LiPo

[maddox10]

Mario - I've outlined my reasons why Dave tech check's at our event's in the way he does. Its all about common sense and safety.

Common sence. Yes. Safety? That is another question. We're trying to cram in as much power and resilience in our machines as budget and creativity allow.

What's the point in being annoying for the sake of it?

Imagine a starter with some budget. Reading the FRA rules as these are applicable for Europe. Building a machine following those rules. Show up at the champs with a machine that has everything, except the batteryplate, and hear No you can't participate because an unwritten rule is enacted. When people are charging old battered NiCD packs insulated with peeling gaffatape...

It's not helping anyone and just @!## everybody else off!

In that case I'm doing it right.

If you don't like the reasons I've outlined as to why we want to see a metal base under lipo's then feel free to post something worthwhile as to how things can be improved rather than being so negative about it all.

As I asked, and don't get an answer on, why the 2mm?
As armor, nah. 2mm ali stops only the weapons already stopped with the real armor.
Flame and heat resistance. 0.3mm steel, ti or even teflonweave and air do a lot more than 2mm ali in that case.

We're all here to have fun, it's a hobby!

More rules, more fun? Ordnung muŸ sein.

[Mouldy]

Mario - I've outlined my reasons why Dave tech check's at our event's in the way he does. Its all about common sense and safety.

Common sence. Yes. Safety? That is another question. We're trying to cram in as much power and resilience in our machines as budget and creativity allow.

Yes mario safety of handling the robots outside of the arena... they can be as dangerous as you like inside the arena.

What's the point in being annoying for the sake of it?

Imagine a starter with some budget. Reading the FRA rules as these are applicable for Europe. Building a machine following those rules. Show up at the champs with a machine that has everything, except the batteryplate, and hear No you can't participate because an unwritten rule is enacted. When people are charging old battered NiCD packs insulated with peeling gaffatape...

Maybe you should ask that to the FRA? It should be in the rules. Instead of being petty on here.

It's not helping anyone and just @!## everybody else off!

In that case I'm doing it right.
If your purposely trying to bring the forum into disrespute then thats against the FRA policy and id of expected better from you.

If you don't like the reasons I've outlined as to why we want to see a metal base under lipo's then feel free to post something worthwhile as to how things can be improved rather than being so negative about it all.

As I asked, and don't get an answer on, why the 2mm?
As armor, nah. 2mm ali stops only the weapons already stopped with the real armor.
Flame and heat resistance. 0.3mm steel, ti or even teflonweave and air do a lot more than 2mm ali in that case.

We're all here to have fun, it's a hobby!

More rules, more fun? Ordnung muŸ sein.[/quote]


Mario - you dont even use lipos?... so your just starting an argument for the sake of it. If you plan to use lipos at an FRA event, id suggest you build to the rules ive suggested to you, or you will have a wasted trip.

[grant_ploughbot]

I've already stated why around the 2mm mark is a sensible suggestion so no point me typing it out again. It used to be in the rules, and its worth Kane putting it back in the rules.

Everyone might be trying to cram in as much power and resilience as possible - but this isn't stopping that in the slightest? If the rules were to state that the base needed to be a certain stiffness and strength to help prevent lipo damage you would instantly be on the case saying thats too complicated to understand and who decides what thickness's of different materials are strong enough! Just keep it simple for everyone to understand!

If people are running with gaffa taped and exposed terminal's that you seem to imply, then they shouldnt be passes a tech check regardless of the battery type so that's not a valid point.

[razerdave]

What the hell did I start ??

[jonny]

chortle chortle

[maddox10]

I've already stated why around the 2mm mark is a sensible suggestion so no point me typing it out again. It used to be in the rules, and its worth Kane putting it back in the rules.

If it's in the rules, it's in the rules. If you want to participate, that's the whole ticket.

Everyone might be trying to cram in as much power and resilience as possible - but this isn't stopping that in the slightest?

If I place the LiPo directly on the 3.2mm thick Hardox shell... Problem solved. Or not?

If the rules were to state that the base needed to be a certain stiffness and strength to help prevent lipo damage you would instantly be on the case saying thats too complicated to understand and who decides what thickness's of different materials are strong enough! Just keep it simple for everyone to understand!

We have seen any other kind of battery and assorted damage. NiCd fumes everywere, Sulfuric acid gel smeared on in the innards of robots, even NiMH batteries rolled open like some kind of new years party wrapper, molten wires, but the big bad maybe exploding Lipo need a 2mm metal base.
As you point out, it's during charging that LiPo gives most chances on mishaps. Worst place to happen, in the pits, ain't it?
And complicated. Yes, but ain't that a part of the hobby?
Also, I'm consistent concerning rules. Less is more.

If people are running with gaffa taped and exposed terminal's that you seem to imply, then they shouldnt be passes a tech check regardless of the battery type so that's not a valid point.

I'm not talking about exposed terminals, I'm talking about batterypacks wrapped in aging gaffatape. And exposed terminals. Here, a new layer of gaffa, there you go.

[kane]

These points are valid and I believe, as stated, apply to any battery type.

LiPo batteries are at greater risk as most packs do not contain a shell to protect the cells and are particularly vunerable to damage from puncturing that can result in fire.

I would propose we amend the rules as follows:

7.1 Fitting
Batteries must be securely mounted and adequately protected within the body shell.

7.8.8 Casing
Batteries must be protected with a suitable baseplate or casing made from a non-flamable metal.

[razerdave]

Sounds good to me

[chompalot]

I concur, it's the clarification required.

Cheers

[Mouldy]

seems fine- now you've got to persuade mario