Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Fultz
The question asked to the GDC was regarding a "battery" compared to a "battery assembly"- they are not the same thing. It was clear that you could bring unlimited batteries (that would be like they come in the box - no connectors installed), but it was not clear about assembled batteries - with connectors installed.
the decision provided by the GDC is consistent with other parts - i.e. you can bring in spare motors as unlimited COTS, but if you install a sprocket on it then it is an assembly or mechanism, and part of the weight restrictions.
batteries have always been an exception to many of the other rules, and most of us assumed the same exception for this year, but the question was asked to avoid a surprise on Thursday morning and to get an official response. Many of us do not like or agree with the response, and maybe it will change, but for now it is the ruling and so we are adapting to it and will be compliant.
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You're correct, but if we look at the INTENT of the 40 lb withholding allowance rules (as we are told to do by the GDC) it is to allow us to keep the control system back to work on it (which requires batteries with leads to power by the way). I even understand clarification needed on what is considered COTS and what is a MECHANISM, but I can't believe the intent of the whole thing is to keep teams from gaining an advantage by pre-wiring their batteries. There is no advantage - it is a waste of time to disconnect batteries just to walk in the door and reconnect them - the ruling is asinine and needs to be corrected.
Sorry - I'm obviously somewhat bitter about this one. I know its a relatively small thing, but it's been stacked on top of a bunch of what seems to be unnecessary lawyering of rules done by the GDC this year. It's putting a serious damper on what should be a very fun process.