DIY Power Play Scoring Junction
Published: 27 November 2022
Introduction
The FTC Power Play Scoring junction is a simple device that teams will use during the competition to score points. Since the official field may be difficult for some teams to attain, it is a great idea to build your own, especially when designing the robots. This article will show you how to build your own FTC Power Play Scoring junction using items that are readily available.
With this setup, teams without access to a FTC field will be able to practice scoring prior to coming to the competition.
Approach 1: Three Junction Method
Preface
- Estimated Cost: $1350 JMD
- Estimate Time: 20 - 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Medium
- Benefits:
- Cost Effective
- Best for measuring the distance between the junctions
- Best for testing the robot's ability to score cones at varying heights
Tools & Materials Needed
- Half Length 3/4" PVC Pipe
- PVC Pipe Cutter or Hacksaw
- 1 - 3/4" Tee PVC Fitting Connector
- 3 - 3/4" PVC Elbow Connector
- Tape Measure
Building the base
- Cut three (3) 7" PVC Pipes using either the PVC Pipe Cutter or hacksaw.
- Using a 3/4" Tee PVC Fitting Connector, connect all three 7" pipes together horizontally.
- Place a 3/4" Elbow Connector on the end of each 7" pipe facing upwards.
Building The junctions
Note The 3 heights for the junctions are 33.5", 23.5", 13.5" respectively. However the elbow connector inner rim depth is 1.25". Therefore all junctions must be cut 1.25" shorter to accommodate the inner rim.
- Cut a 32.25", 22.25" and 12.25" length of PVC Pipe to mimic each junction.
Connecting the junctions and Base
- Connect each junction created at a base elbow.
- Ensure all junctions are aligned perfectly vertical.
Final Product
Approach 2: Kitchen Sink Plunger Method
Preface
- Estimated Cost: $1400 JMD
- Estimate Time: 8 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Benefits:
- Very Fast to build
- Best for testing the robot's ability to score cones at a single height
- Best for testing the flexibilty of the junctions
Tools and Materials Needed
- 1 - Kitchen Sink Plunger
- Half length PVC Pipe
- Tape Measure
- Marker
- PVC Pipe Cutter or hacksaw
Building Process
- Remove kitchen sink plunger from stick.
- Tightly place a 'Force Cup Plunger' into a 3/4" diameter PVC Pipe.
- Mark off the length of the intended junction (low/medium/high) using a marker. (Measure from base of plunger to intended height)
- Cut the PVC Pipe at the mark using either the PVC Pipe Cutter or Hacksaw.
Final Product
Complete DIY Field Junction
