Tulsa Engineering Foundation

TECh FAQ

FAQ’s

Q(Robot): Can the control module be connected to the robot or does the robot have to be remotely controlled?
A: The “controls” can be mounted anywhere as long as they are not on moving parts. Operator actions must be limited to “operating” switches, buttons, etc. The operator cannot mannually move any parts of the device once testing starts.
Q(Pingpong Launcher): Are there any pictures that we can look at to get some ideals of how this works.
A: See pictures with Events.Q(Electric Motor): Can I route the power from the 1.5 Volt battery through a hand-constructed transformer to increase power or would that violate the spirit of the competition?
A: No.Q(Chemical Switch): Any suggestions on which chemicals to use in the chemical switch?
A: Sample ideas: Students may use gas-producing reactions(Vinegar and Baking Soda) and harness the gas to turn the light bulb off. A wire in the circuitry may be dipped in acid, which will react with the wire and eventually break the circuit. An iodine clock reaction may be used to trigger a switch.Q(Rubber Band Powered Vehicle): Can a car be made completely from a Connects set or a Lego set?
A: Yes. Commercially assembled vehicles are not permitted; however, commercially manufactured components may be used as parts of the vehicle.Q(Wacky Wonder Works): A student is using a pump to release air into an air cylinder which pushes a plunger out. One teacher says that the air is never compressed because the pressure is released as the plunger moves. Another teacher thinks the air pump violates “no compressed gases rule.” What is the official interpretation?
A: This is acceptable as long as compression of the air does not create a projectile or explosive condition within the device.

Q(Ping Pong Ball Launcher): There are two different ping-pong ball sizes. 38 and 40 mm. Which size is being used?
A: Design for both. The standard is moving towards 40mm but chances are a mix of old and new may be used.
Q(Ping Pong Ball Launcher ):Is the student able to hold the launcher arm down with his own hand or must it be held with another device that is then released by the student?
A: Yes. The student can use their hand to secure it, but remember that the launcher’s aim and force will vary with the student’s strength, position and timing.
Q(Registration): Do I need to register all my teams for the different events at the same time or can I enter some teams and then add/revise later?
A: Teams can be added or changed at any time while registration is open.

Q(Toothpick Bridge): Can you please answer two question that have come up as my students build toothpick bridges?
* Can they use Gorilla Glue?
* Can they use Tite Bond 3 Wood Glue?
A: Both glues are approved. The main factors for future consideration is:
1) The name or description of the glue states that it is “wood glue”.
2) That the toothpicks are not “coated” or “dipped”.
As a rule of thumb the judges look for clean surface area of 50% on each and every toothpick.

Q(Toothpick Bridge): Is it okay if the testing eyebolt screw runs through or sticks up into the road bed in the midst of the PVC pipe opening? A: Yes, it is. The skeletal frame of the bridge should be large enough to be able to slide the pvc pipe into the bridge from either end. It is okay for the testing eye bolt to block passage of the pipe all the way through the bridge as long as the eye bolt and block meet competition specifications.

Q(Electric Robot): Can a 9-volt battery be used in a remote controller in addition to the 6-volt “lantern” battery
to power the robot?
A: The 9 volt battery is acceptable if only used in a remote control system and does not directly power the mechanism of the robot.

Q(Electric Robot):Can a circuit board which he removed from an old toy in his efforts to make the robot work?
A: “Pre-manufactured subassemblies such as computer or controller modules will not be permitted, except a keyboard subassembly with no more than 12 keys and/or game/toy joysticks will be allowed.” Judges may use discretion in the case that the circuit board is recycled for material and does not present an advantage in how it is used. When in doubt request clarification from a judge through techallenge@yahoo.com

Q(Registration): Can I register more than 4 bridge teams for the competition? What can be done if there is a risk of breaking to many bridges in narrowing the entries down to 4?
A: Unfortunately the system and rules currently limit schools to 4 entries (4 for JH and 4 for HS). Schools not able to narrow their entries due to equipment constraints can bring more than 4 bridges, but only 4 can compete for the contest.

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