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Official Q&A: VRC 2018-2019: Turning Point

Usage Guidelines All Questions

72: R5e Clarification on Components from V5 Beta

Nathan Nolte (Event Partner)
10-Sep-2018

R5e states:

Components obtained from the V5 beta program, including V5 beta firmware, are not legal for competition use. All V5 beta hardware can be identified by its lighter gray pre-production color. Robot Brains, Robot Batteries, Controllers, and Vision Sensors from the V5 beta have a “BETA TEST” stamp on them. Smart Motors and Radios do not have this stamp, but can still be identified by color.

I would like clarification on this both from a team mentor standpoint and an Event Partner standpoint. Does the Beta component restriction include things such as bulk motor/sensor wire, claw, push buttons, and motor cartridges? I don't know if those will be distinguishable from production V5 parts, and if not, they would be difficult to prevent usage of through inspection.

R5  
Answered by Game Design Committee

In general, using any components that were received for free as part of the beta program for competition use is not in the spirit of the VEX Robotics Competition and would be considered a violation of the V5 beta agreement. That said, to answer each of your specific questions:

  • The Claw changed color from light gray to black, similar to the electronics, and is not legal for use.
  • The Bumper Switch changed color from a white cap to a black/red cap, similar to the other electronics, and is not legal for use.
  • Beta motor cartridges are functionally and cosmetically identical to production cartridges. Inspectors will not be expected to identify the difference between beta and production motor cartridges.
  • Beta Smart Cables are functionally and cosmetically identical to production cables. Inspectors will not be expected to identify the difference between beta and production Cables.