2012 Awards and Judging Policies Part I

Transcription

NM BEST Kickoff 2012
Warp XX
Table of Contents
Game




NM BEST Important Dates
Generic Rules
Specific Rules for Warp XX
Generic Kit Notes
Forms and Checklists
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



BEST Permission Form
Consumables List
Returnables List
Application for Travel Funds Form
Vendor Form/Independent Contractor Form
Scoring and Judging
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

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
Awards and Judging Policies– Part I
Awards and Judging Policies– Part II
Marketing Presentation Score Sheet
Project Engineering Notebook Score Sheet
Spirit and Sportsmanship Score Sheet
Team Exhibit and Interviews Score Sheet
Team Demographics Form
Dr. Sheila Horan BEST Coach Award Nomination Form
Software
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

2012 BEST Software Licensing Summary
Software Information: SolidWorks, InspirTech and HSMWorks
Software Information: MathWorks: Simulink, easyC v4 and Robot C
Help and Resources
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NM BEST Core Team
NM BEST Participating Teams
Useful Websites
Map of New Mexico State University campus
BEST 2012 Important Dates
DATE
August
TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
Close of
Business
Last day to register
BEST Team
Online at
http://www.robotevents.com/robotcompetitions/best/nm-best-robotics-1.html
Saturday, Sept. 8
10:00am
NM BEST Kickoff
Friday, Sept. 14
Close of
Business
Last day to submit
request for Travel
Funds
NMSU Corbett Center Auditorium (first
floor)
By email at nmbest@nmsu.edu or by fax at
(575) 646-5440.
10:00am
NM BEST Mall Daysouth
NM BEST Mall Daynorth
Notification of Travel
Funds Request
Website URLs must
be submitted
NM BEST Game Day
Notebooks must be
submitted
Team exhibits must be
set up for judging
Mesilla Valley Mall, Las Cruces
BEST Regional
Competition
TBD
Friday, Aug. 31
September
October
Saturday, Oct. 13
Saturday, Oct. 13
Monday, Oct. 15
Saturday, Oct. 20
Saturday, Oct. 20
Saturday, Oct. 20
Close of
Business
Close of
Business
7:30am
By 8:30am
By
10:00am
TBD
By email from nmbest@nmsu.edu.
By email at nmbest@nmsu.edu.
NMSU Activity Center
NMSU Activity Center, Registration Table
NMSU Activity Center
November
TBD
TBD
*Tentative timeline as of 8/31/2012. Subject to change
BEST Generic Game Rules
GMRK00001 Revision 9; June 2012
1.0
Overview
This is a youth oriented contest. The youth will gain the most if they do the work.
Mentors and coaches are to provide guidance only and not to make parts, detail design,
nor force their will on the youth.
The rules governing the BEST competition consist of the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Game Specific Rules (may supercede Generic Game Rules)
BEST Generic Game Rules (this document)
Returnable Kit List
Consumable Kit List
On-line Question and Answer (Q&A) system
Most questions about the game can be answered by first READING THE RULES
THOROUGHLY. All questions concerning these rules (during the 6-week design and
construction phase, not during the competition) must be submitted to the Game
Committee in writing through the web-based interface at http://www.bestinc.org. All
questions and answers will be distributed to all teams via the web. Responses to the
posted questions on the web site are an extension of the rules. In the event of
contradiction between the rules and the Q&A responses, the Q&A responses supersede
the rules.
Copyright © 2005 - 2012
BEST Robotics, Inc.
All rights reserved
Page 1 of 13
BEST Generic
Game Rules
GMKR00001 Rev 9
June 2012
2.0
Safety
Due to the nature of events in which electrical equipment and tools are used, safety
may not and will not be compromised.
1. Safety first.
2. The referees will disqualify any machine that appears to be a safety hazard.
3. Batteries, chargers, and other components of the BEST Control System Kit may
not be tampered with.
4. Except for a power drill/driver and a soldering iron (or soldering gun), no power
tools (including battery operated) will be allowed in the pit area during any BEST
activity. Common hand tools will be allowed. The power drill/driver may be used
for drilling and/or hardware insertion/removal, but not for grinding, sawing,
routing, etc. Power tools are to be operated only in the pit area or in the hub
designated workstation area.
5. All individuals working on the machine in the pit area must wear safety gear
appropriate to the activity (e.g., safety glasses should be used when soldering or
drilling).
6. Any illegal tools may be confiscated for the day.
3.0
Robot Constraints
3.1
Material Constraints
Each team receives two kits: a returnable kit and a consumable kit. Each machine must
be constructed using only the materials that appear on the returnable and consumable
kit lists (provided in separate documents). Exceptions to this rule are described in
Section 3.1.4.
The Returnable Kit List and Consumable Kit List are the official references for parts;
therefore, they define the type and quantity of parts that can legally be used on the
machine. The team is responsible for confirming that items in the received kits are
consistent with the items on the lists and include no excess parts. Excess parts may not
be used.
3.1.1 Construction Requirements
1. All robot construction is to occur during the six week competition period. There
should be no part construction prior to the Game Kickoff Day nor reuse of parts
from previous competitions. Robot parts may be permanently marked (via
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BEST Robotics, Inc.
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BEST Generic
Game Rules
GMKR00001 Rev 9
June 2012
scribing, drilling holes, etc.) by BEST personnel to identify the year in which they
were built.
2. The VEX Cortex Microcontroller and batteries must be secured to the robot. The
Cortex microcontroller must be mounted to your robot using #8 screws through
the holes provided on its base.
3.1.2 Returnable Kit
1. All Returnable Kit items, including boxes and packing, must be returned at the
conclusion of the contest in the same condition as received except as noted in
item 2 below.
2. Returnable Kit equipment cannot be modified in any way, with the following
exceptions:
a) The belt stock supplied in the returnable kit may be modified as needed
(e.g., cut, holes punched, etc.); however, the belt that is provided as loop
may not be modified.
b) Servo horns may be modified as desired.
3. The Returnable Kit List specifies certain items that may not be attached to the
machine (e.g., the battery chargers).
4. The motors and servos may not be opened for any reason. For example, it is
illegal to change the gearing or to re-wind the armature of any motors.
5. The pulleys, bearings, and shoulder screw included in the return kit may not be
not be modified. You may not use any glue or adhesive tape on these items
6. Tape/adhesive/glue may not be applied to any returnable items unless
specifically allowed (see Section 3.1.4.10). The adhesive portion of the supplied
VelcroTM brand hook and loop fastener may not be attached to the battery or to
any other returnable items.
7. Paint may not be applied to any returnable item.
8. The VEXnet Joystick, servos, VEX CORTEX Microcontroller, VEXnet 802.11
Keys, batteries, and battery chargers may not be tampered with, modified, or
adjusted in any way. The only exception is that the VEX CORTEX Microcontroller
may be programmed as desired.
9. Teams may not put labels or rubber bands on the VEXnet Joystick, nor make
internal, reversible modifications to the joysticks.
10. Wires may be soldered to the motor power lugs.
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BEST Robotics, Inc.
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Page 3 of 13
BEST Generic
Game Rules
GMKR00001 Rev 9
June 2012
11. Only the motor controllers or servo power adapter cables may be plugged
directly into the VEX CORTEX Microcontroller motor ports. Motor ports 1 and 10
cannot be used (do not plug the screw terminal motor interface cables into these
ports). Only the screw terminal sensor interface cables may be plugged directly
into the VEX CORTEX Microcontroller digital/analog input/output ports. No
other connection methods to the Cortex may be used. Soldering to the Cortex
microcontroller or to any of the interfacing cables is not allowed.
12. The 7.2 Volt NiMH 3000maH batteries are the only allowed source of electrical
power for the functional components of your entire machine.
13. The 7.2 Volt batteries may only be connected to the VEX CORTEX
Microcontroller through the supplied mating connectors. Do not attempt to
connect the 7.2 Volt batteries to any other CORTEX input other than the battery
connector.
14. Only one 7.2 Volt battery may be used on the machine during a match. Even if
unconnected, the other battery may not be on the machine.
15. On Game Day, replacement batteries will only be provided upon proof of battery
failure (e.g., a bad connection) on an exchange basis (you must turn in the bad
battery).
16. You must play all your Game Day matches using the 7.2 Volt batteries supplied
by BEST. Team-owned batteries (that power the robot) are not allowed on the
field or in the pit area on Game Day; however, team-owned batteries are allowed
during other BEST activities.
17. You may use the provided AAA rechargeable batteries or team provided
batteries in the VEX Joystick.
3.1.3 Consumable Kit
1. Consumable Kit parts may be modified as desired within the constraints of these
rules.
2. Limited numbers of replacement parts may be available from your local hub,
upon a justified request. Otherwise, lost or damaged kit material may only be
replaced with identical components. Replacement parts purchased by the team
must have the same:
a. material as the kit part;
b. treatment or grade as the kit part; and;
c. dimensions as the kit part.
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BEST Generic
Game Rules
GMKR00001 Rev 9
June 2012
e.g., replacement plywood must be the same grade as the kit material; a 1x4
may not be replaced with a 2x4 of the same total volume.
3. The Consumable Kit includes optional items that may be provided by the team
and used on the machine.
4. Team supplied pennies may not be altered.
5. The only Consumable Kit item that may be used to conduct electricity is the
provided wire (and also the soldering material at the wiring connections). The
only exception is that any of the Consumable Kit provided/allowed metallic
materials may be use as part of a sensor circuit.
3.1.4 Additional Materials, Constraints and Exceptions
1. Lubricants may be used for lubrication only. A machine may not intentionally
contaminate the playing field or an opponent's machine with lubricant.
2. Paint, stickers, and/or decals may be added as decorations only, but may not be
applied to any returnable items.
3. Other non-functional decorations are only permitted as long as they do not aid
the machine in performing the game. If you can remove it or cover it up (and you
may be asked to) and your machine behaves the same, it is probably nonfunctional. Prohibited decorations include:
a. strobe lights;
b. cameras,
c. any device that transmits or receives signals to/from an external device.
4. Non-functional decorations may use a separate power source (e.g., 9V battery).
5. The use of markers/paint/printouts/et al. may be used to provide visual static
(unchanging) information. Examples of what is allowed would be things such as
labeling machine parts with a marker, placing a copy of the Cortex port use
schematic on the machine, using colors to identify areas or items on the machine
and so on.
6. You may solder electrical wire connections using your own solder except where
electrical connectors are provided. Where connectors have been provided (i.e.,
on the VEX CORTEX Microcontroller, servo power adapter cables, servo
extension wires, batteries and other returnable items), they must be used without
soldering to the connector. Solder may be applied to connectors included in the
Consumable Kit (e.g., bullet connectors).
7. No welding, brazing or structural soldering is allowed.
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BEST Robotics, Inc.
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BEST Generic
Game Rules
GMKR00001 Rev 9
June 2012
8. Metal, rubber, and plastic items may be heated and reformed, but may not be
melted and re-cast.
9. Materials may not be changed chemically. The exceptions are that strings may
be singed to prevent loose ends and that resin and hardener may be mixed to
result in epoxy.
10. No residue “painters” tape may be used to secure the VEXnet WiFi key into the
VEX CORTEX microcontroller. It may also be used to secure (to each other) any
of the cable terminal to cable terminal joints for the kit provided cables.
3.2
Size
1. At the start of each match, the machine must fit, unconstrained, within a cubic
space that is 24 inches on a side. The machine must remain within the maximum
size limit, unconstrained, until the beginning of the match.
2. Once the match begins, the machine may unfold and change size through its
own power.
3. There is no size requirement at the end of the match (i.e., the machine does not
have to return to its initial configuration).
3.3
Weight
1. The weight of the machine may not exceed 24 pounds, including the battery and
all parts and devices of your machine (e.g., detaching pieces, optional
equipment, tethered parts, etc.).
3.4
Energy Sources
1. The energy used by the machine must come solely from:
a. electrical energy derived from the single onboard battery pack;
b. storage achieved by the deformation of the springs provided in the kit;
c. a change in the altitude of the center of gravity of any part of the machine;
and/or;
d. stretched rubber from the inner tube, rubber bands, or shock cord, provided
that the part is attached to the machine so that it will not fly off if broken.
3.5
Compliance
1. All machines will be inspected for compliance with the regulations before the
competition. Machines must meet these regulations to qualify for the competition.
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BEST Robotics, Inc.
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BEST Generic
Game Rules
GMKR00001 Rev 9
June 2012
The winning machines may be inspected again following the tournament. Failure
to comply with the regulations will result in disqualification.
2. No substitute machines are allowed. Machines may be modified between rounds
but must still meet all the regulations after the modifications are made. The
compliance official must approve all modifications prior to the next round of
competition.
3. Random re-checks of machines will be performed throughout the day at the
discretion of the referees. Any machine found to be non-compliant will not be
allowed to continue the competition until brought into compliance and may be
disqualified from prior matches.
4. The machines may not leave the competition site between the time they are
checked for compliance and the start of the competition without approval from
the competition officials.
5. Teams that place high enough to advance to a regional/national competition are
allowed to make repairs and/or functional improvements to their machine.
Machines will be rechecked for compliance prior to the regional/national
competition.
3.6
General
1. Machines must be designed to operate by reacting only against the surfaces of
the playing field (including the PVC pipes, ramps, etc), the opponents’ machines,
and the air. Machines are allowed to clamp to anything in the field except another
machine.
2. During a match, the machine may only be controlled through normal operation of
the VEXnet system. Touching the robot will result in penalty or disqualification as
described in section 4.3.
3. No external devices may be connected to the joystick during match play (with the
exception of the auxiliary joystick field power supply if provided).
4. Machines must prominently display their machine number and the school’s or
team’s name or logo.
5. Powered tandem devices are permitted and may use an umbilical to connect the
two devices. This umbilical is considered part of the machine and is subject to
the same constraints as the rest of the machine.
6. All projectiles must have a frontal area greater than 10 square inches. A
projectile is anything launched through the air, whether free flying or tethered.
Parts that detach or fall from a machine and remain on the playing surface are
not considered projectiles.
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BEST Robotics, Inc.
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BEST Generic
Game Rules
GMKR00001 Rev 9
June 2012
7. Gaining traction or gripping game pieces by the use of adhesives, or by abrading
or breaking the surface of the field is not allowed.
8. Spiked wheels are allowed only if the portion of the spike in contact with the field
has at least one dimension greater than ¼ inch.
9. Strategies aimed only at destruction, damage (e.g., stabbing, cutting, etc.), overturning, or entanglement of an opponent's machine are not in the spirit of the
competition and are not allowed. Turning over an opponent's machine may or
may not result in a penalty depending on the opinion of the referees. Review
section 4.3 for a description of penalties for overly aggressive actions.
10. Machines may deploy detachable components on the field. A component is
considered “detached” if it has no kit parts connecting it, directly or indirectly, to
the set of kit parts that includes the battery. Such components may be used to
capture, contain, manipulate game pieces, and/or block another machine. Such
components may not be launched at, deliberately attached to, or otherwise
deliberately used to entangle another machine. Incidental contact between any
machine and such detachable components after deployment will not result in a
penalty for any team. Detached components will not count as “part of the
machine” unless otherwise stated.
11. Following the contest, all items provided in the Returnable Kit must be returned
to the hub (local BEST organization). The rest of the machine may be retained by
its respective school.
4.0
Tournament
4.1
General
1. There will be at least five referees during each match. The Head Referee will act
as timekeeper and the other four referees will monitor each of the teams.
2. Referees have ultimate authority during the competition. No protests will be
allowed.
3. On Game Day there will be individuals identified to answer questions about the
game or rules. Do not approach referees (or others) with questions.
4. During the tournament, a maximum setup time of 30 seconds will be allowed
once the team arrives at the field. Teams will be notified of their field and position
assignment at least two minutes before the match. Teams must be in the staging
area at the end of the preceding match.
5. At the start of each match, the machine must be placed at the designated starting
area. The spotter or driver may enter the field prior to the start of the match to
place the machine in its starting location and prepare it for the match. Temporary
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BEST Robotics, Inc.
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Page 8 of 13
BEST Generic
Game Rules
GMKR00001 Rev 9
June 2012
alignment marks on the field are not permitted. Additional team members may
assist in setting up the machine, but must leave the field area prior to the start of
the match.
6. The machine, driver and spotter must be in the designated location(s) at the start
of the match to score any points during the match. The driver and spotter must
remain in the designated areas during the match.
7. Spotters and drivers are not allowed to handle the game pieces prior to a match.
8. A maximum of 30 seconds will be allowed at the end of each match for removal
of the machines. Additional team members may assist in removing the machine.
9. A referee will untangle machines that become entangled with part of the field, or
each other, for more than 10 seconds or that appear to be damaging the field
because of the entanglement.
4.2
Field Colors
Specific team locations on the field (e.g., driver/spotter locations, robot starting
area, allowed team manuvering areas, team scoring areas, etc.) are designated
through the following four color scheme.
4.3
Bright Red
Bright Green
Bright Blue
Bright Yellow
Drivers and Spotters
1. During a match, only one student member of each team is allowed in the team
driver’s area and one student member is allowed in the team spotter’s area. Adult
coaches and teachers are not allowed in either of the areas during matches.
Students are not allowed to stand on platforms of their own construction (or each
other) to get a better view.
2. Only one person per match is allowed to drive the machine (i.e., operate the
VEXnet Joystick). Prior to the competition, each team must submit a driver list to
the organizers. The minimum number of student team members on the driver list
is shown in the following table:
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BEST Generic
Game Rules
GMKR00001 Rev 9
June 2012
3.
Student team
members
present at
competition
Minimum
number of
students on
driver roster
2-4
2
5-6
3
7-8
4
9 or more
5
Please note that the previous table reflects the minimum number of drivers
required; BEST encourages participation by as many team members as possible.
Also note that the number of student team members present at the competition is
used to determine the minimum number of drivers on the list.
4. The first person on the driver list is the driver for the first match; the second
person on the list is the driver for the second match, etc. This rotation will
continue for successive matches until the list is exhausted, at which time the
rotation will start again at the top of the list. Rotation in successive phases of the
competition (e.g., seeding, semi-finals, and finals) will begin where the previous
phase rotation left off. If the organizers eliminate a match for any reason, the
driver rotation will continue in accordance with the driver list with the driver
scheduled for the eliminated match (or matches) being the first driver for the
following match.
5. The spotter may be any student from the team.
6. During a match, spotters and drivers may not communicate with anyone through
the use of any electronic devices or other signaling technique that involves a
signaling aid that is not part of the human body (e.g., signs, sticks, marked
gloves, etc. are not allowed).
4.4
Penalties
