Answered: Further Question about <R15>

[Wallaby]

Hi Karthik,

<R15> Parts may NOT be modified as follows:
a. Motors, extension cords, sensors, controllers, battery packs, and any other electrical
component of the VEX Robotics Design System **may NOT be altered from their original state in
ANY way. **
• Internal or external mechanical repairs of VEX Limit and Bumper switches are permitted
o Using components from these devices in other applications is prohibited
• External wires on VEX electrical components may be repaired by soldering, using
twist/crimp connectors, electrical tape or shrink tubing such that the original functionality /
length is not modified in any way. Wire used in repairs must be identical to VEX wire.
Teams may make these repairs at their own risk; incorrect wiring may have
undesired results.
• Teams may change or replace the gears in the “2-Wire 393” or “2-Wire 269” motors, with
the corresponding official VEX Replacement Gears

I have two questions relating to this rule:

1. If a team were to simply remove the internal gears from a motor and use it as a separate part on the robot, would this be legal? Seeing as internal gears are even offered as a separate part, I would think that this would be legal? Another way to look at is not using the refurb kit to replace gears inside the motor, but rather using them on their own.

2. This one is a bit more of a stretch and I’m thinking it’s likely not legal (though it would be awesome if it was). If the internal gears are allowed for use on the robot besides their obvious use, are the pins that hold them inside the motor also legal? Again, I’m doubting this is legal, but please confirm.

Thanks

[Karthik]

I have two questions relating to this rule:

1. If a team were to simply remove the internal gears from a motor and use it as a separate part on the robot, would this be legal? Seeing as internal gears are even offered as a separate part, I would think that this would be legal? Another way to look at is not using the refurb kit to replace gears inside the motor, but rather using them on their own.

Yes, this would be legal.

2. This one is a bit more of a stretch and I’m thinking it’s likely not legal (though it would be awesome if it was). If the internal gears are allowed for use on the robot besides their obvious use, are the pins that hold them inside the motor also legal? Again, I’m doubting this is legal, but please confirm.

No, this would not be legal. The internal gears are available as VEX legal parts, thus legal for any type of usage. Removing the pins from a motor is an illegal modification, thus a violation of <R15>. The removal of pins for alternate usage is not covered by the exception which allows for the changing or replacing of gears.