Crates At Regionals

[Ben Mitchell]

Are we allowed to bring our crate, and use it as a workstation.

In regionals?
At nationals?

FIRST made a ruling on this (I think) saying that you could NOT bring a crate into the PIT due to space constraints.

Whats the real deal? Should I tell my team to unload our crate full of tools and stuff, being that we cannot use it as a workstation?

Citation of the actual rule would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your help.

--Ben Mitchell

[Wetzel]

[Question: May we use a "foldout crate" as a workstation in the
pit?]
A) This would be allowable if it will fit inside of your allowed pit space (and the pit spaces are not very big). We also assume that
you will not be doing machining or other potentially hazardous work from this workstation. That is why we have machine shops available to help you. FIRSTsnow
>
We too may wish to consider a foldout crate/workstation, but need more specifics. When you say "the pit spaces are not very big", that's a bit vague. It doesn't give us enough info to figure this out. Can you please define that a little more precisely?

IMHO, the best way to answer to allow us to design
crate/workstations would be if you could please specify one of the following:
1) The minimum pit space dimensions [W x L] each team will be
allocated, along with which "face" will be the entrance & exit side or aisle,
**OR**
2) A maximum combo crate/workstation dimension set that you feel will safely work in the planned allocated pit area, if less then the original shipping crate maximums. Assume the crate will be set on one of its sides so we get a "long table" effect.

A) First, pit station dimensions are different at each venue. We
cannot give you exact dimensions. The LARGEST you can count on
(except for Epcot) is 8' x 8' and it might be a bit smaller or it
might not be square. Everything you bring with you including your
robot, team members, and your crate/workstation (if you think it will fit) must fit within thnat space. That's not to say that team
members don't occasionally spill into the aisles but the aisles must be left open in case of emergency. FIRSTsnow

From message 536? on the yahoo group. Seems to me the answer is yes.

[mnkysp6353]

Well thats good. Team 64 had a great tool crate. If they could post a picture of it that would be great, also if any other teams have great crates please post.

[Joe Matt]

Don't center your workstation around the crate. Make another one and the crate because sometimes they don't care and take it away from you even if you use it for your workstation.

[Wetzel]

Yes, unless you unfold it in such a way as they can't use the pallet lifter to move it, leave a clear note for them to leave it.