More than two air tanks?

[Mercutio]

We've been in FIRST for two years, so we have four pneumatic accumulator tanks -- one set from this year and one set from last year. In the rules, it says that "there is no limit to the number of solenoid valves, air cylinders, and connecting fittings you may use on your robot," but it also says that "the pneumatic system uses compressed air from a 12V DC powered compressor that discharges into two air storage tanks." Are we allowed to use more than two tanks on our robot? I don't think there would be a safety concern, since all the pressures in the system would remain the same.

~Aaron

[inwoodraider]

For the pneumatics set up, you can only use the two air tanks that they provide you with every year. You can use as many cylinders as you want but only those air tanks.

Tyler
Team 1155

[ahecht]

Originally Posted by inwoodraider

For the pneumatics set up, you can only use the two air tanks that they provide you with every year. You can use as many cylinders as you want but only those air tanks.

This is true, however if you really need more air, you can use additional pistons as air tanks. The only catch is that they can only be filled to 60psi.

[Chris Fultz]

You can also use a coil of tubing - it has more volume than your would expect and could be on the 120 psi side of the regulator.

EDIT / ERROR - According to FIRST Q & A, you cannot use a coil of tubing to store air.

[sanddrag]

What about using cylinder to store air (at 60 psi of course)? Would this be legal?

EDIT: I found the Q&A post and that person was asking if we can use coiled tubing in place of the tanks. What about in additon to the tanks? You already need a piece of tubing between the tanks and regulator, so what difference would it make if it was oh, say 6' longer?

[platt]

are we allowed to use parts for pnematics that was not provided to us and is there a restriction on how to wire

[Alavinus]

RTFM [Read the First Manual]

Both of your questions are answered in it. You are allowed to use additional pnuematic cylinders as long as they are identical to the ones on the bimba order sheet. You are also allowed to use previous year's solenoids or their equivalent. You are not allowed to use other components unless specifically allowed by FIRST.

As to wiring, all the info you'll ever need to know is located in the FIRST manual. Read it. Understand it. Love it.