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Field guideRev B

2025-26 Field Kit Assembly Guide

Aerospace Robotics Competition · Revision B

  • 26 pages
  • 19 sections
  • 5 tables
  • 22 figures

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1Field Kit Supplies#

This section contains instructions for building the official 2025-26 ARC Regional Competition Field Kit.

Teams should strongly consider assembling a field kit to practice. If costs are prohibitive, teams are encouraged to build a partial field kit and/or to share a practice field with other teams.

Notes:

  • Components are subject to change based on availability. ARC events will use the most similar possible replacement for items as needed.
  • STEM-ED INC is not sponsored by nor endorses any of the recommended suppliers, and teams are not required to purchase through the provided links.
Table 1.1Field Cost Tally
NameItemQuantityPrice Total
Payload 1Lifesaver1$9.27
Payload 2Turtle12$32.99
Payload 3Whale Tracker6$19.98
Field Component 1Pool2$29.36
Field Component 2, RedSwimmer in Red1$74.96
Field Component 2, BlueSwimmer in Blue1
Field Component 3, BlueBlue Whale4$79.94
Field Component 3, WhiteWhite Whale4
Field Component 3, PurplePurple Whale1
Field Component 4Landing Pad2$15.99
Field Component 5Tether1$16.48
Total$278.97

1.1Materials#

See the table below for a detailed cost breakdown to build a full field. Costs are estimated by their supplier’s listed prices at the time of document release.

Table 1.2 Materials and Costs. Price Per $13.47 $32.99 $19.98 Price Total $13.47 $32.99 $19.98 Name Description Material Link # Link Link Link Link (or sim.) Link Link Payload 1 (x1) Payload 2 (x12) Payload 3 (x6) Lifesaver Turtle Whale Tracker Lifesaver (5.51”) Stuffed Turtle (Pack of 15) Foam puck (Pack of 6) 1 1 1 Field Component 1 (x2) Pool Inflatable pool $14.68 2 $29.36 Basket (Pack of 50) [Optional] Lead BBs for Weight (or sim.) Board (Leftover from FC3) UltraCote, Red UltraCote, Blue $24.99 $9.99 1 1 0 1 1 $24.99 $9.99 Field Component 2 (Red x1, Blue x1) Swimmer Link Link Link (or sim.) Link Link Link Link (or sim.) Link Link (or sim.) Link $19.99 $19.99 $19.99 $19.99 Plywood, 3/8”x4’x8’ (cut* into 2’x2’ squares) $19.98 2 $39.96 Field Component 3 (Blue x4, White x4, Purple x1) Colored Board UltraCote, Blue (Leftover from FC2), or Paint UltraCote, White, or Paint UltraCote, Purple, or Paint 0 1 1 $19.99 $19.99 $19.99 $19.99 Field Component 4 (x2) L.P. Landing Pad (Pack of 2) $15.99 1 $15.99 Cinder Block $2.50 1 $2.50 Field Component 5 (x1) Tether Polypropylene Cord (90') $7.49 1 $7.49 Carabiner Clip (2 Pack) $6.49 Full Field 1 $6.49 $283.17
Table 1.2Materials and Costs

1.2Tools#

See the table below for the tools needed to build a full field. When multiple links are provided, the first is the cheapest recommendation, while the last is the highest quality recommendation.

Table 1.3Required & Recommended Tools
ToolExamplesNotes
Measuring TapeLinkRecommend at least 50’ for measuring tether and field.
Writing Utensil(s)Pen/ Marker/ Pencil
ScissorsLinkStrong enough to cut tether line.
Utility KnifeLink
Iron*Link OR LinkUltraCote iron OR Clothes iron and towel
DrillLink Link LinkUse with 3” hole saw
3” Hole SawLink Link

*While irons are the official method of UltraCote application, teams may choose to build practice fields using simple methods such as double-sided tape or glue. Be careful to avoid any methods that alter the coating’s color, which may affect computer vision.

Please remember to use caution while using any sharp or hot tools. We strongly recommend having a coach/supervisor present and working with at least two people.

2Mission 1 Components#

Table 2.1 below indicates the components that will be used in Mission 1. The following subsections will provide instructions for building these components.

