Answered: Further Question about <R15>

[Karthik]

@Wallaby

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.

@Wallaby

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.