2023-2024 FIRST® Tech Challenge

Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX-

Part 2
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Sponsor Thank You

Thank you to our generous sponsor for your continued support of the FIRST® Tech Challenge!

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Revision History
Revision Date Description
1 9/20/2023 Initial Release

Contents
Contents ............................................................................................................................................................ 3
Introduction........................................................................................................................................................ 5
What is FIRST® Tech Challenge? .................................................................................................................. 5
Gracious Professionalism® ................................................................................................................................ 5
Introduction to this Guide ................................................................................................................................... 6
About this Guide ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Parts .............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Tips and Tricks............................................................................................................................................... 6
Computer Aided Design (CAD) ...................................................................................................................... 6
CAD Coloring Legend .................................................................................................................................... 6
Overview ........................................................................................................................................................... 7
Armature ........................................................................................................................................................... 8
Step 1: Add the Armature Channel................................................................................................................. 8
Step 2: Add Armature Channel Support ......................................................................................................... 9
Step 3: Add Lower Gear Train...................................................................................................................... 10
Step 4: Add Upper Gear Train...................................................................................................................... 11
Step 5: Add Armature Motor Mount .............................................................................................................. 13
Step 6: Add Armature Motor and Gears ....................................................................................................... 14
Step 7: Add Channel-to-Channel Support .................................................................................................... 15
Step 8: Add Extension Channel to Channe l Supports ................................................................................. 16
Step 9: Add First Servo Support to Extension Channel ................................................................................ 17
Step 10: Add First Servo and Servo Gear .................................................................................................... 18
Step 11: Add First Servo Gear Train ............................................................................................................ 19
Step 12: Add First L Bracket ........................................................................................................................ 21
Step 13: Add Second and Third L Brackets.................................................................................................. 22
Step 14: Add Flat Bracket ............................................................................................................................ 23
Step 15: Add Second Servo Support............................................................................................................ 24
Step 16: Add Second Servo ......................................................................................................................... 25
Step 17: Add Second Servo Assembly ......................................................................................................... 26
Step 18: Add Channel and Stand Offs ......................................................................................................... 27
Wiring .............................................................................................................................................................. 28
Step 19: Add Arm Motor and Servo Power Cables ....................................................................................... 28

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4 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 2

Step 20: Adjust Servos................................................................................................................................. 29

Final Steps ...................................................................................................................................................... 30
What’s Next? ............................................................................................................................................... 30
Resources.................................................................................................................................................... 30
Appendix A – Resources ................................................................................................................................. 31
Game Forum Q&A ....................................................................................................................................... 31
Volunteer Forum .......................................................................................................................................... 31
FIRST Tech Challenge Game Manuals ........................................................................................................ 31
FIRST Headquarters Pre-Event Support ...................................................................................................... 31
FIRST Websites ........................................................................................................................................... 31
FIRST Tech Challenge Social Media ........................................................................................................... 31
Feedback ..................................................................................................................................................... 31

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Introduction

What is FIRST® Tech Challenge?

FIRST® Tech Challenge is a student-centered program that focuses on giving students a unique and
stimulating experience. Each year, teams engage in a new game where they design, build, test, and program
autonomous and driver operated robots that must perform a series of tasks. Participants and alumni of FIRST
programs gain access to education and career discovery opportunities, connections to exclusive scholarships
and employers, and a place in the FIRST community for life. To learn more about FIRST® Tech Challenge and
other FIRST® Programs, visit www.firstinspires.org.

Gracious Professionalism®

FIRST® uses this term to describe our programs’ intent.

Gracious Professionalism® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the
value of others, and respects individuals and the community.

Watch Dr. Woodie Flowers explain Gracious Professionalism in this short video.

Gracious Professionalism® - “Doing your best work while treating others with respect and kindness - It’s what makes FIRST, first.”
6 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 2

Introduction to this Guide

About this Guide

The Basic ‘Bot Guide is intended for teams looking for a step-by-step instructional guide on how to build a
basic chassis and structure of the robot. Each season there is a new release of this guide, previously called
the “Push Bot Guide”, this version the Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX Part 2 has been created to use 2023-
2024 season’s TETRIX kit of parts.
Parts
• TETRIX FTC Competition Set
o Tools included with the TETRIX FTC Competition Set
• Electronics Modules and Sensors Set
• Control & Communication Set 1 or 2
o (Optional) Only the tools included in the FTC Competition Set will be needed to build the
chassis. The screws and nuts are a standard size and having more tools may allow more
students to participate at the same time.
o (Optional) A ruler is not needed to build this robot, but it is necessary to make sure that the
robot is competition ready.

