One of our algae came with a small hole in it, so it won’t hold air. The surface of the ball is not likely to take a patch. Are there any standard ways of sealing holes on things like this? I’m thinking about trying to put some green slime sealant inside with a hypodermic needle and let gravity pool it up near the hole while it makes the seal.
Any better ideas?
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We punctured one of ours while inserting the inflation needle and ended up trying a bike tire patch kit that a mentor had at home. It’s holding air well after lots of glue and about 10 minutes of letting it set while holding the patch on. Held air for at least 5 hours without noticeable deflation. Hoping it just holds up indefinitely.
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One of ours arrived with a small hole also.
this isn’t the first instance i’ve heard of algae arriving in the K.O.Ps with holes!! i know someone already mentioned bike tire patch, but i definitely second that. rubber cement meant be our best friend this season! looking back at old CD posts from Overdrive and Deep Space, tire patch kits and vinyl patch kits are what most people used to fix their practice pieces. the ball materials aren’t EXACTLY the same, but i have no doubt one or a combination of those listed would work.
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You should report it damaged to get a replacement, see Just a few days until Kickoff!.
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Unless I am missing it when looking through the First Dashboard, this is not one of the ones that you can request replacement for through the website. One of ours also arrived with a small hole. Going to reach out to the email address they give as well and see.
Have many people experienced this with their Algae? One of our Algae balls has a small hole as well
Ours popped the first time someone tossed it (it landed on a screw). A little activator and superglue worked perfectly.
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One of ours has a hole as well.
does anyone think it might play a part in strategy and robot design that the ball can get holes relatively easy?
Being extra vigilant about sharp edges on your robot this year will be important.
Was it officially stated somewhere I missed that you wouldn’t be able to request a replacement Algae?
I emailed about this as well and haven’t heard back. Right now our Sub Kit Container drop down only has “Please Select” with no available choices.
Section 6.8, second paragraph:
An ARENA FAULT (an error in ARENA operation described in section 10.2 MATCH Replays) is not called for MATCHES that accidentally begin with damaged SCORING ELEMENTS. Damaged SCORING ELEMENTS are not replaced until the next ARENA reset period. DRIVE TEAMS should alert the FIELD STAFF to any missing or damaged SCORING ELEMENTS prior to the start of the MATCH.
(emphasis mine)
I meant request a replacement for damaged algae you received in the Kit of Parts, not during the competition.
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I got a response from them, but I also went on the site and the algea are now listed under “Loose” in the drop down.
Same here. Thanks to the FRC Parts people for getting back to us!