How to pass your inspection at Nationals, the EASY way

[Matt Reiland]

So your team is going to nationals, and you want to pass the inspection, coming from an tech inspector here is what you should know from us.

Obviously make sure your robots is 130 lbs or less and fits in the box.

While it should also be obvious, don't use 883 speed controller. At this same time check to make sure the Van Door isn't driven by a spike. Interestingly enough I saw for the first time a blue 884.

Have your number on 4 sides

For fuses, only the CIM and Drill can have 40A breakers, don't use them on the others even if you were tripping the 30's you can't use the 40's on other motors.

Pneumatics - Don't wire your pressure switch in series with the pump even if it works.

Look at your valves, you should have 2 small double solenoids and a single larger festo single solenoid. That's it!

Above all, don't say to the inspector, "We were in two regionals already and they never caught it!" So far nearly every team has said the same thing and that doesn't magically make it legal that another previous inspector missed the error. It actually is kind of annoying to think that there is something on your robot that is outside of the rules and it should be allowed since no one noticed it before.

Double check the check off sheet the inspector will use and your life (And the inspectors) will be nicer.

Good Luck