[FTC]: Technical Question

[GeorgeTheEng]

Originally Posted by lilstogi11

You really think that? If so, then why are there huge arguments about Gracious Professionalism and about mentor/engineer built robots? If its made ina factory should you be allowed to use it? Would you use a prebuilt arm for FRC if you were allowed to? And if yes (unless you can't afford to build your own) then I think that that's really just sad.

Also, what if a team can't buy the VEXplorer kit due to a small budget such as most FVC teams? Frankly, I don't see why using it should be allowed. I'm with fredliu on this one.

I'm not going to get into the argument about GP here. I honestly think that has nothing to do with the point I was trying to make. My point wasn't about whether certain parts should or should not be legal. The Vexplorer claw is legal this year. If a team wants to use it because it fits thier design and their constraints, then I think it makes sense.

My point was that all things being legal, if you were develop a design that requires a certain function (I'm dropping the arm so we don't get bogged down in that), and you have a choice between a commercial product that fits your needs and budget or making something yourself that is of equivalent ability, most engineers will go with off the shelf and put effort into other areas where custom parts are required. This argument goes out the window though if you intend to or can develop something that performs better. Or if for some reason you can make it cheaper.

Engineering is a balance between best performance, best cost, and best use of time.