2023-2024 FIRST® Tech Challenge

Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX-

Part 1
2 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 1

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 6/28/2023 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
Frame ................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Step 1: Build the Left Rail ............................................................................................................................... 7
Step 2: Build the Right Rail ............................................................................................................................ 8
Step 3: Connect the Left and Right Rails........................................................................................................ 9
Step 4: Add Structural Support Brackets ...................................................................................................... 10
Step 5: Add the Structural Support Plate ...................................................................................................... 11
Step 6: Build Left Electronics Plate .............................................................................................................. 12
Step 7: Attach Left Electronics Plate to Frame ............................................................................................. 13
Step 8: Build Right Electronics Plate ............................................................................................................ 14
Step 9: Attach Right Electronics Plate to Frame ........................................................................................... 15
Drive Motors and Drive Wheels ....................................................................................................................... 16
Step 1: Add Drive Wheel Motor Mounts ....................................................................................................... 16
Step 2: Add Drive Motors ............................................................................................................................. 17
Step 3: Secure Drive Motors ........................................................................................................................ 18
Step 4: Secure Drive Motor Wires ................................................................................................................ 19
Step 5: Add Motor Hubs ............................................................................................................................... 20
Step 6: Add Drive Wheels ............................................................................................................................ 21
Caster Wheels ................................................................................................................................................. 22
Step 1: Build the Omni Wheel Assembly x2 ................................................................................................. 22
Step 2: Add Bronze Bushings to the Omni Wheel Assemblies ..................................................................... 23
Step 3: Add the Omni Wheel Assemblies to the Frame Chassis .................................................................. 24
Control Hub ..................................................................................................................................................... 26

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4 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 1

Step 1: Add the REV Robotics Control Hub ................................................................................................. 26

Step 2: Add the Left Drive Motor Power Cable ............................................................................................. 28
Step 3: Add the Right Drive Motor Power Cable........................................................................................... 29
Power Switch................................................................................................................................................... 30
Step 1: Add the Switch ................................................................................................................................. 30
Step 2: Connect the Switch to the Motor and Sensor Controller ................................................................... 31
Battery ............................................................................................................................................................. 32
Step 1: Add the Battery ................................................................................................................................ 32
Step 2: Connect the Battery to the Switch .................................................................................................... 33
Final Steps ...................................................................................................................................................... 34
What’s Next? ............................................................................................................................................... 34
Resources.................................................................................................................................................... 34
Appendix A – Resources ................................................................................................................................. 35
Game Forum Q&A ....................................................................................................................................... 35
Volunteer Forum .......................................................................................................................................... 35
FIRST Tech Challenge Game Manuals ........................................................................................................ 35
FIRST Headquarters Pre-Event Support ...................................................................................................... 35
FIRST Websites ........................................................................................................................................... 35
FIRST Tech Challenge Social Media ........................................................................................................... 35
Feedback ..................................................................................................................................................... 35

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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 1

Introduction to this Guide

About this Guide

The Basic ‘Bot Guide is intended for teams looking for a step-by-step instructional guide to learn 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 1 has been created to use 2021-
2022 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 out all of the parts you will need to build the drivetrain 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 areperpendicular (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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Frame

Step 1: Build the Left Rail

Parts Needed:
39067- 160 mm channel (1)
39068 - 288 mm channel (1)
39098 - 5/16" socket head cap screw (4)
39094 - keps nut (4)

Figure 1- Unassembled view

Figure 2- Assembled view

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8 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 1

Step 2: Build the Right Rail

Parts Needed:
39068 - 288 mm channel (1)
39067 - 160 mm channel (1)
39098 - 5/16" socket head cap screws (4)
39094 - keps nuts (4)

Figure 3- Unassembled view

Figure 4- Assembled View

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Step 3: Connect the Left and Right Rails

Parts Needed:
39070 - 288 mm flat bar (1)
39097 - 1/2" socket head cap screws (4)
39094 - keps nuts (4)