Table 2.1Mission 1 Components
NameItemDescriptionInstructions
Payload 1LifesaverLifesaverNA
Field Component 1PoolPoolNA
Field Component 2, RedSwimmer in RedBasket & Colored BoardSection 2.1
Field Component 2, BlueSwimmer in Blue
Field Component 4Landing PadLanding PadNA
Field Component 5TetherLine & Cinder BlockSection 2.2

2.1Field Component 2: Swimmer#

The following materials are needed to build 1 swimmer:

  • 3/8”x2’x2’ Plywood Sheet x2
  • Basket x2
  • UltraCote, Red/Blue

The following tools are needed to build 1 swimmer:

  • Tape Measure
  • Writing Utensil
  • Scissors
  • Utility Knife
  • Drill
  • Hole Saw
  • Iron (or Adhesive)

2 options are presented. Teams may choose to use either a plain red/blue board with the swimmer located in the center (Option 1) or a board with an ArUco tag representing the color red/blue (Option 2). Both options will be available at the competition venue.

Teams may find this site to be a valuable resource for learning about ArUco tags: docs.opencv.org/4.x/d5/dae/tutorial_aruco_detection.html

OPTION 1: Color

2.1.1Step 1: Drill Hole#

Figure 2.1 Mark Board. a. Use the tape measure and writing utensil to mark the center of the board.
Figure 2.1Mark Board
Figure 2.2 Prop Board on Box. a. Use the tape measure and writing utensil to mark the center of the board. Figure 2.1 Mark Board b. Set board onto sawhorses or over opening of a box.
Figure 2.2Prop Board on Box
Figure 2.3 Drill Hole. c. Use the hole saw to cut 3” circle through the center of the board.
Figure 2.3Drill Hole
Figure 2.4 Optional: Remove Splinters. c. Use the hole saw to cut 3” circle through the center of the board. Figure 2.3 Drill Hole d. If desired, use a file or sandpaper to remove splinters from the cut.
Figure 2.4Optional: Remove Splinters

2.1.2Step 2: Apply UltraCote#

Figure 2.5 Cut UltraCote. a. Prepare: i. Cut the UltraCote to fit over the top of the plywood sheet. ii. Peel off the backing film. iii. Lay the UltraCote sheet over the plywood.
Figure 2.5Cut UltraCote
  1. Apply: Option 1: Use UltraCote Iron
  2. CAREFULLY use the iron to adhere the UltraCote to the board. Option 2: Use Clothes Iron (Shown in Figures)
  3. Lay a towel over the UltraCote and board (this will protect the UltraCote from direct contact with the iron).
  4. Iron the towel as you would iron clothing. The heat will penetrate the towel and activate the adhesive on the UltraCote. o Turn the iron on high heat and slowly iron from one edge of the board across to the other side. Re-iron any areas that are not fully adhered.
Figure 2.6 Place UltraCote and Towel. Option 3: Use Adhesive (Glue/Tape) • While irons are the official method of UltraCote application, teams may choose to build practice fields using simple methods such as double-sided tape or glue. Be careful to avoid any methods that alter the coating’s color, which may affect computer vision.
Figure 2.6Place UltraCote and Towel
Figure 2.7 Iron
Figure 2.7Iron
Figure 2.8 Optional: Glue Loose Edges
Figure 2.8Optional: Glue Loose Edges

2.1.3Step 3: Cut Hole for Basket#

Figure 2.9 Cut Hole in UltraCote. c. Use knife to cut hole in UltraCote.
Figure 2.9Cut Hole in UltraCote

2.1.4Step 4: Insert Basket#

Figure 2.10 Add Basket and BBs. a. Place the basket into the hole. b. If desired, add zippered plastic bag with BBs to the basket to increase weight.
Figure 2.10Add Basket and BBs

OPTION 2: ArUco Tag

2.1.5Step 1: Drill Hole#

Figure 2.11 Mark Board. a. Use the tape measure and writing utensil to mark a point in the upper right corner of the board located 3 inches from the sides.
Figure 2.11Mark Board
Figure 2.12 Prop Board on Box. a. Use the tape measure and writing utensil to mark a point in the upper right corner of the board located 3 inches from the sides. Figure 2.11 Mark Board b. Set board onto sawhorses or over opening of a box.
Figure 2.12Prop Board on Box
Figure 2.13 Drill Hole. c. Use the hole saw to cut 3” circle through the marked location on the board.
Figure 2.13Drill Hole
Figure 2.14 Optional: Remove Splinters. c. Use the hole saw to cut 3” circle through the marked location on the board. Figure 2.13 Drill Hole d. If desired, use a file or sandpaper to remove splinters from the cut.
Figure 2.14Optional: Remove Splinters

2.1.6Step 2: Add ArUco Tag#

Tags may be created using either paint or paper. While paint (several coats) is most durable, paper is simpler and more affordable, so that method will be demonstrated in this guide.

