Other Parts and Materials

[hotshot2]

Q: Sorry to ask yet another version of this question, but after reading and re-reading the prior posts I'm still not 100% sure this situation is covered.

I understand the area and max extent limit, but I'm not sure if the pieces need to actually be cut from a single piece of material. I think not, but I want to clarify.

Specificaaly: Can I use two 16" squares of Polycarbonate? (Total area 512 sq inches)

These would satisfy the area limit and max dimension.
But it's not possible to cut them from a single 24x24 sheeet.

Thanks for your clarification.

A: Yes, as long an the total area and max. dimensions don't violate the limits

[hotshot2]

Q: Here is the question that we need answered as soon as possible.

We have a welding class available on campus and the advanced students in that class want to help us by welding together our base frame using 1" aluminum channel. Can we use any aluminum U-channel and flat bar providing that it is the same thickness as what is supplied in the kit or do we have to use only what is in the kit? We understand that we are limited to the same square footage as the kit and the extra parts list.

A: No. <R9> specifically prohibits welding.

Additionally, any non-Tetrix aluminum used must meet the constraints of <R5>.c.6

[hotshot1]

Q:Per 4.2 R5, c, 13 are hinges included in mechanical fasteners?

A: No, a hinge is not considered a mechanical fastener. Therefore any hinge used must come from Tetrix, Lego, or be manufactured by the team using allowable materials.

[hotshot1]

Q:Are we allowed to use a spring as part of a launch mechanism?

If so can we purchase this or would we need to make our own?

A: There is nothing in the rules preventing the use of springs to propel the balls. However, teams must be aware of rule R15 d regarding stored energy.
Per rule 4.2 R5 a spring must be obtained from Tetrix, Lego, or manufactured using allowable materials.

[hotshot2]

Q: R5 c 11. Says "Commercial PVC couplings are not allowed." I'm not sure what commercial couplings are. Are PVC T's, Elbows or endcaps allowed

A: No. T's, elbows, and endcaps are examples of commercial PVC couplings.

[hotshot2]

Q: We are interested in using 6-32 Nylon-Insert hex-nuts in place of the hex-nuts with attached star-tooth washers that come in the KoP. Would these be considered compatable and thus acceptable for use? We just don't want to have to swap out 100's of nuts at the tournament.

A: Nylon-insert 6-32 nuts are an example of a compatible mechanical fastener and are allowed.

[hotshot2]

Q: We wanted to know as to whether you can use a threaded rod as a shaft for spinning rollers?

A: No. As described, the threaded rod is not being used as a connector, but as a structural element.

[hotshot2]

Can you please clarify <R5> section d, item 8 regarding connecting LEDs to the prototype board? "Only visible light LEDs may be connected to the Prototype Board. These visible LEDs may only be used as a cueing signal for the team or for decoration. If used, the purpose must be demonstrated during inspection."

I understand that we can't use IR LEDs which might interfere with other robots but I am not clear about the restriction on how visible LEDs can be used.

Does this mean that we are not allowed to use an LED as a light source for a homebrew light sensor? Or use an LED light beam to help aim the robot in teleop?

Thanks!

A: <R5>d.8 specifically limits LED's to be used only for signaling to the drive team or for decorations. Homebrew light sensors using LED light sources do not fit within the allowed usages of LEDs and are therefore not allowed.

[hotshot4]

Q: Can a laser pointer be used on the robot?

A: No, see rule <R5> for allowed parts and materials.

[hotshot4]

Q: Is there a place or website we can buy extra parts?

A: Yes, links are provided here: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...nt.aspx?id=964

HiTechnic NXT compatible sensors are found here: http://www.hitechnic.com/