{"id":872,"date":"2025-09-22T14:29:05","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T21:29:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/?page_id=872"},"modified":"2025-10-16T08:18:53","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T15:18:53","slug":"build-essentials","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/build-essentials\/","title":{"rendered":"Build Essentials"},"content":{"rendered":"<div  class='flex_column av-bmnns-5aac00b24fc3f6a3177520d38a00cfcc av_one_full  avia-builder-el-0  avia-builder-el-no-sibling  first flex_column_div  '     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-mfvmzt9e-01a4c916ff065a81fe5f0b80a0686772 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h1>Build Essentials<\/h1>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Efficiency Guidelines: Weight &amp; Friction<\/h3>\n<p>Your V5RC robot is limited to <strong>88W of power<\/strong> and <strong>two air tanks<\/strong>. More weight or friction strains mechanisms, reducing speed and torque. In a timed game, speed is essential to outscore opponents.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Goal:<\/strong> Reduce weight and friction without compromising structural integrity. Avoid designs that are light but fragile.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Friction reductions:<\/strong> Use proper spacing, materials, tightness, angles, and ensure connections are square. Builds should be self-correcting and structurally stable.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tournaments:<\/strong> Consider modular components with pre-assembled backups to justify lightweight designs even if damage is possible.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-box su-box-style-default\" id=\"\" style=\"border-color:#000000;border-radius:3px;max-width:none\"><div class=\"su-box-title\" style=\"background-color:#333333;color:#FFFFFF;border-top-left-radius:1px;border-top-right-radius:1px\">IMPORTANT<\/div><div class=\"su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:1px;border-bottom-right-radius:1px\">Below are some important concepts to follow to help improve your build quality<\/div><\/div>\n<h4>Screw Joints<\/h4>\n<hr \/>\n<div class='avia-iframe-wrap'><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"VEX Build Masterclass #1 - Screw Joints\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/K218QdJ-IAs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p>Prefer screw joints over shafts wherever possible (especially chassis wheel connections).<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note thick-left-border\"  style=\"border-color:#dfd6e5;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#f9f0ff;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"> \u0090\u2794 \u0090 Stronger, more reliable, and easier to control friction than shafts.<\/div><\/div>\n<h4>Boxing<\/h4>\n<hr \/>\n<div class='avia-iframe-wrap'><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"VEX Build Masterclass #2 - Boxing\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/x-0yOi3_DvY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p>Use spacers or standoffs to fill the gap between C channels to increase strength of connections<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note thick-left-border\"  style=\"border-color:#dfd6e5;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#f9f0ff;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"> \u0090\u2794 \u0090 Increases connection strength, reduces bending, minimizes wasted metal.<\/div><\/div>\n<h4>Squaring<\/h4>\n<hr \/>\n<div class='avia-iframe-wrap'><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"VEX Build Masterclass #3 - Squaring\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yC_6j7vawfk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p>Use bearings\/Retainers\/shoulder screws\/custom plastic to center connections<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note thick-left-border\"  style=\"border-color:#dfd6e5;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#f9f0ff;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"> \u0090\u2794 \u0090 Maintains low friction and aligns geometry with CAD plans.<\/div><\/div>\n<h3>Bearings: are a MUST for Shaft connections<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Always use <strong>2 bearings per shaft<\/strong> (motor counts as one).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fewer than 2:<\/strong> Not enough support.<\/li>\n<li><strong>More than 2:<\/strong> Adds friction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-895 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2025\/09\/bearings-image.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"441\" height=\"212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2025\/09\/bearings-image.jpg 441w, https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2025\/09\/bearings-image-300x144.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 441px) 100vw, 441px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note thick-left-border\"  style=\"border-color:#dfd6e5;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#f9f0ff;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"> \u0090\u2794 \u0090 Ensures proper support and minimal friction.<\/div><\/div>\n<h3>Old Vs New Wheels: Why new wheels are optimal<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-896\" src=\"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2025\/09\/Old-vs-New-Wheels.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2025\/09\/Old-vs-New-Wheels.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2025\/09\/Old-vs-New-Wheels-300x167.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>New wheels are narrower, lighter, and have multiple mounting holes.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note thick-left-border\"  style=\"border-color:#dfd6e5;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#f9f0ff;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"> \u0090\u2794 \u0090 <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They work well with screw joints (older wheels often only fit LS shafts and don\u2019t allow for circular inserts)<br \/>\n<\/span>\u0090\u2794 \u0090 <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Narrow wheels allow closer drive channels \u2192 stronger joints, lighter robot, smaller chassis \u2192 better maneuverability.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Thin Nylocks &amp; Torx Screws<\/h3>\n<p>Use thin nylocks instead of thick: lighter, easier to fit, no structural compromise.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-904\" src=\"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2025\/09\/thin-nylocks.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"172\" height=\"188\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Use Torx T15 screws to prevent stripping.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-903\" src=\"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2025\/09\/Torx-T15-Screws.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"187\" height=\"146\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"su-box su-box-style-default\" id=\"\" style=\"border-color:#000000;border-radius:3px;max-width:none\"><div class=\"su-box-title\" style=\"background-color:#333333;color:#FFFFFF;border-top-left-radius:1px;border-top-right-radius:1px\">NOTE<\/div><div class=\"su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:1px;border-bottom-right-radius:1px\">The thin Nylocks and Torques T15 Screws can be ordered on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.robosource.net\/robot-parts\/screws-hardware\/nuts\/251-thin-nylock-nuts\"><u>ROBOSOURCE<\/u><\/a> (where our club usually orders all of our screws and nuts) <\/div><\/div>\n<h3>Blue cartridges: Have less friction<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>VEX motors without a cartridge spin at 3600 RPM. Cartridges gear this down.<\/li>\n<li>Lower-speed cartridges (green, red) use more internal gears \u2192 more friction and less efficiency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-902\" src=\"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2025\/09\/cartridges.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"607\" height=\"255\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2025\/09\/cartridges.jpg 607w, https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2025\/09\/cartridges-300x126.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 607px) 100vw, 607px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Rule of thumb:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Use blue (fastest) cartridge and gear down to target speed.<\/li>\n<li>Only use green\/red if mechanism speed \u2264 200 RPM.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"su-note thick-left-border\"  style=\"border-color:#dfd6e5;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#f9f0ff;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"> \u0090\u2794 \u0090 Avoid gearing up from low-speed cartridges to reduce friction<\/div><\/div>\n<h3>Use Appropriate screw lengths<\/h3>\n<p>Screws should be <strong>only as long as needed.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note thick-left-border\"  style=\"border-color:#dfd6e5;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#f9f0ff;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"> \u0090Excess screw length will add to the robots weight<\/div><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #2358ad; color: white; padding: 7px 15px; border-radius: 4px; margin-top: 15px; text-align: right;\">The content for this page was provided by <strong style=\"color: white;\">Zane Radawiec.<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-872","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-04-15 21:24:33","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"post_tag","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/872","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=872"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/872\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1013,"href":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/872\/revisions\/1013"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=872"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/robotics71\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=872"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}