Robot Inspection Checklist Prior to Matches

[bookworm0422]

Ok I've been tasked with making a Robot Saftey Checklist for use by our team prior to every match we have to ensure everything is in order and functioning properly, would any one have any ideas of what to include or maybe have a template that their team uses that i could have and make into my own. Please and Thank you.

[scottydoh]

Replace and secure battery
Check that purge valve is closed if applicable
Verify bumper color matches alliance color
Possible quick power up to make sure everything is getting power and pressurize pneumatic system

[Arjun Namineni]

Our team also places our robot on blocks and quickly tests every function, such as drive train, arm, and minibot deployment. We also try to remember to charge our pneumatics with a used battery instead of the one that will go on the field just so we can save some power.

Oh, and make sure you have the right code and the right autonomous.

[wilsonmw04]

[quote=Arjun Namineni;1047199]

We also try to remember to charge our pneumatics with a used battery instead of the one that will go on the field just so we can save some power.

Oh, and make sure you have the right code and the right autonomous.

*cough* that's Illegal *cough*

<R34> The only legal source of electrical energy for the ROBOT/HOSTBOT during the competition is one MK ES17-12 12VDC non-spillable lead acid battery, OR one EnerSys NP 18-12 battery, as provided in the 2011 KOP. Batteries integral to and part of a COTS computing device are also permitted (i.e. laptop batteries), provided they’re only used to power the COTS computing device.

emphasis is mine.
By charging with one battery and swapping for a second, you would be breaking this rule.

[Colin P]

[quote=wilsonmw04;1047209]

Originally Posted by Arjun Namineni

*cough* that's Illegal *cough*

<R34> The only legal source of electrical energy for the ROBOT/HOSTBOT during the competition is one MK ES17-12 12VDC non-spillable lead acid battery, OR one EnerSys NP 18-12 battery, as provided in the 2011 KOP. Batteries integral to and part of a COTS computing device are also permitted (i.e. laptop batteries), provided they’re only used to power the COTS computing device.

emphasis is mine.
By charging with one battery and swapping for a second, you would be breaking this rule.

There's nothing wrong with what they're doing. The rule you quoted simply details what batteries you can use in competition, not what action may be done with said battery. There's a rule about not needing power to get into starting configuration, but if they take care of that off the field it doesn't matter.

[Arjun Namineni]

Charging the pneumatics system wouldn't add any electrical energy to the ROBOT.

Anyways, I saw many teams do this on the field while referees were around and the team members weren't chastised.

[wilsonmw04]

[quote=Colin P;1047217]

Originally Posted by wilsonmw04

There's nothing wrong with what they're doing. The rule you quoted simply details what batteries you can use in competition, not what action may be done with said battery. There's a rule about not needing power to get into starting configuration, but if they take care of that off the field it doesn't matter.

I would take a position that what they are doing would affect the robot while on the field and there would be illegal. So you don't see this as using two batteries during a match: one to charge the system and another to run the robot and the compressor to keep the system charged?
Please defend that position. Seems cut and dry to me.

[wilsonmw04]

Originally Posted by Arjun Namineni

Charging the pneumatics system wouldn't add any electrical energy to the ROBOT.

Agreed it doesn't add electrical energy, but stored "energy" that you received from a battery that you do not have on the robot. Therefore, you used two batteries on the robot for any given match.

Originally Posted by Arjun Namineni

Anyways, I saw many teams do this on the field while referees were around and the team members weren't chastised.

Did they change the battery after charging as you stated you did?

[Arjun Namineni]

First of all, the rule that you stated only limits what type and how many batteries you can use. We are only using one legal battery on the robot.

Second, I stated this earlier, but I will say it again. Charging the pneumatics system adds NO electrical energy to the robot (as far as I know). The rule says that you can only get ELECTRICAL energy from one battery. It says nothing about pneumatics.

Third, the teams that charged their pneumatics on the field took a "portable" compressor attached to a battery and charged it through the pressure relief valve. That is essentially what we are doing also.

I can't say for sure, but I believe Scottydoh means that the pneumatics are charged with an off-the-robot battery before each match. This would not in any way mean adding an extra battery during the match. It would be like me adding 47 extra batteries to our robot when it's not competing. It's not against the rules at all to have pre-filled air tanks. As for the rule stating about not pre-charged electrical things (or something like that), pre-pumped air has no electricity in it. It would be the same if we filled up the tanks with our mouths. And while that is completely legal, it would be stupid to do so. It would be hard to fill your pneumatic tanks to 60 psi by blowing in them.

We are pre-filling our air tanks before each match.

[Vikesrock]

[quote=wilsonmw04;1047219]

Originally Posted by Colin P

I would take a position that what they are doing would affect the robot while on the field and there would be illegal. So you don't see this as using two batteries during a match: one to charge the system and another to run the robot and the compressor to keep the system charged?
Please defend that position. Seems cut and dry to me.

<R01> indicates the energy stored in the battery at the start of the match as separate from the 120PSI air stored on the robot.

<R34> serves to further restrict the battery clause of <R01> (as is directly indicated in that clause).

Neither <R01> nor <R34> provide any requirements as to how the 120PSI air gets in the tanks.

I can understand your interpretation, but I do not see it as cut and dry either way as you suggest. Perhaps a question for the Q&A?

[Arjun Namineni]

I don't mean to "lawyer" the rules, but it does say electrical energy. Any other type of energy seems to be allowed (granted that it follows all other rules). I mean if I had a robot that had a pneumatics cylinder which activated and knocked a ball down a ramp and launched our minibot, it would be legal because the ball had potential energy but no electrical energy. This is the same idea.

[wireties]

It may seem silly but - continually check for loose screws! - with the battery disconnected of course

HTH

[LLogan]

Off topic, sorry.