1. A 20-second suspension may be assessed for a variety of infractions that are
detailed elsewhere in this document. This penalty requires the driver to surrender
his or her VEXnet Joystick to a referee for a period of 20 seconds. The referee
will return the joystick to the driver upon expiration of the penalty and the
machine may continue the match. Penalty decisions of the referees will be final.
2. If a driver touches his or her own machine before any part of it has left the
starting area, a 20-second penalty will be assessed after contact ceases.
Machine contact within the starting area is allowed only for the purpose of
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Page 10 of 13
BEST Generic
Game Rules
GMKR00001 Rev 9
June 2012
debugging a defective machine (e.g., turning on the on/off switch). If a spotter or
driver otherwise touches their own or another team’s machine, the machine of
the individual doing the touching will be disqualified.
3. Spotters and drivers are not allowed to enter the field during a match. If a spotter
or driver enters the field during a match, his or her machine will be disqualified.
4. If a spotter or driver leaves the designated spotter or driver area, a 20 second
penalty will be assessed per item 1 of this section.
5. Machines that touch the ground outside the field boundary will be assessed a
penalty as described in item 1 of this section. Machines that completely leave the
field will be stopped for the duration of the match.
6. Damaging any portion of the field or game pieces may result in disqualification.
Intentionally moving or tipping over static portions of the field is considered
damaging the field, and will result in disqualification.
7. Referees may instruct the driver of an aggressive machine to cease an action if
the referee feels that another machine or the field may be damaged by that
action. Referees will disqualify a team from a match if a major breach of the rules
occurs.
8. Disqualification is on a match basis, except for non-complaint machines as noted
in Section 3.5. Any team that is disqualified will receive zero points for that
match.
5.0
Other
1. Student eligibility is left to each individual school.
2. All contestants on the gym floor must wear shoes appropriate to the gym floor
surface as determined by the sponsoring BEST organization.
3. Each team will be provided with their own workspace in the pit area in which they
may place a table with a surface area no greater than 2400 square inches, if a
table is not provided by the hub. Each team will have access to one electrical
plug for battery charging. The exact specifications may vary from hub to hub.
4. Each team may bring a toolbox with basic hand-tools subject to the safety
constraints listed in Section 2.0. If a part is broken during competition and the
team cannot repair it with tools or material they have, consult the sponsoring
BEST organization. They will make their best effort to help the team replace the
part, given local shop and/or spare material availability.
5. Practice time will be available preceding Game Day. Consult the sponsoring
BEST organization for times and locations. Tables and electricity will be available
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Page 11 of 13
BEST Generic
Game Rules
GMKR00001 Rev 9
June 2012
on a shared basis and teams must provide their own tools. The same safety rules
will apply to practice days as they do during the competition.
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BEST Robotics, Inc.
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Page 12 of 13
BEST Generic
Game Rules
GMKR00001 Rev 9
June 2012
6.0
Revision History
This section is not part of the Generic Game Rules, but is provided to aid in determining
changes to this document.
Rev Date
9
June
2012
Impact
Minor
8
August
2011
Minor
7
June
2011
Minor
6
August
2010
June
2010
Minor
October
2008
May
2008
Minor
July
2007
January
2006
August
2005
Minor
5
4
3
2
1
0
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BEST Robotics, Inc.
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Minor
Minor
Minor
N/A
Summary of Changes
Allow painters tape. New rules regarding new kit items
(pennies, potentiometer) and use of Cortex analog ports.
Removal of requirement to explicitly use the provided motor
mounts. Move the explicit field color designations to field
drawings.
Merge all rules from Generic Kit Notes into this document.
Updated rules on decorative items. Added option for joystick
field power supplies.
Created section 3.1.1 Construction Requirements (merge of
existing rules). Updated sections 3.1.2 Returnable Kit and
3.14 Additional Material Constraints for changes in Return
Kit components and their use.
Added rule in section 3.6 covering connection of external
devices to joystick during match play.
Replaced references to R/C and BRAIN with VEX
components. Modified section 3.6 item 9. Removed
requirement for safety glasses. Added 4.2 on field colors.
Added specific restriction and penalty for drivers and
spotters leaving designated area during match.
Removed references to DSP & BRAIN specific rules & kits to
be consistent with exclusive use of the BRAIN-based kit.
Removed references to speed controllers.
Included references (Section 1.0) to rules governing use of
the BRAIN system.
Modified rules for returnable belt use (Section 3.1.1, Item 5).
Added item 9 to section 4.1
Initial release.
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BEST Generic
Game Rules
WARP XX
BEST 2012 Design Contest
Game Specific Rules
Version 1.02
21 Aug 2012
Warp XX Game Specific Rules
BEST Robotics 2012
1.0 Introduction
The Space Elevator:
Hours before your Cargo Ship arrives at an equatorial island in the Pacific Ocean, you can see a thin,
bright, vertical line bisecting the sky. As the ship draws closer, you see that the base of the line
terminates at a large building that occupies much of the island. Your gaze follows the bright line from
the building upward, but you cannot see its far end. The line is a ribbon of super-strong carbon
nanotube grown around an unobtainium monocrystalline structure, and it stretches from this equatorial
island up to the anchor asteroid in geosynchronous orbit 62,000 miles above you.
Often hailed as the eighth wonder of the modern world, the Space Elevator is the premiere low-cost
solution for lifting cargo out of Earth's gravity well. It will expand lunar colonization, exobiological
exploration, and asteroid mining. It has already spawned many new industries, and competition for SE
contracts is fierce.
The first stop on the Space Elevator is Midway Station, located just above the atmosphere, but well
below geosynchronous orbit. Midway Station is a cargo transfer depot, solar power station, and a
home away from home for the Space Elevator supervising engineers. The Space Elevator program
needs unmanned robotic vehicles for routine cargo delivery, as well as additional Station expansion and
construction.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has published a request for proposal
(RFP) for the production of efficient robotic lifting vehicles for the Space Elevator program. Your job
is to respond to the DARPA RFP with a Technical Design development and process document
(Engineering Notebook) and prototype Technical Demonstration system (Robot).
Your document and prototype system will compete with other purveyors' entries in a “fly-off”
occurring six weeks from today to support a Milestone B decision. This event (Game day) will include
a technical evaluation of the engineering designs and head-to-head testing on prototype tether systems.
At the Milestone B decision point, a team of judges will select a limited number of teams to pursue an
accelerated Engineering Manufacturing and Development (EMD) phase. The EMD phase will last
approximately three weeks, and will culminate in a follow-up evaluation and down-selection at
Milestone C (regionals) where superior designs and top-performing prototypes will be awarded
Limited Rate Initial Production (LRIP) contracts.
References:
Space elevator speculative fiction, such as “The Fountains of Paradise” Arthur C Clarke
http://www.spaceward.org/elevator2010 space elevator design prize
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_elevator
© BEST Robotics Inc 2012
WarpXX Version 1.02 21-Aug-2012
Page 2 of 16
BEST Robotics 2012
2.0 Objectives
Design and build a prototype robot to transport cargo and equipment on the space elevator tower
during the three-minute match. There are a variety of tasks to do, to keep the station operational.
These include:
(a) Remove the Waste Cargo Balls from the base rack to trigger the tiebreaker switch.
(b) Trigger the summit indicator flag by pressing upward on the linkage at the top of the tower.
(c) Transport Light Cargo Balls from the cargo ship to the cargo bin on Midway Station.
(d) Move the Waste Cargo Balls to the cargo ship.
(e) Retrieve the Clear Fuel Bottle from Midway Station and store it on the base rack.
(f) Refuel Midway Station with the Green Fuel Bottle from the base rack.
(g) Install one or two Solar Panels from the base rack onto the mounting studs at Midway Station.
(h) Install a large Habitation Module at Midway Station.
(i) Install the T-structure in either the front or back slot at Midway Station.
Page 3 of 16
BEST Robotics 2012
3.0 Warp XX -- Game Field Description
The WarpXX Game Field consists of four tower fields (red, green, yellow, and blue) arranged in a
28x13‟ rectangle, or a 26x26‟ square. Tower fields come in pairs, with the towers spaced 8‟ apart
center to center. This paired layout creates right-handed and left-handed fields.
Note that red and yellow fields use the left tower, and game objects toward the center of the field are to
the driver‟s left. Green and blue fields use the right tower, and center of the field is to the driver‟s
right. This is a non-interaction game, so there is one team per tower field during a match.
See the field drawings for full dimensions. Tolerance is +/- ¼” on purchased game pieces. Tolerance
is +/- ½” on other field measurements.
Page 4 of 16
3.1
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
BEST Robotics 2012
Tower Details
tower – a 1-5/8”x1-5/8”x10‟ metal C-channel „uni-strut‟
Midway Station beam – a 2x4” connecting the top of a pair of towers
Space Zone Plane– an infinite horizontal plane 5‟ above the start platform;
Robots must be completely above the Space Zone Plane when interacting with Midway Station.
Robots must be completely below the Space Zone Plane when interacting with the ground.
base beam – a 2x8” connecting the bottom of a pair of towers
start platform – a 24” plywood square at the base of the tower
crossbeam – a 2x4” & 2x3” support at base of each tower to keep the tower from tipping
The front portion also supports the turntable for the cargo ship
rope – a 5/32” diameter diamond braided nylon rope that hangs 2-1/2"” from the front of each
tower; The rope has an overhand knot 4" (+/-1") above the start platform with a 1/2" tail after
the knot. The rope hangs from an eyebolt that ties the top of the tower to the Midway Station
beam.
front – the spotters side of the field
3.2 Base Rack Details
The base rack for each field is located between the towers, creating right-handed and left-handed
layouts. The base rack sits on a 5.5” standoff on top of the base beam, and the near edge is 19” from
the center of the tower.
(a) Two Waste Cargo Balls rest in the 1-3/4” holes.
(b) Removing the Waste Cargo Ball closest to the spotter triggers the tiebreaker switch.
(c) Two Solar Panels start in the 1” slots between the 2x4s.
(d) The Green Fuel Bottle starts in the 3.5” diameter cup closest to the spotter.
Base Rack starting configuration
Page 5 of 16
BEST Robotics 2012
3.3 Start Platform, Cargo Ship, and Spotter Area Details
General-purpose cargo bound for Midway Station is conveniently packaged into spherical Cargo Balls
to provide uniform handling characteristics. The spotter may move Cargo Balls between the spotter
rack and the Cargo Ship, and move the Cargo Ship with the circular handle.
(a) Cargo Ship– holds up to two Cargo Balls at a time in two 1-3/4" holes on 5” centers, and rotates
in a 35” diameter circle.
(b) Cargo Ship handle – A circular handle the spotter uses to operate the Cargo Ship.
(c) Spotter Rack – A 2x3 grid of holes to hold Cargo Balls or Waste Cargo Balls.
(d) Spotter Stool – A 10” tall, 9x14” stool in the 3x4‟ Spotter Box. The Spotter may move the
stool to any position in the Spotter‟s Box before the match starts. The Spotter must remain
seated on this stool at all times during the match to provide the best view for the audience and
judges.
Red and Yellow are on left side.
Base rack is to drivers left.
Blue and Green are on right side.
Base rack is to driver‟s right.
Page 6 of 16
BEST Robotics 2012
3.4 Midway Station
Midway Station is at the top of the Towers, a minority of the way to Earth orbit.
It has right- and left- handed layouts, similar to the Base rack.
Midway Station consists of the following components:
(a) Beam: a 2"x4” connecting two Towers. It supports the remaining components.
(b) Midway Cargo Bin: a translucent 16x34” bin located directly above the Tower;
(c) Habitation Mounting Stud: a ½” PVC pipe stub pointing toward the spotter side
(d) Solar Panel Mounting Studs: two ½” PVC pipe stubs
(e) T-Structure Mounting Slots: a 3” x 8” gap between PVC pipes, one on each side of the Beam
(f) Fuel Magnet: the Clear Fuel Bottle starts on this magnet which is attached to the bottom of the
beam, 34” from the end of the Beam
(g) Summit Indicator: provides evidence that the robot has reached to top of the Tower.
Operate the Indicator by pushing the protruding bottom edge of the PVC T assembly upward by
½”.
Summit indicator in match starting position
Page 7 of 16
BEST Robotics 2012
4.0 Game Pieces
There is an independent set of game pieces for each tower. Carry only light-weight/low-density game
pieces to Midway Station; leave the Waste Cargo Balls on the ground.
Cargo Balls have uniform handling characteristics due to their spherical shape.
The Green Fuel Bottle goes up to Midway Station.
The Clear Fuel Bottle comes down from Midway Station.
Upgrade Midway Station with Solar Panels and a new Habitation Module.
The T-structure is a test of complex robotic space assembly methods; insert T up through the slot and
rotate it 90 degrees so that the arms of the T engage the edges of the slot.
4.1 Game Piece balls and bottles:
(a) Waste Cargo Ball : a softball pitching-machine practice ball; 4” dia.
(b) Light Cargo Ball : a softball whiffle ball; 4” dia.
(c) Clear Fuel Bottle : an empty clear 2-liter plastic bottle† with soft-hat and washer
(d) Green Fuel Bottle : an empty green 2-liter plastic bottle† with soft-hat and fender washer
† 2-liter bottles are "generic" 12" tall, 5-dimple-bottom bottles with a 5-1/4" long uniform cylindrical
center section. They are slightly pressurized
See Appendix A: Game Piece Images for pictures of the game pieces.
4.2 Game Pieces from Foam Panel or Cardboard
Solar Panel and T-Structures consist of ¾” thick „R-MAX‟ aluminum covered foam insulation.
This foam is rigid, low density, and yet durable. It represents aerogel space station building material.
The aluminum skin helps prevent static charging from the solar wind, or the triboelectric effect.
(a) Solar Panel - 6x8” foam with a 1-3/4” mounting hole ¾” from the center of the 6” top edge
(b) T-structure - a 12” tall x 6” wide T shape with 1” arm droop, on a 6x8” base
(c) Habitation Module - a hexagonal cardboard prism with six 11x5.25” faces, pierced by a 2”
mounting tube, and a 2” handling slot.
6”
12”
1-3/4
dia
5-1/4”
8”
6”
9”
11”
Page 8 of 16
BEST Robotics 2012
5.0 Scoring: Table of Game Piece locations and point values
Max
Weight
(Oz)
Point
value
(PV)
Starting
Location
**4”
7
1
Base rack
softball
whiffleball
**4”
2
3
Spotter
Rack
Green Fuel
Bottle
2-liter bottle
5.25”
2
7
Base rack
Clear Fuel
Bottle
2-liter bottle
5.25”
2
5
T-Structure
Foamboard
8” x 12” Tee
1.5"x.75”
Stem
2
8
Solar Panel
Foamboard
6x8”; 1-3/4”
hole
1
6 for
each
stud
with a
panel
Game Piece
Name
Waste Cargo
Ball
Light Cargo
Ball
Habitation
Module
Common
Name
Diameter
practice softball
cardboard hex
prism, 11” long
0.75”
thick
9” across
flats
11
12
Midway
Magnetic
Mount
Floor near
base rack
#Pieces
per
Tower
Scoring
Location
Spotter
Rack
Midway
Cargo Bin
Midway
Magnetic
Mount
2
4
1
Base rack
1
Midway T
Slot
1
Base rack
Midway
Solar Panel
Stud
2
Floor near
Base rack
Midway
Module
Habitation
Stud
1
All game piece scores depend only on their final locations at the end of a match.
There is no intended interaction between game pieces in their scoring locations, so it is possible for all
game pieces to be in their scoring locations at the same time.
5.1 Scoring Bonuses
Bonus Type
Fuel Tank Exchange
Bonus
Cargo Diversity
Bonus
Rapid Turnaround
Bonus
Summit Bonus
Achieved by
Placing clear fuel bottle from station into base rack
holder and taking the green fuel bottle and
attaching it to the mounting point on the station
Scoring a lightweight cargo ball, a solar panel, and
the T-structure
Scored if the entire robot is below the Space Zone
at the end of the match
Toggling summit indicator at Midway Station
Additional Points
Page 9 of 16
4
9
1
2
BEST Robotics 2012
5.2 General Scoring Requirements
These requirements apply to all scoring objects.
Game pieces are usually either clearly in their right spot (e.g., hanging in the air), or clearly not.
(a) Scoring positions are checked at the end of the match, after all pieces have come to rest.
(b) To count as scored, a game piece must be fully supported by the designated holder.
(c) To count as scored, a game piece must not be touched by anything but the field components; i.e.
it may not be touching a robot, the spotter, or a detached mechanism of the robot.
(d) Game pieces that fall from Space Zone or above are out of play
5.3 Specific Scoring requirements:
The term “solely supported” means the object may have incidental contact with other field component
structures, but not be additionally supported by them.
(a) A Solar Panel Stud scores when it pierces the mounting hole of, and solely supports a Solar
Panel.
(b) The Habitation Module scores when its mounting tube is pierced by, and solely supported by,
the Habitation Mounting Stud.
(c) The T-structure scores when it is solely supported by the arms of the Midway T slot, and
pierces the slot. Both arms of the T must be through and above the slot.
(d) Lightweight Cargo Balls are scored in the Midway Cargo Bin only.
(e) Waste Cargo Balls are scored in the spotter's rack only.
5.4 Specific non-scoring examples:
(a) A Solar Panel lying flat on the Midway T slot or on the Midway Beam does not score.
(b) Waste Cargo Balls, Solar Panels, Habitation Modules, and T-structures do not score when
placed in the Midway Cargo Bin.
(c) A T-structure hanging by one arm on the outside of the Midway T slot does not score.
(d) Any game piece touching the floor at the end of match does not score.
Page 10 of 16
BEST Robotics 2012
6.0 Game Operations
6.1 Match Protocol
The driver and spotter place their robot on the Start Platform on the field, and attach the safety cable
around the Tower. They may also attach the robot to the Tower, and/or attach the rope to the robot.
They may operate the robot controls if necessary to engage robot mechanisms to the rope or Tower.
When all drivers and spotters are in their designated boxes, and signal ready, the head referee will start
the match. During the match, the robots move the game pieces from their starting positions to their
scoring positions.
6.2 Robot Starting Box and starting compliance requirements
(a) Per Generic Rules 3.2.1, the robot starting configuration must be less than 24x24x24”, however,
for this year‟s game, none of the planes of the 24” constraining cube need to be parallel to the
floor.
(b) The robot must have a safety cable attaching it to the tower connecting to the two ¼” eyebolts
provided in the Consumable Kit. See figure 6.2
(c) Attaching the robot to the tower is allowed, but must be quick, and safety cable is still required.
(d) Robot must be touching the platform at the start of the match.
Figure 6.2 Example of safety cable on robot (note: robot is mounted to a wooden "test" pole)
6.3
(a)
(b)
(c)
Spotter/Driver allowed activities:
Spotter may move by hand Cargo Balls between cargo ship and spotter rack.
Spotter may rotate cargo ship with cargo ship handle, as needed.
The Spotter must sit on spotter stool during the entire round. Handicapped Spotters may use
their own chair and use a team-provided reach extender to manipulate the field and game pieces
as permitted by 6.3 (a) above.
Page 11 of 16
BEST Robotics 2012
6.4 Spotter/Driver Non-allowed activities:
Referee gives one warning, 20s penalty, and resets situation to correct state for the following
infractions. Second infraction is DQ.
(a) Spotter may not stand up.
Spotter must remain seated from start to finish of match.
(b) Spotter/Driver may not pick up any items from the floor.
(c) Spotter/Driver may not place any game pieces on the floor or on the robot.
(d) Spotter/Driver may not touch detached Robot mechanisms
7.0 Additional Restrictions
7.1 Space Elevator theme restrictions
The game theme requires transiting the space elevator Space Zone between interactions with the
ground zone and interactions with Midway Station. The following rules are the practical enforcement
of this restriction. Robot designs outside this theme are not allowed, and will be disqualified from
every match.
(a) The robot must be fully below the Space Zone Plane while interacting with the base rack or
cargo ship.
(b) The robot must be fully above the Space Zone Plane while interacting with Midway Station.
(c) The robot may incidentally touch the floor, but not be supported by the floor.
(This is not the usual “driving game”!)
7.2 No Interference with other teams:
This is a no-interference game by design and intent. It should be impossible for one team to affect the
outcome of another team. Due to field size restrictions, there are some unlikely situations where
inadvertent interaction may occur. For example, if a bottle from Team 1 falls from sky and tips over a
Team 2 T-structure, the Referee should remove the fallen object, and reset the disturbed piece to its
previous position.
7.3 Other Rules:
(a) Waste Cargo Balls may not be lifted above the Ground Zone (safety hazard).
(b) Robots may not detach mechanisms while above the Ground Zone
Page 12 of 16
BEST Robotics 2012
8.0 Competition Protocol
There will be four phases to the head-to-head competition:

