I’m pretty sure the answer to my question is somewhere in one of the rule books, but I’ll ask anyway…
One of or mechanisms requires a certain part. We found it in the Small Parts catalog, but it’s of pretty bad quality (falling apart). However, we found a similar product in a local store of much better quality. The question is, do we have to use the Small Parts product or can we use our own?
The one you ordered was falling apart? Hmmmm…
If it isn’t exactly what SPI has, I’d hesitate…I’m not 100% sure though.
Any idea then where I could find an answer to my question?
And yes, falling apart!!!:eek:
The only way you can use a part not directly from SPI under the SPI parts allowance is as follows:
-the part available locally is the EXACT same as the part available from SPI, weaknesses and all
-SPI is out of stock on the part in question.
In your case, it appears that SPI does have the part, you’re just not too fond of the quality of it. Unfortunately, under the rules as in the Manual and clarified via FRCTech, you would be stuck with the SPI part.
What’s the part? It may be covered under one of the other rules, such as Additional Hardware, in which case, you could buy it anywhere.
If you don’t want to show peoplw a design of your robot this early, you can private message a few of us and tell us exactly what you got from small parts. We might be able to figure something out for you that would solve your problem without breaking the rules.
We will of course keep your secret until you are willing to share the design. Just want to make sure you get the help you need. 
*Originally posted by Ken Leung *
**If you don’t want to show peoplw a design of your robot this early, you can private message a few of us and tell us exactly what you got from small parts. We might be able to figure something out for you that would solve your problem without breaking the rules.We will of course keep your secret until you are willing to share the design. Just want to make sure you get the help you need.
**
Hmmm… I think my team would be really mad with me if I did that!:mad:
What counts as “additional hardware”?
Knowing a single part would hardly show everyone your design. And as for people stealing your design, if they haven’t come up with some decent ideas yet, they’re in trouble.