Pit Structure Ideas.
 

Our school introduced a new Director of Technology this year and he has been very interested in our team. He helped us gain more build space, find sponsors, and get transportation for the robot and the team free of charge.

Another thing he was very interested in was helping our teams image. After going years without success we have flown under the radar and most teams in our area don't know we exist. One way he figured we can get a better image aside from doing well in events and more outreach, is nicer team apparel, giveaways, and other little "Showy" things.

We gave him a list of things in this category and he decided that the school is going to pay for T-shirts, Business cards, 2 vinyl Banners, and the biggest thing a new tent or pit structure.

We currently have a plain white 10x10 EZup tent that works fine. But, Its a plain white tent.

We quoted a new structure at around $1,000 so that's what we are looking at.

The biggest thing is having team logos all over the place. That's what he wants and he is paying for it. Custom branded tents are what we first thought of but they are pretty expensive and still kind of boring.

Any ideas?

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

How about a truss structure you can mount lights, video screens, shelving, and banners to? It may cost a little over $1000 but many teams have made great use of it.
(For example, Team 3309's structure in the attached photo)

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

Be aware that some events give you odd size pit spaces, I know that 3309 had lots of fun trying to fit their structure into the pit at Arizona regional last spring. Flexibility is nice.

As of right now all the events around us don't have those issues especially with both local regionals down sizing this year but that's definitely a good point for the future especially if ny moves towards the district model.

I was thinking about that after seeing 1884's pit. When I asked where they purchased their "special light" truss and mesh banners they wouldn't tell me saying "it's a secret and they don't want another team to replicate it."

So... If I post a pic of their pit do you think you could figure out what it is.

Also wondering where 3309 got their truss.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

This is the one that we have purchased. We have loved it. We mounted two TVs, small replica winner banners, track lighting, and brochure holders. It is a little pricey, but we have been saving the money for years. We also use it at other team ran events: Demos, FLL Qualifiers, Road Races, etc.

http://www.displaysexhibits.com/product-p/s010mt.htm

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

This is a problem you should account for because you never know what pit space you'll get.
Our team has a U-shaped frame that arches over our pit entrance. We have a team banner on the frame, and the frame is adjustable (using pins) so that it can fit 10' or 9', depending on the pit size. Then, we have a single bar that extends from the middle of the frame to the back of the pit - we hang a light from there since some events have poor lighting in the pits. The frame is fairly collapsible and is pretty light, so it is easy to carry it in with the rest of the pit. Sorry, I don't have a picture.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

Here is the one that 2877 made. It was made using Esto connectors, and to make it portable, we used the cheap solid plastic connectors and sliced crosses into all but one end on each. This meant that connectors were stuck to tubing, so they couldn't get lost easily. If you want to get similar stuff, make sure to get the tubing with the ridges in it. It cost us around $350-400, including the connectors and tubing we had already. This is just the framing, but we made signs to go on the frame, we are considering adding worklights, and we had a curtain and award banners to put on the back. If you ask, I can send some images of the pit frame in all its glory, complete with the signs. I can also answer any questions you have, since I designed and led the making of the pit. It can go to 9' in each direction, but the full thing is for a 10' cube.

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Do you have a picture?

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

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.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

4901 uses a pit table custom-made out of Bosch FMS extrusion, paired with a couple half-height plastic shelving units to define the front of our pit. The pit table lifts off of the rolling toolboxes, allowing it to go under a charter bus or the back of a pickup easily. The vinyl banner in the back just hooks on a structure going up from the back of the table, making it easy to change out as sponsors change. You want that.

The end result is exactly as clean as your team is (working on that...), but it's definitely the best pit setup I've worked in.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

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.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

Neither could we which is why we got a white canopy. Lets 80% of light in.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

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 :)

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

Oh and btw; this news is awesome of course! Super happy for your team to have such a new positive influence. I hope everything will work out as you hope!

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.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

Well, price.... that's a different thing. If we want to buy this tubing for 'normal' price it will probably be around 4 times your estimated budget :/

But Refitech is helping us in designing and we get it for a nice discount most likely. And the weight from carbon vs. aluminum will make it worth the investment after 4 shipments. (Or seasons, I don't recall correctly)

Excited to meet you all in NYC as well! We're coming in at the 10th in the morning. Probably staying untill wednesday morning, then we're leaving to Troy. I'll let you know if we need anything, thanks!!

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

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.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

I agree but it probably has to do with how many trips I've made around the sun. There was a time when working in the dark didn't affect me that much but nowadays give me lots and lots of light.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

During the 2013 offseason we completely rebuilt our pit and are quite happy with the results.


We built the trussing ourselves out of 1x1x.0625 and .125 aluminum tubing for about $600 dollars. This was with a sponsor welding most of it and some students doing the rest. The trussing is all 6x6 except for the front right which is 18x18 to accommodate the built in shelving and monitors. It takes about 30 minutes to set up the pit if someone is there who has done it before. For the sign we used an online vendor and got it for about 100 dollars. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

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.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

Looks great, but it definitely is not in our manufacturing capability realm.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

We are thinking this is probably our best bet. Its cheap enough that we can spend some money getting full sized vinyl panels on the side, maybe some cool lighting, ect.

