FRA announcement

Report to be added to our minutes file and entitled 18th minutes and carried out be email



A change of robot voltage from 36 volt to 48 volt will not be proceeded with. Robot voltage remains at a maximum allowed of 36 volt RMS.


Double link (new rule to be inserted into build rules)


6.3.2. The link must be positioned in a visible part of the robots bodywork, fitted away from any operating weaponry or drive, and this position must be clearly marked.

In addition, all robots in the heavyweight class that are capable of being driven inverted, having a removable link fitted that is only accessible when the robot is the right way up, must have a duplicate link fitted in the opposing panel, so as to allow the robot to be disarmed when inverted.



A123 wording for temporary use to be announced on our forum.




Use of A123 cells are permitted providing that roboteers do so at the scrutiny of FRA event organisers.

Suitable charging equipment must be used and packs must be built to a safe standard.

Trials of the technology are still ongoing and while limited testing has shown favourable results the FRA advises, that this technology is used with caution particularly due to the charging requirements and energy density within this product.



Heavy weight, maximum weight limits. New weight conditions apply as of 1/01/2009.


This does not exclude pneumatic robots from events that weigh more than 100KG unless an event organizer conducts a weigh in after 1/01/2009



2.3.

For heavyweights, total weight is measured with consumables.

Maximum weight does not include safety bars, straps, guards or similar equipment used to immobilise moving arms/weapons.

Total weight also does not include such safety devices as the €œsafety tether€ required while running in some arena types.

A change of robot voltage from 36 volt to 48 volt will not be proceeded with. Robot voltage remains at a maximum allowed of 36 volt RMS.

Why was this decided? A 48 volt limit is allowed in the US - I thought the idea of the rule changes was to provide a level international playing field.

Eu rules concerning electricity arent easy to follow.
36V seems to fall into a category that can be allowed.
And in the VS, according to the BB rules, it was possible to go up to 60V, if the builder/owner could prove he was capable.

In BB, voltages up to 48 Volts are allowed. If you complete their high-voltage waiver and are accepted, voltages up to a nominal 96 Volts can be used.

Were planning to run beta on 68 Volts (20 A123 Lithiums).

IIRC Mark Setrakians The Snake used around 90 Volts for its actuators.

John

From Appendix B of the BB regs:
-------------------------------
D.8 SPECIAL VOLTAGE APPROVAL
Voltages higher than 96 Volts nominal may be accepted in special cases where an Entrant is able to
demonstrate that they have previously constructed safe robotic systems at the higher voltage.
Contact BattleBots directly.

In addition, all robots in the heavyweight class that are capable of being driven inverted, having a removable link fitted that is only accessible when the robot is the right way up, must have a duplicate link fitted in the opposing panel, so as to allow the robot to be disarmed when inverted.

so this doesnt apply to feather weights at all??

alex

Alex,
It was included in the rules to cover a very few heavyweight robots that cant be safely disarmed when upside down.

(After all, you can always put your foot under a feather to turn it over :) )

just to be sure :)

I think these revisions to the ruleset are very sensible. Good job FRA and those that proposed them.

question: quote:


In addition, all robots in the heavyweight class that are capable of being driven inverted, having a removable link fitted that is only accessible when the robot is the right way up, must have a duplicate link fitted in the opposing panel, so as to allow the robot to be disarmed when inverted. Does this include robots that spin in circles while upside down? :) I was planning to fit a panel underneath to reach the link and dump anyway.

is this rule for all invertable robots? Tantos link is reachable upside down so do i now need to put a 2nd link in?

No then you are fine Craig. Its only for the ones whos link is unreachable when upside down.


(Message edited by leo-rcc on April 11, 2008)

Further question:

Why are we not allowing 48 volts?

John Frizell, mario said

Eu rules concerning electricity arent easy to follow.
36V seems to fall into a category that can be allowed.

but could do with a reason but i dont really think people who dont have plans to use more then 36V should really be that bothered and for the likes of beta im sure they will sort an agreement out with the eos and the fra - who would really want to turn away a quality safe bot like beta and say they cant run?

John Reid, can i ask what are you going to be doing regarding this, with running beta at 68V or is it being finished for battle bots?

Yup, for BB and hopefully Rebel Robots too.

John

Although if its limited to 36 Volts, then beta is not going to work...

Little John Lear said:

i dont really think people who dont have plans to use more then 36V should really be that bothered and for the likes of beta im sure they will sort an agreement out with the eos and the fra - who would really want to turn away a quality safe bot like beta and say they cant run?

So this is a suggestion that the FRA might issue exemptions to the 36 volt rule allowing approved bots to run higher voltages. Can Andy give us the FRA view on that?

im not sayin that they will accept John Frizell but it wouldnt hurt to ask direct to the fra before people built there robots which such specs - the EOs would have a big say in this as well imo

unless there is EU rules which are in the way, we cant go and break them then

So this is a suggestion that the FRA might issue exemptions to the 36 volt rule allowing approved bots to run higher voltages

They wont! he EOs might.

6.2.
Mean working voltage should not exceed 36V DC or 36V RMS AC except where prior
approval from the event organisers has been confirmed. It is understood that a charged
batterys initial voltage state is above their nominal rated value. }

A belated happy New Year to you all from the FRA

Just a couple of reminders for the year

1.FRA memberships are due now and remain at £10 for the year.
After 31/03/2009 membership is £20

2.Please re-read the robot build rules to check for any changes that may affect you.
January 1st is the start date for revised heavy weight maximum weights.(100KG)
There is no longer a free gas allowance for pneumatic machines. Subject to event organisers on the day they may or may not allow you up to 2% over weight. No heavy weight robot may weigh more than 102KG.
These weights will be applicable to the FRA/Roaming Robots UK championships

there goes our 5kg bottle,
2 x 2 works better any way ;)