Unofficial FLL FAQ06-c - Allowable Parts
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Q2.1) RCX: What parts are allowable?
A) The wording of the MATERIALS rule is deliberate and clear. You can use any of the thousands of unique parts that LEGO has created over the years subject to the exception list. This includes shocks, springs, pneumatics, smooth tiles, magnets, ...
The exceptions list excludes ALL electrical parts except the following:

Q2.1.5) NXT: What parts are allowable?
A) The wording of the MATERIALS rule is deliberate and clear. You can use any of the thousands of unique parts that LEGO has created over the years subject to the exception list. This includes shocks, springs, pneumatics, smooth tiles, magnets, ...
The exceptions list excludes ALL electrical parts except the following:

Q2.2) We were wondering if we can use the LEGO solar panel.
A) No. This is an electrical part and is subject to the parts restriction rule.

Q2.3) We were wondering if we can use Star Wars LEGO parts.
A) Yes, as long as they are in factory original condition.

Q2.4) Can LEGO pneumatics be used in the FLL robot?
A) Yes, they can as long as they are controlled by the robot and not a human.

Q2.5) We were wondering if we can use a LEGO Camera.
A) No. It is an electrical part and not on the list of allowable electric parts.

Q2.6) We were wondering if we can use Bionicle LEGO parts.
A) Yes. These parts were not legal up to the middle of the 2004 (No Limits) season. As per FIRST, these parts are now legal for use.

Q2.7) We were wondering if we can use ZNAP parts.
A) Unknown. Some parts in ZNAP kits are standard LEGO elements. These are legal. The other parts are in a gray area. Either contact FIRST for a ruling, or simply avoid the issue.

Q2.8) Does a 'LEGO element' include the box the parts came in? If so, can the box be cut?
A) The official response is no. LEGO does not consider the box (or plastic bags, twisty, or other packing materials) to be LEGO elements. LEGO Technics, LEGO Systems, LEGO Duplo, LEGO Star Wars, etc., are allowed, but none of the products "XXXX by LEGO" are considered LEGO elements either.

Q2.9) Is the LEGO Graph paper considered a LEGO element for the purposes of the allowable parts rule?
A) No, the LEGO graph paper is not permitted as a jig or robot part.

Q2.10) Does 'factory original condition' preclude cutting LEGO parts to length?
A) The Materials rule covers this. Only LEGO string and tubing may be cut to length. No other materials including the ribbed tubing and rubber bands can be modified.

Q2.11) How will a referee know that some of our older or unusual LEGO parts are legal?
A) Often the LEGO logo will be molded right into the part. For those that are not, find the part at www.bricklink.com or www.peeron.com and print the page to show to a referee.

Q2.12) Can we use pneumatics?
A1) Reading the Allowable Parts rule indicates that pneumatic parts are legal. They are LEGO parts and not subject to the electric parts list.

Q2.13) How can you use pneumatics legally?
A) You need to automate the switch either by using an electric motor or some kind of environmental device. Note that a number 0 angle connector (part 32013) fits over the pneumatic switch lever. This should give you a good attack point on the problem.

Q2.14) Is it legal to use water instead of air in the pneumatic system?
A) No. You are trying to use water as a building material. Water is not a LEGO product and hence is not legal. (This answer comes straight from FIRST.)

Q2.15) Is pushing a robot bad for the motors?
A) Perhaps. I cringe when I see a robot being pushed around the table like a matchbox car. The motor is now being driven rather than driving. For the average gear train, being driven in reverse can be damaging. If you must push a robot, do so slowly to keep the stress to a minimum.

Q2.16) Where can we buy spare parts?
A) Both LEGO (http://shop.lego.com) and Pitsco (http://www.legoeducation.com/store/) sell collections of spare parts. For individual replacement parts, visit the myriad of stores that make up BrickLink (http://www.bricklink.com )

Q2.17) Why do all LEGO motors not turn at the same rate of speed? The variations make navigation very difficult.
A) LEGO certainly did not do it on purpose! It is nearly impossible to make two identical motors. Even the smallest variations in construction will change the behavior of the motor. And even if you purchased two identical motors, by the time they get played with they will no longer be the same. This fact is true for both the RCX and the NXT type motors.

Q2.18) When you have finished building the challenge kit are you supposed to have any leftover pieces?
A1) It is not unusual to have up to a dozen small parts left over. If you have more than that I would recheck all the models that use those parts.

A2) Evidently LEGO counts the parts being added to a kit by weight. When in doubt, the packaging computer will add an extra part rather than creating a kit that is missing parts. Since very small parts are difficult to weight accuratly, having small extra parts should not be of any concern. Having extra large, and therefore 'heavy', parts would be more worrysome.

Q2.19) Can we use a LEGO battery box in addition to the RCX/NXT?
A) No. The battery box is an electrical part that is not on the approved list.

Q2.20) Can you literally switch the RCX/NXT to a whole new different chassis/robot when we come back to base during the round?
A) Yes you can as long as the SUM of all the parts you bring to the table for the round satisfies the Allowable Materials rule.

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Disclaimer: This FAQ is not an official FIRST document. It is an accumulation of knowledge derived from six thousand messages posted to the FLL forum over three seasons. It has been reviewed by numerous people, but may still contain errors. Use at your own risk.
Readers are encouraged to submit errors, suggested wording changes, new topics, or comments to Skye Sweeney at skye@fll-freak.com
Copyright 2003-2006 Skye Sweeney; Last Updated on 10/28/2006