1.1 CFM Air Compressors?

[BenB]

Originally Posted by cbale2000

Could you post the link for that calculator? I've been looking for something like this.

Here's a more recent version of the calculator. We added extend and retract pressure in case we wanted to use inline regulators to save some air when we don't need as much force in one (or both) directions.

We've been using the compressor off-board since FIRST opened up the pnuematic air tank rules in 2011 to allow plastic air tanks, and haven't looked back.

[Ben Martin]

Originally Posted by Michael Hill

Where are you purchasing the 215 compressor? The only place I've seen is here: http://cfpwarehouse.com/shopsite_sc/...oduct2931.html

But it looks super sketchy.

Do you contact Thomas directly?

I've bought from these guys for 3 years -- no issues and fast shipping.

[Eric Scheuing]

Originally Posted by roboruler

Well considering that spec sheets can be used to prove the legality of components to RI's. What spec sheet evidence is there that these are illegal?

Obviously if it would create an unfair advantage, it would be un-GP to use even if the fact sheet was wrong.

The spec sheets are updated now. Here are some snippets from my convo with the rep. Not trying to put any teams on blast for using something with misrepresented properties; there's no way they could have known.

Regarding the 97C and the new 1.1CFM restriction

Originally Posted by VAIR

Eric,

No problem at all. We've had a few people inquire about that and our new testing has changed the CFM to 1.52. We are just waiting for final confirmation so it can be changed on our site.

Thanks,
VIAIR

Follow up asking about the 100C

Originally Posted by VAIR

Hello Eric,

Unfortunately even the 100C is going to be out of spec once we list the new CFM data. The new CFM at 0psi for the 100C will be 1.27.

Hope that helps and let me know if there is anything else I can help you out with.

Thanks,
VIAIR

Asking about other legal compressors

Originally Posted by VAIR

Hello Eric,

Thanks for contacting VIAIR! The only compressor we have seen work for FRC is the 90/92C. They are available through Andy Mark or a number of our distributors. That would be the least expensive option for you since they will also give you free shipping.

Thanks,
VIAIR

[Rick]

All of these values are for a supply voltage of 13.8 volts. The 100c, as an example, is 1.27 CFM at 13.8 volts. If 12 volts is the supply voltage, is the CFM reduced at the same ratio? 1.27 CFM at 13.8v is 1.10 CFM at 12v thus making it legal?

[wilsonmw04]

Originally Posted by Rick

All of these values are for a supply voltage of 13.8 volts. The 100c, as an example, is 1.27 CFM at 13.8 volts. If 12 volts is the supply voltage, is the CFM reduced at the same ratio? 1.27 CFM at 13.8v is 1.10 CFM at 12v thus making it legal?

Math does not make them legal. Only a spec sheet detailing the CFM makes it legal. The Thomas 215 and VIAIR 90/92 meet those requirements.

[Rick]

Originally Posted by wilsonmw04

Math does not make them legal. Only a spec sheet detailing the CFM makes it legal. The Thomas 215 and VIAIR 90/92 meet those requirements.

Is VIAIR aware that we run these compressors at 12 volts? It would be nice to a spec sheet for 12 volts.

We'll see what the 2017 rules and Q&A have for rulings.

[Eric Scheuing]

Originally Posted by Rick

Is VIAIR aware that we run these compressors at 12 volts? It would be nice to a spec sheet for 12 volts.

We'll see what the 2017 rules and Q&A have for rulings.

Might be worth reaching out to them. Their customer service was very responsive!

[Eric Scheuing]

Originally Posted by wilsonmw04

Math does not make them legal. Only a spec sheet detailing the CFM makes it legal. The Thomas 215 and VIAIR 90/92 meet those requirements.

FWIW I just checked, and VAIR lists the performance data of the 90/92/95C at 13.8V as well.

[AllenGregoryIV]

Originally Posted by Eric Scheuing

FWIW I just checked, and VAIR lists the performance data of the 90/92/95C at 13.8V as well.

Yes this is definitely an issue. I'll try to call them tomorrow if I have time. Do we know for sure that it was just their measurements that changed or did they change anything about the compressor it self. It would make sense that they would want to rate their compressors at higher CFMs (for every application other than FRC). Currently we have no way to prove the legality of any VAIR compressor since we don't have a 12V CFM rating at 0psi for any of them. We can assume the 90/92/etc are legal since we are supplying a lower voltage but we don't actually know their CFMs at 12V either.

[galewind]

Originally Posted by cbale2000

The VLAIR 330C-IG is rated to 1.06 CFM at 12V and is 100% duty cycle, so no more overheating if it runs constantly...
The downside of course is that it also weighs over 8lbs.

Would be handy if you needed a lot of air pressure and had spare weight to play with I guess.

We had the weight to play with it and used it on-board. Loved it. We had issues with the little kit viair because as it started going south, it seemed to give us issues with the PCM, causing all of our pneumatics to fail. Simple solution is to mount it with a spike, but we opted to go bigger this year. HAD to use a spike because of the higher AWG wire.

Edit: The only issue we had was when we mounted our fittings into the head, we over-torqued it and cracked the head. We had a high-strength epoxy we used around the fitting and didn't have any issues.