YMTC: Redabot weighs 129.8?

[Katie Reynolds]

Originally Posted by Tristan Lall

That only addresses the reason for which it was obtained, rather than the reason for which it was installed. It is legitimate to buy it in order to cover a possible malfunction, then preemptively install it in one module or the other.

Sure, you can install the second motor on the second module as long as both modules and the base weigh a total of less than 130 lbs. In this situation, Redabot would weigh more than 130 lbs, if reweighed after adding the second motor.

With what you're saying, teams could easy add another 20 lbs to their robot by added backups for when something fails.

"Well, we're at 128 lbs but ... that battery'll die sometime - we'd better make room for two, just in case!"

"Alright, we're at 130 exactly. But I was thinking - that chip motor could give out. Instead of swapping the whole motor if it fails, let's just throw another on there now so we can move the wires and save ourselves some trouble!"

Originally Posted by Tristan Lall

As for why I think that the rule is ill-conceived, look at it this way: if you had a quick-change collar on the Globe motor, it would make sense to make two--one for the robot and one for the spare motor. Is it being implied that such a collar is inherently illegal, unless you defeat its purpose by only waiting until you need it in order to install the collar on the motor?

No one is saying you can't install a spare part for when something breaks -- the general concensus seems to be, if you've already "passed inspection" and weighed in, and are adding a part that could put you over the 130 lb limit, you should be reweighed. If the robot is over 130 lbs, the spare part needs to be removed or provisions should be made so the robot is within the 130 lb limit with the spare.

Bottomr line: If a team is going to add something of considerable weight (not a ziptie or an extra velcro tie), they should reweigh to make sure that they will pass inspection with the new part(s) on the robot. If the robot and all of its assemblies weigh more than 130 lbs at any time, it is in violiation of rule <R06>.