Need Your Input - Is my OI panel still legal?

[Wetzel]

Originally Posted by CraigB

I feel that the Q/A answer was intended to disallow functional modifications to the OI panel in between competitions. I modified our OI to try out different options, but had planned to restore it to it's original configuration prior to the start of our next competition. The only difference being 3 extra holes on the panel that we are not going to use.

Originally Posted by <R14>

Prior to the competitions: After the close of the “FIX-IT WINDOW” and prior to the competition, the team must put down their tools, cease fabrication of robot parts, and cease all software development. Take this opportunity to rest, recover from the build season, and relax. Teams may scout other teams, gather and exchange information, develop game-playing strategies, collect raw materials, prepare tool kits, plan how to make repairs, etc. in preparation for the upcoming competitions. But no construction or fabrication is allowed.

It seems quite clear to me that you are to not do anything with hardware or software that will be used on the field. You modified the OI to try out different options, and decided to not use them. That you don't plan to use the variation does not negate the fact that you modified the OI outside the fix it window.

I would say that you don't need to rebuild the OI. The violation didn't result in a meaningful difference of structure, but instead a tactical advantage. You now have increased knowledge from physical manipulation outside the fix it window about what to do at Atlanta. I would say you made a mistake, shame on you. You realized your error and asked the opinion of the teams you are competing against what you should do. For that, I commend you.

Wetzel