2013 Build Rules and Competition Regulations

[blazerbotics]

Re: 2013 Build Rules and Competition Regulations

I suggest we have another thread for 'Is my robot legal?' rather than cluttering this one up.

[Max]

Re: 2013 Build Rules and Competition Regulations

I think the rule on lipo protection needs to be made more clear- I don't really know what is satisfactory for

secured onto a reinforced panel

Could I just connect it onto a piece of 6mm aluminium rod with some cable ties? Or Velcro the battery on to some 1/2mm aluminium sheet?
Surely if it needs to be something substantial then the weight of the protection will make it hardly worth using lipos over nimhs?
This rule seems like it is more appropriate for heavyweights than featherweights.

[Danjr1]

Re: 2013 Build Rules and Competition Regulations

This rule seems like it is more appropriate for heavyweights than featherweights.

I hope so. ive been using the same method of mounting lipos now for nearly two years. Ive take the advised 2mm+ metal above and below lipo rule and applied it to all my bots. To change the rules at this late stage considering there are events taking place within the month would be pretty harsh on a lot of people.

[blazerbotics]

Re: 2013 Build Rules and Competition Regulations

This rule seems like it is more appropriate for heavyweights than featherweights

Actually its the other way around, there aren't many heavies made from plastics!

[terry]

Re: 2013 Build Rules and Competition Regulations

My wotty cuts out at 20v, maybe Ian could set them up for everyone's requirements based on the Lipo cell count.
As if I went to Lipo it would be 8 cells i would have a low volt cut out at 24v.

[Max]

Re: 2013 Build Rules and Competition Regulations

Actually its the other way around, there aren't many heavies made from plastics!

I can't see much getting through 20mm of hdpe but I have seen axes get through the thin sheet metal used on heavies.

Although in a heavy the batteries are likely to be further away from the walls of the bot so a weapon could never get to them. Would this rule still apply if the batteries were in the centre of the bot?

[RogueTwoRobots]

Re: 2013 Build Rules and Competition Regulations

All looks fine to me. Think I'll weld an extra bit of steel to Drumroll's baseplate where the lipo is though, just to make sure I won't fall foul of the rules.

The only minor quibble I'd say is regarding the wording of rule 11.2:

Rotational weapons exceeding any TWO of the three limits below must be submitted for review and be preapproved by the event organiser.

Obviously the majority of featherweight spinners exceed two of the three limits, but I remember the last time I queried this, I seem to recall someone saying that exceeding the limits was only an issue if you were running a 'spinner' (more akin to a rotary flipper) in a Class 3 arena or less. While that makes sense to me, is it worth adjusting the wording of the rule to clarify this? Just in case any new people coming along that are building spinners for full combat events are worried that they have to stick within these limits to be legal.

[blazerbotics]

Re: 2013 Build Rules and Competition Regulations

I can't see much getting through 20mm of hdpe but I have seen axes get through the thin sheet metal used on heavies.

Not sure what the thin sheet metal is... Problem is with plastic, is a Lipo pack on fire will soon start melting it way through, this is one of the main reasons for the ruling.

[Danjr1]

Re: 2013 Build Rules and Competition Regulations

rule 7.8.8 doesn't mention any particular material though, maybe the rule needs to be rewritten? I was under the impression that the advised +2mm thick metal plate beneath the lipo cell was going to be made a rule?

[Team Invade]

Re: 2013 Build Rules and Competition Regulations

I am surprised that there has been no open and democratic discussion with the community at one of the events.

There are some major changes that should have been discussed with the entire community. I also suspect that the unprovoked change to 10 seconds for immobilisation is another way to change the pit rules when opinion and the vote went against it.

[psychostorm]

Re: 2013 Build Rules and Competition Regulations

Where is the 30 second no-attack immobilisation rule in the 2013 regulations?

[RogueTwoRobots]

Re: 2013 Build Rules and Competition Regulations

This is a consultation period. If there are rules in there that the majority don't agree with, now is the time to make your voices heard!

As sensible as it seems to discuss major changes with the community, the large difference in opinions and the fact we often end discussing side issues as well means that it would take a long time to get anywhere near an accepted wording to incorporate into the rules.

Formulating potential rules and their wording with a few people and then putting it up for consultation (where changes can still be influenced) would seem to be a much more practical approach.

[PJ-27]

Re: 2013 Build Rules and Competition Regulations

The Li-Po securing rule is rather vague.... Plus is it really an issue in the RC arena?

[Bodge Job]

Re: 2013 Build Rules and Competition Regulations

With the reinforced mount LiPo rule I would have thought it would be better to have a rule where the mount is designed to still hold the LiPo in the event of a fire (so not tape or Velcro) so it cant fall out like during movement of the robot to a safer area, or fall to other areas with in the robot (like against flammable surfaces, like plastic, or expensive equipment).

I think having a secure mount to stop movement of the batter would make the situation a lot easier to deal with, as you know the battery wont fall out, fall against the base and make a molten, fiery, plastic mess which seeps into the floor.

also a port, or entrance for a fire extinguisher, for engulfing the LiPo in Co2, could also be useful, could be clearly marked or something?

I think that an incident is inevitable, no amount of armour and fuses could stop this happening eventually, so its better to just reduce the danger, damage, and make it easier to handle?

[typhoon_driver]

Re: 2013 Build Rules and Competition Regulations

Gents at the end of day it is your lipo pack. If you want to secure it using the bare minimum then by all means go ahead but if it goes up in flames it's likely to take the lipo pack, any speed controllers you have along with motors inside oh and the receiver for good measure. It's in everyones best interests to ensure your lipo is well secured. This is why I secure mine in a custom metal box inside the chassis. I wouldn't recommend cable ties.

Thanks for the clarification on the voltage rule Kane. I don't see an issue with going to 12s lipo.