a seeding phase,

a wildcard phase,

a semi-final phase, and

a finals phase.
This protocol will be the same for both hub contests and regional contests.
8.1 Seeding Phase
During the seeding phase, each team will participate in up to eight matches against randomly selected
opponents. Fewer than eight matches per team may be played when time limitations exist, but all teams
will participate in the same number of matches.
The team ranking during this phase will be based on the average of the points scored during the seeding
matches excluding the teams‟ lowest match score.
For competitions with 32 or fewer teams, the top 7 teams from the seeding phase will automatically
advance to the semi-finals phase. The final team to advance into the semi-finals phase will be selected
from the remaining teams using a single “wild card match” between the four teams with the highest
BEST design notebook scores.
For competitions with greater than 32 teams, the top 14 teams from the seeding phase will
automatically advance to the semi-finals phase. The final two teams to advance into the semi-finals
phase will be selected from the remaining teams during the “wild card phase”
8.2 Wildcard Phase
For competitions with 32 or fewer teams, the wildcard phase will consist of a single match between the
4 teams with the highest BEST design notebook scores, which have not automatically advanced to the
semi-final phase.
For competitions with greater than 32 teams, the wildcard phase will consist of two matches between
the 8 teams with the highest BEST design notebook scores which have not automatically advanced to
the semi-final phase. This phase will consist of 2 matches of 4 teams (as all matches are limited to 4
teams), which may be played in parallel.
The wildcard phase will be conducted according to the rules for the seeding phase. Each wildcard team
will play in only one match during this phase. The team(s) that achieve the highest scores during the
wildcard phase will advance to the semi-finals.
Page 13 of 16
BEST Robotics 2012
8.3 Semi-Finals Phase
During the semi-finals phase, each team will participate in three matches based on the rotation shown
in Table 1 or 2. The team ranking at the end of the semi-finals will be based on the total points the team
accumulated during their three matches. No scores are dropped and the results of the seeding and
wildcard matches are not included. Only the top 4 ranked teams from the semi-finals phase will
advance to the finals, regardless of the number of teams competing in the semi-finals.
Table 1. Field Position Assignments for 8-team Semi-Finals
Field Assignment
Semi-Final
Match
Yellow
Blue
Red
Green
1
Seed 4
Seed 1
Seed 5
Seed 8
2
Seed 2
Seed 8
Seed 3
Seed 7
3
Seed 6
Seed 4
Seed 7
Seed 1
4
Seed 3
Seed 2
Seed 4
Seed 5
5
Seed 5
Seed 7
Seed 8
Seed 6
6
Seed 1
Seed 3
Seed 6
Seed 2
Table 2. Field Position Assignments for 16-team Semi-Finals
Factory Assignment
Semi-Final
Match
Yellow
Blue
Red
Green
1
Seed 4
Seed 13
Seed 5
Seed 16
2
Seed 2
Seed 10
Seed 3
Seed 15
3
Seed 5
Seed 9
Seed 8
Seed 14
4
Seed 1
Seed 16
Seed 6
Seed 11
5
Seed 8
Seed 4
Seed 2
Seed 12
6
Seed 7
Seed 11
Seed 9
Seed 10
7
Seed 3
Seed 14
Seed 13
Seed 6
8
Seed 10
Seed 12
Seed 1
Seed 5
9
Seed 14
Seed 2
Seed 16
Seed 7
10
Seed 11
Seed 8
Seed 15
Seed 13
11
Seed 1
Seed 7
Seed 4
Seed 3
12
Seed 6
Seed 15
Seed 12
Seed 9
8.4 Finals Phase
The four top ranked teams will participate in 3 matches during the finals phase. Field
assignments per match will rotate as shown in Table 3. Points from all previous phases will
be disregarded. The final team ranking will be based on the total points accumulated by the
team during these 3 finals matches.
Final
Production
Match
1
2
3
Table 3. Field Position Assignments for Finals
Field Assignment
Yellow
Blue
Red
Semi-Final 1
Semi-Final 4
Semi-Final 3
Semi-Final 2
Semi-Final 3
Semi-Final 1
Semi-Final 3
Semi-Final 2
Semi-Final 4
Green
Semi-Final 4
Semi-Final 1
Semi-Final 2
Page 14 of 16
BEST Robotics 2012
9.0 Appendix A: Game Piece Images
Waste Cargo Ball
Light Cargo Ball
Fuel Bottle with foam soft hat
Fuel bottle preparation procedure: Freeze an empty uncapped bottle. While it is cold, tightly seal the
bottle with the cap. At room temperature, the bottle will now be pressurized and more solid to grasp.
Green Fuel Bottles have a ¼” fender washer glued/taped to the bottom for a strong magnetic attraction.
Clear Fuel Bottles have a ¼” flat washer glued/taped to the bottom for a weaker magnetic attraction.
Solar Panel, color with markers/graphics as desired
Solar Panel prep: To protect the raw foam edges and prevent foil covering from peeling off, wrap edges
of foam rectangle with 2” wide by 6+8+6+8” long clear packing tape.
T-structure prep: Wrap raw foam edges of T-structure similarly.
Page 15 of 16
BEST Robotics 2012
T: T-structure
HM: Habitation, color with markers/graphics as desired
Page 16 of 16
BEST Generic Kit Usage Guide
GMKR00002 Revision 8; May 2012
1.0
Introduction
This document is for information only. Although it is consistent with the rules, please
see the Generic Game Rules document for the official rules.
All Returnable Kit items, including boxes and packing, must be returned at the
conclusion of the contest. This equipment will be used again next year; so do not
modify any of the equipment. This includes the VEXnet Joystick, VEXnet 802.11
Keys, VEX Cortex Microcontroller, servos, batteries, motors, and their associated
connectors/cables. See the BEST Returnable Kit List for a complete list of all returnable
items.
Do not drill, saw, or paint on your machine unless you first remove all Returnable Kit
items. Filings, dust, and paint can get inside and ruin the electronics. Do not allow paint
to get on to any of the Returnable Kit items.
2.0
Batteries
You have two 7.2 Volt NiMH 3000maH batteries included with your kit. These are the
source of electrical power for the functional components of your entire machine.

Per the Generic Game Rules, only one battery may be on the machine at any
time.

Connect and disconnect these batteries using the red and black connectors,
not at the white connector. If the white connector is used, the contacts will
become unreliable over time (you may lose power during a match).

