2015-2016
Mini IVD Racing
Parameters and Guidebook
Mini-IVD Racing Design Parameters for 2015-16
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PURPOSE:
* To engage youth in an exciting project that purposefully blends engineering, science, math and
advancing technologies.
* To provide schools with an affordable and unique project focused on Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Math (STEM skills).
* To link excellent teaching and learning practices with increasing corporate demands for skilled, creative
and energetic employees.
* To showcase the creative engineering strengths of today’s students through the Square One Mini- IVD
Racing Performance Day, date and location TBA
* To honor innovation through friendly competition
OVERVIEW:
*High School students incorporate innovation and creativity into their redesign and chassis conversion of
a stock Traxxas short course radio controlled (RC) vehicle.
* Each school team is funded by Square One with corporate partner support (Nissan). Each team will
receive a $1,000 cash grant plus the RC vehicle. All teams must work within this budget and provide a
spreadsheet within the presentation outlining use of funds.
* Each design team is required to develop an Ambassadorship Program, a plan to excite 100+ younger
students about science, technology, engineering, and math through the IVD project in their school. These
students will be known as Square One Engineering Ambassadors. The club should devote a minimum $100
or 10% of the cash grant toward this effort.
* Mini-IVD parameters will be developed by SQ1 as a guideline or baseline for judging. However, teams
will have the option to improve or extend their innovation efforts as long as they fit within the SQ1
parameters.
CORPORATE PARTNER DETAIL:
* Partnering businesses contribute guidance and expertise to the team as in-kind support.
* Corporate Coaches can participate if desired to coach students and teachers in the processes of reengineering. This is a student project. Therefore, coaches and teachers SHOULD NOT build (re-engineer)
the vehicles, students do.
SCHOOL DESIGN TEAM DETAIL:
* Teams/Clubs must consist of at least 10 dedicated high school students and one dedicated teacher.
* Teams can be comprised of a dedicated class within an existing curriculum.
* Teams must commit for the entire duration of the project.
* Students should be recruited and requested to participate for the entire duration of the project.
* Teams must develop a well-articulated, professional plan toward the innovative designs of their vehicle.
This plan should include a timeline of project completion benchmarks.
* Teams must utilize a minimum of 10% of their budget to creatively engage 100 middle school and/or
elementary students around the engineering lessons involved with their Mini-IVD Racing Vehicle.
* Teams will have their vehicles complete and ready for performance by the designated performance
date.
* Teams must meet all safety requirements as outlined in the Mini-IVD Racing project parameters.
* All vehicles must have an electronic fail-safe properly programmed and functioning during testing and
during all challenge day events. Evidence of this must be provided during presentation/judging.
Mini Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge 2011 – Sponsored by the Square One Education Network
The Square One Education Network is a 501c3 educational grant funding organization
These materials may not be duplicated or distributed without permission of the copyright holder
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* Appropriate Square One and corporate sponsor logos must be present on your vehicle, along with any
other sponsors or identifiers you may desire.
* Chassis Conversion:
Traxxas has provided each team with a low center of gravity conversion (LCG) chassis. Only the Traxxas
Slash stock or LCG chassis will be allowed for use in this project.
Batteries must be held in the stock chassis position with the stock battery tray configuration. Batteries must
be secured via the stock battery hold down device. Batteries may NOT be held in with just Velcro, double
back tape or wire ties to the chassis not within the stock battery tray.
Conversion parts must be the provided LCG kit.
Please Note: Traxxas Slash stock or LCG chassis must be used. It may be drilled or modified as teams see
fit for performance light weighting or handling. However the design must maintain Traxxas Slash Short
Course specs. If damage occurs to the chassis rendering a replacement necessary, Traxxas Slash
replacement components must be used.
* TEAMS MUST PROVIDE A SPREADSHEET WITH GENERAL EXPENSES RECORDED
SQUARE ONE EDUCATION NETWORK DETAIL:
* SQ1 will provide all coordination of the Mini-IVD Racing project.
* SQ1 will develop the parameters of the Mini-IVD Racing project.
* SQ1 will provide necessary insurance policies for performance site.
* SQ1 will supply $1,000 grant to each school team upon receipt of district commitment
documents.
