VEX Skyrise Manual Updates

[Karthik]

On June 2nd, 2014, the following updates will be made to the VEX Skyrise Game Manual. (Continued from the previous post)

All instances of “Cortex Microcontroller” in the Manual have been updated to its proper terminology of “VEX ARM® Cortex®-based Microcontroller”

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Rule <R7l> was modified and now states:

@VEX Skyrise Game Manual

<R7> Robots are allowed the following additional “non-VEX” components:
l) Items used solely for the purpose of bundling or wrapping of 2-wire, 3-wire, 4-wire cables, and pneumatic tubing, for the purposes of protection, organization, or management are allowed. This includes but is not limited to electrical tape, cable carrier, cable track, etc. Note: it is up to inspectors to determine whether a component is serving a function beyond protecting and managing cables.

The intent of this change was to allow for teams to utilize this exception for 4-wire cables and pneumatic tubing, which were not mentioned in the original rule.

Rule <R7m> was added and states:

@VEX Skyrise Game Manual

<R7> Robots are allowed the following additional “non-VEX” components:
m) VEX IQ pins used solely for the purpose of attaching VEX Team Identification Number Plates.

The intent of this rule was to allow teams to use VEX IQ pins as a method of attaching their new mandatory VEX license plates. Teams can do this in a variety of ways including using VEX legal screws, however we wanted to provide this additional option as well.

Rule <R15a> was modified and now states:

@VEX Skyrise Game Manual

<R15> Parts may NOT be modified as follows:
a) Motors (including the internal PTC), extension cords, sensors, controllers, battery packs, reservoirs, solenoids, pistons and any other electrical component or pneumatics component of the VEX Robotics Design System may NOT be altered from their original state in ANY way.

The intent of this change was to make it crystal clear that modifying the PTC in a VEX motor is strictly prohibited.

Rule <R18> was modified and now states:

@VEX Skyrise Game Manual

<R18> Pneumatic devices may only be charged to a maximum of 100 psi. Teams may only use a maximum of two (2) legal VEX pneumatic air reservoirs on a Robot.
• The intent of this rule is to limit teams to the air pressure stored in two reservoir tanks, as well as the normal working air pressure contained in their pneumatic cylinders and tubing on the robot. Teams may not use other elements (e.g. surgical tubing) for the purposes of storing air pressure. Teams who use cylinders and additional pneumatic tubing for no purpose other than additional storage are in violation of the spirit of this rule and will fail inspection.

The intent of this change was to make it clear that it is illegal to try and use superfluous pneumatic tubing or any other elements in an effort to circumvent the air storage limitations specified in <R18>.

Rule <R19c> was added and states:

@VEX Skyrise Game Manual

<R19c> Robots must use the colored plates that match their alliance color for each match. (i.e. Robots on the red alliance must have their red plates on for the match)

The intent of this rule is to make it clear that teams must use the new coloured license plates, and they must use the appropriate coloured plate to match their alliance colour.

Rule <R20> was modified and now states:

@VEX Skyrise Game Manual

<R20> Some events will require VEX Robot Identification Flags. At these events, robots must include a mounting device to securely hold one VEX Robot Identification Flag throughout an entire match.

The intent of this change is to state that flags will not be required at all events, however this decision is up to the Event Partner.

Rule <R22> was added and states:

@VEX Skyrise Game Manual

<R22> Any violation of robot rules will result in a team being unable to play until they pass inspection (per <R2d>). In addition, teams who intentionally circumvent or violate rules to gain an advantage over their fellow competitors are in violation of the spirit and ethos of the competition. As such, anyone caught violating a rule in this manner may be disqualified from upcoming matches, the event, or even future events at the discretion of the VEX Robotics Competition Game Design Committee.

The intent of this rule is to specify the potential additional punishment for any team who intentionally circumvents the robot rules. Cheating is prohibited in the VEX Robotics Competition and will be punished.

Both Skills Challenge Appendices, B & C, had the following minor modifications:

• The scoring description was updated to make it clear that teams can score both colours of Cubes
• It was made clear that not all events will run the Skills Challenges on a “first come, first serve” basis.

Appendix C was updated to make it clear that the matches are Autonomous, not Driver Controlled.