Quote Originally Posted by Danjr1
if its going to be a rule that the lipo has to be in metal box, I can't see how this is fair on people who have been working over the winter to a current rule set?
It's not strictly 'they MUST be in a metal box only', there is also the option of securing them to a reinforced panel.

I think the key here is the definition of 'reinforced panel', and it could perhaps do with some clarification or expansion. I'm assuming this is more aimed at heavyweights since lipos been allowed in feathers for over two years, although obviously if it's in the rules, it'll apply to feathers too.

For example, Drumroll's base is a square(ish) piece of 3mm steel, a pretty solid number on its own. However it also has bulkheads attached to every edge of the square which, as with any material, provides a degree of reinforcement. My lipo setup is currently: baseplate > layer of foam > lipo > layer of foam > metal lid, and it's contained in a 'box' made up of a couple of pieces of 15mm Nylon bolted on either side. The big question is whether the reinforcing by the bulkheads is considered sufficient to satisfy the rule and I'm still alright to have the lipo sandwiched between the base and a metal lid. I'm happy that it is, but just to make sure I'll be welding an extra bit of 6mm steel onto the baseplate where the lipo resides (9mm total).

However clarification for the benefit of other robots/roboteers who are unsure if their build would meet the rules would be beneficial.