pre-charged Pneumatics

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Let's try some real world examples and maybe that will help. I think we are all discussing kickers as being the one thing that can, will and likely must extend outside the frame perimeter. As kickers would pertain to the two second rule, teams should design their mechanisms such that if all else fails (power and air pressure), the kicker while at rest does not extend beyond the FRAME PERIMETER. The game rules have set a penalty and YELLOW CARD as the result of such a violation. As that is a risk most, if not all, teams would choose not to take, I do not foresee a reason that a robot will need to be inspected in a powered condition.

As to solenoids, even the Wiki definition includes this...
"solenoid refers to a loop of wire, often wrapped around a metallic core, which produces a magnetic field when an electric current is passed through it." This is the definition I have been taught and used for many years. In what way a designer chooses to use the magnetic field does not keep it from being a solenoid. Although the most powerful solenoids use a moving core/plunger/armature surrounded by a coil, not all implementations do. I, like you are waiting for a definition from the GDC for which we can test whether a mechanism is a solenoid or not. I would prefer to use the "moving" test as we have in the past. i.e. If in the presence or the removal of the magnetic field something (plate, plunger, rod, arm) moves then it is a solenoid. This is a simple test and easy for both inspectors and teams to recognize.
The GDC responses on the Q&A muddy the waters in my mind on their responses to electromagnets. Essentially, the relays we use and those that might be part of custom circuits are allowed under the rules but are in the strict definition, solenoids. Electromagnets are also solenoids but the GDC has excepted some if they do not violate other rules.

For those who are wondering about the Lead Inspector Phone calls... Lead Inspectors have available to them a phone conference every Monday night starting usually the week before the first week of competition and extending through each week of competition. It is during these calls that LRI's are given up to date information on things like parts availability, problems with field interaction, latest software updates and other changes that pertain to the coming week of competition. In addition, LRIs are asked to report on the competitions of the previous week so that we may all become aware of particular robot designs, software issues, and parts implementations. This is all in an effort to keep inspections as uniform as possible so that teams are judged uniformly. Please know that all inspectors at your competitions will not have all the info or be as well trained and informed as your LRI. If you question a decision by an inspector or are asked to make a major change in your robot, you have the right to ask the LRI to review the decision of that inspector. LRIs who will have up to date knowledge also work closely with the FTA's, head refs and FIRST reps at your event and together should be able to render a decision. If that fails, they also have access to FIRST staffers via phone for answers.