Axis camera mount

[Michael Hill]

Originally Posted by Certified Nerd

This rule is pretty restrictive and unenforceable. What about things like a simple frame L-bracket, a pressure gauge mount, a pulley spacer, or a mecanum wheel mount? These are all things my teem fabricates and need every year, and need to be the same . Do we have to not reuse any frame parts (hardware) that we make? I guess this means for the things we actually have CAD models of we need to make public? I guess what I'm trying find out because it's not very clear is this: does this apply to everything including simple parts or just assemblies/mechanical stuff? The spirit of the rule seems to be not reusing large chunks of design. Is it up to The inspectors to decide?

Well, the rule is what the rule is. And by that, I mean yes, it does apply to simple parts. If you cut the L-bracket last year, then odds are, you can't put it on your robot. However, if you publish the design files, then you can reuse the same design, but you'll have to make a new bracket. That's just how the rule is written. Now, as far as enforcing it, it's difficult for inspectors to do. Competing in FIRST comes with a certain level of honesty (hence the overtone of Gracious Professionalism throughout the organization). We, as a whole, rely on other teams to be honest when it comes to abiding by these rules. FIRST is willing to trust teams quite a bit. Heck, we're allowed to bag our own robot and take it to competitions without actually "proving" that it was in the bag by midnight on Bag Day (capitalized because it should be a federal holiday). Don't violate that trust they have in us.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Certified Nerd

This rule is pretty restrictive and unenforceable. What about things like a simple frame L-bracket, a pressure gauge mount, a pulley spacer, or a mecanum wheel mount? These are all things my teem fabricates and need every year, and need to be the same . Do we have to not reuse any frame parts (hardware) that we make? I guess this means for the things we actually have CAD models of we need to make public? I guess what I'm trying find out because it's not very clear is this: does this apply to everything including simple parts or just assemblies/mechanical stuff? The spirit of the rule seems to be not reusing large chunks of design. Is it up to The inspectors to decide?

Yes. You do need to rebuild it every year. Unless you're dealing with a COTS part, you need to rebuild it every year, regardless of whether the CAD is public or not. (Although, if it's actually identical, or nearly identical, every year, it shouldn't be too terribly difficult to make some form of jig to build it, which will improve speed and accuracy of work. Just a thought.)

Now, as far as the inspectors/enforcement: When your mentor and team captain sign the inspection form, they are certifying that the robot was built following all FRC rules. Will the inspector know? Probably not, as long as the previous year's inspection stickers aren't on there. But will YOU be comfortable signing off that form if you know that your robot was built in violation of a rule? If you are not, then I think you know what to do. If you are... I don't want to think down that train of thought.

[Certified Nerd]

Originally Posted by Michael Hill

Don't violate that trust they have in us.

Absolutely, that's why i had so many questions, i don't want to break any rules.

[Certified Nerd]

Hey guys, I've been talking to AndyMark about carrying my mount. Andy hasn't gotten back to me on weather or not they think it will sell. If there are any teams out there, and I know there were some at my regional, that would buy this from AndyMark and/or like to see it on FIRST choice/in the kop, please post on this thread with your team number so I can have a list of interest to show Andy. If people want to see pictures of the new design I may post them, I just don't want anybody to copy/use my design until I release it.