Can we build our own wheel to Minibot?

FIRST General Forum
1

Hi,

We have a doubt.
In according with <R92> only Tetrix components are permitted.
In this list: http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Robotics_Programs/FRC/Game_and_Season__Info/2011_Assets/Approved%20Tetrix%20Parts.pdf is showed two differents wheel’s models.

The question: We must to use these specifics wheels or can we build our own wheels respecting the materials rules associated at <R92> rules.

For example: A Polycarbonate wheel with any non-slip pad around it?

Thanks in advance

2

There are no rules prohibiting this practice and I expect to see many teams do it.

3

Rule <R92> does not restrict the Minibot to only Tetrix parts, it restricts the Minibot to only parts listed in <R92>. If your wheel is constructed completely of parts listed in that rule it should be legal.

A polycarbonate wheel with non-slip pad or split surgical tubing as the tread should be perfectly legal as each of those parts is listed in <R92> as an allowed part.

EDIT: Brandon, see <R92-P>

4

Just be careful about exactly what you build it out of and how. The GDC seems to interpreting this section very strictly, so make sure you use polycarbonate and not acrylic. Or if you’re making wheels out of aluminum, make sure your raw stock was sold as “bar”, “sheet”, or “tube”. Yes, this probably complicates machining by preventing the use of aluminum rod or discs, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles.