numbers on bumpers

[XaulZan11]

This may be more relevant to last year (due to the low friction), but couldn't the bumper numbers be a competitive advantage? For example, if I'm a defensive robot that needs to 'stick' to an offensive robot, wouldn't I want my bumper number to have a high friction? Is there anything stopping a team from using stickum for their bumper numbers? There were a lot more times last year where teams got pinned against the driver station and the bumpers than against the rail, so it does make a difference.

If any team decides to use stickum, they better name their robot after Lester Hayes

[Mr_I]

We are blessed to have some members who know their way around a sewing machine. An order to AHH for white Cordura fabric, some work with scissors to cut numbers, and 20 minutes later we have peramanent numbers.
(FYI, do this BEFORE you assemble the bumpers!)

[rsegrest]

We've always used fabric paint and stencils which have worked well. The our numbers from the Overdrive competition are still on and looking strong. Last year we used an 'arts and craft' paint (like kids use in kindergarten) and it didn't hold up as well.

[Jon Jack]

You could also just screen print your bumpers. In 2006, 2007, 2008 we screen printed our bumpers and had no problem at all...

[ebarker]

Originally Posted by dlavery

that should work perfectly

I can't really tell without an engineering drawing of these items ? haha.

Last year in Atlanta as we went through inspection they went over our numbers with a scale and it was off a millimeter and we had to rework our numbers. arrrgh.

The 4" height and 3/4" stroke width are not nominal but minimum requirements.

Ed

[ebarker]

Originally Posted by XaulZan11

If any team decides to use stickum

It probably hasn't been asked of the GDC this year but this type of question has been asked in prior years.

Using team numbers on the bumpers with special material characteristics for competitive advantage is not within the spirit and intent of the game rules and competition.

Therefore ...... NO .... no stickum.. nice try. You'd likely get the same answer this year too.

[baruffir]

Team 178 has had our team name and number embroidered onto the fabric for the past few years.

[Alex Cormier]

Originally Posted by Vikesrock

Here are two more sources that look like they might work (although you will end up with a bunch of extra numbers)

http://shop.hobbylobby.com/store/ite...0&ItemId=92682
http://www.shopsei.com/largeImage.cfm?product=881

You may also be able find something like this at your local arts & crafts store such as Michaels or Jo-Ann Fabrics

Too bad they are not in camo.

[XaulZan11]

Originally Posted by ebarker

It probably hasn't been asked of the GDC this year but this type of question has been asked in prior years.

Using team numbers on the bumpers with special material characteristics for competitive advantage is not within the spirit and intent of the game rules and competition.

Therefore ...... NO .... no stickum.. nice try. You'd likely get the same answer this year too.

ah, I must have missed that in previous years. Anyway, it was more of a 'wouldn't it be cool if...' idea. I knew it probably wouldn't be allowed but wasn't aware of a specific rule or GDC ruling preventing it.

[jimwick]

Thanks everyone for the good advice. We will experiment with a couple of these good suggestions.

Jim Wick

[kE7JLM]

We use this stuff - http://www.yourbagtag.com/store/pc/I...Paint-p125.htm

Its awesome, used for marking SCUBA neoprene suits and gear. Very tough and lost of colors. Your local SCUBA shop will have them

[The Megan 2207]

Originally Posted by kE7JLM

We use this stuff - http://www.yourbagtag.com/store/pc/I...Paint-p125.htm

Its awesome, used for marking SCUBA neoprene suits and gear. Very tough and lost of colors. Your local SCUBA shop will have them

Really? Scribbles fabric paint is used for marking SCUBA suits? That's something I didn't know before! If you don't have a local SCUBA shop, most craft stores also carry it, or something like it.