In exciting news, we wanted to do all of our rule changes for the 2025 season in advance to (hopefully!) prevent any mid-year updates. All these are active for all BBB events from now. These involve (highlighted!) changes to…
- beetle ruleset (& pub beetle modifiers): bbb.gd/brules
- competition rules: bbb.gd/comp
and smaller tweaks to:
- plastic ants modifiers: bbb.gd/plants
- featherweight ruleset: bbb.gd/frules
Beetle Rule Changes:
The big one here is of course our main beetle ruleset, which is also used by other organisers (though these changes may not yet be widely adopted by them - please check with them before one of their events!). Familiar with our beetle rules and just want to know what’s new and different? Here’s a quick rundown!
- Interchangeable panels/weapons robots - No more than 50% of a robot’s weight may change between configurations.
- Your entry must now easily fit in the event organizer’s safety box. BBB’s is 46x43x38cm. This is so that in an emergency, such as a lipo fire, it can be quickly and safely evacuated.
- The event organisers reserve the right to request the removal of material from a robot that may contribute to entanglement.
- Switches with a 2.5mm hex are now permitted. The only currently available switch that has this is the Lynx switch, but in the coming weeks and months BBB will have stock of FingerTech Metric Switches with custom 2.5mm hex screws (and solo hex screws for those who already have these switches), along with a potential BBB custom design. Switches must not be covered. We’ll be posting a projected FAQ for switches in the comments below.
- Links are still permitted but must be insertable and removable without tools.
- Whichever power cut-off you use, it must be clearly marked (with an on/off arrow in the case of switches. We’ve got some stickers in the works for those inclined!)
- If your weapon is deemed to be too dangerous for the arena (eg high kinetic energy), it may not be permitted to run. If this could apply to your robot, you need to speak to your event organiser in advance
We remind you to check rulesets with your UK beetle organiser before signing up to an event. We hope this may help answer any questions you have.
Beetles - Switches FAQ:
Q: Are links still okay?
A: Absolutely yes and recommended for most
Q: Where can I buy a switch?
A: Currently, the only available legal switch is the Lynx switch (which we recommend using this for the pre-charge circuit if you’re running above 4S lipos). We will have stock of legal Fingertech Metric Switches and custom switches in the near future.
Q: Can I use my current Fingertech switch?
A: Yes - but you will need to change the imperial screw for a FingerTech Metric 2.5mm screw that we will have those available in the future.
Q: Why does it have to have a 2.5mm hex?
A: Arena marshals of events that run these rules will all be equipped with a single 2.5mm hex key. This removes any question of what tool to use for which robot. Also, of course we’re using metric, we’re Brits!
Q: Does this mean switches are legal for all UK event organisers?
A: No! Please make sure you check with your organiser on their rule around switches before arriving!
Q: Do I still require a fuse?
A: Absolutely. This is still part of your tech check.
If you have any other questions please do comment below so that we can address for everyone!
To clarify the size restrictions for the safety box, is that solely due to lipo fire risks? For example, would a robot be able to be bigger if it didn’t run a lipo, instead using NiMH to eliminate that risk? Or maybe the safer LiFePO4’s that you can get?