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Re: Preseason Design: What are the Limits?
I agree with Cory for several reasons.
Because of the nature of FIRST, and us being completely unaware of the game, no game specific advantage can be obtained preseason.
Also, forbidding designs from the preseason hurts newer teams more than powerhouses. A newer team will benefit a lot more from a pre-designed base than a veteran. Trust me, if the rules became more strict on this, 254 would I have problem making a different 6WD that works awesomely. Veteran teams are going to be farther ahead no matter what restrictive rules are applied.
I know what the rule says for 2007, I'm just hoping it is different for 2008. Engineering isn't entirely about trying new things; from my years of interning at Northrop Grumman I have never seen them immediately move to a new design/custom part when they already have a design or off the shelf part to fulfill the role.
EDIT: in response to Alan; I think this rule 90% effects drivetrains. It's really the only thing similar enough year to year. I'll admit you have far more experience with FIRST than me, but I can't imagine an entire arm/manipulator being reused. I know some teams like 233, 330, 60/254 (with that arm) have re-used the general concept year to year, but it is always significantly different and legal by the above rules. So, since this affects mostly drivetrains, and veteran teams can usually make those no problem regardless of the pre-season, I think this rule is pointless.
Last edited by AdamHeard : 13-12-2007 at 13:43.
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