to attend one regional, and it happens to be at the start of the season, you're going to have to wait until you get to the competition site to work on your upgrade. Other teams at the competition would be more than happy to help you out if you need help, but that's how the cookie crumbles.

-Danny

<R19> During the “FIX-IT WINDOWS” following the shipment of the ROBOT: During this period, all teams may utilize one or two 5-hour FIX-IT-WINDOWS to manufacture SPARE and REPLACEMENT PARTS and develop software for their ROBOT at their home facility. Fabrication of UPGRADE PARTS is not permitted during this period. The timing of these “FIX-IT WINDOWS” is at the discretion of the team, but all work must be completed by 5:00pm on the Friday following the ROBOT shipment deadline. Teams may manufacture all the SPARE and REPLACEMENT parts they want, but the amount of parts they can bring to a competition event is limited (as specified in Rule <R31>).

<R20> Prior to the competitions: After the close of the “FIX-IT WINDOWS” and prior to the competition, the team must put down their tools, cease fabrication of ROBOT parts, and cease all development of ROBOT software. Take this opportunity to rest, recover from the build season, and relax. Teams may scout other teams, gather and exchange information,
develop game-playing strategies, collect raw materials, prepare tool kits, plan how to make repairs, etc. in preparation for the upcoming competitions. But no construction or fabrication of any hardware, or development of any software, is allowed.

<R22> During the “FIX-IT WINDOW” following each Regional Competition weekend: During this period, all teams (not just those teams attending a Regional Competition) may utilize one or two 5-hour FIX-IT-WINDOWS to manufacture SPARE, REPLACEMENT and UPGRADE PARTS and develop software for their ROBOT at their home facility (not at the competition site). The timing of these “FIX-IT WINDOWS” is at the discretion of the team, but all work must be completed between the opening of the Competition (at 8:30 am on the Thursday of the Competition weekend) and 8:30 am on the Thursday following the Competition weekend. At the conclusion of a regional competition event, teams may take a limited
amount of broken or malfunctioning COMPONENTS or MECHANISMS back to their home facility to make SPARE or REPLACEMENT PARTS. The purpose of this rule is to allow teams to make critical repairs to existing parts to enable them to compete in following events. The intent of this rule is not to have teams take their entire ROBOT back home and make large-scale revisions or upgrades to the ROBOT. Teams may manufacture and/or repair all the parts they want, but the amount of parts they can bring to the competition
event is limited (as specified in Rule <R31>).