[archiver]

Posted by Gary Bonner at 2/5/2001 12:29 PM EST


Other on team #433, Firebirds, from Mount Saint Joseph Academy and SCT Corp., FMC Corp..


In Reply to: the logic has not changed
Posted by Ken Patton on 2/4/2001 12:40 PM EST:



Last year was my first year, so I have no experience before that, but I’d have to say that FIRST has changed their views on the use of fasteners.

From the 2000 Additional Hardware List:
Fasteners, Washers, Nuts, Adhesives - Any amount - Joining ONLY

From 2000 Team Update #7:
CORRECTIONS AND UPDATES TO THE MANUAL
The following parts have been modified in the Additional Hardware List as follows:
Fasteners, Washers, Nuts, Adhesives - Any size, Any amount

From 2000 Team Update 9:
Q222. What is the limitation on the usage of Velcro? Does it fall under the category of Fasteners, Washers, Nuts, and Adhesives in the Additional Hardware List?
A222. Velcro is a fastener. Fasteners are listed on the Additional Hardware List and the use is no longer limited to "Joining ONLY" as of Team Update #7.

I can understand that “fastening” the wheels to the robot may not be the best example, but, there are plenty of other applications, such as a pivot points or linkages, where a fastener may not be just fastening. Are these also not legal uses? Where do you draw the line? It seems to me that it should be either no movement at he joint, or no restrictions on use of fasteners. Anywhere else is arbitrary. What purpose would the rule serve? It certainly is not leveling the playing field. A ten cent bolt available at any hardware store vs. purchasing something from Small Parts that has to be modified. SP doesn’t even sell common steel screws or bolts.