2007 KOP RoHS requirements

[Jim E]

I've seen a lot of speculation and guessing to what the KOP will or will not include this year. Here is my humble opinion:

From the enviromental regulations that were passed in 2006 in the EU and California, I can guarantee there will be substantial changes. Everything in the KOP will need to be RoHS compliant. There are now 6 hazardous elements that cannot be used in the KOP if FIRST wants to market it to teams in the EU and CA. To find out more about RoHS, do a Web search.

Many older motors will probably fail the litmus test along with many of the controller's components. Solder needs to be lead free, which means higher soldering temperatures to get proper bonding.

It is pretty astounding task to get one commercial product in compliance, let alone a whole collection as in the KOP. Fortunately, most electronic component mfgs. have already converted thier product lines, but expect some changes to motors, and maybe some material finishes.

Mentor: Team 1523