<R15>

No modifications to electronic or pneumatic components are allowed. Motors (including the V5 Smart Motor firmware), microcontrollers (including V5 Robot Brain firmware), cables, sensors, controllers, battery packs, reservoirs, solenoids, pneumatic cylinders, and any other electrical or pneumatics component of the VEX platform may NOT be altered from their original state in ANY way.

External wires on VEX 2-wire or 3-wire electrical components may be repaired by soldering or using twist/crimp connectors, electrical tape, or shrink tubing such that the original functionality and length are not modified in any way. Wire used in repairs must be identical to VEX wire. Teams make these repairs at their own risk; incorrect wiring may have undesired results.

Teams must use VEXos version 1.1.5 or newer, found at https://link.vex.com/firmware. Custom firmware modifications are not permitted. The minimum version requirement is subject to change over the course of the season. When the minimum version is updated, Teams have a two week (14 calendar day) grace period from the time the minimum version is changed to update their firmware to the latest minimum version. VEX reserves the right to deem any firmware update critical, and remove the allowable grace period.

Teams may make the following modifications to the V5 / EXP Smart Motor’s user-serviceable features. This list is all-inclusive; no other modifications are permitted. Where applicable, the components listed below (in the specific applications listed below) are permissible exceptions to <R21> Clauses c.ii.-c.iv. also apply to EXP Smart Motors (5.5W). 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.).

V5 Smart Motors (11W) must use an official VEX V5 gear cartridge. For the purposes of this rule, the gear cartridges found within the V5 Smart Motor are considered “part of the motor.” Therefore, any physical or functional modifications to official gear cartridges is not permitted. 11w V5 Smart Motors may only use official VEX motor cartridges.

For the purposes of this rule, the V5 Smart Motor Cap is not considered “part of the motor.” Therefore, <R16> applies.

Significant Q&As:

2173 - Brains repaired by anyone other than VEX Robotics aren’t legal for competition use