Interchangeable parts and weapons
Just been reading the rules. Cant find anything saying interchangeable drive systems arnt allowed. for example changeing from 2wd to 4wd depending on who your against. or chassis parts like extending the machine. just aslong as the heaviest setup is weighed. i am expecting this is allowed then?
Interchangeable parts and weapons
Interchangeable parts and weapons
F.R.A International Build Rules & Guidelines 2006
Para 2.4
If interchangeable panels and/or weapons are used, the weight is measured with the heaviest set-up in place.
However......
Para 1.2
If you have a robot or weapon design that does not fit within the categories set forth in these rules or is in someway ambiguous or borderline, please contact the event organiser. Safe innovation is always encouraged, but surprising the event staff with your brilliant exploitation of a loophole may cause your Robot to be disqualified before it ever competes.
Drive systems are not classified as weapons so really only Para 2.4 would apply in your case.
(Message edited by anukhet on August 19, 2006)
Interchangeable parts and weapons
Dont the rules say that the chassis is the robot so any changes to drive would have to be made without altering the chassis in shape or size. But otherwise I see nothing wrong with it.
Interchangeable parts and weapons
I cant see that anywhere in the current version (although it may have been there in earlier versions).
Interchangeable parts and weapons
ill translate.
can i bring 10 identical robot chassis and swap damaged ones for brand new ones as I need them?
hope that helps answer his question
Interchangeable parts and weapons
No problem if they are identical. If not then Para 2.4 would apply because the chassis would be part of the overall set-up.
10 identical chassis? Are you expecting trouble? :)
Interchangeable parts and weapons
As dave said, james is not planning on multiple spare chassis - but if he was i couldnt see it being a problem unless the roboteers see it as un sports-like. But like the conversation we had before i now have two complete and almost ready to drive Ploughbots and so I would like to know whether if my new one did get broken, wif i could put the old one is as Interchangable?Or atleast if an astro blew, put my old golds back in for a semi-final or something?(this would invole the old basic chasis aswell) Leaving the outside the same. If this is allowed, then what happens if little spinner wrecks my shell? can i then replace my new shell, with my less armoured old shell? (effectivly my whole robotwill have been replaced in a single competition, to a whole new one, with all different components)
I have had many conversations about this, and know one seems to know where the line should be drawn? I certainly wouldnt like to think up the rule!
Interchangeable parts and weapons
FRA rules do have lots of loopholes, the reason for this is to allow for development of machinery.
It is not FRA policy to dictate on how machines are built other than already specified in its build rules.
When a new inovation or style is encountered it is up to an individual event organiser to allow a new style to run.
After this it is usually put on the FRA agenda by the event organiser for discussion as to safe use or suitability. A considered opinion is then offered.
Interchangeable parts and weapons
only 10 james...... na your thinking way too small :) lol
no thats not what ive got in mind but still a good point. There isnt a rule on the limitations of how many parts you could interchange, so in practice you could have kan-opener and interchange the armour, then the drive and chassis, oh and not forgetting the weapon and there you have it..... youve morphed into Terrorhurtz. No rule saying you cant?
It would be interesting to see peoples thoughts on such a radical idea but perfectly legal one.
Maybe the rule should be a bit like football where you can only have so many substitutions. Maybe you can allocate 5 things whether they be weapons, drive motors or armour?