Section 4 - The Robot: FTC FIRST Face Off Q&A

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This thread will hold all Section 4 FTC FIRST Face Off Q&A
Download Section 4 and the rest of the FTC Manual here

To ask a question pertaining to Section Four of the FTC FIRST Face Off Game Manual, please use the "Post Reply" button at the top or bottom of this thread. Please, DO NOT USE "New Thread" buttons, this system is different than our FRC system. Once submitted, your question will be sent to the moderated queue and will be answered in the order it was received. Thanks and have fun

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Q1: The way my team read the inspection sheets indicates that you can only use LEGO parts that are found in the Lego Education NXT kit (and an unlimited quantity except where specified in R5.a). Is that a correct reading? - In other words, several of the basic structural Lego pieces are not found in that kit (but are normally supplied in the retail NXT kit), so therefore, they cannot be used on the robot (e.g. several basic lift arms (beams), right-angle fasteners, etc.). Thus teams that have other LEGO parts cannot use them, however, teams that have ANY Vex structural part can use those

Q2: Section 9 (Inspections) talks about the robot containing no more than x Polycarbonate, y aluminum, and 12"x12"x12" of plywood... there's no mention of plywood in section 4... can you clarify this?

Q3: Since a Tie Wrap was supplied in the competition Kit (to hold the power switch), the rule definition would indicate that we can use them in the robot. Does the same type of tie wrap have to be used (same specific brand, width and length) or is that open for size adjustment by the team?

Q4: The competition or Tetrix kit came with an additional battery pack (it holds AA batteries). What is the purpose of that pack? It seems to contradict the rules specifying the batteries?

Q5: The additional components list an additional Logitech Gaming Controller. Does that mean that you can have three of them? (the kit came with two)

In the future please ask only one question per post.

A1:The only Lego parts allowed for use on the robot are those parts that come in the competition kit, as well as any Lego sensor that is compatible with the NXT system. See Rule <R5b>.

A2: Thanks for catching this, there is no plywood allowed on the robot. The Inspection sheet will be changed.

A3: Cable ties (Tie Wraps) are sold on the Tetrix website and are available in size from 4" - 8". Therefore according to rule <R5b> you may use as many of these cable ties as you wish. They must be between 4" and 8" but do not have to be the same manufacturer. Parts available for the Tetrix system can be found at the following website. (http://www.legoeducation.com/store/d...D=187&by=9&c=1)

A4: The NXT battery pack (with six (6) AA batteries) may be used to power the NXT controller in place of the Lego rechargeable battery pack. We recommend using the rechargeable battery pack but the final decision is up to the individual teams. There is a second battery pack that holds 8 AA batteries (12v). This may be used at home and for practice but not during official matches. Only the 12 V Ni-MH rechargeable battery may be used to power the 12 V motors and servos. This battery contains an internal 20 amp protection circuit that will prevent damage to your robot.

A5: In this year's field control system each team gets the use of two (2) Logitech gaming controller which are permanently attached to the playing field. Teams will not use their own gaming controllers during match play.

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Q: Just clarifying regarding the LEGO
We are allowed 1 NXT Microcontroller/Brick, Any Hitechnic or official LEGO sensor, 3 LEGO motors, and only the LEGO parts provided in the education base set.

My main question is if we are allowed other LEGO structural components such as beams, pegs, hassenpins, etc... The education kit does not come with much and many of the Tetrix robots shown in the small manual show more LEGO then what comes with the kit.

A: The only Lego parts allowed for use on the robot are those parts that come in the competition kit (#9797), as well as any Lego sensor that is compatible with the NXT system. See Rule <R5b>.

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Q: I can not find an adjustable hinge that will let the robot drive off the platform. Is there a part number or location to purchase these hinges. I have tried several and all are too stiff.

A: Answered in Section 2.

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Q: Can we use the rubber bands that came in the Vex kit?

A: Yes. Size #32 rubber bands are legal.

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Q: According to section 4, we are allowed to use a HiTechnic sensor prototype board. Are there any restrictions on the electronics we can add to the prototype board. For example, a CCD, GPS, etc?

A: There are no restrictions to the kinds of electronics that can be added to the prototype board as long as it only connects to the NXT by means of the I2C connection from the prototype board AND it does not violate ANY other rule. /

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Q: Section 4 says that we can use additional Tetrix parts as found on the Pitsco web site. However, it seems that Pitsco isn't selling parts to the general public until January. Is there going to be a way for teams to order parts before January?

A: At this time, the only source of TETRIX parts are from PITSCO.

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Q: Is the quantity of lego parts limited to what is in the competition kit, or just the type?

I.e. can we use more Lego beams than what was provided in the competition kits?

A: The intent of the rule is to limit the type of Lego part not the quantity. You may use additional quantities of any part that comes with the kit except as restricted by rule <R5>.

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Q: Please you can confirm if we can used VEX Robotics "Large Omni-Directional Wheel Kit", (http://www.vexrobotics.com/vex-robot...heel-kit.shtml) for constructed ROBOT for FTC FaceOFF.

A: Per rule <R5b> only Vex strutural metal may be used. The Omni wheel is not a legal part.

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Q:According to section 4, we're allowed to use the metal pieces and fasteners from the VEX kits. May we use the nylon spacers that are the same size as the white ones that came with the TETRIX kits?

A: Yes, the nylon spacer is considered a fastener.