Answered: Pressure Gauge as Non-functional Decoration

[Brian_9605A]

As brought up in this recent thread Link Text (as well as many other threads in the past), pressure gauges being included in the pneumatics system would be extremely helpful for obvious reasons.

When JPearman in that thread posted a link to this pressure gauge , I began questioning whether or not it would actually qualify as a non-functional decoration.

For convention’s sake, I will quote the actual rule from the manual:

d. Teams may add non-functional decorations provided that these do not affect the robot performance in any significant way or affect the outcome of the match. These decorations must be in the spirit of the competition. Inspectors will have final say in what is considered “nonfunctional”.
i. Anodizing and painting of parts would be considered a legal nonfunctional decoration
ii. Any guards or decals must be backed by legal materials that provide the same functionality. i.e. If your robot has a giant decal that prevents Scoring Objects from falling out of the robot, the decal must be backed by VEX material that also prevents the Scoring Objects from falling out.
iii. If using the VEX speaker (Part #276-1504), the chosen audio must not be distracting and must be in good taste. The Head Inspector and Head Referee will make the final decision on the appropriateness of the audio.
iv. Cameras are permitted as non-functional decorations provided that any transmitting functions or wireless communications are disabled. Unusually large cameras being used as ballast are not permitted.

I, personally, do not see any way that the gauge would affect robot performance at all, and therefore believe that it would qualify as a legal non-functional decoration.

Even if it is ruled an illegal non-functional decoration, I implore the GDC to consider allowing pressure gauges to help teams with controlling pneumatics, as well referees enforcing the 100 psi pressure rule at tournaments.

Thank you,
Brian

[VEX_GDC]

Because it is impossible to verify the accuracy of a team-provided pressure gauge within the current VEX EDR ecosystem, this is not a change that will be implemented for VRC In the Zone. However, this is an important concern that we will keep in the mind for future seasons.