2025-26-Field-Kit-Assembly-Guide-Rev-B.pdf

2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Aerospace Robotics Competition Revision B 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 1 Table of Contents 1. Field Kit Supplies ....................................................................................................................... 4 1.1 Materials ............................................................................................................................... 5 1.2 Tools ..................................................................................................................................... 6 2. Mission 1 Components ............................................................................................................... 7 2.1 Field Component 2: Swimmer .............................................................................................. 7 2.1.1 Step 1: Drill Hole ........................................................................................................... 8 2.1.2 Step 2: Apply UltraCote............................................................................................... 10 2.1.3 Step 3: Cut Hole for Basket ......................................................................................... 13 2.1.4 Step 4: Insert Basket .................................................................................................... 14 2.1.5 Step 1: Drill Hole ......................................................................................................... 15 2.1.6 Step 2: Add ArUco Tag ............................................................................................... 17 2.1.7 Step 3: Insert Basket .................................................................................................... 18 2.2 Field Component 5: Tether ................................................................................................. 21 2.2.1 Step 1: Prepare Tether Line ......................................................................................... 21 2.2.2 Step 2: Assemble Tether .............................................................................................. 22 3. Mission 2 Components ............................................................................................................. 24 3.1 Field Component 3: Whale ................................................................................................. 24 3.1.1 Follow Instructions from Section 2.1 Step 2 ............................................................... 24 4. Field Boundaries ....................................................................................................................... 25 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 2 Table of Figures Figure 2.1 Mark Board .................................................................................................................... 8 Figure 2.2 Prop Board on Box ........................................................................................................ 8 Figure 2.3 Drill Hole ....................................................................................................................... 9 Figure 2.4 Optional: Remove Splinters .......................................................................................... 9 Figure 2.5 Cut UltraCote............................................................................................................... 10 Figure 2.6 Place UltraCote and Towel .......................................................................................... 11 Figure 2.7 Iron .............................................................................................................................. 12 Figure 2.8 Optional: Glue Loose Edges ........................................................................................ 13 Figure 2.9 Cut Hole in UltraCote .................................................................................................. 13 Figure 2.10 Add Basket and BBs.................................................................................................. 14 Figure 2.11 Mark Board ................................................................................................................ 15 Figure 2.12 Prop Board on Box .................................................................................................... 15 Figure 2.13 Drill Hole ................................................................................................................... 16 Figure 2.14 Optional: Remove Splinters ...................................................................................... 16 Figure 2.15 Tag 1 Template (Red) ................................................................................................ 17 Figure 2.16 Tag 2 Template (Blue)............................................................................................... 18 Figure 2.17 Adhere Tag onto Board ............................................................................................. 18 Figure 2.18 Attach Carabiners ...................................................................................................... 21 Figure 2.19 Wrap Tether Line ...................................................................................................... 22 Figure 2.20 Fasten with Carabiner ................................................................................................ 23 Figure 4.1 Field Boundary Measurements .................................................................................... 