ROBOT WARS contestants have a wide range of ability, from high school students to professional engineers. Even the least experienced are able to build a robo that is fun and competitive. Here are some tips for those who would like to get involved, but aren't quite sure where to begin.
To construct a fighting robot you will need various components:
1. From your hobby shop purchase a radio-controlled vehicle, preferably a monster truck or a tank that can carry some weight. We recommend an FM radio. It will give you better control (less interference) than an AM radio.
2. Attach battery powered tools to the vehicle for weapons -- maybe one or two power drills or a circular saw. Special attention needs to be paid to replacing the trigger switches on the tools with servo-activated switches. You can get advice for this procedure from your hobby shop dealer or an electronics store.
3. For defense and armor you can use a steel salad bowl or plastic tub as a shell. Cut some holes for your weapons and attach the shell to the vehicle with brackets.
4. Use your imagination. Look around junk stores and thrift shops for parts and devices. Try to find something that might work as a weapon and then attach it to your vehicle (drive platform). As you get more advanced you may want to build your own custom drive platfom with custom designed weapons and defenses.
5. Don't let problems stop you. Most of engineering is problem solving. Use the phone to shop and get answers to questions. Ask your teachers. If you get stuck send in your questions and we will try to answer them as best we can. You can even team-up with your friends and encourage your community to get involved.
For further information on how to enter the games, e-mail: robotwars@aol.com, or write to: Robot Wars, P.O. Box 936, Fairfax, CA 94978; tel. 415/453-6305; fax 415/453-4453.
