[EricH]

Originally Posted by keen101

I wouldn't worry about it. You are a rookie team. Anything you assemble could probably be considered prototype parts. If it were me, i'd have already built the transmissions, and be working on a prototype base welded together, and then just grab the first wheels i could find. Maybe two crappy caster wheels, and two chain and sprocket drive wheels mounted to the transmissions.

That rule has always been a little weird. To be honest i really don't know how a robot could be designed off season for the next competition. I suppose it could be done, but it would seem like a waste of time. Anything else built i consider prototype. That's just me maybe.

here are some tips i will give you:

1. don't use aluminum axles.
2. use some sort of cable ties to keep wiring organized (as best you can), and write down a "diagram" of where your wires go just in case.

3.Try to learn solidworks and draft almost every part of your robot before you build it. Just go thought the first 3 solidworks tutorials, and you will know the basics practically.

The rule is there for a reason. The intent is that teams not work on their competition robots before the game. The GDC might decide, for no apparent reason, to ban pre-made shifting transmissions. Farfetched? Yes. Possible? Yes.

I believe that there were rumors at one point that teams were pre-building. The next time a new ruleset came out, there were significant changes that would ruin the prebuild.

You may be right about the prototype, but then you'd probably need to get another pair of transmissions to be sure you're strictly legal.

Now, about those tips: 3) could really be ANY CAD program. Inventor is included with participation. It's just about as easy as Solidworks.
2) any method of organizing wire. Wrapping it works, energy chain could be used. Just organize it and keep the runs as short as possible, especially if they're heavy gauge.
1) Aluminum axles can be used. However, you have to know what you are doing. There's different types (alloys) of aluminum, and some are more suited for axles than others. If you want to do the analysis to get the aluminum axles, go right ahead. If not, steel works.