Scioly.org

Are the kelvin magnets ceramic? Just making sure..since they look awkwardly shiny compared to the pitsco magnets

I have two rectangular magnets. I stacked them, and then separated so that the poles are pointing in the same direction( up or down)
but then, they repel each other when I try to put them next to each other.

Yeah, I know answers will just be opinions, but I want to hear what everyone thinks
Do you think it is enough to look at the rules and make unique tracks for yourself, or do you think it is necessary to wait and look at how to make tracks on soinc.org?
Neodymium magnets for the track?..maybe a bit..expensive..
Magnets on the side to prevent the vehicle from bumping the sides?
It isnt specified in the rules..,but maybe it'd oppose the spirit of competition
but the rules clarifications won't open for a while, and I dont want to wait so long to make my levitation track!

Watch out that the magnets are not considered "rare earth" magnets.
The Mag Lev DVD from SO actually has some good information for first timers. (our teams) I can not say much good about some of the others.

Are there specific rules regarding the building of a track? I am wondering, really, if a team could legally build the track so that it improves the car's run score. If the specifications for the track make it need to be more or less the same as the pitsco/kelvin tracks, its fine, but if they are more lenient, it may be that it would be advantageous to build one's own track, which I personally do not want to do.

twototwenty wrote:Are there specific rules regarding the building of a track? I am wondering, really, if a team could legally build the track so that it improves the car's run score. If the specifications for the track make it need to be more or less the same as the pitsco/kelvin tracks, its fine, but if they are more lenient, it may be that it would be advantageous to build one's own track, which I personally do not want to do.

My (completely non-official) interpretation of the written rules is that it would either be very difficult or even completely impossible to build a track that gave you an advantage (regardless of the legality of said action.) That being said, I'd love to hear about any theories everyone might have to use the track in such a way!

Naturally, I dreamt up a few ideas which caused me to ask that question, but I'll wait on stating them until I see if they would be legal or not (I have yet to get my rules ).

Are kits going to be allowed for the vehicle and/or track?

Mr. Chalker (not sure which one), can you please update the Maglev page on soinc.org? I remember someone saying that instructions to build your own track would be made available on the national website, but nothing has been uploaded as of now. Thanks

illusionist wrote:Mr. Chalker (not sure which one), can you please update the Maglev page on soinc.org? I remember someone saying that instructions to build your own track would be made available on the national website, but nothing has been uploaded as of now. Thanks

Oops.. didn't realize that wasn't up. I'll have it put up ASAP.

Inspired by Andy Hamm, I just finished making a homemade Maglev track.
It’s not the cheapest but only involves 2 cuts and requires only a hand saw (or a circular saw), hammer, and power drill/screwdriver
My track is 5’ long.

Materials:
1 piece of 10’ vinyl brick mold = $13.60 Lowes item # 85312
1 2x8x8’ Top choice = $5.16 Lowes item # 36774
8 Screws #6 x 1 ¾ = $1.96 Lowes item # 51235 (need 2- 4 packs)
4 Brass Nails 16x5/8 = $1.30 Lowes item # 58238 (box)
Kelvin Maglev Strip Set = $34.95 (+ shipping) Kelvin.com item # 640102
TOTAL COST = $56.97


Instructions:
1) Cut the brick mold in half. This is about 5’(mine was 5’1”)
2) Cut the 2x8 into a 5’ length
3) Screw one of the halves of the brick mold to the 2x8x5’ using the #6 screws. The brick mold is slightly tapered so be sure to use the greater thickness on the track / car side)
4) Repeat the process using the other brick mold piece. Make sure you have the required (or desired) track width. This is 2 9/16” if making a “standard” track.
5) Cut 4 1/2’ feet lengths of each of the 2 strips from the Kelvin magnetic strip set. This leaves quite a bit (5’6”) left over to make another track or for use on the cars.
6) Use the adhesive to hold down the 2 strips to the track
7) Put one of the brass nails at each end of both strips. This will keep the strip from peeling up at the corners.

See the image gallery for photos (under Misc section)
Special thanks to Andy Hamm for his inspiration.

Great to hear that it worked, and judging by the pictures, it looks pretty good. Quick question...how tall are your side walls? I just can't tell too well in the images.