Do not attempt to use the battery without using its mating connector. For
example, do not attempt to test a motor by pushing the battery connector
Copyright © 2005 - 2012
BEST Robotics, Inc.
All rights reserved
Page 1 of 17
BEST Generic
Kit Notes
GMKR00002 Rev 8
May 2012
directly onto the motor power lugs. This can damage the connector and
battery and may cause your machine to fail during the competition (Ouch!).
Inside the Joystick are 6 ‘AAA’ rechargeable Ni-MH batteries. These batteries have a
use time of about 120 minutes before needing to be fully recharged. You need to
manage your Joystick’s battery charge carefully; that is part of the competition. Here
are some hints:
1. During the six-week period, you should fully discharge your Joystick AAA batteries
and fully recharge them at least once. The charge time for fully discharged AAA
batteries is about 2 hours.
2. Charge the Joystick batteries overnight before the competition to be safe.
3. Keep your Joystick turned off and connected to the VEX Cortex Microcontroller by
substituting the VEXnet 802.11 Keys with the USB A-A cable as much as possible
(when not using the wireless operation). During this tethered configuration, turn the
VEX Cortex microcontroller ON and the Joystick OFF; the Joystick will receive power
through the USB cable.
4. Keep the Joystick and your machine off as much as possible.
5. Have an extra 6-pack of regular non-rechargeable AAA batteries as backup (the
Generic Game Rules allow these to be used during competition).
Please remember that (per the Generic Game Rules) team-owned chargers and
batteries that power the robot are not allowed during any competition and will be
removed from the pit area.
3.0
VEX Cortex Microcontroller Operation
The VEX Cortex Microcontroller uses 802.11b/g for communications through a
proprietary VEXnet implementation. This implementation is designed to eliminate
the need for any knowledge of IP addresses, MAC addresses, security settings,
and IP protocols. Just turn it on and it automatically connects to the correct
Joystick. To see how all this works, let's have a look at some information from the
Cortex Microcontroller/Joystick User Guide (accessible at
http://www.vexforum.com/wiki/index.php/VEX_Cortex_Microcontroller).
Copyright © 2005 - 2012
BEST Robotics, Inc.
All rights reserved
Page 2 of 17
BEST Generic
Kit Notes
GMKR00002 Rev 8
May 2012
3.1
Basic Operation
The first step is to make some basic connections; batteries, Cortex microcontroller,
Joysticks and (2) VEXnet keys. Attach 7.2v battery power and a VEXnet 802.11g key to
the VEX Cortex Microcontroller as shown.
leave connected here
connect/disconnect here
Add AAA batteries to the Joystick by loosening the screw as shown. Remove the battery
cover.
Copyright © 2005 - 2012
BEST Robotics, Inc.
All rights reserved
Page 3 of 17
BEST Generic
Kit Notes
GMKR00002 Rev 8
May 2012
Install six identical batteries as shown. Use Alkaline, Ni-Cad or Ni-MH chemistries, but
DO NOT mix different chemistry batteries. Charge rechargeable batteries only with a
quality charger designed for your battery chemistry.
Reinstall the battery cover (insert the two tabs of the battery cover first along the back
edge of the battery cover to aid in installation) and add the VEXnet 802.11g key as
shown.
Copyright © 2005 - 2012
BEST Robotics, Inc.
All rights reserved
Page 4 of 17
BEST Generic
Kit Notes
GMKR00002 Rev 8
May 2012
For longest battery life, turn the units ON only when needed. Fresh batteries in the
Joystick will provide about two hours of run time. If wireless operation is not required,
substitute the VEXnet keys with a USB A-A cable. For this tether configuration, turn ON
the Cortex Microcontroller but leave the Joystick OFF. The USB A-A cable will power
the Joystick. Turn ON the Cortex Microcontroller and the Joystick (switches are shown
in the ON position in the two pictures below).
Copyright © 2005 - 2012
BEST Robotics, Inc.
All rights reserved
Page 5 of 17
BEST Generic
Kit Notes
GMKR00002 Rev 8
May 2012
A valid link is shown in the pictures below. The VEXnet light will be blinking a fast green
on both units. It will take about 10 to 15 seconds for a link to be established after the
units are turned ON. The Robot light will wink green (be mostly on) on both units and
when using fully charged batteries. The Joystick light will be solid green when using fully
charged batteries.
If the units fail to link up, turn them both OFF and then back ON. If they still fail to link
up, tethering may be required. Refer to Section 3.2 ”Re-syncing the Controller and
Joystick”.
When you enter the competition field for a match, you will first turn on your power
switches for both the VEX Cortex Microcontroller and VEXnet Joystick to establish a
wireless network connection (this could take 10-15 seconds) and then wait for the
referee to begin the match. When the match is started, you can then operate your robot
via the Joystick.
When your match is over, you can then power off both the VEX Cortex Microcontroller
and VEXnet Joystick and leave the playing field.
Copyright © 2005 - 2012
BEST Robotics, Inc.
All rights reserved
Page 6 of 17
BEST Generic
Kit Notes
GMKR00002 Rev 8
May 2012
3.2
Re-syncing the Controller and Joystick
If your Cortex microcontroller and Joystick fail to establish the Wi-Fi link, you may need
to re-sync the two devices. To do this: with both units powered off, remove the VEXnet
USB keys and connect the Cortex microcontroller to the Joystick with the A-A USB
cable. Power both on and wait for a slow blinking green Robot light and a solid green
VEXnet light. The units are now paired and ready for normal operation. If this procedure
fails to work, double check you that your batteries are charged and properly connected
to the Cortex. Find additional debugging documentation in the Cortex
Microcontroller/Joystick User Guide at
http://www.vexforum.com/wiki/index.php/VEX_Cortex_Microcontroller (note that the
“default program” referred to in the document is different than the BEST default
program).
3.3
Tethered Operation
For tethered operation, first turn off your Cortex and Joystick. Remove the VEXnet USB
keys from both the Cortex and the Joystick and store them in a safe place. Insert one
end of the USB A-A cable into the USB connector on the Cortex and the other end into
the USB connector on the Joystick. During tethered operation you only need to poweron the Cortex. The battery plugged into the Cortex will provide power (through the USB
cable) to the Joystick. There is no need to power-on the Joystick, thus conserving its
battery life.
It is recommended that you operate your robot in the tethered configuration when
operating the robot in your PIT area.
Copyright © 2005 - 2012
BEST Robotics, Inc.
All rights reserved
Page 7 of 17
BEST Generic
Kit Notes
GMKR00002 Rev 8
May 2012
4.0
VEX Cortex Microcontroller Connections
Figure 1 below shows an example hookup of Return Kit components to the Cortex
microcontroller. It shows connections for a motor, a servo and the battery. Following are
some tips to ensure problem-free use of the Cortex.
screw terminal motor
interface cable
connect/disconnect here
servo power
adapter cable
external motor
controller
leave connected here
Figure 1: Example Cortex Connections
Copyright © 2005 - 2012
BEST Robotics, Inc.
All rights reserved
Page 8 of 17
BEST Generic
Kit Notes
GMKR00002 Rev 8
May 2012
Figure 2 below provides an overview of all of the Cortex connector locations and
features. Additional information on the Cortex is contained in the Cortex
Microcontroller/Joystick User Guide.
WiFi 802.11
proprietary comm
USB port
standard serial
interfaces
(UART, I2C)
1
analog
in
8
1
1
2
digital
in/out
speaker
out
12
SP
(not used by
BEST)
3-wire PWM
servo/motor ctrl
9
10 (not used by
BEST)
system status
indicators
configuration switch (used
for special procedures)
75MHz crystal interface
ports (not used by BEST)
On/Off switch
main battery port (7.2V)
backup battery port for
WiFi communications (9V)
Figure 2: Cortex Microcontroller Features
Copyright © 2005 - 2012
BEST Robotics, Inc.
All rights reserved
Page 9 of 17
BEST Generic
Kit Notes
GMKR00002 Rev 8
May 2012
4.1
General
The Cortex is powered by the 7.2 VDC, 3000 mAHr R/C battery included in your
returnable kit. Use the battery adapter to connect your battery to the Cortex. Do not
attempt to attach the battery to any input other than the Red/Black Powerpole connector.
DO NOT solder wires to the Cortex connectors! Servo connections are made using the
standard servo power adapter cables. Motor connections are made using the screw
terminal motor interface cables combined with an external motor controller. Only use
motor ports 2 to 9 to connect a servo or a motor. Do not use the 2-pin screw terminal
motor interface cable to plug directly into motor port 1 or 10 of the Cortex (this is to
prevent damage to the Cortex if the motor wires short out).
The restraining clips on the Cortex connectors may be removed as needed for
convenience. However, these clips must be properly installed on the Cortex when you
return your kit.
The male/female bullet connectors provided in the consumable kit can be utilized to
simplify your motor and digital input connections by providing a connection beyond the
screw terminal interface cables.
Mount the Cortex to your robot using #8 screws through the holes provided on its base.
Be careful not to over tighten the screws (to prevent mounting hole damage).
Consider mounting the Cortex on your robot in a place where it might be easily removed.
Note that you will also need access to the Cortex’s USB Key connector; a little planning
can simplify access to this connector.
The Cortex’s on/off switch should be easy to access so that a referee can switch off
your machine if needed.
4.2
Servo Connections
The servo power adapter cables are required to interface the Futaba servos to the
Cortex microcontroller. The servo power adapter cables are keyed to ensure the correct
orientation for insertion into the Cortex. The white wire should be oriented towards the
notch in the motor/servo port (as shown in Figure 3) or the servos will not function. The
servo wire or a servo extension wire are then plugged into the servo power adapter
cable. Make sure the white wires line up if the connector is not keyed. Always be careful
when inserting and removing wires to avoid damaging the connectors and wires.
Copyright © 2005 - 2012
BEST Robotics, Inc.
All rights reserved
Page 10 of 17
BEST Generic
Kit Notes
GMKR00002 Rev 8
May 2012
4.3
Motor Connections
Motor wires should be soldered to the motor terminals at one end and attached to the
terminal motor interface cable at the other end. The terminal motor interface cable end
of the motor wires should be tinned with solder before securing them into the terminal
motor interface cable since frayed stranded wires could cause a short to other
components. Once inserted into the screw terminals tighten the screws with a small flatblade screwdriver so that the wires are not loose and do not pull out. The next step is to
connect the 2-pin end of the screw terminal motor interface cable to the matching 2-pin
female connector on the external motor controller. The polarity that you choose at this
connection will determine the relative direction of motor rotation for positive stick
movement (on the Joystick). Lastly, plug the 3-pin male connector end of the external
motor controller in a Cortex motor port (2 – 9). The white wire should be oriented
towards the notch in the motor/servo port (as shown in Figure 3) or the motor will not
function.
Motor ports 2-5 and 6-9 are on separate banks (circuits) within the Cortex. The motors
should balanced between these two banks to prevent overloading the Cortex (an
overload will cause the circuit breaker to engage, preventing normal operation until the
circuit cools off).
Figure 3: Servo and Motor Connections to Cortex
Copyright © 2005 - 2012
BEST Robotics, Inc.
All rights reserved
Page 11 of 17
BEST Generic
Kit Notes
GMKR00002 Rev 8
May 2012
4.4
Analog and Digital Inputs
Analog input (a potentiometer for example) and digital input (a switch for example)
connections are made through bare wire connections to a sensor screw terminal
interface cable (similar to motor connections). Tin the ends of wire (if the wire is
stranded, not necessary for solid wire) with solder before inserting into the screw
terminals. Be sure to tighten the screws on the terminal strip so that the wires are not
loose and do not pull out. Insert the 2 pins of the sensor screw terminal interface cable
into a Cortex input port (as shown in Figure 4). Eight (8) sensor screw terminal
interface cables have been provided in your kit.
Figure 4: Digital Input Connection
Copyright © 2005 - 2012
BEST Robotics, Inc.
All rights reserved
Page 12 of 17
BEST Generic
Kit Notes
GMKR00002 Rev 8
May 2012
An example showing how to connect a potentiometer to an analog input port is shown in
Figure 5. Note that three of the sensor screw interface cables are inserted “sideways”
in order to connect the potentiometer. IMPORTANT, the signal terminal of the
potentiometer should be connected to the signal pin of the analog input port.
Signal terminal
on RK pot
Signal pin
5V pin
Ground pin
Signal terminal
on CK pot
Figure 5: Potentiometer Connection
Copyright © 2005 - 2012
BEST Robotics, Inc.
All rights reserved
Page 13 of 17
BEST Generic
Kit Notes
GMKR00002 Rev 8
May 2012
5.0
Using the Microswitches
Included in the kit are six microswitches that can be used to provide digital (on/off)
information to your Cortex program about the robot’s current status. These switches
might be used for:




