Team Update 14 (2016)

[GeeTwo]

Originally Posted by KevinG

Robots that have not passed inspection may not be powered outside of the pit area. This includes practice fields.

Currently teams are allowed to play on the practice field or regulation field during their designated practice matches without passing inspection. At the risk of some additional paperwork, what if inspection were split into two parts?

• Pre-inspection would only include major safety items, such as sharp or otherwise unsafe parts, insulated connections, no electrical connection to frame, many if not all of the pneumatics rules, and probably a few others.
• Full inspection would begin with or build on on pre-inspection and also include wiring details, final weigh-in, bumper rules, frame perimeter measurement

A robot must pass pre-inspection to power up on the practice fields or for scheduled practice matches, and both pre-inspection and full inspection for the filler line or competition matches. Only one pre-inspected or fully inspected robot allowed per team.

[marshall]

Originally Posted by GeeTwo

Currently teams are allowed to play on the practice field or regulation field during their designated practice matches without passing inspection. At the risk of some additional paperwork, what if inspection were split into two parts?

• Pre-inspection would only include major safety items, such as sharp or otherwise unsafe parts, insulated connections, no electrical connection to frame, many if not all of the pneumatics rules, and probably a few others.
• Full inspection would begin with or build on on pre-inspection and also include wiring details, final weigh-in, bumper rules, frame perimeter measurement

A robot must pass pre-inspection to power up on the practice fields or for scheduled practice matches, and both pre-inspection and full inspection for the filler line or competition matches. Only one pre-inspected or fully inspected robot allowed per team.

This is actually what I thought the update was going to be based on some brief conversations with Jon and Frank in Palmetto... I'm sad that it didn't go this way but it is what it is.

[The_ShamWOW88]

Originally Posted by GeeTwo

Currently teams are allowed to play on the practice field or regulation field during their designated practice matches without passing inspection. At the risk of some additional paperwork, what if inspection were split into two parts?

• Pre-inspection would only include major safety items, such as sharp or otherwise unsafe parts, insulated connections, no electrical connection to frame, many if not all of the pneumatics rules, and probably a few others.
• Full inspection would begin with or build on on pre-inspection and also include wiring details, final weigh-in, bumper rules, frame perimeter measurement

A robot must pass pre-inspection to power up on the practice fields or for scheduled practice matches, and both pre-inspection and full inspection for the filler line or competition matches. Only one pre-inspected or fully inspected robot allowed per team.

It seems to be hard enough to get teams to inspect the first time. Asking them to do it twice. Especially at District events where we don't have a full practice day to get it done.

[Richard Wallace]

From the Manual:

Originally Posted by FRC 2016 Game Manual, Sectio 5.5.2

ROBOTS are permitted to participate in scheduled Practice MATCHES prior to passing Inspection.
However, the FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA), LRI or Head REFEREE may determine at any time that the ROBOT is unsafe, per Section 3 (3.4.1 Safety Rules), and may prohibit further participation in Practice MATCHES until the condition is corrected and the ROBOT passes Inspection.

Many years ago as a new LRI, I tried to implement what Gus suggested. Turned out it was too confusing for teams and volunteers alike. The Manual (quoted above) has it right, IMHO.

[KevinG]

Originally Posted by GeeTwo

Currently teams are allowed to play on the practice field or regulation field during their designated practice matches without passing inspection. At the risk of some additional paperwork, what if inspection were split into two parts?

• Pre-inspection would only include major safety items, such as sharp or otherwise unsafe parts, insulated connections, no electrical connection to frame, many if not all of the pneumatics rules, and probably a few others.
• Full inspection would begin with or build on on pre-inspection and also include wiring details, final weigh-in, bumper rules, frame perimeter measurement

A robot must pass pre-inspection to power up on the practice fields or for scheduled practice matches, and both pre-inspection and full inspection for the filler line or competition matches. Only one pre-inspected or fully inspected robot allowed per team.

I would be worried about the paperwork and also keeping track of everything, but it might be viable. The front of the inspection sheet could be used to handle safety and critical features, while the rear of the inspection should could be used to handle game-related requirements.

I would consider bumper rules to be a safety/critical feature, as I would not want a robot with illegal bumpers interacting with other teams.