Minibot Battery

[Dakota]

We need to order a spare battery for our minibot, but the spare batteries are $50. I can build an equivalent battery for $14 but it would be 1600mAH as opposed to the supplied battery's 3000mAH. Is this acceptable by FIRST regulation?

[Jon Stratis]

<R92> The following items are the only permitted materials for use on the MINIBOTS:
[...]
C. no more than one 12V rechargeable NiMH battery pack identical to those supplied in the FTC kit of parts (PN W739057) except the 20A fuse may be replaced with an equivalent type of lower amperage,
[...]

if it's not identical, and it sounds like it isn't, then it isn't legal.

[nitneylion452]

<R92>

no more than one 12V rechargeable NiMH battery pack identical to those supplied in the FTC kit of parts (PN W739057)

Emphasis mine.

I don't think making your own battery would be legal, in this case.

[Francis-134]

As stated in the rules (R92 C), it must be identical to the battery in the FTC kit of parts. Having a lower mAH rating makes this battery not identical to the one supplied in the kit. I am not on the GDC, but in my interpretation of the rules, this would not be allowed. However, if you could make one that supplied 3000 mAH, it would be identical, fitting the rule.

[Dakota]

Thank you.

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by Francis-134

However, if you could make one that supplied 3000 mAH, it would be identical, fitting the rule.

I emphatically disagree with that statement. It might have the same capacity specifications, but it would not be an identical part, and it would thus not follow the rule.

[Newo95]

Have you checked the FIRST Q and A forum?

[WizenedEE]

You really do not have to check the forums. Using a self-made battery is obviously illegal, and dangerous if you're not sure.

Using it for practice is fine, as long as it's safe.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Dakota,
You can ask the Q&A but this rule makes all minibots use the exact same voltage/current/weight battery that has a fuse holder attached for use with known (and widely available at competition) battery charger and connector.

[fox46]

Why do you need a new battery? One should be plenty enough to run the competition. 3000mAh is way overkill for a couple tetrix motors. I still don't understand why they made us use such a massive battery.