25 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 3 1. Field Kit Supplies This section contains instructions for building the official 2025-26 ARC Regional Competition Field Kit. Teams should strongly consider assembling a field kit to practice. If costs are prohibitive, teams are encouraged to build a partial field kit and/or to share a practice field with other teams. Notes: • Components are subject to change based on availability. ARC events will use the most similar possible replacement for items as needed. • STEM-ED INC is not sponsored by nor endorses any of the recommended suppliers, and teams are not required to purchase through the provided links. Table 1.1 Field Cost Tally Name Payload 1 Payload 2 Payload 3 Field Component 1 Field Component 2, Red Field Component 2, Blue Field Component 3, Blue Field Component 3, White Field Component 3, Purple Field Component 4 Field Component 5 Item Lifesaver Turtle Whale Tracker Pool Swimmer in Red Swimmer in Blue Blue Whale White Whale Purple Whale Landing Pad Tether Total Quantity Price Total 1 $9.27 12 $32.99 6 $19.98 2 $29.36 1 $74.96 1 4 4 $79.94 1 2 $15.99 1 $16.48 $278.97 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 4 1.1 Materials See the table below for a detailed cost breakdown to build a full field. Costs are estimated by their supplier’s listed prices at the time of document release. Table 1.2 Materials and Costs 1 1 1 Price Total $13.47 $32.99 $19.98 $14.68 2 $29.36 $24.99 $9.99 $24.99 $9.99 $19.99 $19.99 1 1 0 1 1 $19.98 2 $39.96 $19.99 $19.99 0 1 1 $19.99 $19.99 $15.99 1 $15.99 $2.50 1 $2.50 $7.49 1 $7.49 Carabiner Clip (2 Pack) $6.49 Full Field *Note: many stores such as Home Depot will perform these cuts for free or for a minimal fee. 1 $6.49 $283.17 Name Description Material Link Payload 1 (x1) Payload 2 (x12) Payload 3 (x6) Lifesaver Turtle Whale Tracker Lifesaver (5.51”) Stuffed Turtle (Pack of 15) Foam puck (Pack of 6) Field Component 1 (x2) Pool Inflatable pool Swimmer Basket (Pack of 50) [Optional] Lead BBs for Weight (or sim.) Board (Leftover from FC3) UltraCote, Red UltraCote, Blue Link Link Link Link (or sim.) Link Link Field Component 2 (Red x1, Blue x1) Plywood, 3/8”x4’x8’ (cut* into 2’x2’ squares) Field Component 3 (Blue x4, White x4, Purple x1) Colored Board UltraCote, Blue (Leftover from FC2), or Paint UltraCote, White, or Paint UltraCote, Purple, or Paint Field Component 4 (x2) L.P. Landing Pad (Pack of 2) Cinder Block Field Component 5 (x1) Tether Polypropylene Cord (90') 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Link Link Link (or sim.) Link Link Link Link (or sim.) Link Link (or sim.) Link Price Per $13.47 $32.99 $19.98 # $19.99 $19.99 Page 5 1.2 Tools See the table below for the tools needed to build a full field. When multiple links are provided, the first is the cheapest recommendation, while the last is the highest quality recommendation. Table 1.3 Required & Recommended Tools Tool Measuring Tape Examples Notes Link Recommend at least 50’ for measuring tether and field. Pen/ Writing Utensil(s) Marker/ Pencil Scissors Link Strong enough to cut tether line. Utility Knife Link Link UltraCote iron Iron* OR OR Link Clothes iron and towel Link Drill Link Use with 3” hole saw Link Link 3” Hole Saw Link *While irons are the official method of UltraCote application, teams may choose to build practice fields using simple methods such as double-sided tape or glue. Be careful to avoid any methods that alter the coating’s color, which may affect computer vision. Please remember to use caution while using any sharp or hot tools. We strongly recommend having a coach/supervisor present and working with at least two people. 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 6 2. Mission 1 Components Table 2.1 below indicates the components that will be used in Mission 1. The following subsections will provide instructions for building these components. Table 2.1 Mission 1 Components Name Payload 1 Field Component 1 Field Component 2, Red Field Component 2, Blue Field Component 4 Field Component 5 Item Lifesaver Pool Swimmer in Red Swimmer in Blue Landing Pad Tether Description Lifesaver Pool Instructions NA NA Basket & Colored Board Section 2.1 Landing Pad Line & Cinder Block NA Section 2.2 2.1 Field Component 2: Swimmer The following materials are needed to build 1 swimmer: • 3/8”x2’x2’ Plywood Sheet x2 • Basket x2 • UltraCote, Red/Blue The following tools are needed to build 1 swimmer: • Tape Measure • Writing Utensil • Scissors • Utility Knife • Drill • Hole Saw • Iron (or Adhesive) 2 options are presented. Teams may choose to use either a plain red/blue board with the swimmer located in the center (Option 1) or a board with an ArUco tag representing the color red/blue (Option 2). Both options will be available at the competition venue. Teams may find this site to be a valuable resource for learning about ArUco tags: https://docs.opencv.org/4.x/d5/dae/tutorial_aruco_detection.html 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 7 OPTION 1: Color 2.1.1 Step 1: Drill Hole a. Use the tape measure and writing utensil to mark the center of the board. Figure 2.1 Mark Board b. Set board onto sawhorses or over opening of a box. Figure 2.2 Prop Board on Box 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 8 c. Use the hole saw to cut 3” circle through the center of the board. Figure 2.3 Drill Hole d. If desired, use a file or sandpaper to remove splinters from the cut. Figure 2.4 Optional: Remove Splinters 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 9 2.1.2 Step 2: Apply UltraCote a. Prepare: i. Cut the UltraCote to fit over the top of the plywood sheet. ii. Peel off the backing film. iii. Lay the UltraCote sheet over the plywood. Figure 2.5 Cut UltraCote b. Apply: Option 1: Use UltraCote Iron • CAREFULLY use the iron to adhere the UltraCote to the board. Option 2: Use Clothes Iron (Shown in Figures) • Lay a towel over the UltraCote and board (this will protect the UltraCote from direct contact with the iron). • Iron the towel as you would iron clothing. The heat will penetrate the towel and activate the adhesive on the UltraCote. o Turn the iron on high heat and slowly iron from one edge of the board across to the other side. Re-iron any areas that are not fully adhered. 