Originally Posted by RonnyV (Post 1505463)

This is an interesting fact, for us; weight, size and flexibility are major concerns for our pit.

We're an international team and the pit is a difficult thing for us. Since we can't load a trailer full with parts, machines & truss structures, everything has to fit in 1 box & when we're overweight we pay lots of money.

Since last year we designed and built a complete flightcase together with Faes Cases. It's multifunctional since it can go from 1 flightcase into 3 sub parts. Forming our robot cart (Included with tool drawers), programming table/worktable in the pit and a huge table for judging stuff. (Pictures attached)

For this season we're looking into a pit structure which is light weight, fits in our flightcase and has the look & feeling of our team and robot. We're currently looking into a square carbon fibre structure. Currently working on the project together with Refitech. They're visiting us wednesday to discuss the final plans. (Pictures attached)


And making the walls out of a vinyl kinda thingy. We kinda like to keep the sides open to have some interaction with our neighbours :)

Originally Posted by Sperkowsky (Post 1505472)

Looks great any ideas on price. Excited to see the pit and compete with you guys at nyc. Again if you need batteries or anything else we can help you out.

Originally Posted by sanddrag (Post 1505459)

I could never understand why in an already-dark arena, there's always a couple teams who elect to put a shade canopy over their pit area.

Originally Posted by Knufire (Post 1505490)

In terms of functionality, I'd take a look at team 973s pit setup. They built their entire bit (toolboxes, storage, batteries, etc.) all onto two giant rolling workshop tables. It might not look quite as good as the truss but you can set up your pit simply by rolling them out from the trailer, and get working on your robot that much sooner.

Originally Posted by blackbirdsingin (Post 1505450)

Here you go. And yes, that's me wearing a bandana and posing awkwardly for the camera. Don't judge me. :)

There are a few other pictures of it on our Flickr, but I don't use Yahoo, so I can't download them. Here's the link. They're near the bottom of the first page.

Originally Posted by dcarr (Post 1505482)

If anyone has questions on 3309's truss, let me know and I can provide more detail on our exact setup.

It's made of 8" square truss, in a 10x10x10 configuration. We hang a number of RGB LED fixtures from the truss to illuminate the inside and provide work lighting, all controlled over DMX. We also have custom 3309 gobos in moving heads that we bring to some events. When the pit is empty, as shown in this photo, we leave the 'mood' lighting on, but when the pit is occupied, it gets incredibly bright.

We transport the truss with most of the lighting installed, with quick disconnects at each truss junction. Total setup takes 20 minutes or less.

Aside from a professional look, having a truss provides other benefits - a great way to hang extra lighting to make working in the pit safer and easier, and a solid structure to hang monitors, banners, etc from.

Originally Posted by *Rachelle* (Post 1505682)

It sounds like your team might be looking at building a little taller, but I figured I'd share 3787's pit. It's quite easy to set up and compacts into a small trailer.

The back pegboard is now green and has hooks for commonly used tools.

The walls are wrapped black tarps with wood supports on the top and bottom to keep them from sagging and anything slipping under the wall from the other side. They adjust fairly easily to adapt to different pit sizes.

The desks at the front (we call them the reception desks) separate into the two sides, front, and three shelves each (The top one you see in the picture and two metal racks you don't see)

I'd be happy to answer any questions if you have them! :)

Originally Posted by KeeganP (Post 1505712)

We redesigned our pit this year with the main goals being ease of transport and ease of use, with aesthetics being a close third. We're very happy with the end result, especially when it cost us less than $200 easily. Can be setup to fit within 8x8, 9x8, 9x9, 10x9, or 10x10. Setup time is roughly 10 minutes, and it can be easily modified. I've attached a picture of the setup.

Corners/Connectors: http://tarps.com/chrome2.htm
Pipe (Conduit): http://www.lowes.com/pd_72715-1792-1...=1&Ntt=conduit
Make sure you get the same size pipe as you do connectors so they fit together...

The idea is that the splice connector allows you to build different length poles that connect together to create a total 8', 9', or 10' span, to accommodate every pit size you may encounter. We used (cheap) shower curtain rings (and zipties) to hang banners and awards. Overall we were very happy with this simple and cheap solution that will certainly last for years to come.