Competition Resources
This section provides essential resources for effective competition preparation, pit organization, and match-day operations to ensure optimal electrical system performance under pressure.
🎯 Competition Readiness Overview
🧰 Pit Organization System
Essential Tool Categories
Toolbox Organization Strategy
Physical Organization Layout
Primary Tool Chest (Large Items)
Top Drawer: Daily Use Tools
- Digital multimeter with leads
- Battery tester and load
- Ethernet cable tester
- Basic hand tools (screwdrivers, hex keys)
Middle Drawer: Electrical Supplies
- Organized connector bins by type
- Wire spools by gauge and color
- Fuses sorted by amperage
- Electrical tape and heat shrink
Bottom Drawer: Hardware & Fasteners
- Metric and Imperial fasteners
- Cable ties and mounting hardware
- Spare mechanical components
- Emergency repair materialsSecondary Storage (Specialized Items)
Case 1: Advanced Diagnostics
- Oscilloscope and probes
- CAN bus analyzer
- Network analysis tools
- Specialized test equipment
Case 2: Repair Supplies
- Soldering station and supplies
- Heat gun and shrink tubing
- Wire repair materials
- Connector replacement parts
Case 3: Safety & Emergency
- First aid supplies
- Personal protective equipment
- Emergency tools and lights
- Communication devicesAccessibility Principles
- 5-Second Rule: Most used items accessible within 5 seconds
- One-Hand Operation: Tool access with single hand
- Clear Labeling: Everything labeled with description and location
- Logical Grouping: Related items stored together
- Emergency Access: Critical items marked and easily located
📦 Spare Parts Inventory
Critical Spare Parts (Must Have)
Power System Spare Parts
Primary Power Components
Batteries:
- 1x Spare competition battery (fully charged)
- 1x Practice battery (backup)
- Battery charger with status indicator
- Battery maintenance supplies
Main Distribution:
- 1x Spare main breaker (120A)
- 2x SB50 connector sets (red/black)
- 2x Ring terminals (large gauge)
- 1x Battery post cleaning kitPower Distribution Hub (PDH)
Fuses (Minimum Quantities):
- 20A: 4 pieces
- 30A: 4 pieces
- 40A: 2 pieces
- Custom ratings: As specified in documentation
Connectors:
- Anderson Powerpole: 10x Red, 10x Black, 20x Housings
- Ring terminals: Various sizes for direct connections
- Wire nuts: Assorted sizes for emergency repairs
- Electrical tape: Professional grade, multiple colorsWiring Supplies
Wire (Pre-cut Lengths):
- 12 AWG: Red, Black (2ft, 6ft, 10ft lengths)
- 14 AWG: Red, Black, various colors (1ft, 3ft, 6ft)
- 16 AWG: Multiple colors (1ft, 2ft, 4ft)
- 18 AWG: Signal wires, various colors
Protection & Insulation:
- Heat shrink tubing: Multiple diameters
- Wire looms and spiral wrap
- Cable ties: Various lengths
- Electrical tape: Black, red, blue, yellow🏁 Competition Day Procedures
Pre-Competition Setup Checklist
Pit Area Organization
Physical Setup (30 Minutes)
Space Allocation:
□ Tool storage positioned for easy access
□ Work surface cleared and prepared
□ Power outlets identified and tested
□ Lighting arranged for optimal visibility
□ Safety equipment positioned and marked
Communication Setup:
□ Radio communication tested
□ Cell phone contacts verified
□ Team communication plan reviewed
□ Emergency contact list posted
□ Backup communication method available
Documentation Organization:
□ Circuit diagrams accessible
□ Troubleshooting guides available
□ Inspection checklists ready
□ Spare parts inventory updated
□ Match schedule posted prominentlyPit Safety Protocols
Safety Zone Establishment:
- Clear walkways maintained at all times
- Emergency equipment clearly marked
- Fire extinguisher location known by all
- First aid kit accessible and stocked
- Safety officer assigned and identified
Electrical Safety:
- All power tools inspected before use
- Extension cords and outlets checked
- Personal protective equipment available
- Battery handling procedures reviewed
- Emergency shutoff procedures practicedWorkflow Organization
Work Area Zones:
Zone 1: Active repair and diagnostics
Zone 2: Parts preparation and organization
Zone 3: Documentation and communication
Zone 4: Storage and backup equipment
Zone 5: Safety and emergency response
Traffic Flow:
- Entry/exit paths clearly defined
- Robot movement routes established
- Team member circulation managed
- Visitor/official access controlled⏱️ Match Day Timeline
Competition Day Schedule Template
Critical Timing Checkpoints
T-120 minutes: Pit setup complete, tools organized
T-90 minutes: Robot inspection preparation begins
T-60 minutes: First complete electrical system check
T-30 minutes: Final battery installation and test
T-15 minutes: Robot queued, documentation complete
T-0 minutes: Match begins, pit crew on standby
T+5 minutes: Post-match assessment begins
T+15 minutes: Priority repairs identified and started📋 Documentation and Compliance
Required Documentation Package
Technical Documentation Requirements
Circuit Documentation
Electrical Schematic:
- Complete system diagram
- Component specifications
- Wire gauge and color coding
- Fuse and breaker ratings
- Connector types and pinouts
Wiring Diagrams:
- Physical wire routing
- Connection details
- Termination specifications
- Testing procedures
- Troubleshooting guidesComponent Specifications
Bill of Materials:
- All electrical components listed
- Part numbers and manufacturers
- Quantities and specifications
- Vendor information
- Cost tracking for budgeting
Device Configuration:
- Motor controller settings
- CAN device IDs
- Network configurations
- Sensor calibrations
- Software parametersTest and Validation Records
System Testing:
- Functional test procedures
- Performance measurements
- Safety system verification
- Compliance check results
- Acceptance criteria and results
Quality Assurance:
- Inspection checklists completed
- Verification signatures
- Test equipment calibration
- Documentation review approvals
- Change control records💡
Documentation Best Practice: All documentation should be maintained in both digital and physical formats, with key documents laminated for pit use and backup copies stored safely.
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Compliance Reminder: Competition rules and requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with official sources and update documentation accordingly.
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Efficiency Tip: Use standardized templates and checklists to ensure consistency and completeness while reducing preparation time and potential oversights.