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 10 Option 3: Use Adhesive (Glue/Tape) • While irons are the official method of UltraCote application, teams may choose to build practice fields using simple methods such as double-sided tape or glue. Be careful to avoid any methods that alter the coating’s color, which may affect computer vision. Figure 2.6 Place UltraCote and Towel 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 11 Figure 2.7 Iron 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 12 Figure 2.8 Optional: Glue Loose Edges 2.1.3 Step 3: Cut Hole for Basket c. Use knife to cut hole in UltraCote. Figure 2.9 Cut Hole in UltraCote 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 13 2.1.4 Step 4: Insert Basket a. Place the basket into the hole. b. If desired, add zippered plastic bag with BBs to the basket to increase weight. Figure 2.10 Add Basket and BBs 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 14 OPTION 2: ArUco Tag 2.1.5 Step 1: Drill Hole a. Use the tape measure and writing utensil to mark a point in the upper right corner of the board located 3 inches from the sides. Figure 2.11 Mark Board b. Set board onto sawhorses or over opening of a box. Figure 2.12 Prop Board on Box 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 15 c. Use the hole saw to cut 3” circle through the marked location on the board. Figure 2.13 Drill Hole d. If desired, use a file or sandpaper to remove splinters from the cut. Figure 2.14 Optional: Remove Splinters 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 16 2.1.6 Step 2: Add ArUco Tag Tags may be created using either paint or paper. While paint (several coats) is most durable, paper is simpler and more affordable, so that method will be demonstrated in this guide. a. Print and cut squares (see templates on pages 19-20, or create your own). i. Each square is 2.5” on each side. ii. A 1” border surrounds the tag. b. Adhere the ArUco tag onto the board (see Figure 2.17). i. Align the tag with the lower left corner of the board (opposite corner of the hole). ii. Lay out squares to create the tag. iii. Use glue or double-sided tape to attach the squares. c. Recommended: Add waterproof sealant (example). *Tag interpretation (source): *Tag 1 = the number 1 and corresponds to the RED target (Figure 2.15). *Tag 2 = the number 2 and corresponds to the BLUE target (Figure 2.16). Figure 2.15 Tag 1 Template (Red) 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 17 Figure 2.16 Tag 2 Template (Blue) Figure 2.17 Adhere Tag onto Board 2.1.7 Step 3: Insert Basket a. Repeat Section 2.1.4. 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 18 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 19 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 20 2.2 Field Component 5: Tether The following materials are needed to build the tether assembly: • Cinder Block • Tether Line • Carabiner The following tools are needed to build 1 tether assembly: • Required: o Scissors 2.2.1 Step 1: Prepare Tether Line a. Cut tether line (52 feet). b. Fasten carabiner to each end of line. i. Be sure to tie the knot securely! Test by pulling on the tether to see if it unties. Tip: Visit this site for tutorials on tying knots. Figure 2.18 Attach Carabiners 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 21 2.2.2 Step 2: Assemble Tether a. Wrap extra 2 feet of line around center of cinder block and fasten with carabiner. Figure 2.19 Wrap Tether Line 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 22 Figure 2.20 Fasten with Carabiner b. Use remaining 50 feet of line as tether. 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 23 3. Mission 2 Components Table 3.1 below indicates the components that will be using in Mission 2. The following subsections will provide instructions for building these components. Table 3.1 Mission 2 Components Name Payload 2 Payload 3 Field Component 1 Field Component 3, Blue Field Component 3, White Field Component 3, Purple Field Component 5 Field Component 6 Item Turtle Whale Tracker Pool Blue Whale White Whale Purple Whale Landing Pad Tether Description Stuffed Turtle Foam Puck Pool Instructions NA NA NA Colored Board Section 3.1 Landing Pad Line & Cinder Block NA Section 2.2 3.1 Field Component 3: Whale The following materials are needed to build 1 whale: • 3/8”x2’x2’ Plywood Sheet x2 • UltraCote, Blue/White/Purple (or Paint) The following tools are needed to build 1 whale: • Tape measure • Writing Utensil • Scissors • Drill • Hole Saw • Iron (or Adhesive) 3.1.1 Follow Instructions from Section 2.1 Step 2 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 24 4. Field Boundaries Teams should mark field boundaries before flight to ensure no personnel step within the tether range. See below for the competition boundary setup. Figure 4.1 Field Boundary Measurements Teams may use any clearly-visible items to mark the boundary, including flags and traffic cones. ARC events will use red and yellow soccer cones. • • Field Boundary = tether length + ~5’ = red cones “Red Zone” Boundary = Field Boundary + ~5’ = yellow cones a. Mark Field Boundary by dragging 50’ tether around boundary, then dropping at least 12 red cones evenly around perimeter. b. Mark Red Zone by placing yellow cones approx. 5’ from each red cone. c. Mark Spectator Zone by placing at least 10 blue cones in rectangle. 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 25 Revision History Revision Release Date Notes A 10/04/2025 Initial Release B 01/04/2026 • • Updated link for lifesaver MAJOR UPDATE: See pages 15-20 2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide Rev B Page 26