Tips and Tricks

• Organize and separate all of the parts you will need to build the armature before you get started.
• Keep extra parts in separate bags for use later or as replacements.
• Make sure that set screws are installed in every axle hub, motor hub, and axle collar.
• Refer to the legend provided in the Kit of Parts, if any parts are unfamiliar.
• Make sure that all assemblies are perpendicular (90° angles). It is hard to drive a crooked robot
straight!
• The drive wheels are powered by two DC motors located on the back of the robot, which are relatively
heavy. This weight is needed to help the wheels grip the surface better.
• Omni wheels should be located on the front of the robot, which allows the robot to turn more easily.
The omni wheels’ rollers slide sideways with very little friction.
• Unless otherwise noted, the top image in each step shows the necessary parts; the lower image shows
the completed assembly.
• Place all completed sub-assemblies aside in a plastic container.

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

• The drawings in this document were generated using Creo Parametric Computer Aided Design (CAD)
software.
o By designing on the computer first with CAD, the design can be tested to ensure everything will
work together before actual construction.
• The Creo software is available for free to FIRST teams for use in designing robots. The CAD drawings
color code the screws to help identify them (see table below).

CAD Coloring Legend

Pitsco Part Number Part Color
39098 5/16" socket head cap screw red
39094 keps nut blue
39111 3/8” button head cap screw green
39097 1/2” socket head cap screw yellow
39195 motor mount screw orange

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Overview

Figure 1- Front Left View

Figure 2- Front Right View

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8 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 2

Armature

Step 1: Add the Armature Channel

Parts Needed:
39068 TETRIX MAX 288 mm Channel (1)
39098 Socket Head Cap Screw 6-32 x 5/16" (3)
39094 Kep Nut (3)

Figure 3- Unassembled view

Figure 4- Assembled view

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Step 2: Add Armature Channel Support

Parts Needed:
39281 TETRIX MAX Inside Corner Bracket (1)
39097 Socket Head Cap Screw 6-32 x 1/2" (3)
39098 Socket Head Cap Screw 6-32 x 5/16" (3)
39094 Kep Nut (6)

Figure 5- Unassembled view

Figure 6- Assembled View

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10 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 2

Step 3: Add Lower Gear Train

Parts Needed:
39111 Button Head Cap Screw 3/8" (8)
39086 TETRIX MAX Gear 80-Tooth (1)
39079 TETRIX MAX Motor Hub (2)
41665 TETRIX PRIME 6 mm Plastic Bushing Spacer (4)
40227 TETRIX PRIME 8 mm x 6 mm Bronze Bushing (2)
44708 TETRIX MAX 100 mm x 6 mm Axle (1)
39028 TETRIX MAX Gear 40-Tooth (1)

Figure 7- Unassembled view

Figure 8- Assembled View

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Step 4: Add Upper Gear Train

Parts Needed:
39079 TETRIX MAX Motor Hub (2)
44708 TETRIX MAX 100 mm x 6 mm Axle (1)
41665 TETRIX PRIME 6 mm Plastic Bushing Spacer (4)
40227 TETRIX PRIME 8 mm x 6 mm Bronze Bushing (2)
39085 TETRIX MAX Gear 120-Tooth (1)
39066 TETRIX MAX 96 mm Channel (1)
39097 Socket Head Cap Screw 6-32 x 1/2" (4)

Figure 9- Unassembled view

Figure 10- Assembled view

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12 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 2

Figure 11- Detail view

Helpful Hints
• The view is from the bottom of the robot, so the support channel cannot be seen.
• This detailed image shows the placement of the four 1/2" screws.

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Step 5: Add Armature Motor Mount

Parts Needed:
39089 TETRIX MAX Motor Mount (1)
With Included Screws (2)
39094 Kep Nut (2)

Figure 12- Unassembled view

Figure 13- Assembled view

Helpful Hints
• Tighten the lower screw.
• Leave the upper screw slightly loose, so the motor can be inserted in a later step.

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14 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 2

Step 6: Add Armature Motor and Gears

Parts Needed:
39111 Button Head Cap Screw 3/8" (4)
39028 TETRIX MAX Gear 40-Tooth (1)
39079 TETRIX MAX Motor Hub (1)
44260 TETRIX MAX TorqueNADO® Motor (1)

Figure 14- Unassembled View

Figure 15- Assembled view

Helpful Hint
• Rotate the motor so the gears mesh; not too tight or the gears will bind; not too loose or they will skip.

