[Al Skierkiewicz]

Hooking a muffin fan (or other brushless DC cooling fan) to Victor or Jaguar would likely kill it. Spikes, because they are simply relays, should produce no ill effects. There is no rules this year that relate to fans at all. Teams that wish to use fan/blower mechanisms for playing the game or other robot function (not simply cooling electronics) I believe come under the motor usage rules and as such are required to use KOP motors, not the motors that come with the assembly. I have had a few inquiries about using COTS blowers and fans and my response referred teams to the motor usage rules. I am not speaking for the GDC here but I am rendering an opinion on the way fans have been utilized in past years. When in doubt, ask the Q&A.
In addition, the rules imply that the fans supplied with the Victors should be attached. The manufacturer, IFI, requires them to be in place. If you use Victors, mount the fans and power them. The rules do allow that Victor fans be wired in parallel with the input power terminals at the Victor as recommended by IFI.