Al's Annual Inspection Thread 2015

[EricH]

Originally Posted by TogetherSword8

I know your are an inspector and not a referee, but are we allowed to, during setup on the field, activate our pneumatics systems via pushing the buttons on the solenoids of our robot? I would like to start a match with our pneumatics systems out of the robot, but during transport, no pressure and with pressure, they would be fully contained within the transport configuration.

As a referee AND an inspector...

I allowed it at the SCRRF Scrimmage. The main concern is safety, so make sure your pathway is clear.

[RyanCahoon]

Originally Posted by rich2202

In R65 (allowed changes to pnumatics), the blue box says: "Do not, for example, paint ... any part of a pneumatic".

I remember a discussion last year about no labels or writing on plastic air tanks. In theory, the ink or adhesive could weaken the tank wall.

However, R65-E allows labeling.

So, can people put stickers, or write, on the air tanks or hoses?

How about getting some shrink tubing, and then writing on that?

[ATannahill]

Originally Posted by RyanCahoon

How about getting some shrink tubing, and then writing on that?

I would be slightly concerned that the heat used to activate the shrink tube might damage the tank or hose. I would raise an eyebrow if I was inspecting your robot.

[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by Richard Wallace

... Eagerly awaiting the GDC's word on 2015 Q360.

Originally Posted by Jon Stratis

Yup, that was me asking... I saw them answer a question that check valves are illegal (which was expected), but wanted to make sure there was another answer directly applicable to the compressor we're using so an overzealous inspector didn't point to that Q&A and make our whole system worthless. I can't overturn inspectors when dealing with my own team

For those interested in the Viair 250C-IG, Q360 has been answered:

Originally Posted by FRC Q&A

Q. Are check valves integral to the operation of a compressor legal? Specifically, the VIAIR 250C IG compressor, requires a provided in-line check valve to be attached in order to cooperate correctly. It's 12V, 0.88 CFM, and is rated for 150 PSI working pressure.

A. Per R66-J, any parts or devices that are required by the manufacturer for intended operation are considered in the definition of the whole part. In this case, the check valve is considered part of the compressor and as a pneumatic part may not be modified (that is to say 'removed'). This even holds true, for example, for those legal compressors that require the compressor to be used with the supplied stainless steel hose.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

As to labeling, labels for pneumatic parts are allowed under rule R65. I don't know hwat purpose a label would be on a tank, unless you store both high and low pressure air. Labels on hoses are the same as electrical wiring, I would guess.

As to using manual control of valves during robot setup, I would think the GDC has answered that in the Q&A. Safety is a major concern so it appears that powered movement (electrical or pneumatic) is not allowed. Hand tools may be used, but I believe that is all. I would suggest you ask the Q&A a specific question to be sure.

As to the 148 robot and numbering. I could only suggest to the team that they would want to play on Saturday afternoon and for that reason some numbering scheme that identifies them to other teams in the stands would be appropriate. Since they have always made a great robot, numbering seems to be a common task for them. I would expect a inspector would find them numbering each part of the robot.

[rich2202]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

As to labeling, labels for pneumatic parts are allowed under rule R65. I don't know hwat purpose a label would be on a tank, unless you store both high and low pressure air.

One team at Week 0 had 4 white pneumatic tanks. I looked at them, and they did not have "clippard" on them. They did have some part numbers on them. I couldn't tell if they were printed by the manufacturer, or suck on (labeler) by the team.

If I was planning to use white tanks, I would want a label that clearly identified them as non-clippard (or an allowable clippard) because they will be asked over and over again.

[Ginger Power]

I apologize if this is explicitly stated elsewhere on CD or if I'm missing it in the manual but I have a materials test to study for... Is it legal to cover pneumatic air tanks and pneumatic cylinders with anything, like say a carbon fiber covering, for aesthetic purposes? The carbon fiber just slips over the tanks and cylinders and doesn't do anything more than make it look cool. Since it's really not a modification would this be legal? I'm asking for a local team who doesn't generally use CD so I don't have a picture of this specific case.

[Alan Anderson]

As a general rule, don't cover things so much that they can't be seen for inspection.

[Ginger Power]

I'm actually going to be a rookie inspector at the same event they will be attending. In my book their setup doesn't do much to hamper the inspection process. The only issue I could see it bringing up would be preventing the inspector from obviously seeing if there is any damage to the air tanks or cylinders. I don't know if that is enough to say they can't do it.

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by Ginger Power

I'm actually going to be a rookie inspector at the same event they will be attending. In my book their setup doesn't do much to hamper the inspection process. The only issue I could see it bringing up would be preventing the inspector from obviously seeing if there is any damage to the air tanks or cylinders. I don't know if that is enough to say they can't do it.

Ryan, have them e-mail me a pic of their setup and the sleeve they want to use, and I can give them some more direct feedback. You've already got my e-mail address

In general, I don't see a problem with a sleeve over pneumatic components, provided it can be quickly and easily moved/removed for inspection, it doesn't alter the component in any way, and it doesn't compress the component (like a hose clamp would, for example).

[Ginger Power]

I'll have them do that thanks!

[rich2202]

BOM Comment:

KOP items do not have to be listed.

It would be nice if certain KOP items had to be listed, like motors. The reason is: They are limited by part number, and quantity. By explicitly listing them, it is easier to confirm the part number.

[FrankJ]

Originally Posted by rich2202

BOM Comment:

KOP items do not have to be listed.

It would be nice if certain KOP items had to be listed, like motors. The reason is: They are limited by part number, and quantity. By explicitly listing them, it is easier to confirm the part number.

My understanding KOP material has to be on the BOM. The cost is $0.00 so it does not go against the $4000.00

[MrForbes]

This year is different....

[FrankJ]

Originally Posted by MrForbes

This year is different....

Teach me to read the rules better.

My BOM just got a lot shorter.