Hi,
We (as are, it would seem, most teams this year) considering the use of a pneumatic system on one or more of our robots. However, we have a question regarding the legality of some air tanks we own, or rather the air valve fittings that are attached. The tanks themselves are identical to the tanks sold by VEX (i.e. American made SMC tanks, same serial number, etc), but rather than two fittings for air hose, one of the fittings has been swapped out for an air valve fitting. The functionality of these valves is identical to those supplied in the VEX kits; the only difference is that they fit directly to the tank rather than having to attach them via air hose. Will these tanks be considered legal with these fittings, or will it be necessary to change the fittings before use in competition?
I would recommend posting to the Official Skyrise Q&A and asking there. Karthik hasn’t started replying yet and I don’t know when he will start to. Most of the VEX employees take a well deserved break after worlds, and usually lasts several weeks. I think his answer could go either way based off of your description.
the only way that it isnt legal, is if it’s not identical, but I swear, if it is truly a schrader valve, has threads for the air tank, then a hex nut shape around it to screw it in from, and threads for a cap/bike pump it is going to be okay to use in a competition.
Thanks for the replies! It sounds like the valve we’ve got is legal based on your description, but I’ll check into the links you posted to be sure. We appreciate the help. Not only do I personally prefer this valve to the ones that came in the VEX pneumatic kits, but it also saves us a little bit of money if we don’t have to buy new valves and fittings, so I’m glad to know that these ones should be fine.
Thanks again,
822 Geared Up!
Ps: The valves we have are, in fact, Schrader. And I’m a bit embarrassed to say, after actually taking a look at the online description of the VEX pneumatic kits (which probably would have been a good place to start), I realized that that style valve now comes standard with the VEX kits… ours are just old.
Still, I prefer to extend the air valve with tubing so that it is conveinent. The extra tubing makes me happy because I am storing a little bit more air!
You’re correct that asking in the Q&A is a good idea.
Typically, Karthik waits a few weeks after the launch of the new game before answering Q&A questions. This is to encourage people to read, re-read, and understand the game manual before turning to the Q&A for answers.
I don’t think any of us took much of a break. Too many exciting things to be working on!
