i uinderstand that we cannot use the large cim motor (provided last year, the 3" one i believe) to drive the robot this year. can it be put to use in some other manner, such as lifting an arm for example?
The only motors allowed to be used on the robot are the ones provided in the kit, regardless of their intended function. So no, you are not allowed to use that motor at all on your competition robot.
The manual is your friend.
Here is the relavent sections:
<R58> Motors, pumps, and, Robot Controllers from previous robots shall not be used in addition to those provided in the 2008 Kit Of Parts. They may be used as direct one-to-one SPARE PARTS for those provided if the provided part fails or is damaged. They can only be used if
they are identical to the part being replaced.
• Note that the Fisher-Price motor found in the 2008 Kit Of Parts (Part number 00968-9015) is different from the Fisher-Price motors used in most previous FIRST competitions. Only the Fisher-Price 00968-9015 motor may be used as a SPARE PART
for the Fisher-Price motors provided in the 2008 Kit Of Parts.
Additional motors specifically permitted on 2008 FRC ROBOTS include:
• All motors, actuators, and servos provided in the 2008 Kit Of Parts,
• HITEC HS-322HD servos,
• FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) servos (Innovation First part number 276-2162),
• FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) motors (Innovation First part number 276-2163),
• One or two additional 2-1/2” CIM motors (part #FR801-001 and/or M4-R0062-12 in addition
to those provided in the Kit Of Parts. This means that up to four, and no more, 2-1/2” CIM motors can be used on the ROBOT.<R60> Items specifically PROHIBITED from use on the ROBOT include:
• Electric motors and/or servos different from, or in addition to, those in the Kit Of Parts, with the exception of those specifically permitted by Rule <R59>.
• Electric solenoid actuators (note: electric solenoid actuators are NOT the same as pneumatic
solenoid valves – the latter are permitted, the former are not).
Emphisis mine.
ok so if my understanding is correct, 2" cim motors from last year or the year before cannot be used unless they are used as a back up. we have 4 cim motors currently driving our robot (2 from last year and 2 from this year) and we are planning on using one more (from last year or 2 years ago) to lift an arm. is that still not allowed?
You can’t use a 5th CIM motor. You’re limited to 4 CIM Motors.
The one on the arm is NOT allowed, unless you have three or fewer on your drivetrain (<R59>). The drivetrain you have now is legal, per this Q&A.