Tips from a veteran Robot Inspector

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Now that we are less than a week to Stop Work Day, (and since a new Inspection Checklist was released last night) it is time to remind all teams that robots need to be inspected before all competitions. As it appears that many teams are choosing pneumatics this year for some functions, let's start there.

1. The compressor used to charge the robot storage system must be an FRC legal compressor controlled by the Crio. If you choose to keep your compressor off-board, it still must operate under Crio control and all other robot rules must be followed.

2. Valves must meet the max volume spec of 0.32 Cv per R71.

3. Components may not be modified. This includes painting, grinding to remove weight, etc. You may remove the pin from a cylinder as long as the cylinder itself is not modified in the process.

4. Tubing can be a maximum of .160 ID and all tubing must carry a working pressure rating of 125 psi.

5. Working pressure must be supplied through one primary Norgren regulator at 60 psi. Working pressures less that 60 psi can be supplied through additional regulators downstream of the primary regulator.

6. The pressure relief valve is not calibrated from the factory. You must adjust it to open at greater than 125 psi. This can be accomplished by bypassing the pressure switch and adjusting the valve while monitoring the high pressure gauge. Be sure to tighten the locking collar and test again.

7. The pneumatic system will be checked during the "Power On" test portion of the Inspection Checklist on p2.

Please have several of your students and one mentor assigned to checking over the Inspection Checklist prior to sealing the bag next Tuesday. It will save you considerable time at your events. Remember that when you inspect early, you get to go into the practice fill in line and get some extra practice time on the field.

One quick reminder...The rules have changed this year for maximum size of the operator console. This is due to the ball return's size in the driver's station.

[R82]
The Operator Console must not exceed 44 in. long by 12 in. deep (excluding any items that are held or worn by the
Drivers during the Match).

[MrForbes]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

2. Valves must meet the max volume spec of 0.32 Cv per R71.

Are all previous year KOP valves considered legal?

[Tristan Lall]

Originally Posted by squirrel

Are all previous year KOP valves considered legal?

Doubtful. The 0.32 C_V requirement is new enough that several years' KOP valves likely have not been vetted by FIRST. Also, inspectors are not typically provided with documentation for KOP valves, especially from previous years.

The best protection is to bring the manufacturer's documentation for the valve.

[Wayne Doenges]

11) If you are using a chain be sure to put a guard over it, if there is any chance someone can get aan appendage caught in it

[Cal578]

This is all great advice. It is so importance to go through the checklist yourself, before build season is over. So, here's the official checklist:
1) Go through the Robot Inspection checklist.

And, because there's been so much discussion about bumper length:
8) Bumpers. Use ¾ inch thick by 5 inches tall plywood, 8 inch minimum length.
The 8" does not include any plywood in the corner (overlapping another bumper). You must have 8" from the vertex (corner of the frame perimeter).

I hope this helps. Good luck, everyone!