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Step 7: Add Channel-to-Channel Support

Parts Needed:
39097 Socket Head Cap Screw 6-32 x 1/2" (4)
39094 Kep Nut (4)
39072 TETRIX MAX 144 mm Angle (1)
39071 TETRIX MAX 288 mm Angle (1)

Figure 16- Unassembled view

Figure 17- Assembled view

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16 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 2

Step 8: Add Extension Channel to Channe l Supports

Parts Needed:
39068 TETRIX MAX 288 mm Channel (1)
39097 Socket Head Cap Screw 6-32 x 1/2" (5)
39094 Kep Nut (5)

Figure 18- Unassembled view

Figure 19- Assembled view

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Step 9: Add First Servo Support to Extension Channel

Parts Needed:
39098 Socket Head Cap Screw 6-32 x 5/16" (4)
39111 Button Head Cap Screw 3/8" (4)
41789 TETRIX MAX Standard Servo Mounting Kit (1)
With Included Plate (1)
With Included Standoffs (4)

Figure 20- Unassembled view

Figure 21- Assembled view

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18 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 2

Step 10: Add First Servo and Servo Gear

Parts Needed:
41789 TETRIX MAX Standard Servo Mounting Kit (remainder from previous step)
With Included Motor (1)
With Included Servo to Shaft Coupler (1)
With Included Bronze Bushing (2)
With Included Axle (1)
39172 TETRIX MAX Axle Hub (1)
39086 TETRIX MAX Gear 80-Tooth (1)
39097 Socket Head Cap Screw 6-32 x 1/2" (4)
39100 TETRIX MAX Axle Spacer 1/8" (1)

Figure 22- Unassembled View

Figure 23- Assembled View from below the robot

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Step 11: Add First Servo Gear Train

Parts Needed:
39088 TETRIX MAX 100 mm Axle (1)
39092 TETRIX MAX Axle Set Collar (1)
39091 TETRIX MAX Bronze Bushing (2)
39100 TETRIX MAX Axle Spacer 1/8" (1)
39172 TETRIX MAX Axle Hub (1)
39086 TETRIX MAX Gear 80-Tooth (1)
39387 TETRIX MAX Flat 2mm Spacer (1)
39067 TETRIX MAX 160 mm Channel (1)
39097 Socket Head Cap Screw 6-32 x 1/2" (2)

Figure 24- Unassembled view

Figure 25- Assembled View

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20 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 2

Figure 26- Detail View

Helpful Hints
• The view is from the bottom of the robot, so the full 160 mm channel cannot be seen.
• This detailed image shows the placement of the two 1/2" screws.

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Step 12: Add First L Bracket

Parts Needed:
39062 TETRIX MAX L Bracket (1)
39098 Socket Head Cap Screw 6-32 x 5/16" (2)
39094 Kep Nut (2)

Figure 27- Unassembled view

Figure 28- Assembled view

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22 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 2

Step 13: Add Second and Third L Brackets

Parts Needed:
39062 TETRIX MAX L Bracket (2)
39098 Socket Head Cap Screw 6-32 x 5/16" (1)
39097 Socket Head Cap Screw 6-32 x 1/2" (2)
39094 Kep Nut (3)

Figure 29- Unassembled view

Figure 30- Assembled view

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Step 14: Add Flat Bracket

Parts Needed:
39273 TETRIX MAX Flat 96 mm x 27 mm (1)
39111 Button Head Cap Screw 3/8" (2)
39094 Kep Nut (2)

Figure 31- Unassembled view

Figure 32- Assembled view

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24 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 2

Step 15: Add Second Servo Support

Parts Needed:
41789 TETRIX MAX Standard Servo Mounting Kit (1)
With Included Plate (1)
39098 Socket Head Cap Screw 6-32 x 5/16" (2)
39094 Kep Nut (2)

Figure 33- Unassembled view

Figure 34- Assembled view

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Step 16: Add Second Servo

Parts Needed:
41789 TETRIX MAX Standard Servo Mounting Kit (remainder from previous step)
With Included Motor (1)
39097 Socket Head Cap Screw 6-32 x 1/2" (4)
39094 Kep Nut (4)

