We have three questions:
Q1: Can we use aluminum heat sinks, and if so do we have to make them or can we buy them already made?
Q2: We cannot use direct drive, so what kind of drive is not illegal?
Q3: Before the seeding matches/tournament matches how much time do we have to power up our robot?
Q1: Can we use aluminum heat sinks, and if so do we have to make them or can we buy them already made?
Heat sinks like all other parts MUST comply with the rules for building the robot. a) Do not modify the NO MOD parts b) parts must be from the kit of parts provided or made without precision machining or welding from the additional hardware list. If the heat sinks you are asking about are not on the list (I do not recall them being on the list) than the answer is NO to buying them, and if you make them be very careful how you attach them.
Q2: We cannot use direct drive, so what kind of drive is not illegal?
I think you answered your own question!
Q3: Before the seeding matches/tournament matches how much time do we have to power up our robot?
In the Rule book there is a time table scenario that we use - this process has been used the past couple of years and works well in keeping the event schedule “on time”. All new or rookie teams should pay attention to this process as written. Generally after one match the people on the teams setting up their robots understand the sequence and things go quite smoothly.
Thanks for the help.