Figure 5- Unassembled view

Figure 6- Assembled View

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10 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 1

Step 4: Add Structural Support Brackets

Parts Needed:
39281 - inside corner bracket (2)
39098 - 5/16" socket head cap screws (6)
39094 - keps nuts (6)

Figure 7- Unassembled view

Figure 8- Assembled view

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Step 5: Add the Structural Support Plate

Parts Needed:
39073 - flat building plate (1)
39098 - 5/16" socket head cap screws (4)
39094 - keps nuts (4)

Figure 9- Unassembled view

Figure 10- Assembled view

Helpful Hints
• Make sure that all pieces are correctly alignedby looking at the robot from above and ensuring the left and right rails are
parallel and the cross braces form right angles with them.
• Once the frame is square, make sure that all the frame’s bolts are tight. It is hard to drive a crooked robot straight!

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12 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 1

Step 6: Build Left Electronics Plate

Parts Needed:
39073 – flat building plate (1)
39097 – ½” socket head cap screws (2) (yellow)
39107 – 32 mm stand-off post (2)
39098 – 5/16” socket head cap screws (2) (red)
38009 – battery clip (1) [inside the electronics kit]
Acrylic switch plate (part of REV-31-1387)

Figure 11- Unassembled View

Figure 12- Assembled view

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Step 7: Attach Left Electronics Plate to Frame

Parts Needed:
39097 – ½” socket head cap screws (2)
39094 – keps nuts (2)

Figure 13- Unassembled view

Figure 14- Assembled view

Helpful Hint
• The plate does NOT attach to the frame at the clip/structural support plate.

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14 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 1

Step 8: Build Right Electronics Plate

Parts Needed:
39073 – flat building plate (1)
39107 – 32 mm stand-off post (2)
39098 – 5/16” socket head cap screws (4)
38009 – battery clip (1) [inside the electronics kit]

Figure 15- Unassembled view

Figure 16- Assembled view

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Step 9: Attach Right Electronics Plate to Frame

Parts Needed:
39097 – ½” socket head cap screws (2)
39094 – keps nuts (2)

Figure 17- Unassembled view

Figure 18- Assembled view

Helpful Hint
• The plate does NOT attach to the frame at the clip/structural support plate.

Gracious Professionalism® - “Doing your best work while treating others with respect and kindness - It’s what makes FIRST, first.”
16 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 1

Drive Motors and Drive Wheels

Step 1: Add Drive Wheel Motor Mounts

Parts Needed:
39089 – motor mounts (2)
With included bolts (4)
And included nuts (4)

Figure 19- Unassembled View

Figure 20- Assembled View from below the robot Figure 21- Assembled view from above the robot

Helpful Hint
• Do not tighten the motor mount bolts that control the clamp (i.e., the gap on one side of the mount) until the motors have been
inserted (next step). When this bolt is tightened, the motors cannot be inserted into the mount.

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Step 2: Add Drive Motors

Parts Needed:
44260 – TorqueNADO Motor (2)
With included wire ties (2)

Figure 22- Unassembled view

Figure 23- Assembled View

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18 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 1

Step 3: Secure Drive Motors

Figure 24- Real view

Figure 25-Left rail motor view highlighting the axle mounted away from frame

Helpful Hint
• Tighten the motor mount bolt so that the motor will not rotate.

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Step 4: Secure Drive Motor Wires

Figure 26- Secured drive motor wires

Helpful Hint
• Use the plastic-coated wire tie that holds the loops of motor wire together to secure the wires to the electronics plate

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20 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 1

Step 5: Add Motor Hubs

Parts Needed:
39079 – motor shaft hubs (2)
With included set screws (2)

Figure 27- Unassembled view

Figure 28- Assembled view

Helpful Hint
• Install the hubs 10 mm from the outside end (the end furthest from the motor) of the axle.

