<R56> and Previous Year's Chargers

[FRC498]

Yesterday the GDC gave this answer to a question regarding the use of COTS chargers for the 7.2v back-up battery:

"Under Rule <R56>, the 7.2v back-up battery must be charged with the charger provided in the 2007 Kit Of Parts, or via the primary battery and the IFI-defined charger circuit. No other charging options are permitted."

Also, <R56> states "When off the ROBOT, the battery is to be charged with the provided 7.2V backup battery charger."

Our team has two questions regarding back-up batteries:
1. Since they were not included in the 2007 kit, would previous year's back-up battery chargers be illegal for charging the 2007 back-up battery?
2. COTS 7.2V NiCad batteries (and previous year's back-up batteries) are allowed under <R73>. Must they also be charged with ONLY the 2007 charger, or may additional chargers be used for these batteries?

Thank you!

[GDC]

Yes, battery chargers from prior years would be illegal for charging the 2007 back-up battery.

Yes, the back-up battery (either the one supplied, or a permitted COTS back-up battery) must be charged with ONLY the 2007 charger or IFI-defined charger circuit, as specified in Rule <R56>.

[GDC]

Please note: This answer has been superceded by this one. The use of alternate back-up battery chargers, including those supplied as KOP items in 2006, is permitted.

Please see Team Update #13 for more information.