Can we use ball bearings in the minibot?

FIRST General Forum
1

Our mechanical was curious if we could use ball bearings in the minibot. The rules say “other hardware” but I’m not sure if ball bearings apply. Has anyone verified that yet?

2

Today’s Update #3 deleted “hardware” and substituted “fasteners”…

3

Hmm. Well that’s no good. Where are you getting the updates from?

4

http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/content.aspx?id=450

5

Thank you!

6

Small ones, yes:

http://www.legoeducation.us/store/detail.aspx?groupID=159&page=2&s=32&ID=1619

7

good find; it may not be the exact spec someone might be looking for, but atleast its something.

8

BE CAREFUL!! Make sure you read the text in the Blue Box below <R92>.

Tetrix components are defined by those that are included in this catalog:
http://www.tetrixrobotics.com/Building_System/Downloads/default.aspx?moid=533. To get
information about how/where to purchase components, please refer to the Where to get
more document posted at www.usfirst.org/frc/kitofparts.

The bearing you listed is on the first page! So, it is legal. The question is, will it work for your needs.

9

These are REALLY small. They are meant for supporting the other side of a double servo arm when used with only one servo, the bore is only big enough for a really small screw to fit inside.

10

It should be listed with the servos
It’s on the first page, and the fourth!!!
That should be fine, It is in fact on the list, size is the only issue.

11

Well what if they were magnetic ball bearings? We are hoping to use them as a partial clamp on the pole because they do have some good magnetic pull and they are also smooth like normal bearings. Would they consider those magnets or ball bearings?

12

Would ball bearings by any other name sound as sweet?
Bearings are not hardware or fasteners. There are two bearings that I see in the catalog, a sleeve bearing and the ball bearing, both in the FTC/Tetrix catalog.

13

Didnt answer the question I posed to the forum. They are called magnetic ball bearings but we are primarily using them as magnets.

14

Mike,
The allowed materials list for the minibot includes Tetrix components specifically listed in the referenced catalog in TU #3. Other bearings are not allowed on the list. That does not preclude you from using the allowed materials to manufacture something similar since magnets are on the allowed list.
Are you referring to magnetic suspension bearings?

15

I think he just means magnetic spheres…

Not radial ball bearings…but bearing balls.

I say they’re legal, since they’re magnets.