the frame
 

Theres that one box that came with the frame parts for the robot.
Is there directions for how to asemble it?
If so, where are these directions?
Or are we just supposed to make what we can with the parts?

Re: the frame
 

Check out www.ifirobotics.com for info about that. Also check out the Guidlines, Tips, and Good Practices document on the FIRST website.

Keep in mind, you aren't required to use the frame material that comes in the kit.

Re: the frame
 

http://www.ifirobotics.com/docs/chas...y-12-14-06.pdf <-- construction instructions.

I would just like to add. if you are just getting around to building the frame now.... HURRY UP!!!!! we only got 5 weeks left!!!!

Re: the frame
 

The kitbot is very easy to assemble. Just remember to cut it down to 28"x38"...either a wide or long config. Also replace the nuts with better ones because if you dont you will lose a ton of screws at the competition.

As far as time goes, you've got 5 weeks left....get that chassis together! One of the advantages the kitbot gives you is its all there and easy to build...giving you a moving bot faster than some teams with a custom chassis. This gives you more time to work on your manipulators and test it out.

Re: the frame
 

Would cutting it down to 21 by 31 for standard bumpers be good/work?

Re: the frame
 

Yes, but remember, you can have your chassis up to 28"x38" without bumpers and still pass. The bumpers aren't included in the area and weight of your bot.

Re: the frame
 

Only cutting the frame down to 26 by 36 or whatever you see fit will be nessary. You dont want to make it 28 by 38 exactly because we did made our robot right up to the deninsions and we had to take out some screws to make it fit in the box. Standard bumpers can extend outside of the deminsions and can weigh up to 15 extra pounds.

<R37> Teams are strongly encouraged to use bumpers on their ROBOTS. Bumpers can reduce
damage to ROBOTS when they contact another ROBOT or field elements. Teams may
choose to use STANDARD BUMPERS or custom bumper designs. STANDARD
BUMPERS have several advantages, such as being excluded from the calculation of the
ROBOT weight and volume limitations specified in Rule <R07>. TEAMS that choose to use
STANDARD BUMPERS, will have both a more robust ROBOT and the traction advantage
of a heavier ROBOT. Alternately, TEAMS may develop custom bumper designs for use on
their ROBOTS. However, custom bumper designs are NOT eligible for the weight/volume
exclusion offered for STANDARD BUMPERS. All custom bumper designs are considered
part of the ROBOT, and must satisfy the constraints listed in Rule <R07> (as well as all
other rules). STANDARD BUMPERS must be designed as described below. Any bumper
design inconsistent with these design elements will be considered a custom bumper.

Note: This is not the full rule.

Re: the frame
 

If you are using the FIRST design (and recommended) bumpers, then they do NOT fall under the robot sizing and weight constraints. However, they do have to follow (exactly) the dimensions and construction method spelled out in the manual. FIRST also limits the weight of the bumpers to 15lbs. Though, I don't think there was a single team last year that violated the weight rule, as the construction method can't really reach that weight.

Therefore, I would suggest cutting the kitbot frame down to 37"x27". This will give you an extra inch of clearance, in case you have bolt heads, gears, or whatever sticking out a little further than you expected.

Good Luck!

BEN