2014 Field Build

[rsisk]

This thread is to discuss the building of the field elements for the 2014 competition Aerial Assist.

We built the team version of the field to spec without to much trouble. It took us probably about 48 man hours to complete the pieces, including painting, cutting, assembling them.

Modifications we made
1. We bolted the truss gussets to the truss so the truss could be disassembled for transportation. Some of the supporting angles cross truss sections, so we created a L bracket so they could be bolted rather than glue/stapled

2. We use 1-1/4" staples and glue for the most part. Some areas were enhanced with 1-1/4" deck screws. Specifically around the high goal area. Also added small corner brackets to the high goal supports to help keep the square sturdy.

3. Did not use the hinges on the low goal, except for the ramp. They way they were shown on the field drawings didn't make sense.

4. the horizontal supports, vertical squares and the top of the high goal are bolted together for ease of transportation.

5. Undersize the truss supports by 1/16 - 1/8". The truss needs to slide onto the supports and if they are built to spec, the fit is too tight. We required some sanding to make ours fit.

6. One set of high goals (1/2 the driver station) and one low goal is sufficient for practice.

7. The color coded High Goal shows how we separated the components for easy transport.

We used 5 sheets of 1/2" plywood, 3 sheets of 3/4" plywood and 11 2x4s and a whole bunch of 1/4x20 bolts, washers and nylocks.

Things I would do differently now I know the game.

1. Not build the truss. It is big, hard to transport, tough to build and costs a lot. Set up a 2x4 mock up of part of the truss to kick over.

2. Build the low goal using Brandon Holley's 2x4 model. (He should be posting it later).

Pictures of the assembly of the field elements.
http://s473.photobucket.com/user/rob...0field%20build