  1. Print and cut squares (see templates on pages 19-20, or create your own). i. Each square is 2.5” on each side. ii. A 1” border surrounds the tag.
  2. Adhere the ArUco tag onto the board (see Figure 2.17). i. Align the tag with the lower left corner of the board (opposite corner of the hole). ii. Lay out squares to create the tag.
  3. Use glue or double-sided tape to attach the squares.
  4. Recommended: Add waterproof sealant (example).

*Tag interpretation (source): *Tag 1 = the number 1 and corresponds to the RED target (Figure 2.15). *Tag 2 = the number 2 and corresponds to the BLUE target (Figure 2.16).

Figure 2.15 Tag 1 Template (Red)
Figure 2.15Tag 1 Template (Red)
Figure 2.16 Tag 2 Template (Blue)
Figure 2.16Tag 2 Template (Blue)
Figure 2.17 Adhere Tag onto Board. Figure 2.16 Tag 2 Template (Blue)
Figure 2.17Adhere Tag onto Board

2.1.7Step 3: Insert Basket#

  1. Repeat Section 2.1.4.

2.2Field Component 5: Tether#

The following materials are needed to build the tether assembly:

  • Cinder Block
  • Tether Line
  • Carabiner

The following tools are needed to build 1 tether assembly:

  • Required: o Scissors

2.2.1Step 1: Prepare Tether Line#

Figure 2.18 Attach Carabiners. a. Cut tether line (52 feet). b. Fasten carabiner to each end of line. i. Be sure to tie the knot securely! Test by pulling on the tether to see if it unties. Tip: Visit this site for tutorials on tying knots.
Figure 2.18Attach Carabiners

2.2.2Step 2: Assemble Tether#

Figure 2.19 Wrap Tether Line. a. Wrap extra 2 feet of line around center of cinder block and fasten with carabiner.
Figure 2.19Wrap Tether Line
Figure 2.20 Fasten with Carabiner
Figure 2.20Fasten with Carabiner
  1. Use remaining 50 feet of line as tether.

3Mission 2 Components#

Table 3.1 below indicates the components that will be using in Mission 2. The following subsections will provide instructions for building these components.

Table 3.1Mission 2 Components
NameItemDescriptionInstructions
Payload 2TurtleStuffed TurtleNA
Payload 3Whale TrackerFoam PuckNA
Field Component 1PoolPoolNA
Field Component 3, BlueBlue WhaleColored BoardSection 3.1
Field Component 3, WhiteWhite Whale
Field Component 3, PurplePurple Whale
Field Component 5Landing PadLanding PadNA
Field Component 6TetherLine & Cinder BlockSection 2.2

3.1Field Component 3: Whale#

The following materials are needed to build 1 whale:

  • 3/8”x2’x2’ Plywood Sheet x2
  • UltraCote, Blue/White/Purple (or Paint)

The following tools are needed to build 1 whale:

  • Tape measure
  • Writing Utensil
  • Scissors
  • Drill
  • Hole Saw
  • Iron (or Adhesive)

3.1.1Follow Instructions from Section 2.1 Step 2#

4Field Boundaries#

Teams should mark field boundaries before flight to ensure no personnel step within the tether range. See below for the competition boundary setup.

Figure 4.1 Field Boundary Measurements
Figure 4.1Field Boundary Measurements

Teams may use any clearly-visible items to mark the boundary, including flags and traffic cones. ARC events will use red and yellow soccer cones.

  • Field Boundary = tether length + ~5’ = red cones
  • “Red Zone” Boundary = Field Boundary + ~5’ = yellow cones
  • Mark Field Boundary by dragging 50’ tether around boundary, then dropping at least 12 red cones evenly around perimeter.
  • Mark Red Zone by placing yellow cones approx. 5’ from each red cone.
  • Mark Spectator Zone by placing at least 10 blue cones in rectangle.

Revision History

RevisionRelease DateNotes
A10/04/2025Initial Release
B01/04/2026
  • Updated link for lifesaver
  • MAJOR UPDATE: See pages 15-20