parts as dead weight?

[Ken Leung]

I got a pretty simple question about additional parts usage... And I am wondering if anyone can give me a quick reply...

May I use parts in the additional hardware list as weight on the robot? Things like shaft collar, bearings, nuts and bolts, gears, etc?

[Nate Smith]

as long as it's not a battery(see 2002 rule K9), and what you were using fell under the allowed parts, i wouldn't see a problem with it...however, if you're thinking about using a gear, why not just attach a block of material X(whatever gives you enough weight) to the robot?

[Ed Sparks]

I know of no rule against this. In the past, I've seen aluminum and steel plate bolted on a frame to add weight. I suspect however that robot inspectors may have a problem with objects such as bolts and/or washers that are not fastened securely. In other words, a pile of loose parts that could dump onto the playing field is probably no good.

[ChrisH]

I know that we have in the past added hardware that was legal (lead plate from SPI) but served no purpose other than moving the CG (Center of Gravity) of the robot.

Actually, it was amazing how a small shift could affect the handling of the robot.

Just be sure the material is tied down well, from a legal source, and either a kit part, a catalog part or on the additional hardware list. Since changing the CG affects the function of the robot, rules for non-functional materials do not apply.

[Ken Leung]

Thanks! The question was answered within 13 mins. Yay! This forum really works.

My answer would've been:

The spirit of the additional hardware list is that you may use the allowed material/parts however you want, just like the raw materials. Keep in mind though, the 130 lbs rules still apply, and for specific parts like motors and batteries, you may only use the same number as how much you got from the kit on the robot.

So, you couldn't use like 5 drill motors or 15 innovation FIRST controller to add weight. .


You guys had some great answers, but I especially like how Nate specify which rule this is under in the manual. In terms of giving shot answers quickly, the first two answers by Ed and Nate was good enough for the asker to make some quick decision right away . I was also amazed that gross was the first one reading the question within a minute after it was posted.

I have a feeling this is going to work out really well.