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If I am using an electronic system that uses 6 AA batteries at a minimum, is there a way I can demonstrate to the judges that I am running the vehicle at a fraction of the potential power? I really like the design as I am able to adjust the rotation of the wheel to a fraction of a degree, as well as vary the speed to meet time requirements. Thanks for your help guys.

If you are using Lego Mindstorms or something similar, you need to look at a step-up voltage converter. Read page 7 for some details. If you are using 6 AAs, you will be penalized.

Would I need a step up or step down converter? I should be able to do 4 batteries and step it up shouldn't I? The TI site looks promising.
Just out of curiosity, how big is the penalty?

lordoflongbow wrote:Just out of curiosity, how big is the penalty?

See Paragraph 5.f.

lordoflongbow wrote:Would I need a step up or step down converter? I should be able to do 4 batteries and step it up shouldn't I? The TI site looks promising.
Just out of curiosity, how big is the penalty?

A step-up converter since you need to get 9V from 6V of batteries. Other people have used that TI module with reported success...just make sure you don't reverse the polarity when you hook it up to your "electronic system".

Hi everyone,

I just got put into this event with two weeks before Regionals. My partner and I have a car... fortunately, we're just down to fine tuning at this point in time.

I've read through the majority of posts on this thread, and I just had one question about top scores. To place top three at State, what score is needed? The general sense I've receieved is 195pts and higher. Does that seem reasonable?

Thanks,
Aia

At state, I'd say higher. 196.68 gave me third at regionals. I'd say you're going to have to be 198+ at states. But then again I've never been there, so I'm only guessing.

I think that is going to depend a lot on what state you are from. In the really competitive states (NY, PA, MI, OH, CA etc. - apologies to anyone left out) I would say you are right, you will need to break 195 to make top ten, even. I believe last year something in the mid 180s was only good for about 18th in NYS. In less competitive states, who knows?

It's really going to depend on the state.
This year in Illinois electric vehicle has been pretty competitive, at my last invite, the top 4 places got 199+ scores. My score of 194 got me 8th (and out of the medals)
I'm just hoping if i get a 195 at regionals i'll possibly get a medal.

then again, not all competitions are that competitive.

Hi, almost all of you guys seem to be excessively excited about the electric vehicle competition.
And that just got me to the point of extreme nervousness because my school have NOT prepared
well, almost did nothing. And unfortunately I have to work on electric vehicle event, and
I literally don't know anything about this. It'll be very sudden and almost shocking to you guys by
this time. I know that I have not enough time, almost no time, but I don't want to disappoint
my teammates who must be struggling also by now. Could anyone be very generous to me to tell
me everything about this event?? I have read the rules but I don't understand many many terms.
such as, why should I attach a sighting device on the vehicle, and why should I measure the
distance by myself. And most importantly, where do I get this materials? like wheels, gearbox,
switch, motor, etc. OH please help me .