Pit Rules

FIRST
1

Good Morning, are there any certain rules about air compressors/PSI in the pit during competition. Thank you

2

I have seen teams in the past use them and I cant find anything in the rule book so I think its fair game.

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3

There are no rules against air compressors as long as they are safe and aren’t being used during opening ceremonies bc of noise.
Edit: I was slightly wrong lol

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4

Just do not pre-charge robot pneumatics with any pit compressor and you will be fine.

Also please do not bring a large compressor if you do… they are overkill, loud, and have a bit of power draw on often limited pit power. 2 gallon is more than enough, diaphragm compressors are lower CFM, but better on amp draw.

Most teams only use a compressor for pneumatic rivet tools and for compressed air to clean things.

Battery powered alternate options are great and can be had at a variety of price points

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5

Slightly more complicated than that, I’m afraid.

  1. Don’t use them to fill your robot’s pneumatics (R806). It has its own compressor for that.
  2. Keep it fairly small–while obviously you need enough air to do whatever you’re doing, E505 wants to avoid floor standing power tools, and a compressor can take up that kind of room.
  3. This has been an issue at some events in the past: Don’t trip the breakers with it. If it’s drawing a lot of current and trips the breakers on the pit power source, it’ll take out multiple other teams as well. If that happens, event staff will probably ask you to not use it and/or remove it from the venue.
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6

Could be worthwhile sending an email to your event organizers just to ensure there’s no concerns about power.

Some events may have limited power available in the pits, and you certainly don’t want to be the team responsible for killing power to an entire row of teams because your compressor tripped one of the venue breakers.

Edit: Eric beat me to it

7

An alternative for riveting if you haven’t bought into the M12 battery ecosystem is this:

Fits in a cordless drill; uses a screw to pull the rivets.

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8

Thank you all for the help!