Figure 35-Unassembled view

Figure 36- Assembled view

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26 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 2

Step 17: Add Second Servo Assembly

Parts Needed:
41789 TETRIX MAX Standard Servo Mounting Kit (remainder from previous step)
With Included Horn (1)
39273 TETRIX MAX Flat 96 mm x 27 mm (1)
39062 TETRIX MAX L Bracket (1)
39098 Socket Head Cap Screw 6-32 x 5/16" (2)
39111 Button Head Cap Screw 3/8" (2)
39094 Kep Nut (4)

Figure 37- Unassembled view

Figure 38- Assembled view

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Step 18: Add Channel and Stand Offs

Parts Needed:
39065 TETRIX MAX 32 mm Channel (1)
39107 TETRIX Stand-Off Post 6-32 x 32 mm (2)
39097 Socket Head Cap Screw 6-32 x 1/2" (4)

Figure 39- Unassembled view

Figure 40- Assembled view

Helpful Hint
• This channel can be used to suspend the robot during end game.

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28 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 2

Wiring

Step 19: Add Arm Motor and Servo Power Cables

Parts Needed:
REV-31-1381 JST to Anderson Power Pole Cable (1)

Figure 41- Control Hub

Helpful Hints
• Plug the arm motor into port 2 shown by the green arrow.
• Plug the first servo into port 1 shown by the yellow arrow.
• Plug the second servo into port 0 shown by the blue arrow.

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Step 20: Adjust Servos

Tools Needed:
None

Helpful Hints
• The arm on the second servo needs to be adjusted so that it holds the pixel firmly, but not with so much force that it pops out.
• After adjustment, use the screw included with the servo kit to secure the horn onto the servo.
• The first servo needs to be adjusted so that the gripper assembly is flush to the floor when the arm is down. This allows it to
be rotated to a 30 degree angle when the arm is behind the robot for scoring.

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30 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 2

Final Steps

What’s Next?
• Make sure that axle hub, motor hub, and axle collar set screws are installed, so that the screw is on the
flat side of the axle, which will prevent assemblies from spinning on the axle.
• You have now constructed the armature of your Basic ‘Bot, however, programming will be needed to
make the armature functional.
• Testing should be done to determine whether anything needs to be changed or optimized for the
season’s game rules. Testing will also show whether more cables need to be secured or re-routed.
• Check the game rules for all the applicable stickers.
• Make sure to also go over the robot checklists:
o Robot Self-Inspection Checklist
o Robot Reliability Checklist

Resources
Visit the FIRST website for Programming Resources, Robot Building Resources, more instructions and game
rules.

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Appendix A – Resources

Game Forum Q&A

https://ftc-qa.firstinspires.org/

Anyone may view questions and answers within the FIRST® Tech Challenge game Q&A forum without a
password. To submit a new question, you must have a unique Q&A system user name and password for your
team.

Volunteer Forum
Volunteers can request access to role specific volunteer forums by emailing
[email protected]. You will receive access to the forum thread specific to your role.

FIRST Tech Challenge Game Manuals

Part 1 and 2 - https://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/ftc/game-and-season-info

FIRST Headquarters Pre-Event Support

Phone: 603-666-3906
Mon – Fri
8:30am – 5:00pm
Email: [email protected]

FIRST Websites
FIRST homepage – www.firstinspires.org
FIRST Tech Challenge Page – For everything FIRST Tech Challenge.
FIRST Tech Challenge Volunteer Resources – To access public volunteer manuals.
FIRST Tech Challenge Event Schedule – Find FIRST Tech Challenge events in your area.

FIRST Tech Challenge Social Media

FIRST Tech Challenge Twitter Feed - If you are on Twitter, follow the FIRST Tech Challenge Twitter feed for
news updates.
FIRST Tech Challenge Facebook page - If you are on Facebook, follow the FIRST Tech Challenge page for news
updates.
FIRST Tech Challenge YouTube Channel – Contains training videos, game animations, news clips, and more.
FIRST Tech Challenge Blog – Weekly articles for the FIRST Tech Challenge community, including outstanding
volunteer recognition!
FIRST Tech Challenge Team Email Blasts – contain the most recent FIRST Tech Challenge news for teams.

Feedback
We strive to create support materials that are the best they can be. If you have feedback about this manual, please email
[email protected]. Thank you!

Gracious Professionalism® - “Doing your best work while treating others with respect and kindness - It’s what makes FIRST, first.”