Do the custom circuits have to be contained within a box like last year? I read through the rules and could not find anything on it. The sample inspection checksheet mentions it, but it looks like FIRST just copied and pasted it from last year.
*Originally posted by Katie Reynolds *
**Do the custom circuits have to be contained within a box like last year? **
I’d assume so. The rule doesn’t state anything about a box, as you said.
If I were you, I would go ahead and put the circuit in the box the circuit board, unless a team update is released that says otherwise.
Logically, the box would protect the circuit from damage during a match.
Keep an eye out for team updates.
This would be a good question to take to the FIRST team forums.
I think this is one to ask FIRST about. I did not see anything either and I was looking for the answer to that question specifically.
If I had to guess it would be that no special box is required. The rules this year have much more of a “if it isn’t prohibited it is permitted” flavor. Last year the only sensors allowed outside the “box” were the banner sensors, the gyro, and switches. This year the field of allowed sensors is much wider and many would be useless if they had to be contained in a box.
But this does need a definite answer from FIRST one way or the other. Katie has been around long enough to realize that ALL electronics need protection in this competition. A box or shielding against damage will be important, but I don’t think there is any requirement to use a particular means of protection this year. At least I couldn’t find one.
Under the inspection checklist, Electrical, is the following**“Custom circuit must be totally contained in BUD box.”** I suspect that the part number or specifications will be on the additional hardware list.
Please note: If you are designing a custom circuit board, it would be wise to design it in such a way that removing it will not disable your robot. If you suspect a defect in the circuit you should be able to remove it and continue running. This is not a requirement, but a strong suggestion.