Gauges and Robot Rules

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Everyone,
If you checked through your KOP you will find that only one pressure gauge was included. The robot rules, however, require two gauges on the robot. One for high side pressure and one for low side pressure. If you have built your robot with only one gauge present, be advised that you need to obtain a second pressure gauge.

<R70> “Working” air pressure on the ROBOT must be no greater than 60psi. All working air must be provided through one primary Norgren adjustable pressure regulator.

C. Pressure gauges must be placed in easily visible locations upstream and downstream of the regulator to display the “stored” and “working” pressures.

Emphasis mine. Also the specification on the use of valves is very clear.

<R74> Each commanded motion of a pneumatic cylinder or rotary actuator must be accomplished via the flow of compressed air through only one approved pneumatic valve. Plumbing the outputs from multiple valves together into the same input on a pneumatic cylinder is prohibited.

[eedoga]

Im wondering if there was a difference between the rookie kits and the veteran kits? They may have just expected you to have another guage laying around.

[Siri]

Rookies get a double solenoid, relief valve, solenoid breakout, and the new compressor, but no secondary gauge. The Norgren 18-013-212 is on the Where to Get More sheet, but it's not free.

[MrForbes]

Hmmmm....it might be a good idea for veteran teams to bring extra old gages to the regionals they attend?

[JCharlton]

If one is using a compressor off-board, complete with the two gauges, relief valve, etc., do you need to keep a gauge on the robot?

I'm designing an easy minibot deployment that uses a single solenoid and spring-return cylinder, and not having to include an on-board gauge helps simplify the design. The working pressure is stored in the cylinder itself and released once at the end of the match.

In the opinion of a robot inspector would this pass muster?

[MrForbes]

The standard off-board design uses a high pressure storage tank on the robot, along with the regulator and both gauges. The only part that is removed is the compressor. I think you need to re-read the rules, carefully....the idea is that you are allowed to save the weight of the compressor by not having it on board, but you still need the storage and regulator stuff to be on the robot.

[feverittm]

Question regarding an off-board compressor. We have our compressor (vet. team, old style compressor) and would like to be able to pull it off for weight savings. According to the rules, while were stated as I understand them as well, the only thing that is different between an onboard and an offboard compressor is the compressor itself. All gauges, valves, regulators, etc. are still required and must remain on the robot.

The question is, with the compressor off the robot, but still controlled by the robot control system, how do you use it? You are not supposed to enable the robot (in order to enable the compressor) except on the field. How do you fill your tanks?

Thanks

[JCharlton]

Ah, <R68> parts A,B,C,D indicate what should be on the robot, (Aressure gagues; Bressure relief valve; Cressure switch; D:Vent valve) However in <R70> part D it states:

D. If the compressor is not included on the ROBOT (under the provisions of Rule <R69>), the regulator and high-pressure gauge may be located on-board or off-board, provided all other pneumatic rules are satisfied. Note that if the regulator is kept off-board the ROBOT with the compressor, then only low-pressure (60psi or less) “working” air can be stored on the ROBOT.

I'd imagine the pressure switch (C) could also be off-board?

I realize the usual case is to have a tank of air to run a cylinder. The design we have is with a spring return cylinder to release a lock pin on the minibot deploy. Only the air in the cylinder is needed. Very compact and easy to install.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by feverittm

The question is, with the compressor off the robot, but still controlled by the robot control system, how do you use it? You are not supposed to enable the robot (in order to enable the compressor) except on the field. How do you fill your tanks?

Not being allowed to enable in the pits is a new one on me.

You fill the tanks in the pits, then you pray that your leak-proofing crew did their job right the first time. You may be able to enable on tether in the queuing line, but don't count on that.

[Bob Steele]

I don't believe that there is a rule stating you cannot enable your robot anywhere except the field. You can't use the wireless...except on practice fields but you should be able to enable when you are connected via the cable in the pits...

I can't think of any regional anywhere that has ever not allowed that.

???