[FTC]: OMG... I love the allowed COTS list... SPRINGS!!!

If you haven’t already seen it…

<R05> The intent of <R05> is to augment the TETRIX, LEGO and MATRIX robot system kits with a few select assemblies/mechanisms that might be useful for this year’s game challenge. For the purpose of this rule, Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) assemblies are considered to be component parts that have been fitted together or parts that have been pre-formed or pre-fabricated by a supplier to perform a given function. In general, COTS are not permitted with the following exceptions:

a. Linear Slides
b. Non-motorized Turntables and Lazy Susans.
c. Lead Screws and threaded rod plus compatible nuts.
d. Servo blocks (e.g. ServoCity Part # SB608SH and SB609SH), shaft adaptors, servo arms, ball links, shaft clamps
e. #25 or #35 chain with associated links.
f. Timing belts of any size and pitch.
g. Gears of any size and pitch, including non-circular gears such as rack, worm, bevel, etc.
h. Sprockets of any size and pitch.
i. Pulleys including sheaves, timing belt, etc.
j. Springs of any type and material (coil, extension, compression, leaf, etc.) that are used in a safe manner.
k. Fasteners of any size, including nuts, bolts, screws, shoulder screws, washers, spacers, shaft collars, shaft couplers, rivets, Velcro, etc.
l. Bearings of any type and material. Including bushings, roller bearings, etc.
m. PVC, CPVC, PEX piping and fittings.
n. Extruded or T-slot aluminum construction material along with all compatible brackets and fittings (i.e. 80-20, Macron Dynamics, etc.).
o. Wheels of any type up to 4” diameter. Wheels that have exposed features likely to cause damage to field and/or game elements are not allowed.
p. Allowable COTS parts may be acquired from any source and in any quantity.

I’m very excited to see what we can do with this! :yikes:

Nice to see FTC finding a unique niche to occupy in the robot competition ecosystem.

Jason

Vex pro wheels because why not.

So by reading this, I can pretty much tell my kids that FTC is now a small version of FRC. Basically, the control system is the only thing being required out of the kit. The Tetrix kits is not necessary from this point on.

Even last year we were able to stretch the rules in order to use basically all non-tetrix parts other than the electronics. The only time we used tetrix it was because they much easier to use that making our own.

We were still required to use their gears and some other items. There were also some other limitations that have been removed. I am reading the rules as MUCH more relaxed even compared to last year.

I think that these servo mount gears could be pretty awesome esp with the new 1/4 scale servo.

http://www.servocity.com/html/32p_hitec_metal_gear.html