With the truss it would be just truss with 2 10 by 4 banners attached to it and would be stretching our budget far. Could you get me a material list?

And, does anyone know where can we can get printed mesh for the front? Because on 1884's pit I loved it.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

Where did you guys get your truss and lighting?

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

Once upon a time, 862 used to run a full canopy of painted PVC with fabric panels (attachment 1). We eventually decided that this was a bad idea for several reasons:

• Tacky / unprofessional
• Not very durable
  (mostly the paint, but also the fabric panels due to their construction)
• Unsafe
  (blocks too much light)
• Intolerant of variable pit dimensions
• More trouble than it's worth

We then spent a few years trying out other combinations in varying degrees of minimalism, before we finally got our Marketing team in solid enough shape to put together a comprehensive pit redesign. Today, we run an L-shaped pit (attachment 2):

• Banner, storage shelving, & work bench on back wall
• Floor tiles
  (nonslip surface, high contrast for locating dropped items, and looks awesome to boot!)
• Shelves, battery cart, & support structure (for year-specific displays) on left wall
• Front edge of left wall provides mount for TV display & bins for buttons, etc
• All rolling shelves are made of wood
  (we have panels that slide across the front, locking the shelves closed for transport)
• All superstructure is made from Bosch EcoShape aluminum tubing
  (way lighter than traditional T-slot extrusion, but just as versatile!)

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

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! :)

Looks like a very functional pit. I like the little reception area thing in the front it's a very different approach then most pits.

Thanks for sharing.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

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.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

I appreciate all these ideas - 2706 is brand new this year and I will be heading up a pit design. I like what KeeganP's team has done, that looks very similar to what I have been envisioning.

As a new team we are going through the usual struggle to find sponsors so for us, cost and easy manufacture are priorities, so we are looking at COTS parts for the superstructure and nothing fancy like trusses. I was going to go with PVC pipe but many threads here on CD suggest staying away from that. 1" EMT looks like a good material. I was going to purchase fittings suitable for those outdoor garage canopy shelters.

As for the rest of the pit itself, I was going to propose a COTS rolling toolbox, a battery charging station built out of plywood, and some kind of backboard/parts shelf made from a plywood box on wheels.

Experience from my previous team tells me that the foam "puzzle piece" flooring is a good idea for comfort and to cushion dropped tools and parts.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

Nice alternative to many of the other pits out there. Is the 1" conduit you reference from Lowes actually 1 3/16" OD that the Tarps.com website says is needed?

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Where did you get your floor tiles? They look more heavy duty than your typical foam floor tiles.

They look like rubber floor tiles to me.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

When it comes to inconsistent pit sizing, 1923 had our truss made 9x9x10. We've had the occaisonal 8-foot-on-one-side pit, but it's rare, and our neighbors have never minded sharing the corner of the structure in an overlap, as long as our tables and stuff are inside our space. When we do get a 10x10 space, we just push our tables & carts a little bit outside of the truss on the sides and back, and have the extra foot of room for displays and chatting out front. I'd highly recommend sizing something like a truss slightly down so you don't have to squeeze it in or abandon it at some venues.

I'll try and find the truss vendor for you (don't remember it offhand), but it was definitely over $1000. What I do highly recommend for the pit in a budget range for any team is an Insta-Bench. Foldable when you need space, absolutely vital when there's a field delay or you just want to hang out for a little bit.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

We have a 10x10 pop-up canopy we use as an outdoor pit for demos at fairs and such. We leave the canvas off for indoor use; we can still hang lightweight items such as lights and sponsor banners from it. We always keep some paracord handy, so if we had to constrain it to 9'x9' or even 8'x8', we could do so easily. You can see it above Perry and Oscar in this photo I took at CMP. I'm not recommending this for Sperkowsky, but anyone who wants to spend under two hundred dollars to be able to hang banners and lights and sees this thread could find it useful.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

I'd caution against making an enclosed pit that looks super fancy if you don't also put equal (or more) emphasis on the functionality of the pit.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

I honestly don't remember. Our coach ordered the fittings from Tarps.com, and then once they came in I believe he took one in to Lowes and tested the fit himself before buying the right size pipe then. Cost from Tarps.com was cheap, and delivery was fast.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

I second this.

Looks are important but, throughout the design process I am thinking about functionality.

We have what we want pretty much designed at this point.

We will be using a frame design similar to Blackbirdsingin's design just shorter with more graphics. Basically 1x1 aluminum tubing with Esto connectors. It will be an L-Shaped inside with the entire Left side clear.

On the right front side we will be hanging a mesh side banner that covers the full side (3ft tall 7 ft tall). Then the right side will house our tool cart, Electrical cart, and two ikea shelves.

