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Legal Pneumatics for Use in the VEX Robotics Competition (VRC)

Per the VRC Game Manual, there are three types of pneumatic components permitted in the VEX Robotics Competition:

  • The official V5 Pneumatics Kit (released in 2023), manufactured by and purchased from VEX
  • Legacy (pre-2023) components purchased directly from VEX
  • SMC components that are equivalent to the legacy VEX components, but manufactured by and purchased from SMC (or an SMC reseller)

This article is intended to be a visual inspection reference that will help clear up any confusion regarding differences in part numbers or appearance. The parts below are the ONLY pneumatic components that are VRC legal; parts which look similar to a legal part in all ways except color or material are prohibited.

Note: This article replaces the “Legal Pneumatic Parts” PDF document that was used previously (prior to the 2023 season), and is considered an official reference for competition legality.

V5 Pneumatics Kit

Notes:

  • There are no SMC equivalents for parts found in the V5 Pneumatics Kit.
  • The V5 Pneumatics Kit and legacy/SMC parts are compatible; using parts of both types on the same robot is legal, provided no other rules are violated.
  • See this article from the VEX Library for more information about each component, including a diagram of one possible configuration.
Part Name Image
Air Tank 200mL Diagram illustrating the components and features of a V5 competition robot, showcasing various parts and their functions in a clear layout for educational purposes.

Valve Stem

 

Note: The V5 Pneumatics Kit includes a valve stem with either hexagonal or knurled cylindrical bosses. Note that both versions are officially permitted for use in the VEX Robotics Competition.

Diagram of a V5 competition robot showcasing its components and structure, illustrating the design and functionality relevant to robotics competitions.

Diagram of a VEX V5 competition robot showcasing key components and their arrangement, illustrating the design and functionality for competitive robotics.
Air Pressure Regulator V5 Competition Robot showcasing various components and features, illustrating the design and functionality for competitive robotics in the VEX ecosystem.
Air Pressure Regulator Bracket Diagram illustrating the components and features of a V5 competition robot, showcasing the design elements and structure relevant to robotics competitions.
Air Pressure Gauge Diagram illustrating the components and features of a V5 competition robot, showcasing various parts and their functions, relevant to the V5 Category Description in the context of competition robotics.
Fittings Diagram illustrating the components and features of a V5 competition robot, including motors, sensors, and structural elements, highlighting key design aspects for competitive robotics.
4mm Plug Diagram of a VEX V5 Competition Robot showcasing various components and their arrangement, illustrating the design and functionality for competitive robotics.
4mm Tubing Diagram of a V5 Competition Robot, illustrating key components and features for robotics competitions, including motors, sensors, and structural elements.
Double Acting Solenoid Diagram illustrating the components and features of V5 competition robots, showcasing various parts and their functions in a competitive robotics context.
Double Acting Solenoid Driver Cable Diagram of a V5 competition robot showcasing its components and structure, illustrating the design and assembly for competitive robotics events.
Pneumatic Cylinders - 25mm, 50mm, 75mm Stroke Diagram of a VEX V5 competition robot showcasing key components and their arrangement, illustrating the design and structure used in robotics competitions.

Legacy Parts and their SMC Equivalents (pre-2023)

Part Name Additional Description SMC Part Number Image
Reservoir Reservoir, 1-1/2" X 4", w 1/8"NPT & M5 port US14227-S0400 Diagram of a VEX V5 competition robot showcasing its components and structure, illustrating the design elements relevant to building and programming for competitive robotics.
Cylinder Single Acting Single Acting Spring Return Cylinder 10mm Bore NCJ2D10-200S Diagram illustrating the components of a V5 competition robot, including motors, sensors, and structural elements, showcasing the design and assembly for optimal performance in robotics competitions.
Cylinder Double Acting Bi-directional Cylinder 10mm Bore NCJ2D10-200 Diagram illustrating the key components and features of V5 competition robots, highlighting the design and functionality relevant to robotics competitions.
Solenoid Fwd, Reverse 5/2 Single Solenoid Valve, 5VDC SYJ3120-SMO-M3-F Diagram illustrating the components and features of a V5 competition robot, highlighting key elements such as the robot's structure, sensors, and motors for enhanced performance in competitive settings.
Solenoid On/Off 3/2 Solenoid Valve, 5VDC SY113-SMO-PM3-F Diagram illustrating the components and features of a V5 competition robot, showcasing various parts and their functions in the context of robotics competition.
Solenoid Driver Cable w/Driver, Connects one VEX I/O Port to one Solenoid 275-1417 (VEX p/n) Diagram illustrating the components and features of a V5 competition robot, showcasing its design elements and functionalities relevant to VEX Robotics competitions.
Tubing 4mm X 1696mm Length Tubing (Black) TUO425B or 275-0447 (VEX p/n) Diagram illustrating the components and features of a V5 competition robot, showcasing various parts and their functions within the context of robotics competition.
Flow Meter M5 elbow meter out flow control 4mm tubing AS1201F-M5-04T Diagram illustrating the components and features of a V5 competition robot, highlighting key parts and their functions for enhanced understanding of robot design in competitive settings.

Fittings for Valves

 4mm Tubing x M3 Thread KJS04-M3 or KJL04-M3 or KQ2S04-M3G or KQ2L04-M3G Diagram illustrating the components and structure of a V5 competition robot, showcasing various parts and their functions in the context of robotics competitions.

Fittings for Reservoirs

 1/8 X 4mm Male Connector To Reservoir KQ2H03-34S or "-34AS" Diagram illustrating the components and features of a V5 competition robot, highlighting key elements such as motors, sensors, and structural design, relevant to the V5 Category Description.

Fittings for Cylinders

 M5 Male Connector for Cylinders KQ2S04-M5 or "-M5A" Diagram of a VEX V5 competition robot showcasing various components and their arrangement, illustrating the design and functionality for competitive robotics.

Tire Pump Fitting

 Schrader Valve With 4mm Tube Fittings 8090410075 Diagram of a V5 competition robot showcasing its components and assembly, illustrating the design and structure for competitive robotics in the VEX Robotics system.

Tire Pump Fitting (2x)

 Schrader Valve With 2x 4mm Tube Fittings US3729 Diagram illustrating the components and features of a V5 competition robot, showcasing key elements such as motors, sensors, and structural design, relevant to the V5 Category Description in the context of competition robotics.

On/Off Switch

 Hand Valve / Finger Valve VHK3-04F-04F Diagram of a VEX V5 Competition Robot showcasing its components and assembly, illustrating features relevant to the V5 Category Description for robotics competitions.

Pressure Regulator

 Mini Regulator w/ 4mm Fittings A-474-0000005 V5 Competition Robot showcasing various components and design features, illustrating the advanced capabilities and modularity of the VEX Robotics system for competitive robotics.

"T" Fitting

 "T" Fitting for Valves KQ2T04-00 or "-00A" Diagram illustrating the components and features of a V5 competition robot, showcasing its design elements and functionality in the context of robotics competitions.

Cylinder Mount

 Mount for Cylinder CYLINDER-MOUNT Diagram of a VEX V5 competition robot showcasing various components and their arrangement, illustrating the design and structure for competitive robotics.

Cylinder Rod Pivot

 Pivot for the Cylinder Rod CYLINDER-ROD-PIVOT Diagram of a VEX V5 Competition Robot showcasing various components and assembly parts, illustrating the design and structure for competitive robotics.

For more information, help, and tips, check out the many resources at VEX Professional Development Plus

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