Legality of pnumatic ball launcher systems

[jskene]

Thanks for your replies regarding the legality of using the Clippard tanks for low pressure storage.

How about the first question?:

Update #6 says that the rules say that a solenoid must be connected to a cylinder with 1/8" tubing. I can find no reference to this in the rules.

We were planning to connect the valve directly to the cylinder, using "off the shelf" 125 psi fittings, as permitted in rule R88. Is this legal?

[EricH]

Originally Posted by jskene

Thanks for your replies regarding the legality of using the Clippard tanks for low pressure storage.

How about the first question?:

Update #6 says that the rules say that a solenoid must be connected to a cylinder with 1/8" tubing. I can find no reference to this in the rules.

We were planning to connect the valve directly to the cylinder, using "off the shelf" 125 psi fittings, as permitted in rule R88. Is this legal?

The applicable rules are:

<R87> Additional pneumatic system items specifically permitted on 2008 FRC ROBOTS include:
[...]
 Additional 0.160” inch inside diameter pneumatic tubing functionally equivalent to that provided in the Kit Of Parts, with the pressure rating clearly factory-printed on the exterior of the tubing (note: alternate tubing colors are acceptable).
[...]
<R88> There is no limit to the number of solenoid valves, pressure regulators, pressure gauges, and connecting fittings that may be used on the ROBOT. All such devices must be “off the shelf” pneumatic devices rated by their manufacturers for pressure of at least 125psi.

I don't see anything against this. (I am also not on the GDC.)

[SteveJanesch]

I'd think the main disadvantage in using a vacuum in a cylinder for energy storage is that you only get -15 psi (negative one atmosphere) pulling pressure at best, or a quarter of the pushing pressure available with a +60 psi line. You just can't pump it down any more than that.

Steve