6.0
bump sensing,
motor limit detection,
system interrupt,
ect.
Servo Notes
If a servo is "humming," this indicates the load on the servo is more than it was designed
to handle. This will cause the battery to drain quickly and may damage the servo.
Readjust the servo travel and/or its linkage so the servo does not hum. Do not open
the servos. If you suspect the servo is damaged, contact your hub’s kit coordinator.
7.0
Wheel Attachment
Figure 6 shows two methods for wheel attachment that have been reliable in the past.
These are not the only way to connect wheels, but only suggestions.
Figure 6: Two Suggestions for Mounting Wheels.
Copyright © 2005 - 2012
BEST Robotics, Inc.
All rights reserved
Page 14 of 17
BEST Generic
Kit Notes
GMKR00002 Rev 8
May 2012
8.0
Motor Mounting
The motors may be mounted to the robot using the provided motor plates and screws
from the consumables kit. The plate thickness and screw lengths are specifically
matched to prevent damaging (the internal gear plates) the small motors. In addition,
face-mounting of motors with these plates prevents the motors from spinning in their
mounts and potentially shorting out the power wires.
The plates may be modified (may be bent or cut.
Large motor plate
(bent up)
Small motor plate
3/32 hex wrench for
mounting screws
Large motor plate
(cut down)
Figure 7: Motor Mounting Plates and Screws
Copyright © 2005 - 2012
BEST Robotics, Inc.
All rights reserved
Page 15 of 17
BEST Generic
Kit Notes
GMKR00002 Rev 8
May 2012
If a clamping style motor mount is used, the motor should be clamped around the
gearbox portion as opposed to the armature portion (see Figure 8) to prevent damage
to the motor. Note that supporting the motor on the armature portion should be fine, just
avoid clamping it here.
Clamp here
Not here
Clamp here
Not here
Figure 8: Motor Clamping Zones
Copyright © 2005 - 2012
BEST Robotics, Inc.
All rights reserved
Page 16 of 17
BEST Generic
Kit Notes
GMKR00002 Rev 8
May 2012
9.0
Drive Component Usage
Recall that the drive components (other than the 3-ft strip belt) cannot be modified since
they are part of the Returnable Kit. This means, for example, that you are not allowed to
drill holes into the large pulley to mount parts. It also means that you’ll have to figure out
a way to mount the bearings; a couple possibilities: ½ inch PVC stretches nicely when
heated and does a good job of capturing a bearing without altering it, a piece of 1x4 with
¾ inch hole also should make a reasonable bearing mount.
The small all-plastic pulley has no setscrew or other legal means of fixing it to a shaft for
drive purposes (remember, it is illegal to modify the part, or fix it with epoxy/adhesive).
So you may ask, “What good is it?” Well, clever folks that we are, we’ve also included a
shoulder screw in the kit that just happens to fit the small pulley. The combination of
these two items can be used to make an idler pulley, a belt tensioner, or whatever other
ingenious device you may come up with. One simple example mechanism is shown in
Figure 9 (it should look a lot like the carriage mechanism in a printer).
Figure 9: One possible drive configuration.
Note that in the previous example, the 3-ft length of belt was used and we didn’t even
have to worry about joining the ends together to make a continuous belt. There are
many other ways of using the length of belt without joining the ends together; usually for
devices that don’t have to rotate continuously.
Copyright © 2005 - 2012
BEST Robotics, Inc.
All rights reserved
Page 17 of 17
BEST Generic
Kit Notes
BEST (BOOSTING ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY) ROBOTICS, INC.
CONSENT, RELEASE, HOLD HARMLESS AND AUTHORIZATION TO REPRODUCE
PHYSICAL LIKENESS
Hub: NM BEST Robotics__________________________ School ___________________________________________
Year__________
Role (Check all that apply):
___ Mentor/Coach
___Student/Team Member
___Teacher
___Volunteer
This is a Consent and Release of Rights in favor of BEST Robotics, Inc. (“BRI”), a Texas non-profit corporation, its licensed
hub so identified, a New Mexico non-profit corporation, its sponsors, and other BRI authorized licensees (individually and
collectively referred to hereafter as “BEST”), their officers, directors, employees, successors, assigns, and volunteers who
are working at the authorization or direction of BEST with respect to the programs and events officially offered by BEST. This
includes, by way of example, Teacher Workshops, Kickoff, Mall Day and Competition Day and regional and national events
sponsored by BRI or its licensees (“BEST Events”). “Participant” means any individual, student, team member, mentor,
coach, teacher, or volunteer involved in a BEST Event.
In consideration of my participation in one or more BEST events, I agree to the following: I hereby grant to BEST the right to
photograph, videotape, or otherwise digitally collect my likeness, voice and sound (as “Works”) during my presence at a
BEST event and assign and grant all rights in these Works to BEST. BEST shall have the right to use or sublicense these
Works, including my name, likeness and biography, at their discretion, in all media, for the promotion of BEST and their
mission and program. I also acknowledge that BEST events are public events that may be attended by the members of the
press, business corporations, and media (“commercial guests”) not under the control of BEST who might photograph or
videotape the event.
There are risks inherent in participating in BEST events, including, for example, risks in the construction of robots and
structures, working with electrical connections, traveling to and from events, and participating in public competitions. These
risks include the risk of bodily harm (including without limitation, death) and property damage or loss. Being fully cognizant
of the risks of participating in a BEST event, I hereby assume those risks. Except to the extent due to the gross
negligence or willful misconduct of BEST, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws, I HEREBY WAIVE AND
RELEASE ANY CLAIMS OR CAUSES OF ACTION which I may now or hereafter have against BEST arising in
connection with my participation in any BEST Event, or arising from unofficial BEST programs and events offered
by others. I hold harmless BEST, against any and all claims resulting from such participation, including, without
limitation, claims for compensation, defamation, or invasion of privacy, or other infringements or violations of
personal or property rights of any sort whatsoever.
I understand that teachers have responsibility for maintaining and safeguarding the well being of students on their team
while participating in BEST activities. I understand that BEST does not perform background checks on teachers, mentors or
other volunteer participants. Teachers should follow the school district policies regarding the involvement of adult volunteers
with their teams. I will not hold BEST liable for the actions of teachers, mentors or other participants.
I will not hold BEST liable for any injury that may occur to me as a result of participation in any event or activity related to this
program. In the event I should sustain injuries or illness while involved in a BEST Event, I hereby authorize BEST to provide
or arrange for first aid, professional emergency treatment, or hospital treatment needed as determined by BEST, including
the performance of emergency procedures, the administration of medications, and emergency transportation, at my cost and
risk.
This Release shall be binding upon my heirs, my personal representatives and assigns, and me and shall be governed by
and construed under the laws of the State of New Mexico, which shall be the venue for any legal action. This Release
constitutes the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter of this Release and supersedes
any and all such previous agreements among the parties, whether written or oral.
_______________________________ _____________________________ ______________ ____________________
Participant Name [Printed]
Participant Signature
Date
Date of Birth [MM/DD/YY]
For Participants under the age of eighteen (18) years listed above: I hereby consent and agree to the above as the Parent /
Legal Guardian of the Participant, in which case "I", "me" and "my" as used herein shall refer to said minor.
_________________________________________ ______________________________________ _________________
Parent or Legal Guardian Name [Printed]
NM BEST Robotics
Parent or Guardian Signature
Date
Revised 8/30/2012
Tapes and
Adhesives
Electrical
Hardware
PVC Pipes and Fittings
Wood Stock
Plastic and Metal igus® Donated
Stock
Parts
Check
Page 1 of 2
Qty
2012 BEST Consumable Kit List (provided by hub)
Description
1 meter EZ Energy Chain System®, P/N 05-4-038-0, with 2 mounting brackets (P/N 050-20-12)
2 ea
DryLin® N Low Profile Linear Guide system, P/N NK01-27-2-450
6 ea
igubal® Flange Mount Spherical Bearing, 1/4", P/N EFOI-04
6 ea
igubal® Pillow Block Mount Spherical Bearing, 1/4", P/N KSTI-04
6 ea
igubal® 1/4" Rod End Bearing, 1/4"-28 Thread, P/N EBRI-04
2 ea
DryLin® S, 1/4" diameter, hard anodized Aluminum Shaft, P/N AWI-04, 18 inch length
1 ea
1/4" thick polypropylene sheet 12" X 24"
1 ea
1/8" thick PVC Class 1 sheet 12" X 24"
1 ea
0.5" thick X 2" wide 6061-T6 aluminum flat, 12" long
1 ea
0.063" thick 5052-H32 aluminum sheet, 12" x 24"
1 ea
0.5" diameter 6061-T6 aluminum round, 24" long
2 ea
0.25" diameter AISI 1018 steel round, 24" long
3 ea
piano wire, 0.063" diameter, 2' long
1 ea
11/32" or 3/8" thick, 2'X4' plywood, BC or Luan grade
1 ea
5 mm thick Luan grade, or 7/32" or 1/4" thick, 2'X4' BC grade plywood
1 ea
1/8" thick, 2'X4', hardboard
2 ea
1" X 4" #2 whitewood, 2 ft long
1 ea
1/4" X 48" hardwood dowel
4 ea
1/2" schedule 40 PVC pipe, 5 ft long
2 ea
3/4" schedule 40 PVC pipe, 5 ft long
2 ea
1" schedule 40 PVC pipe, 5 ft long
1 ea
4" PVC solid sewer pipe, SDR 35 or ASTM D2729, 3 ft long (without integral coupling)
10 ea
1/2" PVC 90 degree elbow (slip)
10 ea
1/2" PVC tee (slip)
10 ea
3/4" PVC 90 degree elbow (slip)
10 ea
3/4" PVC tee (slip)
6 ea
1" PVC 90 degree elbow (slip)
6 ea
1" PVC tee (slip)
1 ea
regular PVC cement, 4 oz
4 ea
2.5" X 5/8" steel ZN, corner angle bracket
4 ea
2" X 3/8" steel ZN, flat angle bracket
2 ea
2.5"H X 1.75"W X 0.055" narrow hinge w/removable pin
2 ea
1.5"H X 1-3/8"W X 0.05" narrow hinge w/nonremovable pin & 4 screws
1 ea
extension spring for heavy doors, 13/32"OD, 0.0625" wire diameter, steel
1 ea
6" x 6" steel turntable, 500 lb capacity
1 ea
3/4" metal pipe hanger tape, 28 gauge, 10 ft long
12 ft
18 gauge stranded copper wire, red insulation, single conductor
12 ft
18 gauge stranded copper wire, black insulation, single conductor
12 ft
CAT3 24 gauge, 4 conductor wire
1 ea
9Volt battery (non-rechargeable) - controller backup battery
16 ea
snap-plug terminals (bullet connectors), insulated, male
16 ea
snap-plug terminals (socket for bullet connectors), insulated, female
20 ea
quick-disconnect terminal, insulated, female, 0.11" wide (Hub optional **)
10 ea
quick-disconnect terminal, insulated, female, 0.187" wide (Hub optional **)
2 ea
mini snap acting switches, SPDT, 10 amp (min)
4 ea
sub-mini snap action switch, SPDT, 0.1 A, Omron P/N SS-01GL13PT
1 ea
rotary potentiometer, linear, 10K ohm, 300°, panel mount, 6mm (aprox.) shaft
2 ft
heat shrink tubing, 1/4" OD expanded, 2:1 ratio, polyolefin, black
10 ea
11" long x 0.18" wide nylon cable tie
20 ea
4" long x 0.1" wide nylon cable tie
1 ea
vinyl electrical tape, 3/4" wide, 60 ft
1 ea
friction tape, 3/4" wide, 60 ft
1 ea
all purpose duct tape, 2" (or 1.88") wide, 50 to 60 yd, (color optional)
1 ea
carpenters wood glue, 4 oz
1 ea
5 minute epoxy, 0.85 oz
Copyright (C) 2012 BEST Robotics, Inc.
Miscellaneous
Threaded Fasteners
igus® Donated
Check
Qty
2012 BEST Consumable Kit List (provided by hub)
Description
1 ea
1/4"-20 threaded rod, 3' long, steel
25 ea
1/4"-20 hex nut, steel
25 ea
1/4" SAE flat washer, steel
25 ea
1/4" medium split lock washer, steel
10 ea
1/4"-28 hex nut, 6/6 black nylon
2 ea
1/4"-20 X 4" eye bolt, steel
25 ea
#10-32 X 1 1/2" machine screws, steel, round head, phillips
25 ea
#10-32 machine screw nuts, steel
25 ea
#10 flat washer, steel
100 ea
#8-32 X 1 1/4" machine screw, steel, pan head, phillips
100 ea
25 ea
#8 medium split lock washer, steel
25 ea
#4-40 X 1" machine screws, round head, steel
25 ea
10 ea
#2-56 X1" machine scews, pan head, phillips, stainless
10 ea
#2-56 machine screw nuts, 3/16x1/16, steel
10 ea
#2 flat washer, steel
10 ea
wood screw eyebolts, 0.192 wire dia x .97 shank x .75 thread x .27 id, steel
100 ea
#8 X 1" sheet metal screw, steel, hex head
100 ea
#6 X 1" wood screws, steel, flat head
25 ea
#4 X 3/4" wood screw, steel, slotted drive, round head
5 ft
3/4" nylon sticky back hook and loop fastener
1 ea
#18 twisted nylon seine twine, 225 to 250 ft long (color optional)
4 ft
1/4" polypropylene covered shock cord (color optional)
2 ft
3/8" thick, 1" wide, adhesive backed, gum rubber strip
1 ea
bicycle inner tube (26" X 1.5" - 2.0")
1 ea
60x65" universal brake cable with housing (white or black)
25 ea
#10 Rubber Band (1/16" wide x 1-1/4" long)
25 ea
#32 Rubber Band (1/8" wide x 3" long)
100 ea
1 ea
1 1/4" long paper clips, 0.033 dia wire (No. 1 Regular)
VEX motor mounting kit ( 4 mounts + screws)
Approved Optional Items (provided by team)
Description
Qty
10 ea
wooden spring type clothes pins
2400 sq in corrugated cardboard, 1/4" maximum thickness
empty aluminum soft drink cans (12 fl. oz.)
2 ea
1 ea
empty food/beverage PET container with screw on cap/lid (2 liter max.)1
3 ea
wire coat hangers with or without plastic coating, 1/8" dia. max.
3 ea
solid core golf balls
1 ea
5 minute epoxy, 0.85 oz
3 ea
~10oz empty metal soup can with lid removed
24 lb
pennies (cannot be altered)
1 ea
4 oz. PVC primer
144 sq in heavy duty aluminum foil
wooden golf tees
6 ea
Notes:
Page 2 of 2
1 ea
aluminum paint grid for 5 gallon bucket
1 ea
inner tube repair kit
4 ea
compact disk (standard size: 120mm diameter x 1.2 mm thick)
Approved Optional Items can be used in addition to those supplied by the hub.
2012 BEST Returnable Kit List
Qty
Item Description
Required/Optional
BEST Control System Kit
Manufacturer/Source
Part Number
VEX Robotics
270-1605
1 Cortex Microcontroller
Required
VEX Robotics
278-1604
1 VEXnet Joystick
Required
VEX Robotics
276-2194
2 VEXnet 802.11 Key
Required
VEX Robotics
276-2245
1 VEXnet Backup Battery Holder
Required
VEX Robotics
276-2243
4 Motor Controller 7.2V 4A
Required
VEX Robotics
276-2193
2 Large Motor
Required
VEX Robotics
276-1611
2 Small Motor
Required
VEX Robotics
276-1610
2 7.2 V 3000 mAhr NiMH battery - modified w/ powerpole connectors
Required1
VEX Robotics
276-1456
1 Cortex Battery Adapter (attached to Cortex)
Required
None - Hub Assembly Reqd n/a
2
1 Charger Adapter (attached to charger)
Required
8 Screw Terminal Sensor Interface Cable (black and white wires)
Required
VEX Robotics
276-1734
4 Screw Terminal Motor Interface Cable (red and black wires)
Required
VEX Robotics
276-1608
4 Servo Power Adapter Cable
Required
VEX Robotics
276-2195
1 Smart Battery Charger & power cord
Required2
VEX Robotics
276-1445, 276-1500
1 8-bay AAA Smart Battery Charger & power cord
Required
2
VEX Robotics
276-1622
6 AAA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries (installed in Joystick)
Required
VEX Robotics
276-1696
1 USB A-A Cable
Required2
VEX Robotics
276-1403
1 VEX Programming Hardware Kit
Optional2
VEX Robotics
276-2186
VEX Robotics
270-1682
BEST Servo Kit
None - Hub Assembly Reqd n/a
4 Futaba 3003/3004 Servo
Required
Tower Hobbies
LXH288 / LXZV41
4 servo horn screw
Required
Tower Hobbies
FUTM2260 (10 pack)
1 large round servo horn
Required
Tower Hobbies
LXH362
2 4-arm servo horn
Required
Tower Hobbies
LXH365
2 6-arm servo horn
Required
Tower Hobbies
LXH363
1 8" servo extension wire
Required
Tower Hobbies
LXH446
Required
Tower Hobbies
LXL295
Required
Dymond Modelsport
10415
16 rubber grommet
Optional
Tower Hobbies
FUTM2310 (20 pack)
16 brass spacer
Optional
Tower Hobbies
FUTM3650 (20 pack)
16 servo mounting screw
Optional
Tower Hobbies
FUTM2250 (10 pack)
BEST Belt & Pulley Kit
1 3/16 bore, 18 groove, (small) plastic drive pulley with metal insert
Required
VEX Robotics
270-1683
Stock Drive Products
A 6T16-018DF2506
1 3/16 bore, 18 groove, (small) plastic pulley
Required
A 6M16-018DF2506
1 1/4 Bore 130 groove, (large) plastic drive pulley with metal insert
Required
A 6Z16-130DF2508
1 180 Groove, 0.080 pitch, 1/4 wide belt
Required
A 6Z16-180025
1 0.080 pitch, 1/4 wide belt stock, 3 ft long
Required
A 6Z16-C025
1 3/16 dia, 3/4 long shoulder screw w/ 8-32 thread
Required
A 9X25-0624
4 R4AZZ Ball Bearing (0.25 ID x 0.75 OD x 0.28 wide)
Required
National Precision
R4AZZ
1 spare (replacement) servo horn screw
Required
Tower Hobbies
FUTM2260 (10 pack)
1 rotary potentiometer, linear, 10K ohm, 10 turn
Required
Bourns
3590S-2-103L
2 small round servo horn
Optional
Tower Hobbies
LXH364
Optional
monoprice
5431
Required2
Hub Supplied
Hub Provided
1 18" (or less) USB extension cable (used between Cortex and WIFI key)
any Containers, bags, boxes
1
2
Only one battery can be used on the robot at any given time.
These items cannot be used on the robot.
Page 1 of 1
Application for Travel Funds
NM BEST will try to help with travel money. We are not able to assist with travel advances, but
may be able to help as a reimbursement. Applications are due by September 14, 2012.
You will be notified via email by October 13, 2012, of the amount of funds NM BEST will be
able to provide to you based on your request. Any team receiving funds from NM BEST MUST
fill out the following forms and return them to NM BEST: 1) a vendor form; 2) an independent
contractor form; and 3) Google Map of your school and its distance from NMSU.
School: _______________________________________________________________________
School Address: ________________________________________________________________
Estimated Cost to travel to NMSU/Las Cruces: ________________________________________
Requested Funds Amount: ________________________________________________________
Point of Contact Information:
Name: _____________________________________ Phone: ____________________________
Email: ________________________________________________________________________
Please note that we may NOT be able to provide any funds, as this is dependent on conditions
outside our control.
Thank you!
Updated 8/9/2012
NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY
VENDOR QUESTIONNAIRE & SUBSTITUTE W-9
INCOMPLETE/ FORMS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED
PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE LEGIBLY
FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES NMSU TO OBTAIN THIS INFORMATION WHEN MAKING A REPORTABLE PAYMENT TO YOU. IF YOU
DO NOT PROVIDE US WITH THIS INFORMATION, YOUR PAYMENTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO 28% FEDERAL INCOME TAX BACKUP
WITHHOLDING. ALSO, IF YOU DO NOT PROVIDE US WITH THIS INFORMATION, YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO A $50 PENALTY
IMPOSED BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE UNDER SECTION 6723.
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2012 Awards and Judging Policies
Part I
I. Awards
The following awards will be given at all BEST hub competitions:
BEST Award
Awarded to the team that best embodies the concept of Boosting Engineering,
Science and Technology. Winning the BEST Award is considered the highest
achievement any team in the competition can accomplish. First, second, and third place
finishes will be awarded.
Competition Award
Awarded to the teams whose machines finish first, second, and third in the tournament
bracket. In addition, fourth place “finalist” will also be awarded.
Founders Award for Creative Design
Awarded to the team that makes best use of the engineering process in consideration of
offensive and defensive capabilities in machine design; awarded in recognition of BEST
founders Steve Marum and Ted Mahler.
Most Robust Machine
Awarded to the team whose machine requires the least maintenance during and
between matches and is generally the sturdiest machine in the competition.
II. Project Engineering Notebook

