2106's "lucky" at the Robot Rumble 2008

[wilsonmw04]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/...d1b2b3f7_b.jpg

This was the state of our robot after the first round of our finals match. Some how we snapped the support for our ball popper. One of our freshman parents is an emergency room nurse and said, " I could wrap that like a broken leg." So she did. Good thing this wasn't an official FIRST event wasn't it?

[Leav]

I think that the combination of DuctTape and fractures is the most common composite material in FIRST

-Leav

[sejeff]

I think ducttape should not be allowed on FIRST robots.
Here are my reasons why.

1. It can catch fire, and release toxic gases.
2. nevermind
3. If the duct tape falls apart during a match, the attached components on the robot may fly off and hurt someone. Safety FIRST.

[Greg Peshek]

Impressive fix, good enough for government work right.

Originally Posted by sejeff

I think ducttape should not be allowed on FIRST robots.
Here are my reasons why.

1. It can catch fire, and release toxic gases.
2. nevermind
3. If the duct tape falls apart during a match, the attached components on the robot may fly off and hurt someone. Safety FIRST.

My problem with these reasons is that:

A. You cannot use duct tape to even cover up edges, or as we found out on our 2006 Aim High robot... use it to stick all the bristles on a brush together to help scoop in the balls.
B. We've been told you can't use duct tape to hold things on, but electrical tape is just fine and dandy. Last time I checked, electrical tape had way less abilities to adhere than duct tape.
C. Zip ties are perfectly fine for holding on key components of your robot in the rules, but I've had them just snap off randomly while components are in work. Places where duct tape would work perfectly fine.

Sorry about moving the thread off-topic more, but I think it's silly to say no duct tape period, when the intelligent use of it is perfectly fine. I'm sure there are many topics on this elsewhere, so I shall stop my rant.

Again, nice fix and congrats on making it into the finals at your event.

[gorrilla]

well the thing with zip ties is when they break they snap and with duct tape if its wrapped alot then it would more of rip in a couple of sections but still maintain intergrity for the most part

[Billfred]

Moving from the "been told" to the (subject-to-change-for-2009) 2008 manual:

<R38> Adhesive backed tapes shall not be used as a structural fastener, or to connect two or
more parts together. Adhesive backed tapes may only be used as follows:
 Textured or coated tapes may be used to provide an alternate surface finish or treatment to a
portion of the ROBOT.
 Velcro tape, any hook and loop tape or double-sided sticky foam may be used for attaching
components to the ROBOT.
 Reflective tape may be used with optical sensors in small amounts.
 Adhesive backed tape and labels may be used for labeling purposes on wires, cables,
pneumatic lines, etc.
 Electrical tape may be used as an electrical insulator.

In 2007:

<R35>Adhesive backed tapes are NOT allowed except as follows:
 Velcro tape, any hook and loop tape or double-sided sticky foam may be used for attaching
components to the ROBOT.
 Reflective tape may be used with optical sensors in small amounts.
 Adhesive backed tape and labels may be used for labeling purposes on wires, cables,
pneumatic lines, etc.
 Electrical tape may be used as an electrical insulator.

With the exception of a different number, the 2007 rule was used verbatim in 2006 and 2005. 2007 saw many teams¹ raising questions on Q&A about grip tape and related products; the official response was that "Safety Track"--which is apparently similar to the barred "grip tape"--was a legal material because it was not marketed as tape. The altered rule for 2008 eliminates that rose-by-any-other-name issue, which I view as a Good Thing. (Build season gives me enough to lose sleep over.)

¹ Do a find on "tape" or "Safety Track" on http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles...007-Export.pdf

[wilsonmw04]

WOW, I didn't think a picture would spark such debate. Remember, FIRST is about the kids, not about the robot (or what tape is allowed or not allowed). This was an off season event and was only done after speaking with the ref and the events technical advisers.

[Wetzel]

Originally Posted by wilsonmw04

WOW, I didn't think a picture would spark such debate. Remember, FIRST is about the kids, not about the robot (or what tape is allowed or not allowed). This was an off season event and was only done after speaking with the ref and the events technical advisers.

The Robot Rumble has always been about giving teams a chance to play as much as possible. I've heard before that it might be too much play time.

Did everyone have a good time?

Wetzel

[wilsonmw04]

Originally Posted by Wetzel

The Robot Rumble has always been about giving teams a chance to play as much as possible. I've heard before that it might be too much play time.

Did everyone have a good time?

Wetzel

Absolutely. I don't think there could ever be too much play time. If only we could find more space for the pits. I hope that problem will be fixed next year when with the fair's new venue.