FP 9003 vs 9012 (was Attention Robot Inspectors:)

[Jack Jones]

Attention Robot Inspectors:

Apparently the FP service centers didn’t get that memo mentioned in Update #8”

Please note that the motor part number is 00968-9012, but the motor/gearbox assembly is 00968-2911. FisherPrice Service Centers have been notified that if a person identifies themselves as a FIRST participant, they can buy the motor and pinion and/ or gearbox they supplied for this years Competition. This will take effect on 2/2/07.

Nor do they fully understand that all 19-tooth FP motor/gearboxes are NOT created equal, not in the eyes of FIRST. They had me waste a 40-mile trip to one store by saying they had five, which turned out to be a mix of Mabuchi and 9003s. Another store could not locate any by part number, but realized they had four when I described how to identify the 9012, which brings me to the point of this post.

According to the guys at the service centers, some teams didn’t care if they had the right motor. Some even figured they could “get away with it” by swapping the sleeve with part number on it.

FYI: The 9012 has four cooling slots, which are slightly smaller than the two slots on all the others (Mabuchi – 9003) I’ve seen.