Changing bumper colors

[GaryVoshol]

<R07>:

F. The fabric covering the BUMPERS must be solid red or solid blue in color. Visually, the red or blue must be as close to the corresponding color in the FIRST logo as reasonable (i.e. to a reasonably astute observer, they appear similar). The only markings permitted on the BUMPER fabric cover are the team number (see Rule <R15>).

(emphasis mine)

I'd guess the Royal.

[waialua359]

We ordered the royal blue by chance, however, a bunch of teams called and ordered Navy.
If Seattle Fabrics is the official vendor for the bumper fabric as they have been the last several years, FIRST should let them know, to save time and hastles for other teams.

[nitsua60]

Originally Posted by waialua359

...If Seattle Fabrics is the official vendor for the bumper fabric as they have been the last several years, FIRST should let them know, to save time and hastles for other teams.

If Seattle Fabrics is the official vendor for the bumper fabric, FIRST should let us know....

[waialua359]

Originally Posted by nitsua60

If Seattle Fabrics is the official vendor for the bumper fabric, FIRST should let us know....

Problem is that FIRST did and it is vague enough that teams didnt know which one to buy.
Anyhow, Phillip from Seattle Fabrics called back and confirmed that teams need to order the Royal Blue one.

[iheartrobotics]

In my opinion creating different color slips to go over the bumpers (as mentioned in the manual) seem easier than creating two separate sets. This enables you to do a fast change, plus you don't have to go through the hassle of creating and testing both sets.

[Robotbug]

So navy blue? Correct?
And what are the pros. and cons. of the cover slips vs. individual bumpers for the different colors...

[BrendanB]

Originally Posted by iheartrobotics

In my opinion creating different color slips to go over the bumpers (as mentioned in the manual) seem easier than creating two separate sets. This enables you to do a fast change, plus you don't have to go through the hassle of creating and testing both sets.

It does seem easier, but do you really want to get penalized because your bumper covers come off? I believe our team will just go with the two sets of bumpers just to be safe and make sure that the bolts are easy to access and we have four people with four wrenches ready to attack those buggers.

[iheartrobotics]

Originally Posted by BrendanB

It does seem easier, but do you really want to get penalized because your bumper covers come off? I believe our team will just go with the two sets of bumpers just to be safe and make sure that the bolts are easy to access and we have four people with four wrenches ready to attack those buggers.

Haha that's true Brendan. I guess it's better safe than sorry

[JB987]

Originally Posted by Robotbug

So navy blue? Correct?
And what are the pros. and cons. of the cover slips vs. individual bumpers for the different colors...

Royal Blue...see Glenn's quote:

Anyhow, Phillip from Seattle Fabrics called back and confirmed that teams need to order the Royal Blue one.

[663.keith]

would using zippers be legal as a means of attaching bumper covers? Looking at the rules I can't tell if they would fall under the "hard" or "soft" section of the bumpers themselves and am therefore unsure as to a legal location.

[Jimmy Nichols]

In 2007 and 2008, we did alternating bumper colors to show which alliance we were on. It was fun, and the announcers had a great amount of fun with it. If they are designed right, it isn't that hard to change them, especially if you have one person per bumper. During Quals, there is usually enough time between matches to make the change.

[kramarczyk]

Originally Posted by Peter Matteson

I recommed ball lock spring pins. Zero to bumper in 15 seconds.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#pins/=5bx5nm

Originally Posted by johnr

Has your team used this or is it just an idea? If used, how many on, let's say, the long side? How well did it hold up during the season?

Originally Posted by Peter Matteson

We used 6 (six) to hold on all bumpers last year. One at each corner and one on the inside of each short section across the font. Also our bumpers were essentialy continuous fabric around the perimeter to help.

I think no more than 2 a side are necessary and if you use the same one in the corner to hold 2 sides as we did last year 4 total is all you need this year.

We used the same thing on 1189 and 3096's bots last year. In my opinion using any other method is a waste of time. Between the two bots the system had ~88 matches of use and during that time no pin ever was dislodged past the ball lock. Let's face it... stuff doesn't fall up. Of course in Breakaway up could vary from moment to moment, but I'm planning to use these pins again anyway.

The specific part number was McMaster-Carr (p/n 98320A140)

They should also mate with AndyMark's bumper brackets AM-0317

[jgannon]

Originally Posted by Kage

I dont like the fact that we have to change such a large component of our robot to indicate our team color. I kind of wish that they would do something else for that purpose.

I've come to the conclusion that no one will ever be satisfied with the solution FIRST has to this problem. The spinning lights were too big, the flashing lights were too small, the flags got in the way, and the bumpers are too much to change. I think this is one of the better options, particularly since ball lock pins are legal fasteners.

[thefro526]

Originally Posted by 663.keith

would using zippers be legal as a means of attaching bumper covers? Looking at the rules I can't tell if they would fall under the "hard" or "soft" section of the bumpers themselves and am therefore unsure as to a legal location.

It sounds like a great idea, they would be more than strong enough. I believe the zipper would fall under the hard part of the bumper though. Assuming you designed the bumpers right, this would be legal.

[annie1939]

Industrial strength velcro should work pretty well for bumper covers. We have used it for side panels of fabric on our robot and it takes some pulling to get it off. Then you could have have one set of bumpers and fabric covers. We often use fabric on our robots. We use the Cordura nylon in areas that we want to deflect sharp arms from other robots or mechanisms that unfold to guide a ball. There is velcro that you sew on and stuff that has an industrial adhesive. Sew the velcro to the cloth and use the adhesive type for sticking it to metal. Go back and rivet the stick on stuff if you want added security. Use velcro as wide as you can for more strength. It won't go anywhere.

We don't have a trailer or large storage area so I would rather do anything NOT to have a duplicate set of bumpers kicking around the pit or workroom. They are difficult to store and take up a lot of space.

Now what would be cool is to get that programmable cloth and program in the color. Anyone have a few thousand extra just for bumpers?


Ann