Other Parts and Materials

[hotshot2]

Q: In reference to Robot Rule 5 C8 Plastic coated wire rope .03125" dia or less
Is it multi-strand wire or solid core?
Could you give us more info about this item, what it's normally used for?
Thanks

A: Wire rope is stranded. It is beyond the scope of Game Design to answer questions related to usage of materials.

[hotshot2]

Q: Are we allowed to use insulated electric wires are other functions than connecting
electrical parts, such as in place of string connecting robot parts?

A: No. Electrical wire is not designed or intended to be used to support loads or as a mechanical connector.

[hotshot2]

Q: What about regular screws?
My team needs to trim the wheels and the new wheels will need to have the rubber screwed into the plastic. My guy wants to know if you can use wood screws for this. The regular tetrix screws are all blunt ended.

A: No. Wood screws are not part of the list of allowed materials in this years game.

[hotshot4]

Q: In regards to rule R5.c.8, is the maximum diameter of 0.03125” the bare or coated diameter?

A: Please read the forum prior to posting questions. This question was previously answered here: http://forums.usfirst.org/showpost.p...4&postcount=34

Plastic-coated wire rope with a bare wire diameter of 0.03125” or smaller is allowed.

[hotshot4]

Q: Is it permissible to use a visible light LED from the HiTechnic NXT kit for purposes of assisting navigation? Application would be a visible light LED mounted on the robot and directed at the floor. Position of the light spot on the floor would be used by the operator to position the robot.

A: Rule <R5d8> allows visible light LEDs to be connected to the HiTechnic Prototype Board for the purpose of a cueing signal or for decoration. The strategy described is considered a cueing signal and is permitted by the game rules.

[hotshot3]

Are velcro straps allowed? Hooks on one side / loops on the other typically sold for bundling cables or tying down a battery.

In regards to Rule <R5c21> can we use hook and loop cable ties such as:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#6605k13/=4m9ofg OR http://www.mcmaster.com/#9402t2/=4m9owd ?

A: No. That kind of strap with velcro would be considered as "used as tape" and is not allowed (from Rule <R5>c21).

[hotshot3]

Our team need to shave down our wheels to make the 18 inch cut off. When we shaved the wheels, we need to use 4 screws to hold the rubber to the wheel hub. We read the rules and this seemed to be okay. I have attached the image. We uses "wood screws" to hold the rubber to the hub.

A: As answered in a previous post (#53) to one of your questions, Wood Screws are NOT allowed in this year's game. Your modification will not pass inspection.

[hotshot3]

Concerning the 4 types of plastic: My question is can you use 4 sheets of the same plastic for the 16 sq feet or do they have to be different kinds of plastic?

A: They have to be 4 different kinds of plastic. One 24"x24" sheet of ABS, One 24"x24" sheet of Kydex, One 24"x24" sheet of Lexan, and One 24"x24" sheet of PETG.

[hotshot2]

Q: "Our team need to shave down our wheels to make the 18 inch cut off. When we shaved the wheels, we need to use 4 screws to hold the rubber to the wheel hub. We read the rules and this seemed to be okay. I have attached the image. We uses "wood screws" to hold the rubber to the hub."

1-Thanks for the reply
2-So no wood screws are allowed. Can one "glue the rubber to the wheels" and if so which glue is allowed?

A: In general, use of glue is prohibited by <R9>. There are specific exceptions for polycarbonate cement and PVC cement.

[hotshot2]

Q: We are curious if we are to take the lexan and chemically laminate it together to where we end up with a thicker peice and then mill a peice we need from this if it would be okay. We started with the 24" x 24" peice and cut it into 4" x 4" peices and then using this process come up with a peice about 4" x 4" and it is about 1.5" thick. Is this okay or did we waste time?

A: There is nothing in the rules that prohibits this strategy, as long as no other rules are violated.