Other Parts and Materials

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Originally Posted by 2009FTC2985

Q: Can we use rubber grommets in the holes of the Tetrix metal parts (e.g., channels, brackets) to protect the wiring against the sharp metal edges of those holes?

A: No. Rubber grommets are not permitted under this year's allowed materials rules.

Possible alternatives within the allowed materials include: electrical tape wrapped around the wires, heat shrink tubing around the wires, or surgical tubing around the wires.

[hotshot4]

Originally Posted by 2009FTC3157

Q: According to the Game Manual, we are not allowed to melt pieces of the robot. Does this include heating the Lexan and other plastics to shape it?

Thanks.

A: Heating Lexan and other allowed plastics in order to bend them into another shape is allowed. Heating plastic in the pit area may not be allowed at a tournament. Check with the tournament organizers before using heat guns, or other tools to heat plastic at a tournament.

[hotshot4]

Originally Posted by 2009FTC0199

Q: Is C-PVC pipe an allowed material?

A: Yes.

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Originally Posted by 2009FTC3661

Q: Our team used an aluminum pipe that was smaller in diameter than the ones provided in the kit. Will this be allowed?

A: No.

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Originally Posted by 2009FTC3231

Q: It says that LED lights may be used for queuing the driver. Would it be legal to use an LED light as a way to know whether the robot is in line to shoot into one of the buckets?

A: Yes. That is precisely what we had in mind when writing Rule <R5>d.8. Please re-read that rule so that you can show it during inspection.

[hotshot2]

Originally Posted by 2009FTC2845

Q: R10 makes no mention of either mounting systems for team numbers or of creating team numbers from "allowed materials," only that the numbers must be 1) easy to read, 2) visible from both sides and 3) at least three inches high in a half inch stroke in contrasting color from the background.

We made our numbers out of duct tape (since we're Team Duct Tape) - they meet all three criteria in R10, and we believe meet the spirit and the intent of the rule. We hope FIRST concurs.



<R10> Robots must display their team number (numerals only, e.g. “106”).
a. The judges, referees, and announcers must be able to easily identify Robots by team number.
b. Team number must be visible from at least two sides of the Robot (180 degrees apart).
c. The numerals must each be at least three inches high, at least in 0.5” stroke width and in a contrasting color from their background.

A: As long as the tape used to make the numbers is not used to connect/tape-together parts, its use as numbers is within the rules.

[hotshot2]

Originally Posted by 2009FTC3513

Q: Regarding the use of surgical tubing, is Thera-Band Tubing made by The Hygenic Corporation okay to use? It is red in color and is within the diameter limitations mentioned in the FTC list of allowed parts. Thank you!

A: No. While similar to surgical tubing, Thera-Band tubing is not an allowed material under this seasons rules.