Answered: [Q Set 7] Modification of the VEXnet Joystick

[EDWARDZAHHH]

Hi Karthik,

Concerning modification of the VEXnet Joystick:

1. Provided electronics and wireless function are not touched in any way, is it legal to tape shock absorbing padding (electrical tape and VEX foam) to exterior corners of the joystick (only to the plastic joystick case, not on any buttons or over the battery compartment) for the purpose of increasing survivability and lifespan of the joystick function when it is accidentally or repeatedly dropped?

There have been some rulings concerning electronics and the VEXnet Joystick. These rulings seem somewhat confusing to me:
https://vexforum.com/showpost.php?p=142471&postcount=2
[https://vexforum.com/showpost.php?p=128068&postcount=2
I have seen several of these setups at VEX competitions, and doubted their legality. Given that we can use any types of batteries that we want, but neither VEX rechargeable batteries nor the VEXnet Joystick can be modified in any way, I assume that battery mods require some intermediary wiring between “dummy” AAA batteries and the VEX rechargeable 7.2 or 9.6 V battery.

2. Is this extra wiring legal, or does it fall under modifications (in the form of additions) to the VEXnet Joystick or rechargeable battery, and thus illegal?

2.a Are the rulings above intended to be a vague way of discouraging and banning joystick mods? Could you please give a definite ruling on whether or not joystick battery mods are allowed at VEX tournaments? Is the vagueness because of any logistical barrier to scrutinizing everyone’s control setup at competitions?

Thank you,

Edward](https://vexforum.com/showpost.php?p=128068&postcount=2)

[Karthik]

@EDWARDZAHHH

Concerning modification of the VEXnet Joystick:

1. Provided electronics and wireless function are not touched in any way, is it legal to tape shock absorbing padding (electrical tape and VEX foam) to exterior corners of the joystick (only to the plastic joystick case, not on any buttons or over the battery compartment) for the purpose of increasing survivability and lifespan of the joystick function when it is accidentally or repeatedly dropped?

Yes, this is legal.

@EDWARDZAHHH

There have been some rulings concerning electronics and the VEXnet Joystick. These rulings seem somewhat confusing to me:
https://vexforum.com/showpost.php?p=142471&postcount=2

[https://vexforum.com/showpost.php?p=128068&postcount=2
I have seen several of these setups at VEX competitions, and doubted their legality. Given that we can use any types of batteries that we want, but neither VEX rechargeable batteries nor the VEXnet Joystick can be modified in any way, I assume that battery mods require some intermediary wiring between “dummy” AAA batteries and the VEX rechargeable 7.2 or 9.6 V battery.

2. Is this extra wiring legal, or does it fall under modifications (in the form of additions) to the VEXnet Joystick or rechargeable battery, and thus illegal? ](https://vexforum.com/showpost.php?p=128068&postcount=2)

If the extra wiring is added without performing ANY modifications/changes to the VEXnet Joystick, this would be legal.

@EDWARDZAHHH

2.a Are the rulings above intended to be a vague way of discouraging and banning joystick mods? Could you please give a definite ruling on whether or not joystick battery mods are allowed at VEX tournaments? Is the vagueness because of any logistical barrier to scrutinizing everyone’s control setup at competitions?

Modifying the VEXnet Joystick is not permitted. Making additions to it, that do not involve any modifications are permitted.

[EDWARDZAHHH]

Ok Karthik, thank you for clearing this up!

I had begun wondering if battery mods being fine (but all “modifications” being illegal) was some sort of catch-22 way of saying they are not allowed. Makes much more sense now.

[Karthik]

@EDWARDZAHHH

Ok Karthik, thank you for clearing this up!

I had begun wondering if battery mods being fine (but all “modifications” being illegal) was some sort of catch-22 way of saying they are not allowed. Makes much more sense now.

You’re welcome!