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Step 6: Add Drive Wheels

Parts Needed:
39055 – 4-inch wheels (2)
39097 – ½” socket head cap screws (8)

Figure 29- unassembled view

Figure 30- Assembled view

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22 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 1

Caster Wheels

Step 1: Build the Omni Wheel Assembly x2

Parts Needed:
36466 – 4” omni wheel halves (2); with included joining ring (1)
And included screws (4)

Figure 31-Unassembled view of one wheel assembly (Make two of these)

Figure 32- Assembled view 1 Figure 33- Assembled view 2

Helpful Hints
• Assemble according to the instructions that come in the omni wheel pack.
• The screws on one wheel are in opposite holes from the screws on the opposite side wheel

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Step 2: Add Bronze Bushings to the Omni Wheel Assemblies

Parts Needed:
39091- 11 mm bronze bushings (4)
Wheel assemblies from previous step

Figure 34- Unassembled view from a single wheel assembly (Make two of these)

Figure 35- Assembled view

Helpful Hints
• To make it easier to insert the bronze brushings, secure an axle collar onto the axle. Slide a bronze bushing down the axle.
Slide the omni wheel down the axle and press it against the axle collar.
• A video showing a gear mounted to an axle is available that shows this trick.
o Visit: https://www.facebook.com/322705934572847/videos/506108019565970/

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24 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 1

Step 3: Add the Omni Wheel Assemblies to the Frame Chassis

Parts Needed:
39100 – 1/8” axle spacers (6)
39092 – axle set collars (4)
39091 – 11 mm bronze bushings (4)
REV-41-1361 – Nut, Locking, M3 (4)

Figure 36- Unassembled view of left wheel assembly

Figure 37- Assembled view of left wheel assembly.

Helpful Hint
• Order from the outside in: axle set collar, 1/8” axle spacer, omni wheel assembly, 1/8” axle spacer, 11 mm bronze bushing,
channel, 11 mm bronze bushing, 3/8” spacer, axle set collar

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Figure 38- Both wheels fully assembled from above

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26 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 1

Control Hub

Step 1: Add the REV Robotics Control Hub

Parts Needed:
REV-31-1595 control hub (1)
REV-41-1360 screws (2)
REV-41-1361 M3 Nyloc nuts (2)

Figure 39- Unassembled view

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Figure 40- Assembled view 1

Figure 41- Assembled view 2

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28 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 1

Step 2: Add the Left Drive Motor Power Cable

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

Figure 42- Top view

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Step 3: Add the Right Drive Motor Power Cable

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

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30 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 1

Power Switch

Step 1: Add the Switch

Parts Needed:
REV-31-137 Switch

Figure 43- Unassembled view

(The wires attached to the switch are not shown in this image)

Figure 44- Assembled view

(The wires attached to the switch are not shown in this image)

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Step 2: Connect the Switch to the Motor and Sensor Controller

Parts Needed:
XT30 Extension Cable

Figure 45- Unassembled view

Figure 46- Assembled view

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32 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 1

Battery

Step 1: Add the Battery

Parts Needed:
39057- Battery

Figure 47- Unassembled view

Figure 48- Assembled view

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Step 2: Connect the Battery to the Switch

Figure 49- Top view

Helpful Hints
• It is recommended that the battery be secured in the holder using a zip tie or some other mechanism to prevent it from being
separated from the robot during competition.
• Standard 4-inch zip ties should be purchased for securing wires to the chassis.
• Electrical tape can be used to secure motor wires to the motor.
• Longer zip ties or Velcro straps can be used to keep the battery from falling out of the robot in case it tips over.
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.

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34 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Basic ‘Bot Guide for TETRIX- Part 1

Final Steps

What’s Next?
• You have now constructed the frame of your Basic ‘Bot, however, programming will be needed to make
the robot 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.

The robot can be even better with armature. Watch for the release (later in the season) of the Basic ‘Bot
Armature Guide by visiting our website (https://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/ftc/robot-building-
resources).

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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
FTCTrainingSupport@firstinspires.org. 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: Firsttechchallenge@firstinspires.org

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
firsttechchallenge@firstinspires.org. Thank you!

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