Are non-marking tires required

[blturner]

We have a test bot running on 10" Harbor freight pneumatic wheels. It leaves black marks on the carpet when the wheels slip.

I worry that might be considered "Damaging the field"

Has this been an issue in the past?

[dellagd]

We used black 10" Harbor Freight wheels in competition for 2012 and had no issues with carpet marking. I don't remember making any black streaks on the carpet when we first started using them, but maybe the one's you got just need to be "worn-in" for the marking to cease?

[blturner]

Thanks, Ours are probably marking because they were sitting in my shed for 7years. I will try some fresh ones.

[Ether]

Originally Posted by blturner

Ours are probably marking because they were sitting in my shed for 7years.

Do you store your lawn tractor and other gas-powered tools in that shed during the summer?

[blturner]

Yep. Are you thinking gas fumes damaged the rubber?

[Ether]

Originally Posted by blturner

Yep. Are you thinking gas fumes damaged the rubber?

Possibly. Or it could just be the heat and age.

[BBray_T1296]

You cannot damage the carpet but marking it may not fit that criteria.

On a related note, we tested with VexPro traction wheels and they marked up glossy powder-coated field parts very quickly (tens of seconds). I can't imagine that being a violation.

[JesseK]

Asked on the Q&A. We'll see the response.

[blturner]

I thought about asking on the official Q&A but figured the question had been asked and answered in previous years. Thanks for asking.

I have not thoroughly tested how much they mark because it's more than I want to do to the schools hallway. I have asked for carpet donations and hope to get some comparable to the FIRST field to practice on.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by blturner

I thought about asking on the official Q&A but figured the question had been asked and answered in previous years. Thanks for asking.

I have not thoroughly tested how much they mark because it's more than I want to do to the schools hallway. I have asked for carpet donations and hope to get some comparable to the FIRST field to practice on.

Answer #1: You've been around a while. Do I really need to remind you that past years' rulings don't apply to this year?

Answer #2: Want some actual FRC field carpet? Ask your RD and FTA as soon as you get to the regional (or before) and have a transport big enough for a roll of carpet show up at loadout. Now you have a full roll (or two, if you want that much) to transport back and work with, and it's free.

[JesseK]

It turns out that yesterday's markings faded or were vacuumed up before today. We think there there's an oily residue on new black tires. There wasn't a lot of driving today, so I don't know if the lack of marks at the end of the day was due to that or to the oil having already worn off. We're investigating biodegradable cleaners that don't soften, weaken or otherwise damage the tires Hopefully I'll have more to report by Thursday.

[blturner]

My rookie year as a volunteer was 2006 but I only started mentoring two years ago. I don't recall ever seeing a robot with black wheels. AndyMark doesn't sell any. It just seemed suspicious that there was not a rule against it and yet they weren't common.

The carpet at the Kansas City regional always goes to our off season event, Cow town throw down. I asked them for last years carpet our rookie year and there was none available. Not that I have room for it in the off season anyway. We have an 8'x8' closet. I would have to stand the carpet on end.

[JesseK]

Q587 was answered.

Originally Posted by Q&A

It is expected that the FIELD will get marked up by tires during play, so no.

We still plan to investigate cleaners though.