Is there a limit to, say, how many minibots we can loan to a team?
Also, are there restrictions for the tools and materials we can bring to regionals, other than the weight limit?
Well, only one Minibot can be used on a Hostbot at a time, so they can only use one at a time. Other than that, no restrictions that I can think of.
Now, tools and materials: There are restrictions other than the weight limit, but only on tools (and the weight limit only applies to Fabricated Items).
If you look at the Administrative Manual, Section 3, there are restrictions on tools/work that you can have/use/do in the pits. Often, it’s “go to designated area away from pits” (grinding, painting, stuff like that). Other times, it’s “Go to the machine shop”. You are allowed benchtop tools, but nothing larger (no floor-based drill presses, say). They’re a little extensive to list fully, so here’s the short version:
–Is it floor-based? Leave it at home if it is.
–Is it going to throw sparks or produce hazardous fumes or get on someone else’s robot, even unintentionally? Check the Admin Manual, but you will probably need to work with those outside the pit area.
–If you answered “no” to both questions above, bring it if you think you might possibly need it. If you don’t, someone else probably will.
there is no limit to the number of minibot you can bring. At least the rules don’t say anything about it…
There is no limit on the number of tools you can bring except for the size of your pit. Size, I think, is restricted to table top size. Remember that each venue has different rules. Check with your local regional to get the real answers to your questions.
Material is an interesting question. As long as they are not considered “fabricated” parts. I do not think there is a limit on this either. Again, double check the manual before making you plans.
You can bring as many minibots as you want but other teams may not want to accept your offer. All minibots must be inspected separately and each will receive an inspection sticker. Materials in their raw form are not limited.
<R33> Teams may bring a maximum of 30 pounds of custom FABRICATED ITEMS (SPARE PARTS, REPLACEMENT PARTS, and UPGRADE PARTS, plus all WITHHOLDING ALLOWANCE items) to each competition event to be used to repair and/or upgrade their ROBOT at the competition site. All other FABRICATED ITEMS to be used on the ROBOT during the competition shall arrive at the competition venue packed in the shipping crate or lockout bag with the ROBOT.
There are three exceptions to this rule:
A. the OPERATOR CONSOLE is not included in the incoming parts weight restriction,
B. the MINIBOT is not included in the incoming parts weights restriction, and
C. any competition legal12V batteries and their associated half of the Anderson cable quick connect/disconnect pair (including no more than 12” of cable per leg, the associated cable lugs, connecting bolts, and insulating electrical tape) are not included in the incoming parts weight restriction.
If you have the room, it is kind to bring materials, tools and items that other teams might find helpful in repairing their robot. Al’s quote above explains what you can bring ‘officially’. We always bring a bunch of aluminum extrusion, sheets, plastics, 200 pounds of hardware, and other stuff just to share with other teams. If we supply the part that adds the awesome to their robot, that makes us look good too.
We too typically bring bins of spare nuts and bolts, extra wire, extra motors, speed controllers, spikes. Basically whatever we have left on hand that we don’t require that may be of some use to another team in need.
After spending 6 weeks building, and to be out of operation over some small part is shame, so we bring what ever we have to help others, so they too can have an enjoyable event.
And lets not forget spare people with technical ability to help out as well. Although I’m not so sure I’d be considered a “spare” this season. LOL!