10863B here from Mobile Alabama. We are going to the US Open in a couple of days and I am here to seek some pointers on traveling on a plane. My biggest question regards Lithium Ion batteries. As we know, VEX batteries are LIthium Ion so how do teams bring them on flights without the airline intervening? On the Forum, I have also seen teams talk about removing axels. Is that realistic? Any other tips would be great. Thanks!
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Plenty of topics on here about this but… lithium ion batteries are fine once you take them with you on carry-on, usually TSA doesn’t have issues, although last time I flew to LAUNCH they did manually check my bag due to the large amount of other VEX electronics in my bag. You definitely can remove axles in your robot so that they don’t bend in transport but I haven’t had any issues yet to my knowledge. As for packaging, I usually put bubble wrap and padded where I can and this last time I also used packing peanuts (careful because they do settle eventually), and to my knowledge the robot came off the plane there and back without any major damage. If you have a lift or something, definitely zip tie that down so your robot stays compact and padded properly. I hope that answers your question about lithium-ion batteries. For other questions they may be answers in other threads, just search your topic name.
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Hey Jack! I did respond to your coach this morning:)
- V5 Batteries must be carry on luggage.
- tools must be in checked in luggage - you know you guys like improving the airplane - like checking for missing bolts might be considered worrisome
- my experience I have a wood block under the robot to lift weight off weeks - typically screwed to frame.
feel free to ask coach to send more questions!
Sorry won’t see you at Worlds - was fun last year!
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Look at robosource.net for both travel cases and helpful hints on transporting your robot.
8 posts were split to a new topic: [Split Thread] Why do I have to connect my controller to my brain at the beginning of a match?
Make sure to disconnect (just remove the tubing from the tanks) and discharge all pneumatics before getting on the plane. Last year one of our sister teams exploded a solenoid on the way to worlds because they forgot to do this.
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Also try to remember to do this before you’ve packed the robot. It’s a pain to have to unpack everything just so you can disconnect a pneumatic tube.
This is Elijah Beal from the Quackheads! I love to see that you guys are competing in the US Open since you did great at state but just barely didn’t qualify.
I hope you have a great time at the US Open and do well!
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