use of fans on bot

[teets]

so does anyone know whether or not we are allowed to use fans on the bot. No not the small computer fans i'm talking large industrial fans. Thank you.

[EricH]

If it uses legal motors, and is properly enclosed so safety is not compromised, you should be just fine.

However... I do want to note that air wall tactics have been discussed a number of times, and the odds aren't necessarily in your favor, should you go for that method (though I can think of a couple of fans that might be able to do some frisbee disruption and fit in the robot size).

[TheMadCADer]

Originally Posted by EricH

However... I do want to note that air wall tactics have been discussed a number of times, and the odds aren't necessarily in your favor, should you go for that method (though I can think of a couple of fans that might be able to do some frisbee disruption and fit in the robot size).

It could be the ideal defense against a hypothetical full-court shooter. You have a long path that the disc has to travel, so even small changes in angle have a large change in the final location of the shot. Also, their robot would be stationary, so you can just sit in front of them rather than chase after them.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

As Eric pointed out, the fans you describe may only be used with legal motors.

[Taylor]

Fans on robots are not without precedent. These guys won the inaugural DC regional and were finalists at BMR. Not too shabby.

[neshera]

Our robot used fans in the Lunacy game, to try to help push the robot on the slippery regolith surface. This was quite legal, with the proper caging for safety. Having said this, it was done with a considerable amount of consternation on the part of some people (I'm with you, Kris! )
I'm still wondering if the ventilation systems at any of the venues will mess with long disc shots.

[Phyrxes]

I still have nightmares about team 45's fan from Lunacy...

In all seriousness, make sure that if you put defensive fans on your robot that they use legal motors and the prop/blades/whatever are properly enclosed/protected. If you want a challenge make an effective version of the Dyson Air Multiplier.