Legality of older spikes

[Al Skierkiewicz]

In response to TU #6, I am not so sure. Please standby.

[ratdude747]

re-reading the update, i see that it refers back to the relays allowed, being spikes.

IIRC, the only difference between the old blues and new spikes is the plastic. they seem to have the same "guts"

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by ratdude747

I will do that.

WAIT- I am using them for a LIGHT. team update #8 allows using spikes OR any other relay for Lights. does that mean that for my intentended use, this thread is a moot point?

That's not how i read the update.

<R42> Each power-regulating device (speed controller or relay module) shall control one and only one electrical load (motor, actuator, light or compressor).
Exception: Multiple low-load, pneumatic solenoid valves or lights may be connected to a single relay module. This would allow one relay module to drive multiple pneumatic actions or multiple lights. No other electrical load can be connected to a relay module used in this manner.

This rule makes no distinction between spikes and other relays - it simply allows you to control multiple lights from a single relay, instead of requiring 1 relay per light, which would be some major overkill. Since this rule doesn't specifically say you can use any relay you want, you would still run into problems with R48.


I know as an inspector this year, If i saw Spikes that didn't look like the spikes I've used on robots over the past few years, I would raise some big questions. You don't want to be put in that position, so please get a reading from the GDC or contact the frcparts e-mail to get the older spikes approved.

[ratdude747]

i emailed frcparts yesterday.

[wireties]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

Likewise there is no real difference between the Red Label and Blue Label Victor 884. (There was some confusion during the transition of the labels.)

First of all Al, thanks so much for the great advice you give mentors and students on this site!

So, in your opinion, the red label 884s are OK? We have a gaggle of motors on this years bot and are looking to save $$$ by scrounging our older bots.

TIA

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Keith the answer is yes, there is no difference between label colors. See my post in the other thread for greater detail.

[ratdude747]

yup. the first one is it. we have like 4 or so... off being tied to ground is actually a good thing for what i am doing with it...

and they are legal? if so, then very cool! i like the retro look! the no shroud issue i will deal with if it becomes a problem.

they also gave us a whole IFI control system... one of the victors is the old kind with the shiny red foil text; the rest are blue like the newer non-vex ones. but they all are 884, not the ancient 883's . it is mounted on a IFI kit chassis. but the mechanum wheels are AM and the controller is custom hand soldered... It was very nice of them... it is very fun to drive around...