Musings from a FIRST Inspector

[ebarker]

Question:

<R16> I take to mean that the robot must remain in the 80" cylinder at all times even though it is possible that a malfunctioning robot could exceed that. For example we have two arms that deploy. It they deployed together then it violates the rule. In proper operation they will deploy in sequence and not violate the rule. Does the inspector inspect for 'worst case' or do they leave that to the field scoring judge ?

Q. The Allen-Bradley gray, black, red distribution blocks - where does the 2 thin grey pieces go ? and are they necessary ? And why do the wires keep coming out of the block so stinking easily ? I don't remember having this problem in the past.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by ebarker

Question:

<R16> I take to mean that the robot must remain in the 80" cylinder at all times even though it is possible that a malfunctioning robot could exceed that. For example we have two arms that deploy. It they deployed together then it violates the rule. In proper operation they will deploy in sequence and not violate the rule. Does the inspector inspect for 'worst case' or do they leave that to the field scoring judge ?

I believe that they check for worst case and alert the refs if a robot might violate the rule. I think a Q&A said that.

Originally Posted by ebarker

Q. The Allen-Bradley gray, black, red distribution blocks - where does the 2 thin grey pieces go ? and are they necessary ? And why do the wires keep coming out of the block so stinking easily ? I don't remember having this problem in the past.

The thin pieces go next to the center gray wall, IIRC. Not sure about the wires

[MrForbes]

The wires come out easy if you don't strip them properly (5/8" insulation must be removed), insert them fully, and tighten the screw all the way.

If you do these 3 simple things, then the wires will stay in.

[ebarker]

Originally Posted by squirrel

The wires come out easy if you don't strip them properly (5/8" insulation must be removed), insert them fully, and tighten the screw all the way.

If you do these 3 simple things, then the wires will stay in.

Thanks, that must be the problem. I think we are at 1/2" or a smidgen under. I'll check it tomorrow.

And Yes, the FIRST Q&A clearly states that a robot that could physically exceed 80" can pass inspection but cannot do so during competition without penalty.

[vhcook]

Originally Posted by ebarker

Q. The Allen-Bradley gray, black, red distribution blocks - where does the 2 thin grey pieces go ?

One side of the red and black blocks is open. The thin grey pieces go between the open side of each polarity grouping and the grey block that would end up next to it. The little plastic pegs on the corners of the thin grey piece will fit neatly into holes in the face of the red/black block.

[Kims Robot]

Another thing... if the inspection station is open and ready, go and size & weigh your robot IMMEDIATELY after you take it out of the box. Sometimes your scale in the shop may not be the same as theirs, or your CAD modeling missed the placement of the flag holder and you are outside. Even if you are 100% certain you are good, or bad, see how you stack up with the REAL setup.

A little reason why... at RIT last year, we got there, found out our scale or theirs was 5lbs off... we shaved that, and just made it in under by the end of the day... and by end of the day, I mean we literally weighed our robot AS we were being thrown out the door... put it on the cart, and came back first thing the next morning. Friday morning, we all of a sudden were 3lb overweight again!! Luckily we ripped off the camera and a plastic panel and were legal, but it was crazy to see the calibration of the scale change that much over the course of a day!

And I've been an inspector before as well... let it be fun, let the kids use it as a time to really show off how much they have learned! I want to say that at least 75% of the inspectors are there to help you and can point you to other teams that can give you a hand if you need something, or will give suggestions on how to fix things.

Have fun & START EARLY!!!

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by ebarker

Question:

<R16> I take to mean that the robot must remain in the 80" cylinder at all times even though it is possible that a malfunctioning robot could exceed that. For example we have two arms that deploy. It they deployed together then it violates the rule. In proper operation they will deploy in sequence and not violate the rule. Does the inspector inspect for 'worst case' or do they leave that to the field scoring judge ?

Q. The Allen-Bradley gray, black, red distribution blocks - where does the 2 thin grey pieces go ? and are they necessary ? And why do the wires keep coming out of the block so stinking easily ? I don't remember having this problem in the past.

Ed,
The 80" cylinder is question we will all struggle with this season but I would interpret the rule that your failure mode may very well violate the intent. Best asked on the Q&A for clarification.

The thin grey pieces are needed when the block is used for high voltage. The Kit Of Parts Rev A has a drawing on how to assemble the block and they are not included in that drawing. The wires pull out if they are not stripped 5/8". When you insert a correctly stripped wire, the end of the wire should contact the inner plastic wall (wire stop) of the block and you should be able to just see bare copper at the entrance of the terminal. When you tighten the clamp, the wire will be secure. Add appropriate wire management so that the wire does not wiggle around in the block and you should be fine.

[k4r3n2]

Thanks for the advice - this is the first year that I'm going to have to go to inspection with our robot and it was really helpful!

In regards to the power distribution block, my team found that either our wires would spread out over time, or our screws would loosen - if you're still having issues with your wires falling out of your block, try tightening them every morning before you run the robot. Also make sure that they are stripped to the proper length and inserted until the manual stop - these should all prevent the wires from falling out again.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

By the way...
Weigh and size are free so come in whenever you want to check. I won't start your paperwork until you tell me you are ready.

[Wayne Doenges]

What!?!?!?! I've been charging for weighing and sizing
Not really, but I could make a killing