* SQ1 will provide the starter vehicle with a retail value of approximately $475.
* Traxxas will provide the low center of gravity conversion kit.
Mini - INNOVATIVE VEHICLES
Square One Mini IVD vehicles begin as pre-assembled, electric powered, 1/10 scale, Radio-Controlled
vehicles. They must meet specific design and safety rules. All teams begin with an off-the-shelf, “box
stock” vehicle, provided by SQ1. For the upcoming racing season, teams will receive a new Traxxas Slash
4x4 Stock HCG Short Course Truck. http://www.Traxxas.com
All Electric Race vehicles will be set up as “Spec Racing” vehicles.
Motor and battery limits will be set by SQ1 and all teams must operate their vehicles on race day within
these parameters. The specs will be decided and determined annually at the program launch meeting.
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Motor specs
A) Brushed motor turn limits ___Not Recommended__________
B) Brushless motor KV limits ___3800 – (540 can size)______________
Battery specs - due to safety precautions all batteries must be the spec battery
This year’s spec battery will be a Dynamite Reaction 2 cell 7.4V 5000mah 30C
A) Road/Oval course and drag racing cell limits__1 - Spec 2 cell_- 7.4V 5000mah 30C___
B) Top Speed Challenge cell limits____1- Spec 2 cell_- 7.4V 5000mah 30C
Teams may use either a center differential or the stock slipper clutch which ever they determine is the
best suited for the performance style of driving and/or track conditions at hand. Vehicles will be allowed
to run in 4wd or 2wd configurations. Again whichever drive style the team determines is best suited for the
performance driving and/or track competition at hand. However the vehicle chassis must be a 4x4 Slash.
Teams should experiment with different gearing and differential fluids to get the performance they desire.
Note that differential fluids will be incorporated in to one of the challenge/test areas.
Mini Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge 2011 – Sponsored by the Square One Education Network
The Square One Education Network is a 501c3 educational grant funding organization
These materials may not be duplicated or distributed without permission of the copyright holder
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Mini IVD Challenges
Engineering an excellent performing vehicle is more than just bolting in a powerful electric motor and
large batteries. Getting your car to perform under the testing parameters set up by the Square One
Education Network means learning how different tuning characteristics of your vehicle react to changes
and how they compare to the baseline performance of your vehicle.
Teams should baseline test both chassis platforms. Design a set of parameters that will showcase both
vehicle platform’s performance capabilities and limitations. Teams are required to collect this data for
baseline comparison between the stock HCG and LCG vehicles. Include this in your presentations.
The following is merely a suggestion, not a requirement:
 Straight line acceleration – include various distances (25’, 50’, 100’ and so on)
 Stopping time to zero when braking from various distances at full throttle
 Stopping distance when braking from various distance at full throttle
 How did the vehicle track during the braking event?
 Obstacle or slalom course times
Again these are just some suggestions, teams are fully encouraged to develop their own baseline testing
events. The requirement is to perform baseline testing on both versions of the vehicle and collect the
data. The data and summary should be included within your presentation.
After completing your conversion and doing a baseline comparison testing of the two chassis platforms,
teams will be required to do challenge testing. This is where teams will purposely try changes to different
vehicle system components with the desire to improve the performance and handling characteristics of
the vehicle. This is where the challenge begins. All teams should record the data from each change.
Compare and contrast the changes with the end goal of getting the most out of your electric race
vehicle. This information should be included with your presentation to the judges on competition day.
Remember that this is an engineering project. Data collection and presentation is a large portion of this
process. Doing a thorough comparison is key to determining whether or not the changes were successful.
A valid reason for completing this might be to answer the following questions.
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Were the results of the changes significant enough to warrant the time and expense to perform
them?
Did the changes have a positive impact?
Did the changes have a negative impact?
What changes worked together to improve the vehicle?
What changes, when used together, had a negative impact on vehicle performance?
Do we know where to back track to if a change has a negative impact? (The key to this is
recording each change and maintaining baseline data).
Again devise a set of data analysis questions that you can use to compare each change within each
challenge. A spreadsheet scorecard is a good way of comparing all changes per each challenge
category. Present this information during your presentation.
