Answered: Shrink Tubing

[Bigyo]

The rules specify that certain non vex materials may be uses as long as they are available to all participants. Is it permissible to secure servo lead extensions using shrink tubing?

[JVN]

@Bigyo

The rules specify that certain non vex materials may be uses as long as they are available to all participants. Is it permissible to secure servo lead extensions using shrink tubing?

Actually… the rules do not say that.

Rule <R5> states:

<R5> Robots may be built ONLY from Official Robot Components from the VE Robotics Design System unless otherwise specifically noted within these rules.

Rule <R7> then goes on to list some of these exceptions:

<R7> Robots are allowed the following additional “non-VEX” components:
a. Any material strictly used as a color filter for a VEX Light Sensor.
b. Any parts which are identical to legal VEX parts.
c. Teams may add non-functional decorations provided that these do not affect the robot performance in any significant way or affect the outcome of the match. These decorations must be in the spirit of the competition. Inspectors will have final say in what is considered “non-functional”.
d. Any non-aerosol based grease, when used in extreme moderation on surfaces and locations that do NOT come into contact with the playing field walls, foam field surface, game objects, or other robots.

No where in <R7> does it say “things commonly available to all teams are legal.”
No where in <R7> does it mention “shrink tubing” as being legal.

Therefore… heat shrink tubing is NOT legal for use.

[Bigyo]

Thanks, it might have helped if I read the rules closer.

1)What about non-vex zip ties? R6 says its ok if they’re identical, but what if they’re slightly larger?
2) Is a small amount of CA or other adhesive allowed?

[JVN]

@Bigyo

Thanks, it might have helped if I read the rules closer.

1)What about non-vex zip ties? R6 says its ok if they’re identical, but what if they’re slightly larger?
2) Is a small amount of CA or other adhesive allowed?

You are correct, reading the rules closely is very helpful.

1. Identical - Yes.
   Larger - No.

2. No. (See <R15b>)

[Bigyo]

Thanks, and I take it that it would also be illegal to reverse the polarity of a motor on the circuit board, even though the only performance difference would be its natural rotation is reversed?

[JVN]

@Bigyo

Thanks, and I take it that it would also be illegal to reverse the polarity of a motor on the circuit board, even though the only performance difference would be its natural rotation is reversed?

Rule <R15a> says…

<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.

[Bigyo]

Got it. Thanks.