[Retired Starman]

We built an entirely different version for the Peachtree Regional Kick Off. Ray built a truss out of plywood, with solid plywood on all four edges, cutting out 8 in. holes along the top and bottom to reduce weight. These were built in 8 ft. sections. It looks good and appears strong enough for play.

I built the low goal our of 1 1/2 in. PVC pipe, being careful to keep the inside dimensions and ramp height the same as the regulation goal. I used PVC furniture fittings and it was quick and easy. I think it will be strong enough for real play in our off-season GRITS event. You can have all the furniture fittings you want in a couple of days ordered on;line. Just search for "PVC furniture fittings". Note that prices are all over the map, so choose your supplier wisely. I ordered enough to do four goals for $140.

We also made the high goal our of 1 1/2 in. PVC pipe. To get the curve, we heated sand in the oven to 400 degrees F and poured it in the pipe, capping the pipe with cool sand. Once the plastic softened, we pulled the pipe around a plywood form. This worked well, too.

As a practical matter, for team use, you can just put together a PVC pipe goal with the correct inside dimensions. You don't really need the curve on the end since a square end works just like the curved end as far as practice goes. Mount the PVC goal against a frame similar to what FIRST has in the plans and you are good to go. Be sure to mount it at the right height.

You can also make a truss out of PVC pipe. It won't be as strong as the real thing, or even a plywood truss, but will be good enough for practice. Design is left to the students!

Dr. Bob
Chairman's Award is not about building the robot, every team builds a robot.