BaneBots 56mm Gearbox

[FRC1477]

Are the BaneBots 56 mm gearboxes (GP-56012), same as used in the 2007 KoP, allowed this year? They are in closeout on the BaneBots web site.

Thank you,
Team 1477

[FRC1889]

Hi,

We'd like to use some banebots P56 gearboxes, which are the same as those apparently supplied in the 2007 KOP. We would buy these new at this time. But Banebots says they're a closeout item ("We recently found a few boxes of these - take advantage of our find with a great low closeout price.")

Under the definition of VENDOR, sub-section E states:
"E. The VENDOR makes their products available to all FIRST Robotics Competition teams. VENDORS must not limit supply or make a product available to just a limited number of FIRST Robotics Competition teams."

Would these be allowed because they were used before, or are they considered limited supply by this definition? Theoretically, everything is in limited supply as nothing is infinitely available, and Banebots does make it available to all teams still, so I'm not clear on what the delineation is.

Thanks.

[GDC]

The Banebots P56 gearboxes were custom-made products supplied for the 2007 Kit Of Parts. As such, they are prohibited from use in the 2009 competition by Rule <R32-B>. However, Banebots P56-HC gearboxes, which are improved versions of the model supplied in the 2007 Kit, are available COTS items and may be used.