ALL participating teams will be required to submit a Project Engineering Notebook at
both the local competition and the Regional competition following the guidelines in
Category I of the BEST Award Guidelines below. All notebooks will be graded on a
25-point scale, as defined in the BEST Award Guidelines.

During the local hub Game Day, the notebook scores of all teams will be used to
determine which 4 teams earn a chance for the single “wildcard” slot. The wildcard
team will be one of eight teams that advance to the playoff rounds.

During the Regional competition, the notebook scores of all teams will be used to
determine which 8 teams earn a chance for two “wildcard” slots. The wildcard teams
will be two of sixteen teams that advance to the playoff rounds.
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III. BEST Award Guidelines
The BEST Award is presented to the team that best embodies the concept of Boosting
Engineering, Science, and Technology. This concept recognizes that inclusiveness,
diversity of participation, exposure to and use of the engineering process,
sportsmanship, teamwork, creativity, positive attitude and enthusiasm, and school and
community involvement play significant roles in a team’s competitive experience and
contribute to student success in the competition beyond winning an award.
In accordance with the BEST philosophy, materials submitted by teams must be the
work of students. The involvement of student peers in auxiliary roles to support a
school’s official BEST team with the documentation – i.e., journalists, photographers,
artists, musicians – is encouraged.
Space constraints at each Regional competition site will determine the number of teams
that can compete for the BEST Award (check with the specific guidelines published by
each Regional site). In order for a team to be eligible to compete for the BEST Award at
any of the Regional competitions, the team: (1) must have competed for the BEST
Award at their local hub competition, and (2) must agree to compete in all five of the
BEST Award categories at the Regional competition.
III.A. Judging Evaluation and Criteria
Evaluation of competitors will be based on the criteria outlined in these guidelines. An
evaluation score of a total possible 100 points will be composed of the following:





Category I - Project Engineering Notebook (mandatory for ALL teams, including
teams NOT competing in the BEST Award)
Category II - Marketing Presentation (at hub’s discretion for BEST Award
inclusion)
Category III – Team Exhibit and Interviews (at hub’s discretion for BEST Award
inclusion)
Category IV - Spirit and Sportsmanship (mandatory for all BEST Award teams)
Category V - Robot Performance (mandatory for all BEST Award teams)
Hubs are required to judge at least four of the above five categories using one of the
following scenarios:
Scenario 1: (preferred)
Judging Category
Project Engineering Notebook
Marketing Presentation
Team Exhibit and Interviews
Spirit and Sportsmanship
Robot Performance
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BEST Robotics, Inc.
Point Value
25 points
25 points
20 points
15 points
15 points
Total 100 points
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Scenario 2:
Judging Category
Robot Performance
Point Value
25 points
25 points
15 points
15 points
Total 80 points
Judging Category
Robot Performance
Point Value
25 points
20 points
15 points
15 points
Total 75 points
Scenario 3:
III.B. Judging Procedure
 A distinguished team of judges from private and public sectors with technical and
non-technical expertise will evaluate teams. Judges will serve on a rotation schedule.
 As each team completes a category, it will be assigned a category score that is the
average of individual scores of the judges reviewing it.
 Teams should know in advance that scores among many teams frequently differ by
only fractions of a point.
III.C. Judging Results
 Each advancing team will be mailed a copy of its score sheets following their local
competition. Score sheets of non-advancing teams will be mailed upon request.
 Teams advancing to the Regional competitions can use judges’ comments to make
improvements as they wish.
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Category I: Project Engineering Notebook (25 Points)
Notebook Guidelines
 The purpose of the notebook is to document the process the team used to design,
build, and test their robot.
 ALL teams (both BEST Award and non-BEST Award competing teams) are required
to submit a Project Engineering Notebook.
 See local hub deadlines for more information on when the notebook should be
submitted.

The notebook must meet the following specifications:

Submitted in a standard 3-ring binder with a maximum 2” ring size

30 typed single-sided pages or less (note that title page and Table of Contents
page will not be counted as part of the 30 pages)

Research paper: Within the 30 pages, include a description of how the current
year’s game theme is related to current technological practices or scientific
research (minimum of 2 pages, maximum of 5 pages out of the 30 allotted)

Binder cover must identify the school, team name, teacher contact, and team
number

Provide description of the process the team used to design and complete its
robot

Standard, 8 ½” x 11” paper, double-spaced, 1” margins, and Times New Roman
(preferred) or similar business-style font no smaller than 12 pt. Single-spacing is
acceptable in tables and outlines.

Teams may include a supplemental appendix of no more than 20 pages of
information. The appendix may include support documentation such as
drawings, photos, organization charts, minutes of team meetings, test results,
etc. This material should directly support the process described in the primary
document and NOT reflect activities related to community or promotional efforts,
spirit development, or team-building.
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Notebook Evaluation

The notebook will be judged on the documentation of the team’s:

Implementation of the Engineering Design Process
o Evidence that the engineering process was effectively used.

Research Paper
o Correlation between game and how the technology is being used at a
company/industry/research lab in the team’s state or region; Any related
information of game theme, such as history, famous inventor(s), or major
milestones; Creativity in linking game theme to appropriately related
science/technology content; Proper use of grammar and composition
throughout paper; citations of sources used to gather information for
paper; staying within 2-5 page limit

Brainstorming Approaches
o How well organized and productive was the brainstorming approach used
and documented?

Analytical Evaluation of Design Alternatives
o Use of analytical and mathematical skills in deciding upon and
implementing design alternatives

Offensive and Defensive Evaluation
o Analysis of gaming strategies and design elements to achieve goals.

Safety
o Evidence that safety training occurred and safe practices were followed to
prevent students’ misuse of tools and other devices/equipment that may
result in personal injury or damage to property

Support Documentation
o CAD /other drawings, photos, organization, team minutes, test results, etc.
that support the main document.

Overall Quality and Completeness of Notebook
o Just prior to submitting the Notebook, teams must complete the “BEST
Team Demographics Form 2012” and include it as the first page of the
Notebook. Failure to include this form will result in ineligibility to participate
in the competition.
o Organization, appearance, adherence to specifications, quality of content
and submission of required Team Demographics Form
Category II: Marketing Presentation (25 Points)
For the marketing presentation, the team should view themselves as employees
of a “company” that is marketing their “product” (robot) to a potential buyer (judges).
This marketing team is an integral part of the engineering team that has designed a
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specialized robot. The marketing presentation should provide information about their
company, the engineering team involved in the design and construction of the product,
and why their product is the best one on the market that can complete the assigned
task. The potential buyer will be assessing the following:





The company’s demographics, budget, and operations (e.g., company structure
and operations, evidence of diversity of employees, evidence of budget that
includes sponsorship and expenditures, etc.)
The company’s design and manufacturing process (engineering process of
“design to market”, including a discussion on the advantages of your company’s
robot design)
Marketing strategies to promote product (e.g., school and community
involvement, promotional efforts, etc)
Use of technological resources company used to accomplish the task (e.g., CAD,
easyC/RobotC, Web page development, computer simulations, PowerPoint, etc.)
Overall quality of presentation, including adherence to guidelines for this
category
Each BEST Award team will sign up for a presentation time slot to occur at a time
designated by the local hub.
Marketing Presentation Guidelines
 A minimum of 4 and maximum of 8 students should actively participate in the
presentation.
 At the discretion of the hub or Regional, an audience may be allowed to quietly
observe the presentations. The size of the allowed audience is space-dependent and up
to each hub to determine.
o If a hub does choose to allow an audience during the presentations, it is
recommended that each presentation room have an official Room Monitor
(not a judge) to ensure that the presentation team is not being disturbed or
coached by audience members.
o Audience members are not allowed to ask questions during the Q & A period.
 Adults are not allowed to participate, including setting up or taking down equipment
for the presentation.
 Representation by student presenters from more than one grade level is encouraged
and will be considered in the evaluation as part of the team’s recruitment efforts.
 Videotaping/photographing by team representatives will be allowed during the
presentation, however, the person(s) handling videotaping will be counted in the 8
maximum number allowed.

The presentation format is the prerogative of the team.
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 The team must provide any equipment it wishes to use, or check with the local hub
for information about what equipment can be provided.
Marketing Presentation Time Breakdown
(The local hub will provide event-specific information.)
 There will be a check-in station in the general area of the presentation rooms
(location TBA).

Teams should check in prior to their time slot.
 The order and breakdown for the presentation time period is defined in the 2012
Awards and Judging Policies - Part II document.

Five minutes will be scheduled between presentation sessions to allow judges time
to confer without the team present.
Marketing Presentation Evaluation

Presentations will be evaluated with consideration of:

Company Demographics, Budget & Operations
o Well-defined roles as company employees/owners/managers; methods of
company decision-making; organization of company departments for
product development; company demographics; evidence of budget
including sponsorship and expenditures

Design and Manufacturing Process (Engineering Design Process)
o Brainstorming approaches; game strategy evaluation; analytical evaluation
of design alternatives; effective implementation of the engineering process

Marketing Strategies
o Publicity efforts to inform school and community of company’s product
(e.g. school newsletters, presentations to community and/or school
groups, fliers/brochures, posters, press releases, commercials, etc)

Use of Available Technology
o CAD or other drawings; computer programming (e.g., easyC or RobotC);
Web page development, computer simulations, use of PowerPoint

Quality of Presentation
o Well organized and prepared; met required specifications; communication
skills and professionalism; achieved goal of marketing company’s robot;
creativity of format; quality of question and answer session with judges
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Category III: Team Exhibit and Judges Interview (20 Points)

The purpose of the exhibit and interviews category is to creatively:
a. Communicate an understanding of the game theme
b. Demonstrate how the team has promoted BEST in the school and community
Exhibit and Interview Guidelines
 Check with local hub for standard table size. At Regional competitions, each team
will be provided with a standard six-foot long table (approximately 29 inches wide) upon
request.
 Check with local hub for maximum allowed floor space for exhibits (note: either an 8’
X 8’ X 8’ space OR a 10’ X 10’ X 10’ display space will be allocated per team at the
Regional competitions).

Skirting for the table will not be provided.
 Each team should bring one extension cord and one power strip. Check with local
hub for possible electricity and electrical limitations.
 Other exhibit items may be used, but must not exceed the space allocated by the
hub.
 Teams are encouraged to avoid using expensive store-bought display boards and
structures and opt for more creative and hand-made exhibit props.
 Any audio-visual equipment needs and extra extension cords will be the
responsibility of the team.

Each team is responsible for security of its own material.
 Each team is also responsible for breakdown of its team materials and clean-up of
its exhibit area following the awards ceremony on Game Day.
 All material should be clearly marked with the appropriate identification and contact
information.

Check with the local hub concerning when and where team exhibits can be set up.
 As a general rules, candy and other food and drink items are not permitted at
exhibits as complimentary handouts. Check with local hub or Regional policies
concerning this rule.
 During the designated interview time, at least one student representative from the
team must be present who is able to respond to informal questions asked about the
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exhibit. In addition, student representatives should be aware that judges may ask
questions concerning robot design and construction. These questions will be part of the
interview evaluation of the team.

Teams should expect to be visited by three to four different judges during this period.

