Pit Kit and Event Checklist

Your first robot combat event is a lot more fun if you arrive with a working robot, the right spares and a rough idea of how the day runs. This page covers what to bring, how registration and safety inspection usually work, what happens on event day, and pit etiquette. Every event is a little different, so always read your event's own information and rules.

Before the event

• Finish your robot early. A robot that isn't working a week before the event often fails safety inspection.[1] Test it, drive it, and fix problems at home.
• Register. Most US events take registrations on RobotCombatEvents.com: create an account, create a team (even if it's just you), add your robot in the right weight class, then find the event and register for the class.[2]
• Read the rules. Check which rules the event uses (SPARC, NHRL or its own), and any local changes, such as limits on weapons or magnets.
• Check your robot against the rules with a home checklist like the one below.
• Practice driving (see Driving Practice).

Home safety checklist

Before you pack, check that:

• Your robot is under the weight limit, weighed in its heaviest configuration (including the weapon lock if it stays on).
• The power switch or removable link works, and you can reach it quickly (SPARC: within 15 seconds) without putting your hands near the weapon.
• A power light shows when the robot is on (required by SPARC; check your event's rules).
• The failsafe stops both drive and weapon when you switch off the transmitter.
• Your weapon lock is brightly colored or tagged, stops the weapon, and can't fall out.
• Batteries are protected, and there's no exposed wiring.
• Spinning weapons stop within the rule limit after power is cut (SPARC: 60 seconds).
• Sharp edges have covers for carrying the robot around the pits.

The Bristol Bot Builders tech check checklist is a good printable example (written for UK rules).

What to bring

Essentials

• Your robot, weapon lock, and something to block it up on the pit table so the wheels can't touch.
• Your transmitter, with spare transmitter batteries or a charged transmitter.
• At least two sets of robot batteries, ideally three or four: one in the robot, one charging, and spares. Charging can take 20 minutes or more, and some events run many fights in a day.[3]
• A balance charger and power supply, plus a LiPo bag or metal container for charging (some events require one). See LiPo Battery Safety.
• A power strip or extension cord.
• Safety glasses.

Spares

At a minimum, bring spare drive motors, wheels and a battery.[4] Ideally also:

• Spare weapon parts (blades, teeth, belts) and armor panels.
• A spare receiver and ESCs. If you swap them at the event, re-test your failsafe.
• Extra screws, nuts and other hardware.
• Foam wheels can need replacing every match or two.

Many builders bring a second copy of their robot, or pre-built modules for quick repairs. Check whether your event allows a spare robot; under SPARC rules a spare must be identical and pass inspection too.

Tools and supplies

• The tools to take your robot apart and rebuild it: hex keys or drivers in the sizes you use, small pliers, flush cutters, wire strippers.
• A soldering iron and solder, heat-shrink tubing, and a lighter or heat gun.
• Tape (electrical and gaffer), zip ties, threadlocker, quick-setting glue, hot glue.
• A small scale, to check weight after repairs.
• A multimeter.
• Labels: many drivers label their transmitter (for example which way is forward) with tape.

Keep it compact – pit tables are small. Some events, such as NHRL, have a shared workshop, a store and a parts exchange, so you won't need big tools.[5]

Safety inspection

Every robot goes through a safety inspection ("tech check") before it fights. Inspectors typically check:

• Weight.
• Power switch or link, and the power light.
• Weapon lock.
• Failsafe for drive and weapon, often tested in a test box.
• Weapon spin-down time.
• Edge covers, battery protection and wiring.

Be ready to explain how everything on your robot works: under SPARC, builders must tell inspectors about all operating principles and dangers.[6] If you fail, you can usually fix the problem and try again. Being overweight and inadequate weapon locks are among the most common problems.[7]

Robots can also be re-weighed at any time during an event (see SPARC Tournament Procedures).

Event day

A typical day goes something like this:

1. Arrive and set up when the pits open, and check in.
2. Pass safety inspection. Don't leave it to the last minute; some events give your place to a reserve if you haven't passed in time.
3. Drivers' meeting – the schedule, rules and safety procedures. Don't miss it.
4. Brackets are posted. Many events use online bracket software; find your matches and keep an eye on the schedule.
5. When you're called, bring your robot (switched off, weapon locked) and transmitter to the arena queue.
6. Load in following the event's procedure, usually based on the SPARC Match Rules: transmitter on, robot on, weapon lock off last, then everyone leaves the arena before anything moves.
7. Fight!
8. Load out: weapon locked, robot off, transmitter off, then back to the pits to repair and recharge. Under SPARC rules, robots of 150 g to 6 lb get at least 20 minutes between matches, and heavier robots at least 30.
9. At the end, clean up your pit table.

Pit etiquette

• Follow the event's safety rules at your table: robots blocked up, weapons locked, no driving in the pits, and never leave batteries charging unattended.
• Be aware of the people around you, especially when using tools or carrying robots.
• Listen to the arena staff and don't rush. Going slowly never gets you a safety warning; rushing might.[8]
• Be a good sport, win or lose – see the unsportsmanlike conduct rules in the SPARC Tournament Procedures.
• Help others and ask for help. Builders often lend or swap parts, and most are happy to share advice.
• After you're knocked out, keep watching – you'll learn a lot.

NHRL

NHRL events run on their own rules, with their own inspection (including mobility and weapon tests) and procedures. If you're going, read the NHRL New Builder Guide and the NHRL rules. Because the competition level is very high, many experienced builders suggest starting at a local event first.[9]

Further reading

• Bristol Bot Builders – Competing at your first event
• Make: – 10 Rules to Win at Robot Combat
• Robot Smashing League – How many spares should you bring?
• Ask Aaron – Robot events (Team Run Amok)
• Events and Safety
• Troubleshooting