YMTC: Redabot weighs 129.8?

[Steve W]

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? Also, I agree with Al's reasoning regarding the comparable example of robot sizing.

I can definitely attest that I liked the 2003 rule better, but I don't think that the 2004 rule even covers the situation in question.

Tristan, like for like is OK. You are changing 2 parts on the robot for identical parts AND function. When changing for two different functions then everything used for the snap on must be weighed. If you don't weigh in both motors then you are not only violating the rule but the spirit of the rule as well. You can build 2 identical arms and ship with your robot. One is used as a spare. That whole assembly does not have to be weighed in, just the one to be used on the robot. The reason is like for like spares. Only when there are unlike replacements must they be added to the robot at weigh in time. If you weigh in one motor then that motor must be taken off your robot and put on the new function.

Now if you want to get away from gracious professionalism then you could say that you were having a problem with the old motor so you replaced with a new. Then when changing back to the out function say that you fixed the problem and that it is now OK. That is were gracious professionalism comes in. Not everything can be monitored and/or enforced. We must rely somewhat on the honesty of the teams. By the look of it when looking at the poll there are about 30% the are willing to be dishonest.