R68: One and only one compressor

[MrBasse]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

2. Large storage tank (5 gallon +), filled by unknown compressor and used to then fill robot storage.

We got hassled about doing this even though we had witnesses that were event officials watch us suffer through filling a 1 gallon spare air tank with the robot compressor a few years back. All it takes is another team to complain thinking it is unfair for offboard storage to be not worth the benefits. We really didn't see any harm in doing that as it technically followed the rules, but New Hampshire was called and they said storing air off the robot was not okay.

[pntbll1313]

Originally Posted by MrBasse

All it takes is another team to complain thinking it is unfair for offboard storage to be not worth the benefits. We really didn't see any harm in doing that as it technically followed the rules, but New Hampshire was called and they said storing air off the robot was not okay.

I'm surprised that if headquarters feels it's illegal to store air off the robot that they wouldn't state it more clearly in the manual. Did you get the impression that they made their ruling based on safety, or was it for some other reason?

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Pete,
R74 & R75 essentially show that.

[Nick Lawrence]

As I read R68, and other associated rules in the manual surrounding compressors I see absolutely no rules preventing a team from having a compressor in their pit that is not used for the robot.

R68: Compressed air on the ROBOT must be provided by one and only one compressor. Compressor specifications may not
exceed nominal 12VDC, 1.05 cfm flow rate.

Emphasis mine. As far as I can tell, it is ONLY up to either the VENUE to disallow the use of a shop compressor for non robot powering service or the event staff if they deem that a team is unsafely using it (such as using it to clean off their tables, etc.) I have not found any other tournament rules that explicitly disallow a team from bringing a shop air compressor into their pit for purposes other than filling their robot's air tanks.

- Nick

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by pntbll1313

I'm surprised that if headquarters feels it's illegal to store air off the robot that they wouldn't state it more clearly in the manual. Did you get the impression that they made their ruling based on safety, or was it for some other reason?

It is stated more clearly this year - R70 states:

"Stored" air pressure on the ROBOT must be no greater than 120 psi. No stored air pressure intended for the ROBOT may be located off-board the ROBOT.

Can't be much clearer this year!. Previous years, it was not stated clearly, but implied through the pneumatic diagrams and list of components for on board/ off board setups.

[Nick Lawrence]

Originally Posted by R70

"Stored" air pressure on the ROBOT must be no greater than 120 psi. No stored air pressure intended for the ROBOT may be located off-board the ROBOT.

Emphasis mine. It's still very clear to me that you can have an air compressor in your pit for shop tools, and not the robot.

-Nick

[pntbll1313]

Originally Posted by Jon Stratis

It is stated more clearly this year - R70 Can't be much clearer this year!. Previous years, it was not stated clearly, but implied through the pneumatic diagrams and list of components for on board/ off board setups.

Thanks Jon! There have been a few rules in this year's manual that are far clearer than they previously were. Very happy about that I must have skimmed over R70 since we do all our pneumatics onboard anyway.

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by Nick Lawrence

As I read R68, and other associated rules in the manual surrounding compressors I see absolutely no rules preventing a team from having a compressor in their pit that is not used for the robot.

I agree Nick. My original post was unclear in that I was discussing air on the robot only.

Shop air depends on the venue; many are power-limited and even a small compressor could pop a breaker, although some have plenty of power and are OK with big compressors used for tools and harassing freshmen.

The point is, air on the robot is to be supplied by only one compressor. You can't use a second compressor to add air to the robot, regardless of how much better for your robot you feel it will be.

[mwmac]

Originally Posted by DonRotolo

I agree Nick. My original post was unclear in that I was discussing air on the robot only.

Shop air depends on the venue; many are power-limited and even a small compressor could pop a breaker, although some have plenty of power and are OK with big compressors used for tools and harassing freshmen.

The point is, air on the robot is to be supplied by only one compressor. You can't use a second compressor to add air to the robot, regardless of how much better for your robot you feel it will be.

Thanks for clarifying Don. Totally agree.

[FrankJ]

Originally Posted by pntbll1313

I'm surprised that if headquarters feels it's illegal to store air off the robot that they wouldn't state it more clearly in the manual. Did you get the impression that they made their ruling based on safety, or was it for some other reason?

It was clarified last year during Q&A for 2014. Pneumatic rules have always been very restrictive & rigidly interpreted. Didn't stop exploding tanks.