Usage of part - unclear as to commercial availability

[EthanMiller]

I found in one of my team's bins an IR receiver/emitter set that we'd like to use for ball detection. I was able to find it on the web at http://www.mro-supply.net/servlet/th...OSWITCH/Detail

I think it was in the KOP a few years back, and the description of COTS in the manual (and to when it could be used) confused me.

Thank you!

[TomH]

When you say ball detection, do you mean as in that is it in the possession of your robot, and if it is, why not use a limit switch? I understand that a limit switch requires contact with the ball, but in the long run, it may be better, and since it is a physical switch, and not beam that is expected to be reflected back, it also may be more reliable as well in my perspective. If it came in the KOP a few years prior, and it is UNMODIFIED, then it is considered as a COTS since it was available to all teams. Hope that clears up some things.

[EthanMiller]

No way to mount a limit switch. Also, this doesn't reflect light - it's two seperate units. (Emitter and receiver)

Thanks for the suggestion.

[TomH]

Okay, well, my first post, after very close inspection to the manual, may be misleading. If you plan to use the IR sensor in it's stock, original form, it is still considered a COTS component. It is when you modify it where it becomes custom. In order for it to stay as cots, MAKE SURE IT IS COMPLETELY UNALTERED, and you'll be fine.

[EthanMiller]

Now, would it have to be COTS to be used on the robot?

Also, would shortening wires make it no longer COTS? Each component came with 10 feet of wire.

[TomH]

It doesn't have to be COTS to be used on the robot, my post was incorrect before, it is now edited. By cutting down the wire, it most likely will lose its COTS label, ex form manual:
Example 1: a team orders two robot grippers from RoboHands Corp. and receives both items. They put one in their storeroom and plan to use it later. Into the other, they drill “lightening holes” to reduce weight. The first gripper is still classified as a COTS item, but the second gripper is now a “custom part” as it has been modified.
(Page 4, Section 8, under COTS)
It will be still considered legal, but most-likely will be considered a "custom part".

Also, I apologize for any misleading information in my first post in this topic, I was too at one point confused. I recommend that if you are still confused, you read the manual, specifically page 4 of section 8, to get a better understanding. By modifying it to say reduce the length of a cable, it may be considered "custom" because you have changed it from its original commercial form. The only things that COTS gives a specific object is that it was entirely unaltered, and if removed, looks exactly as it did when taken out of the box.

[Mike Betts]

Originally Posted by EthanMiller

I found in one of my team's bins an IR receiver/emitter set that we'd like to use for ball detection. I was able to find it on the web at http://www.mro-supply.net/servlet/th...OSWITCH/Detail

I think it was in the KOP a few years back, and the description of COTS in the manual (and to when it could be used) confused me.

Thank you!

Ethan,

If you want clear guidance, you should post your question to the GDC.

In my opinion, the use of this part, as described, would be classified as a "custom circuit" and must adhere to all custom circuit rules.

Good luck.

Mike

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Ethan,
More importantly, one of the tests for COTS items is that they are available to all teams this year. Since your part has a variety of suffix identified versions, your version may not be an exact part that is available this year. I do not remember this part coming in the KOP. I don't know if the GDC has ruled on wires cut to length as a modification. Additionally, but more confusing...

<R33> COTS items from ROBOTS entered in previous FIRST competitions or COTS items that are no longer commercially available may be used under the following conditions:
A. The item must be functionally equivalent to the original condition as delivered from the VENDOR (e.g. a part that has non-functional label markings added would be permitted, but a part that has device-specific mounting holes added would be prohibited), and
B. The item must satisfy ALL applicable 2010 FRC materials/parts use rules.

If you really want to use it, the GDC is the only official answer.