Tire Challenge:
This challenge will be optional based on cost and availability for the Traxxas Slash platform. Tires are and
need to be considered a consumable commodity. It seems that tires work out to be the most expensive
consumable other than vehicle batteries. Again depending on cost it will be suggested that teams limit
their tire testing to a maximum of three sets of tires where one of the sets are the stock tires. Keep in mind
the temperature of the track in May and make your selections accordingly. Also remember that we may
be running on Asphalt and/or Cement. Try to answer these questions:
 What is the best tire pattern for this type of surface?
 What difference do different types of tire compounds make?
 Does the tire have to be rubber?
 What differences do you see between the stock kit tire and the other tires?
 Is there anything that can be done to enhance the performance of a tire?
Mini Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge 2011 – Sponsored by the Square One Education Network
The Square One Education Network is a 501c3 educational grant funding organization
These materials may not be duplicated or distributed without permission of the copyright holder
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If so what did you do to enhance the performance of a tire?
Which works better with this vehicle Belted or non-belted tires?
How do different levels of firmness of inserts (foams) affect vehicle performance?
Should the tires and rims be vented?
The three set rule is just for testing purposes so that teams figure out the best tires for the applications.
Teams are free to purchase additional tires within their budgets to maintain the performance of the
vehicle. Once teams decide on which tires are best they can purchase additional tires of that
compound. Hopefully this will limit the stress on the project budget afforded to tires.
Veteran teams should conduct new tests with different tires this year to collect and present new data.
Differentials Challenge
 All of your differentials come packed with grease. This is not very efficient for transferring and
controlling power. WHY?
 Your differentials are in the front and rear gearboxes and if you choose to install one, in the center
for conversion. All are tunable with oil. Choosing the correct combination of fluid viscosities is
essential to the performance of your vehicle and drastically affects the way your vehicle
performs.
 The Differential Challenge should begin after baseline testing with the stock HCG vehicle and
comparison baseline testing with the LCG vehicle has been completed (research about fluids and
combinations can be done at any time).
 When rebuilding the diffs, disassemble and thoroughly clean them (be very conscience of shims
that may be in the diffs and where they go to assure proper re-assembly). Tuning the diffs is crucial
step to getting optimum performance out of your vehicle.
The Differential Challenge Requirements
Teams are required to test at least the following 3 different combinations of differential fluids and
document the differences they see. The testing should be conducted with each change on the 100 foot
acceleration and the agility course, and if desired the oval layout also.
Required diff fluid combinations that you need to test:
1- Front 7000 wt. Center 15000 wt. Rear 3000 wt.
2- Front 3000 wt. Center 15,000 wt. Rear 7000 wt.
3- Front 7000 wt. Center 7000 wt. Rear 7000 wt.
4- Note that these are the minimum weights to be tested. Additional weight combinations can be
tested to prove out the best options for overall performance. Again, document and be able to
explain your results.
 After testing is complete, teams should discuss what combinations would be best for each aspect
of the competition, and be able to explain to the judges what choices they have made and why.
 If a team chooses to use the slipper clutch, the center fluids would be eliminated and the team
would just test the front and rear combinations.
 For the competition, teams can use any combination of weights they feel will give them the best
performance for each aspect of the competition.
 Remember to rinse out the gearboxes completely before the next fluid is put in. After the three
tests are complete, teams can use any weight oil and viscosity combinations that they feel will
give them the best overall performance for each competition.
Shock Fluid Challenge
Another fluid that is essential to the car handling well is the shock fluid. The stock vehicle shock absorbers
have an unidentified fluid weight installed from the factory (our research shows that it is approximately 45
Mini Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge 2011 – Sponsored by the Square One Education Network
The Square One Education Network is a 501c3 educational grant funding organization
These materials may not be duplicated or distributed without permission of the copyright holder
5
weight which typical to most stock shocks). Different viscosity of shock oils will DRASTICALLY change the
way your car performs.
The Shock Fluid Challenge Requirements
Each team is required to test at least 3 different shock fluid combinations and document the differences
they see in their performance in the 100 ft acceleration, braking and the agility course.
Test these three combinations in this order:
1- Front 60 wt. Rear 60 wt.
2- Front 20 wt. Rear 80 wt.