Carts x2 - http://tinyurl.com/p5rj9gk

Close Shelf - http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S19829090/

Far Shelf - http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S69829083/

It is about 2 inches over 10ft but we care cutting down the handles on the carts and attaching new shorter ones. We are also going to attach tabletops to the cart tops.

The far shelf is meant to be partially obstructed so we can put coats,bags, and food (One the venues does not allow food to be brought in due to a dining company contract). The rest of the far shelf will hold power tools, extra robot parts, and misc storage.

The front shelf will hold awards, giveaways, and safety supplies. Both shelves will also be filled with parts. We usually bring a lot of parts with us to competitions to loan. This year we are even going to have a dedicated person listening to Pit-admin announcements and checking out parts to other teams who need them.

The back of the pit will house our charging cart, and rolling table which has storage underneath. The storage underneath will have our mini drill press which is light enough to pick up and put on the table if needed, and our full sized shop vac (No tool has been used by more teams then our shop vac).

That gives us a 7x7 block of free space in the front left corner. In the center of that will be our new scissor lift robot cart the technology director is buying us.

We will be using a foam floor we bought last year unless we feel the need to upgrade to rubber.

Going back to graphics the front will also have a 3x10 top mesh banner. The sides of the pit will have a 10x10 mesh banners and the back will be a solid piece of vinyl with our logo on it.
Every piece of mesh or vinyl will have logos, and sponsors all over it.

If anyone is wondering what I mean by mesh side banners check out 1884's pit. https://www.instagram.com/p/zKmBbwDPzo/
Instead of having open sides we will have 2 panels of something like what they put in the back, and the back will also be similar except it wont be mesh. The front will look about the same except the side banner will go all the way down. One pet peeve of mine with their pit was that the back graphic got covered up by their tables so our graphic will start higher.

Oh, yea we will also be painting the 1x1 and connectors navy blue.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

Where are you getting your mesh banners from and how much are they? We have been using vinyl from buildasign, I just wanted to check out some other options.

The 10x10 ones are $290 from esign. Compared to a normal 10x10 banner which costs on average over $100 less.

The other mesh banners (normal sized ones) were like $75.

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EMT conduit comes in pretty standard sizes so I'm guessing yes.

Have you purchased these shelves already? I just caution that they're a little bit finicky to assemble because of all the little plastic "split collar" pieces. If you haven't already, try it out to make sure you're happy with the time it takes to assemble/disassemble, and make sure you don't lose any of the pieces :)

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

We have not bought them yet, but we don't plan on taking them apart.

On a total different note the director of technology offered to pay for the shelves along with a nice new pit floor.

http://www.greatmats.com/tiles/garag...olors-ever.php

we are getting the white tiles to compliment our Navy/White Color scheme. It should also make finding stuff on the floor very easy.

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A few years ago my former team made a 3D panorama of our pit. It's served us well over the last 10 years. Really easy to stay organized in it. We've also added a battery cart and foam flooring now since the panorama was made as well as a few organizational adjustments. https://photosynth.net/view.aspx?cid...a-f9f8988c4782

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We have enough students this year that we'll be trying for a human pyramid pit structure. We're testing it out now and the only issue is that the zebra stripes cause all of the students to blend in with one another. ::ouch::

Forget superstructures have you found someone volunteering to be the robot cart? what about battery charging station?

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1334 has a sturdy pit structure made out of telescoping tubing so it can fit in a smaller space if need be.
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/2657

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1678 blatantly copied 973's Super Pit for our new pit set up.

Rather than a welded structure, we bought custom-made road cases that one of our team parents designed. They unfold and have roughly equivalent space to 973's set up. Attached are a few pictures from MTTD this past weekend.

-Mike

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Actual quote from a past 254 scouting meeting: "Remember, if you pick 973, you're not just getting their robot. You're getting that pit, too."

I originally skimmed over the post and thought you were joking. I literally thought you took a picture of their pit and changed the color of the tape to lime green.

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

That looks AWESOME!

Re: Pit Structure Ideas.
 

Confirmed! Our floor tiles are actually garage tiles, made of PVC or some such. They don't squish like foam times, but they are still a good deal softer than concrete. We decided that garage tiles are much better suited to this application than foam tiles:

• The raised tread pattern provides a nonslip surface, even when wet
• The harder plastic is much easier to clean, because it doesn't get crud embedded in its surface like foam does
• The softer surface of a foam tile would have made maneuvering the robot cart more difficult

Oh, I also forgot to mention that the rest of our pit, being completely modular, is trivial to adapt to different sized pits. Each of the rolling carts at the back of the pit is only 4 feet wide, so 9- and 8-foot pits are no problem at all; that shelf that bridges the gap between the two carts is only used if we have enough room, and we simply use less floor tiles if there's less floor to cover.

We used to do a four-sided pit, but it was far too crowded; I personally spent two competition seasons sitting on a toolbox in the back corner of the pit, wedged in between a workbench and a row of modular shelves while programming the robot. (I'm jealous of the current drive team & pit crew: these days, they have a set of folding stools that they can pull out of a corner whenever the space is available.)