clarification of rule <R44> on the "The Robot" section

[mobilegamer999]

@Coffeeism
i dont think polycarb will work for us, we already had our components mounted on 3/8 plexiglass but we kinda broke that lol

@rest
the top layer of components is easily removed with 4 wing nuts so while getting inspected would it be allowed to remove the top layer for inspection or do you think we really need to go with a different layout or a clear substance on the top layer.

[kevin.li.rit]

Originally Posted by mobilegamer999

@Coffeeism
i dont think polycarb will work for us, we already had our components mounted on 3/8 plexiglass but we kinda broke that lol

Polycarbonate is much stronger than Plexiglass(Acrylic). If you're breaking it, you're doing something wrong...

[EricH]

The standard tests for what clear plastic is are as follows (choose one):

A) Drill a hole. Plexiglass cracks; Lexan (polycarb) doesn't. There are ways to avoid the cracks, but in general, this works.

B) Clamp one end to a solid surface and hit it with your biggest hammer. If it breaks, it's Plexiglass.

C) If it still has the backing on it, read that.

[Mike Betts]

Ben,

Please read this post.

Mike

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by mobilegamer999

the top layer of components is easily removed with 4 wing nuts so while getting inspected would it be allowed to remove the top layer for inspection or do you think we really need to go with a different layout or a clear substance on the top layer.

In many cases, a removable upper section would suffice. The decision is still up to your inspector. The ability to diagnose and repair quickly still remains.

[Jon Stratis]

Surprisingly, part of our robot is going to look very similar - we're stacking the cRio and the PDB as well. However, we're flipping ours around - the cRio is mounted horizontally below the PDB, making the PDB easily seen at all times. For easy access, we've routed all the wires from the PDB to one side - this allows us to run them over a hinge, so the PDB can quickly and easily be raised out of the way for access to the cRio if needed during competition.

If you have the capability to create a sturdy bracket for the top board, a hinge (specifically a piano hinge) might be a great way to go. This will be the third year in a row we've used one. The first year was for a piece of plexiglass covering our electronics and the second year on a sheet aluminum "door" that allowed access to the orbit balls when the robot was turned off so they could be inserted to or removed from our mechanism quickly and easily.