[DonRotolo]

The compressor increases the pressure of air, so it can perform work. You need to pipe this air to a Pneumatic Cylinder, so that it can move the Piston inside the cylinder, creating a mechanical motion of some sort.

Between those two things is a bunch of hardware.

First off, right out of the compressor is called the "high pressure side", because the air pressure is higher than allowed for Cylinders. You use the Primary (all black) Regulator to lower the pressure to a maximum of 60 PSI. (The regulator must be connected a very specific way for in and out - look it up.) You can see the pressure because you MUST install one Pressure Gauge in the "low side" after the regulator. The Low Side pressure is then distributed to one or more Solenoid Valves, which are switches to change where the air goes to make the Piston inside the Cylinder move.

On the High Side, you MUST install several components - read the rules. These include a pressure Gauge to see the high side pressure, a Pressure Switch to signal the cRio when to turn the compressor on and off, a Pressure Release Valve to vent all air pressure from the system, and a Pressure Relief (safety) valve, which you MUST calibrate to pop off (release pressure) at 120 PSI before using it.

Also on the high side, it is recommended to install one or more Accumulator Tanks. Your compressor can't move a lot of air quickly, so accumulators help by storing high-pressure air for later use. Not a lot, but 2 or 3 tanks is typical. The more air you use, the more tanks you will want. Note that there are accumulators made of plastic that are FRC legal, as well as the metal one you got in the kit.

There is a TON more info you need to build an effective pneumatic system, but this is the basic idea. FIRST has lots of info on their site that will help.