Judges may also interview team members in the pit area and in the seating area.
Exhibit and Interview Evaluation


Exhibits (13 points) will be evaluated on:

Sharing information and/or technology resources, and mentoring other schools,
including other BEST teams

Presentations and robot demonstrations to other schools and community groups

Publicity (print materials, media/press) generated within the school and within the
community about BEST

Fund raising and/or sponsorship efforts (strategies used to recruit sponsors,
team fund raisers, description of how funds were allocated to support team, team
budget information available for review)

Use of technology, display models or boards, or multi-media at exhibit in
promotion of BEST

Creativity in incorporating game theme into design and presentation of this
exhibit

Compliance with specifications (did not exceed space allocation)
Interviews (7 points) will be evaluated on:

Evidence of students’ enthusiasm, learning experience, and understanding of the
game theme

Evidence that recruitment efforts for the team included multiple grade levels and
students from a cross-section of the school population

Evidence that students were the primary designers and builders of the robot
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Category IV: Spirit and Sportsmanship (15 Points)
Spirit and Sportsmanship Guidelines

Judges will evaluate this category on Game Day
 They will observe the spirit promoted by the team during the competition rounds as
well as the team’s conduct throughout the day in the seating area, team exhibit area,
game floor, and pit area
Spirit and Sportsmanship Evaluation

Spirit includes the vigor and enthusiasm displayed by team representatives
 Teams can use posters, props, t-shirts, cheerleaders, musicians, mascots,
costumes, and lower-frequency noise-makers to increase the level of spirit (check with
local hub to determine specific noise-maker restrictions)
 Community involvement: number of team supporters present at competition (other
than students)
 Sportsmanship includes outward displays of sportsmanship (e.g., helping other
teams in need), grace in winning and losing, and conduct and attitude considered
befitting participation in sports
 Overall team sportsmanship is also demonstrated by students (not mentors) making
the majority of robot adjustments and repairs during the competition
Category V: Robot Performance (15 Points)
 The fifth category, Robot Performance, will determine the final 15% of possible
BEST Award points. These 15 points will be based on the total game points earned
throughout the seeding competition (prior to the semi-final rounds) according to the
following scale:







Team finishes in top 20% of all teams competing at hub
Team is unable to score any points during the competition
15 Points
12 Points
9 Points
6 Points
3 Points
0 Points
Up to 15 Robot Performance points will be added to the total BEST Award points
BEST Award Recognition
 The teams ranked first, second, and third in the BEST Award Division will receive
trophies superior to the teams finishing first through third in the Game Division.
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Advancement to Regional Championship Competition

The total number of teams a hub will be allowed to send to a Regional
competition is determined by the Regional competition. Traditionally this number
is related to the number of teams competing at the hub, the total number of
teams in the region, and the maximum number of teams that the venue at a
Regional can hold.

The sequence of advancing teams will be as follows:
1.
BEST Award 1st Place
2.
Game 1st Place
3.
BEST Award 2nd Place
4.
Game 2nd Place
5.
BEST Award 3rd Place
6.
Game 3rd Place
7.
BEST Award 4th Place
8.
9.
10.
etc……

The list above is intended to illustrate the qualification order, not necessarily the
exact number of teams advancing from each hub.

Exception to above qualification order:
A hub has the option to advance a Game winner OR a BEST Award winner at
their discretion IF the hub is limited in the number of advancing teams that can
participate in the BEST Award at the Regional competition, and IF a BEST
winner also places as a Game winner.
For example, if a Regional allows four advancing teams per hub, BUT only two
advancing teams can participate in the BEST Award, AND a Game winner is also
a BEST winner at the hub level, a hub could be forced to advance a 3rd place
BEST Award team that cannot actually compete in the BEST Award at the
Regional level. In such a case, the hub can opt to send the 3 rd place Game
winner instead of the 3rd place BEST Award winner.
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2012 Awards and Judging Policies
Part II
NM BEST Robotics
I. Hub Specifications
Because hubs operate with a variety of resources, specific requirements of the
BEST Award will vary between hubs. This document contains specific
requirements set forth by your local hub for the BEST Award competition. Should
your team advance to the Regional competition and participate in the BEST
Award, be aware that there may be differences in notebook, marketing
presentation, team exhibit, and interview procedures and guidelines.
II. BEST Award Guidelines
The BEST Award will be judged using the following scenario:
Judging Category
Robot Performance
Point Value
25 points
25 points
20 points
15 points
15 points
Total 100 points
Category I: Project Engineering Notebook (25 points)
Guidelines

The Project Engineering Notebook should be received by 8:30am on October 20,
2012, at the NM BEST Robotics registration table in the NMSU Activity Center.
Category II: Marketing Presentation (25 points)


Each BEST Award team will sign up for a presentation time slot. The available time
slots will be between 9:00am and 4:00pm on October 20, 2012. The location of the
presentations will be in the NMSU Activity Center.
Website URLs must be submitted to the hub director at nmbest@nmsu.edu no later
than October 15. Website judging will be completed by noon on October 19.
Guidelines
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
At the time of the presentation, the following equipment will be available: projector
and internet connection for access to the team’s BEST website. It is advised that
teams bring their own laptop and a thumb drive with the presentation and all
embedded files. The team must provide any additional equipment it wishes to use.
Time Breakdown

There will be a check-in station in the NMSU Activity Center. Teams should check in
at least 10 minutes prior to their time slot.

The order and breakdown for the 25-minute presentation time period is as follows:




5 minutes: Set-up
12 minutes: Presentation
5 minutes: Q&A with judges
3 minutes: Break-down and clear room
Note: Teams not requiring set-up or break-down time may utilize that time for their
presentation (for a total presentation time of up to 20 minutes).

Five minutes will be scheduled between presentation sessions to allow judges time
to confer without the team present.
Category III: Team Exhibit and Interviews (20 points)
Guidelines

Each team will be provided with a standard six-foot long table (approximately 29
inches wide) upon request.

Maximum allowed floor space for table displays will be 10’ X 10’.

Maximum allowed height for table displays will be 10’.

Exhibits can be set up from 7:30am in the NMSU Activity Center gym and in place
by 10:00am. All exhibits should be manned by student representatives 10:00am and
3:00pm.

Teams should expect to be visited by three different judges during this period.
Category IV: Spirit and Sportsmanship (15 Points)

The following noise-makers will not be allowed during the competition: guns, referee
whistles, blow horns, air horns, vuvuleza (World Cup noise makers).
Copyright © 2012
BEST Robotics, Inc.
Page 2 of 2
Revised 8/30/2012
Team Number:
School:
2012 Marketing Presentation Score Sheet
Purpose: To present information and respond to questions concerning
the company’s effectiveness in creating a product ready for market.
(25 pts.)
COMPANY DEMOGRAPHICS, BUDGET & OPERATIONS (5 Points)
Possible
Points
Score

Company structure and operations (well-defined roles as company
employees/owners/managers, methods of company decision-making,
etc.)
Comments:

Organization of company departments for product development
20
10
Comments:

Company demographics (evidence of diversity – male, female, variety
of grades represented, minority involvement) . . . .
Comments:

Evidence of a budget (how funds were generated, company expenses,
etc.)
Comments:
10
10
DESIGN & MANUFACTURING PROCESS (ENGINEERING PROCESS) (3 Points)
 Brainstorming approaches, including game strategy evaluation
10
Comments:
 Analytical evaluation of design alternatives
Comments:
10
 Effective implementation of engineering process
Comments:
10
MARKETING STRATEGIES (3 Points)

Publicity efforts to inform school and community of company’s effort
(e.g. school newsletters, presentations to community and/or school
groups, fliers/brochures, posters, press releases, etc.
Comments:
30
Page 1 of 2
USE OF AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGY (4 Points)
▪ CAD or other drawings/Computer programming (easyC, RobotC, etc.)
Comments:
20
▪ WEB page development/computer simulations/PowerPoint
Comments:
20
QUALITY OF PRESENTATION (10 Points)
 Communication skills and professionalism of presenters.
Understandable, well organized, prepared.
Comments:
30
 Met specifications for presentations (time limit, minimum 4 presenters,
maximum 8 presenters, set-up and break-down by students)
Comments:
10
 Achieved goal of marketing the company’s ‘product’
Comments:
20
 Creativity of format
Comments:
20
 Q&A quality in responses to judges
Comments:
20
Overall Comments:
Total
250
÷10
Final score: 25 max
÷ 10
Judge name (print):____________________________________________
Page 2 of 2
Team Number:
School:
2012 Project Engineering Notebook Score Sheet
Purpose: To document the process used to design, build, and test the
robot (25 Points)
Possible
Points
Score
DESIGN PROCESS (15 Points)

Implementation of the Engineering Design Process
Evidence that the engineering process was effectively used.
Comments:
25

Brainstorming Approaches
How well organized and productive was the brainstorming approach used
and documented
Comments:
25

Analytical Evaluation of Design Alternatives
Use of analytical and mathematical skills in deciding upon and
implementing design alternatives
Comments:

Offensive and Defensive Evaluation
Analysis of gaming strategies and design elements to achieve goals
Comments:
25
25

Safety
Evidence that safety training occurred and safe practices were followed to
prevent students’ misuse of tools and other devices/equipment that may result in
personal injury or damage to property
Comments:
25

Support Documentation
CAD/other drawings, photos, team organization, meeting minutes, test
results, etc. that support the main document
Comments:
25
Page 1 of 2
RESEARCH PAPER (4 Points)
▪ Correlation between game and how the science/technology is being
used at a company/industry/research lab in the team’s state or region
Comments:
10
▪ Any related information of game theme, such as history, famous
inventor(s), or major milestones.
Comments:
10
▪ Creativity in linking game theme to appropriately related science
content
Comments:
10
▪ Proper use of grammar and composition throughout paper, citations of
sources used to gather information for paper, stayed within 2-5 page
limit
Comments:
10
OVERALL QUALITY AND COMPLETENESS OF NOTEBOOK (6 Points)

15
Submission of completed Team Demographics Form

Organization and appearance
Table of contents, summary, page numbers, discussion of evaluation points,
linkage to appendices.
Comments:
15

Adherence to specifications
Standard binder, business font no smaller than 12 pt., double-spaced (single
spaced ok in tables and outlines), 30 one-sided page limit for main section,
20 double-sided page limit for appendices, 1” margins, required cover
information.
Comments:

Quality of content
Well written descriptions, clear photo labels, lack of extraneous material, etc.
Comments:
15
15
Total
250
Final score:
÷10
25
Judge name (print):____________________________________________
÷ 10
Page 2 of 2
Team Number:
School:
2012 Spirit and Sportsmanship Score Sheet
Purpose: To display team spirit & sportsmanship at the
Competition (15 points)
Possible
Points
Score
SPIRIT ! (7 points)
 Exhibit vigor and enthusiasm throughout competition event.
Comments:
20
 Use of signs, posters, props, costumes, t-shirts, etc.
Comments:
20
 Cheerleaders, mascots, bands, organized noise-makers, etc.
Comments:
15
 Number of supporters with school (other than students)
Comments:
15
SPORTSMANSHIP (8 points)

Outward display of sportsmanship.(e.g. helping other teams in need)
30
Comments:

Conduct an attitude considered befitting participation in sports (e.g.,
grace in winning or losing).
20
Comments:
Evidence that students are the primary “pit crew” (robot repairs and
adjustments during competition)
Comments:

Total
30
150
÷ 10
Final Score
÷ 10
15 max
Page 1 of 1
Judge name (print):____________________________________________
Team Number:
School:
2012 Team Exhibit and Interviews Score Sheet
Purpose: To creatively a) communicate an understanding of
the game theme, and b) demonstrate how the team has
promoted BEST in the school and community (20 pts.)
Possible
Points
EXHIBIT: LEVEL & QUALITY OF INFORMATION PRESENTED ON
PROMOTION OF BEST CONCEPT (13 points)

Sharing information and/or technology resources, and mentoring
other schools, including other BEST teams
Comments:

Presentations & robot demonstrations to other schools & community
groups
Comments:

Publicity (print materials, media/press) generated within the school
and within the community about BEST
Comments:
15
15
15

Fund raising and/or sponsorship efforts (strategies used to recruit
sponsors, team fund raisers, description of how funds were allocated
to support team, team budget information available for review)
Comments:

Use of technology, display models or boards, or multi-media at exhibit
in promotion of BEST
Comments:

Creativity in incorporating game theme into design and presentation
of this exhibit
Comments:

