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There really are no benefits for FIRST
The only arguement here would be that NiCds somehow allow teams to build better/more entertaining robots which isn't really a factor. NiCds and NiMH batteries are used in about 50% of BattleBots and 75% of winners. NiCd and NiMH batteries are almost twice as efficient (when compared to their Ah rating) as SLAs when drawing very high current.
The benefits of NiCds are totally lost on FIRST robots.
-The faster charging time is moot since most robots don't need to charge after every match--this is only sometimes an issue near the finals. NiCd and NiMH chargers are expensive as well.
-All performance characteristics are negated when every team has the same battery. There's no real advantage if FIRST gives you lighter, or higher current sourcing batteries. Perhaps the playing field is "lower" but all the teams are still on it.
Dan
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