I had this question if this motor:
I’m planning of adding the cap but cutting the access if that can be a concern or I’ll be adding more zip ties.
Thank you though.
Read R14 C and see if using an incomplete motor is on the inclusive list of legal modifications.
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why do you think it’s legal ?
Read R14(c) again and see if cutting parts of the motor is allowed.
edit: so actually it’s a bit ambiguous due to R14(e), may need a Q&A if one has not already been asked.
edit2: so the closest Q&A is this.
https://www.robotevents.com/VRC/2023-2024/QA/1912
So i guess, despite my first thoughts, it probably is legal. I would have a copy of the rules and Q&A for inspection if they think otherwise.
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If people in future have the same question,
I found out in R14 rule for vex over under that the vex motor cap is not considered a part of the motor and hence according to R15 rule, it can have physical modifications such as melting, cutting, bending, gluing or soldering, etc.
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Like what @jpearman has suggested - do submit a formal Q&A to get a peace of mind.
From the historical point of view (and if I remember correctly), motor cap is excluded because of quick swap.
Not sure if GDC is ok to extend this provision to allow what you are thinking of though.
And both @jpearman and @DougMoyers were not wrong to point out that in the previous seasons, this would be considered as modifications to the motor, which was not allowed (previously).
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windows+shift+s or comand+shift+4
shortcuts to capture a portion of a screen to paste where you want.
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How is it incomplete if the motor cap is not part of the motor?
R14e: For the purposes of this rule, the V5 Smart Motor Cap is not considered “part of the motor.” Therefore, R15 applies.
I think the GDC is pretty clear in what they’re intending by R14e. They even explicitly say “Therefore, R15 applies”.
R15:
Most modifications to non-electrical components are allowed. Physical modifications, such as bending or cutting, of legal metal structure or plastic components are permitted.
I don’t know what else it could possibly mean other than that OP can cut the motor cap to their heart’s content
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Well… simply because not all inspectors might be on the same page?
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Fair, though it’s worth noting that this season has already shattered the record for the most Q&As in a single season. On some level, if an inspector is already not reading the game manual, and not reading Q&As, is another Q&A going to help the situation? I don’t think we should be encouraging Q&As for questions that the game manual already answers.
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I failed to include R14e. It happens to be on the next page, and I missed it. E is a bit of a plot twist relative to A-D, which are very proscriptive.
Logically, a motor is incomplete if it is missing a component. That is the way language works. With the wording of R14e the manual recognizes its own illogic by including the phrase “for the purposes of this rule”
I think the reason for the exclusion in R14e is to allow modification such as filing away some of the cap to allow it to fit next to a structural flange. The OP is taking that to an extreme which appears to be within the rules (but is worthy of a Q&A response.)
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I do think it is a similar situation for game rules and referees?
And we have always encouraged students to have the rules and Q&A ready on hand to show it to the referees.
This same approach should apply to the robot inspectors as well?
For this situation, if even old-timers (and I believe sometimes @jpearman still double-up as inspector during worlds) are not sure where do GDC wants to draw the line, then I am not sure if all the inspectors will have the same understanding or interpretation of this rule.
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My mis-understanding of the rule came from two places.
It was a new rule for spin up (I believe), prior to that there was no mention of the motor cap being separate from the motor. So for many years this would have been illegal. It’s hard to keep track of changes from year to year. It would be useful (GDC won’t like this) to have a changelog for at least the robot rules showing what has changed from the previous year.
I find it odd that we include an all inclusive list of things that can be done in R14(c).
Replacing the gear cartridge with other official cartridges.
Removing or replacing the screws from the V5 Smart Motor Cap (276-6780).
Removing or replacing the threaded mounting inserts (276-6781).
Aesthetic/non-functional labeling (e.g., markers, stickers, paint, etc.).
Two of those are related to the motor cap, the screws and mounting inserts. I guess when I saw the words This list is all-inclusive it didn’t occur to me that cutting off the motor mounting posts would be outside of this list.
Question for @46167C-Anubis-VedP How are you actually going to attach this motor to your robot now ? Just zip ties ?
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I actually plan to use metal holders to hold it in place from 5 sides to attach it.
I wonder if it would fit perfectly with the FTC Motor Mounts, do you have any to test with. This is what I’m talking about-
Those aren’t legal for VRC
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If I may ask, this is a rather interesting modification to a motor cap. Why?
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It says the mount is compatible with V5 components. Below that it says “VEX U, VAIRC, FTC, and FRC legal”.
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