Compliance with specifications (did not exceed space allocation)
Comments:
15
20
40
10
Score
INTERVIEWS AT EXHIBIT, IN PIT, AND IN STANDS (7 points)
▪ Evidence of students’ enthusiasm, learning experience, and
understanding of the game theme
Comments:
20
▪ Evidence that recruitment efforts for this team included multiple grade
levels and students from a cross-section of the school population
Comments:
10
▪ Evidence that students were the primary designers and builders of
robot
Comments:
40
Total
200
÷10
Final score: 20 max
÷ 10
Additional Comments:
Judge name (print):____________________________________________
Page 2 of 2
BEST Team Demographics - 2012
Submission of this completed form is required as part of the Project Engineering Notebook submitted at the
local hub competition. We request that it be completed just prior to submission of the notebook for
judging.
School Name:
City/State:
Most correctly describes school location:
 Rural
 Public
Type of school (check the box):
Type of school (check the box):
 Middle/Jr. High
 High School
 Urban/City
 Sub-urban
 Private
 Home school
 K-12
 Other:
 Other:
Which most appropriately describes the total student population at your school:
 1 to 399
 400 to 799
 800 to 1199
 1200 to 2000
 greater than 2000
Number of students on BEST team by grade:
K - 5th:
6th:
7th:
8th:
9th:
10th:
11th:
12th:
Number of students on BEST team by race (optional):
African-American:
White:
Asian American:
Hispanic:
Native American:
Other:
Total number of students on BEST team:
Number of males: _________
Number of females: _______
Total number of students who worked on the robot: __________
Total male: _________
Total female: _________
Total number of students who worked on the BEST Award: _________
Total male: ________
Total female: _________
Approximate number of students on your BEST team likely to pursue careers in engineering, science,
math, or technology:
Total # of male:
Total # of female:
Total number of adult mentors assisting your BEST team (NOT including teachers):
This year, is BEST being integrated into any STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
curricula at your school?
 YES
 NO
As a direct result of participation in BEST, has your school adopted/developed an engineering
course(s) or curriculum?
 YES
 NO
 N/A (our school does not offer engineering
courses/curr.)
Of the software provided by BEST Robotics, our team/school used the following (check all that
apply):
 SolidWorks
 MathWorks Simulink
 easyCv4
 Mathematica
 HSM Works
 InspirTech (SolidWorks Training)
Copyright © 2012 BEST Robotics Inc.
 RobotC
The Dr. Sheila Horan BEST Coach Award
While working and conducting research at New Mexico State University, Dr. Horan also gave
countless hours and expertise to the development of students in science, technology and
engineering. She spearheaded the New Mexico Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology
(BEST) competition at NMSU in 2001 and dedicated her time to NM BEST until her retirement
in 2009. To commemorate her dedication, inspiration and spirit, this award was created for
Teachers/Coaches/Mentors in the BEST program.
Nominations for this award will be provided by students in the BEST program and selected by
distinguished members of the NMSU College of Engineering and sponsors of the NM BEST
program.
Nomination forms will become part of the BEST Engineering Notebook. Students are allowed to
submit as many nominations as they want each year, but the nominees must be currently involved
in the NM BEST program. Criteria will include scoring in specified areas (inspiration,
helpfulness, dedication, instruction and leadership) as well as a paragraph describing the reasons
the nominee should receive this distinguished award.
The award will include a plaque and a press release to be given to local, state and regional news
outlets.
.
Updated 8/9/2012
2012 BEST Software Licensing Summary
Software Title
Type
# Seats per team
Duration of License
Licensing Paperwork?
Simulink
Sponsor/
Provider
MathWorks
Availability to
Teams
July
Distribution
Method
2 DVD’s +
instructions
License Key
(Where to Find It)
License keys allocated per hub; printed on DVDs
(Distributed to hubs in June)
(Team Instructions in Private Game Files Folder)
Programming
6
12 months from install
None
easyC
Intelitek
Programming
3
150 days from install
Hub managed licenses;
Hub provides 1 license per team
BRI Software committee to distribute team licenses to
each hub.
August
Download
Individual license key per team
(Distributed to hubs by SW Committee)
RobotC
CMU Robotics
Academy
Programming
3
expires 11/01/2012
Hub provides license file URL to teams
August
Download
Single license file for BEST
('Licensing' button on BRI Dashboard)
SolidWorks
SolidWorks
CAD
Per student
expires 12/31/2012
Online form/download for SEK
August
Online
form/request;
Download
Single key for all BEST Teams
Hub provides URL and access code to teams
SolidWorks
Training
Inspirtech
Training
HSM Works
Inspirtech
CAM
Mathematica
Student Version
WolfRam Research
Computational
Per classroom
(~40)
Per student
~6 months
August
Online
form/request
Individual license key per team
~6 months
August
included in
Inspritech license
included in Inspritech license
12 months
Hub provides URL and access code to teams.
Kickoff
Download
Single key for all BEST Teams
Teams submit XLS License info to WolfRam.
Student Evaluation Kit Download
For BEST Teams
1. Go to www.solidworks.com/SEK
2. In the box where it reads “School License ID or SEK-ID”, enter this code:
XSEK12
3. After entering your school information, click on “Request Download.”
4. It’s a large file (2.0 GB); it can take 45 to 90 minutes to download.
5. The license will expire December 31, 2012.
AND
Inspirtech Solidworks Training Videos and HSMWorks CAM solutions are fully
integrated into SolidWorks user interface. HSMWorks will support a variety of CNC and
milling machines.
1. Go to http://inspirtech.com/index.php?option=com_rsform&formId=6
2. Enter the information requested; use your B### team number from Robotevents.
3. Enter the following download code:
4BEST2012
4. Enter which products you are requesting (Training, HSMWorks or both) in the
Message section (required). Enter the security symbols displayed and click
SEND.
5. You licenses will expire December 31, 2012.
September 2012
Dear Student,
On behalf of Wolfram Research, congratulations on your performance in the 2012 BEST
Robotics Competition! We are pleased to support this event by presenting you with your
own complimentary one-year license of Mathematica for Students 8.0
To get started with your free year of Mathematica, all you have to do is visit the following
website and view the free, on-demand screencast. Please use this Code Key to enter
the screencast: EFVRH2
The Screencast is here: www.wolfram.com/screencast/topstudents
After viewing the screencast, please click on the screen to receive the
complimentary Mathematica license request form.
This license belongs to you. Please do not share it or give it to anyone else.
Please note that this award offer expires on May 1st, 2013. Please follow the steps
above to retrieve your license before that date.
We hope you’ll also participate in the growing Mathematica community. Here are a
couple links that can help you get started:
http://www.wolfram.com/support/learn/students.html
http://www.wolfram.com/training/courses/edu110.html
We’d love to hear from you about how you utilize Mathematica for Students– please
drop me a line at carol_cronin@wolfram.com and let me know of your successes.
Yours sincerely,
Carol Cronin
Sponsorships
Wolfram Research, Inc.
100 Trade Center Drive
Champaign, IL 61820
217-398-0700 ext. 5529
carol_cronin@wolfram.com
Simulink
1. MATLAB/Simulink DVDs will be distributed to your team at Kickoff.
2. Follow the installation instructions at http://www.mathworks.com/BESTinstall
exactly. During installation, when prompted for the File Installation Key and
Activation Key, use the information printed on the DVD label.
3. Your Simulink license will expire 12 months from the time of installation. You
must also install easyCv4 in order to download programs to the robot.
1. Go to http://www.intelitekdownloads.com/easyCV4/
2. Click on the “Download easyC v4 – 4.1.05” link.
3. You hub will provide you with a valid license key for your team.
4. After installation, right-click on the easyCv4 icon and select “Run as
Administrator”. On the license screen, select “Subscription License” and enter
the license key code provided to you by your hub.
5. Your easyC license will expire on 12/31/2012.
1. Go to http://www.robotc.net/best/#installing
2. Follow the installation instructions on this page.
3. Register for your license file per the instructions.
4. Your RobotC license will expire 11/01/2012.
NM BEST Robotics Core Team
Patricia Sullivan, Hub Director
nmbest@nmsu.edu
(575) 646-2913
Tracey O’Neil, Program Coordinator
traceyo@nmsu.edu
(575) 646-7852
Bob Hull, Technical Coordinator
rhull@nmsu.edu
(575) 646-1556
Paul Furth, NMSU
pfurth@nmsu.edu
(575) 646-8574
Ron Matthews, Calculex
ronm@calculex.com
(575) 525-0131
Marty Small, Calculex
martins@calculex.com
(575) 525-0131
NM BEST Robotics Participating Teams
School
Amy Biehl High School
Arrowhead Park Early College
High School
Burges Technology Club
Canutillo High School
Coach
Tomas Atencio-Pacheco
Email
taplu1@gmail.com
Phone
505-280-5586
John Ross Tapia
robert hopper
Brian Kerns
jtapia@lcps.k12.nm.us
rrhopper@episd.org
brianwkerns2@aol.com
575-527-9540
915.252.2706
9158777833
Carlsbad High School
Cave Creek Robotics
Centennial High School
Chaparral Middle School
Chaparral Middle School
Corofnado High School
Cottonwood Valley Charter
School
Deming High School
eLearn
Hagerman High School
Hatch Valley High School
Irvin HS T-STEM Academy
Las Cruces Catholic School
Loving High School
Lynn Middle School
Onate High School
Picacho Middle School
Portales High School / MESA
Club
Rio Rancho RoboRunners
School of Dreams Academy
School of Dreams Academy Middle School
Sierra Middle School
Valencia Middle School
Deborah Haggerton
Lisa Brauer
Rey Munoz
John Vlaun
Rina Viramontes
Andy M. Mendoza
deborah.haggerton@gmail.com 575-302-3870
azbrauers@msn.com
480-488-1327
rmunoz@lcps.k12.nm.us
(575) 527-9330
john.vlaun@aps4kids.org
575-415-6828
rviramontes@gisd.k12.nm.us 915-256-4038
ammendo1@episd.org
915 833-0081
Keith Burns
David Wertz
Ashley Ivins
Dan Jennings
Kelly Weiler
Fernando Arias
Ed Creegan
Alberto Lopez
Veronica Rivera
Larry Evans
Luis A. Sandoval
kburns@nmt.edu
david.wertz@demingps.org
nmcanchaser@hotmail.com
djennings@bobcat.net
kweiler@hatchschools.net
farias@episd.org
ecreegan@zianet.com
alopez@lovingschools.org
verrivera@lcps.k12.nm.us
lwevans@lcps.k12.nm.us
lasandoval@hotmail.com
575-838-2026
575-546-2678 ex. 2650
575-993-1455
575 752 0163
575-640-6242
915-449-9075
575-649-4293
575-302-6749
575/527-9445
5755279430
575-650-2915
Jack Willis
Shelly Gruenig
Eric Brown
jwillis@portalesschools.com
sagruenig@aol.com
bugmanbrown@comcast.net
edington_creightn@hotmail.co
m
dnawibe@gmail.com
mbeebe@llschools.net
575-760-3334
505-715-7732
5057307980
Creighton Edington
David Wibe
Martha Beebe
814 404-8671
575-644-9823
505.865.1750
Useful Websites
NM MESA: Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement
http://nmmesa.nmt.edu/
NM MESA, Inc., a non-profit organization, is part of a national initiative
promoting educational enrichment for pre-college students from historically
under-represented groups. NM MESA prepares these students for college majors
and careers in mathematics, engineering, science and related fields. NM MESA's
primary focus is on African American, Native American and Hispanic ethnic
groups, however all students are encouraged to participate.
Space images:
http://www.space.com/
Contains links to other space related sites, and images taken from space.
How stuff works:
http://www.howstuffworks.com/
Contains information and articles about how things work from airports to brains.
The Homework spot:
http://www.homeworkspot.com/
Contains articles on topic areas that students may need help with, and ideas and
tips on how to do better in school.
Regional Alliance of Science Engineering and Mathematics for Disabled Students.
http://rasem.nmsu.edu/index1.html
RASEM is providing the means, support and encouragement for students with
disabilities to overcome the educational barriers they face in considering science,
engineering
Science Fair:
Southwestern New Mexico Regional Science and Engineering Fair
(SWNMRSEF)! The Fair is affiliated with the International Science and
Engineering Fair administered by Science Service in Washington, D.C. We are
affiliated fair number 410501. The regional fair is sponsored by the New Mexico
State University (NMSU) in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
http://www.nmsu.edu/~scifair/
New Mexico Science and Engineering Fair
Mrs. Vannetta Perry PHONE: (505) 835-5678 FAX: (505) 835-5274 E-MAIL:
science@nmt.edu
WEB SITE: <>http://www.nmt.edu/~science/fair
New Mexico Science & Engineering Fair, New Mexico Institute of Mining and,
Technology - 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801
American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES):
http://www.aises.org/
The American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES) is a national,
nonprofit organization which nurtures building of community by bridging science
and technology with traditional Native values. Through its educational programs,
AISES provides opportunities for American Indians and Native Alaskans to
pursue studies in science, engineering, business and other academic arenas. The
trained professionals then become technologically informed leaders within the
Indian community. AISES' ultimate goal is to be a catalyst for the advancement of
American Indians and Native Alaskans as they seek to become self-reliant and
self-determined members of society.
Franklin Institute
http://sln.fi.edu/
The Franklin Institute Science Museum web page offers resources for science
education as well as general information about the museum and its programs.
Residence Facility Name
Cervantes Village
Chamisa Village
Cole Village Student Family Housing
Garcia Hall Residence Center
Greek Complex
Monagle Hall
Piñon Hall
Rhodes Garrett Hamiel
Sutherland Village Student Family Housing
Tom Fort Village Student Family Housing
Vista del Monte Student Apartments
Building
HH
HH
ED
H-4/AMS
GT
VC
E-3/NA
BD
CC
FAC
MC
BK
BK
BC
HH
G-3/WT
OH
GC
GO
OFS
ED
FD
H-3/FO
ED
HSS
HH
CP
E/F-4/5
CC
MH
H-3/FH
PD
PD
CC
G-3
AR
ED
CC
AR
H/I-3/4
PAC
HA & ZL
CP
CP
E-4
E-3/RR
EC3
Grid
D/E-7
F/3
C/D-5/6
F-1
F/G-4/5
E/F-1/2
G-1
E-1
C/D-4/5
C/D-5/6
D/E-6
2011 Parking, Building & Services Guide
Colleges, Services & Athletics
Administration
Administration & Finance
Admissions Office
Aggie Memorial Stadium
Agricultural, Consumer & Environ. Sciences
Alumni & Visitors Center
Aquatic Center (Natatorium)
Arts & Sciences, College of
Associated Students of NMSU (ASNMSU)
Athletics Offices
Atkinson Recital Hall, Edith & F.E.
Auxiliary Administration/Services
Barnes & Noble at NMSU Bookstore & Café
Business, College of
Business Office
Coca-Cola Weight Training Center
Education, College of
Employee Health Services
Engineering, College of
Facilities & Services
Financial Aid & Scholarship Services
Fire & Emergency Services Department
Football Offices
Graduate School
Health & Social Services, College of
Human Resource Services
Information & Communication Technologies
Intramural Field
KRUX 91.5 FM
KRWG TV 22 FM 90.7
Memorial Stadium Field House
Parking Department
Police Department
Post Office
Presley Askew Field
Purchasing Office/Risk Management, Central
Registrar’s Office
Round Up Newspaper
Safety Office, Environmental Health &
Soccer Field
Special Events
Student Success Center
Telecommunications & Networking Services
Tennis Center
Track
University Communications & Marketing
Waste-Management Ed./Research Consortium
Building Name
Academic Research (A,B,C)
Activity Center, James B. Delamater
American Indian Student Center
Astronomy Building
Biology Annex
Barnes & Noble at NMSU Bookstore & Café
Branson Hall Library
Breland Hall
Business Complex
Central Heating Plant
Chemistry & Biochemistry Building
Clara Belle Williams Hall
Clinton P. Anderson Hall
Computer Center
Corbett Center Student Union
Doña Ana Community College
Dove Hall
Ed & Harold Foreman Engineering Complex
Educational Services Center
Engineering Complex I
Engineering Complex II (Hernandez Hall)
English Building, Clara Belle Williams
Facilities Administration & Services
Fire & Emergency Services Department
Foster Hall
Frenger Food Court
Garcia Annex
Gardiner Hall
Genesis Center (A,B,C,D)
Gerald Thomas Hall
Goddard Hall
Guthrie Hall
Hadley Hall
Hardman Hall
Health Center
Hernandez Hall (Engineering Complex II)
Hershel Zohn Theatre
Jacobs Hall
Jett Hall
Kent Hall Museum
Knox Hall
Milton Hall
Museum
Music Building (Atkinson Recital Hall)
Neale Hall
New Mexico Department of Agriculture
O’Donnell Hall
O’Loughlin House
Pan American Center
Physical Science Laboratory
Police Department
Regents Row
Rentfrow Gymnasium
Science Hall
Skeen Hall
Speech Building
Stan Fulton Athletics Center
Stucky Hall
Theatre Scene Shop
Thomas-Browne Hall
Tombaugh Campus Observatory, Clyde W.
University Art Gallery
University Club Public Restaurant
Walden Hall
William Conroy Honors Center
Williams Art Annex, D.W.
Wooton Hall
Young Hall
Zuhl Library
ID
AR
AC
AISC
AY
BX
BK
BL
BD
BC
CH
CB
EN
PSL
CP
CC
DACC
DH
EC3
ED
EC1
EC2
EN
OFS
FD
FH
FC
GX
GN
GC
GT
GO
GU
HH
HA
HC
EC2
TH
JA
JH
KH
KN
MH
KH
MC
NH
NMDA
OH
OLH
PAC
PSL
PD
RR
RH
SH
SKH
SP
FAC
SY
TS
TB
TO
WA
FAC
WH
WCHC
WX
USDA
YH
ZL
Grid
E-7
F-3
F-2
D-2
D-3
E-1
D-2
E-3
D-1
C-3
C-1
E-1
C-3
D-3
F-2
B-4
D-1
C-3
G-2
C-3
C-3
E-1
E-5
E-5
D-2
D-3
F-2
D-1
E-7
B-2
C-2
D-2
D-2
E-2
E-3
C-3
D-2
D-2
C-2
D-1
B-2
E-2
D-1
C-1
B-3
B-4
D-3
C-1
H-2
C-3
A-1
E-3
D-3
D-3
B-1
E-1
H-4
B-4 /4
F-5
C-2
E-5
E-1
H-4
D-2
C-1
E-1
B-2
D-2
E-2

2012 Awards and Judging Policies Part I

Transcription

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