Magnetic Solenoid

[thinker&planner]

I don't see why you couldn't limit the stroke to one inch (per 2016 rules), as long as it was accomplished without modifying the solenoid itself.

It's pretty common to put "sleeves" on the rod of pneumatic cylinders to limit the amount that they can retract.

[tomy]

Originally Posted by thinker&planner

I don't see why you couldn't limit the stroke to one inch (per 2016 rules), as long as it was accomplished without modifying the solenoid itself.

It's pretty common to put "sleeves" on the rod of pneumatic cylinders to limit the amount that they can retract.

That's a good way to think outside of the box. I wouldn't have thought of that. Would we still need a custom circuit board to limit the current to the device such that it only draws 10W of power instead of 30W of power?

[Mark McLeod]

To be legal for official competition the COTS device alone would need to be properly rated as per the rules.
In general, no custom circuits are allowed to modify actuator pathways.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

For those of you wondering...
R30 The integral mechanical and electrical system of any motor must not be modified. Motors, servos, and electric solenoids used on the ROBOT shall not be modified in any way, except as follows:
A. The mounting brackets and/or output shaft/interface may be modified to facilitate the physical connection of the motor to the ROBOT and actuated part.

The solenoid specification in R29 is the standalone specification, not those that are modified by external circuitry or mechanical stops. Sorry. However, you may always ask of the Q&A in the season.