3- Front 80 wt. Rear 20 wt.
4- Note that these are the minimum weights to be tested. Additional weight combinations can be
tested to prove out the best options for overall performance. Again, document and be able to
explain your results.
 After testing is complete, teams should discuss what combinations would be best for each aspect
of the competition, and be able to explain to the judges what choices they have made and why.
 Shock oils are available in a WIDE variety of viscosities from 10 wt to over 100 wt. PLEASE NOTEthese fluids are NOT the same as Diff fluids and cannot be interchanged.
 Teams should be ready, if they decide to make these changes on the day of the competition, for
the best overall performance for each event.
 Teams can choose ANY weight shock oil and combinations they feel provide them with the best
performance in each competition.
 Temperature effects fluid viscosity. What works at the school may not be the best choice for the
competition at MIS in May.
2 Wheel vs 4 Wheel Drive Challenge
 Remove the drive shaft and base line test the vehicle in 2 wheel drive configuration.
 Reinstall the drive shaft and re-test.
 Compare and contrast the performance characteristics between 2WD and 4x4 operation.
Stock Controller Driver’s Assistance
 Does the stock Traxxas controller provide options for driver assistance?
 Baseline test with and without the driver’s assistance.
 Did this really enhance the driver’s capability?
 Be sure this feature is turned off for race day.
 Having this turned off will assure that the driver’s true ability is showcased on race day.
Mini-IVD Performance Challenge Day Events
The following events will be performed. Again this year we will want to focus on student performance
driving skills. Taking the time to develop precision driving skills benefits everyone involved.
Mini Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge 2011 – Sponsored by the Square One Education Network
The Square One Education Network is a 501c3 educational grant funding organization
These materials may not be duplicated or distributed without permission of the copyright holder
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Drag Race
Heads up drag racing competition starting will be completed using an arm drop or Christmas tree starting
lights. Vehicles cannot cross lanes. The first car across the finish line wins. Cars will be disqualified for
crossing lanes and/or crashing in to the opposing car or any other objects. Handling and vehicle control
are extremely important. Therefore, to win the car must be on all 4 wheels when it crosses the finish line in
the proper lane without faulting as mentioned above. Note: This may be an excluded event depending
on challenge day time and scheduling.
Handling: Agility
• Course of cones for a timed competition, straights, turns of different angles, circles, squares, etc. done
on one track against the clock. Stopwatches should be used for timing. The track can be laid out with
cones and paint or chalk can be used. An additional idea is to contact the local fire department for
retired fire hose. This makes an excellent lane barrier. Often times the fire department will provide this free
of charge as they are decommissioning and disposing of the hose.
• Track size and design are in development. (8 Ft wide track is the standard for vehicle this size.) Track will
be kept tight so not much speed is built up for safety. Even though the nominal lane width will be 8’ it is
strongly suggested that you have students practice with half of this lane width.
• Points awarded for fastest time through course.
Please Note: points will not be deducted for barrier contact or collisions! The contact will affect the overall
time through the course, which is in effect a penalty in its own right. However, it will be at the race director
and course judge’s discretion to black flag (pit stop penalty), or red flag (vehicle disqualified and
removed from the current event) based on the appearance of repetitive dangerous and/or hazardous
driving. Every effort should be made to promote good driving habits. Precision driving will pay off in the
long run with fewer mistakes and better lap times.
Pit Stop Challenge
• The competition and clock begins as the vehicle crosses the starting line/gate and ends when crossing
the finish line/gate while stopping within the simulated pit stall. Penalties will be applied if the vehicle stops
outside or beyond the indicated pit stall. Also see the note below for barrier fault penalties.
• Vehicles must go through a coned obstacle course, loop around the course, and then travel at speed
straight back to the finish line and stop in the pit stall (the obstacle course will be set up to have varying
distances between the obstacles).
• Points awarded for fastest time through the course.
Please Note: drivers must pass through the obstacle course with a maximum of 1 barrier fault. More than 1
barrier fault will require repeating the course for a maximum of 3 attempts within the allotted time slot. No
points will be awarded if the driver cannot complete the course within the allotted time slot.
Michigan Mini Oval: Electric ONLY
10 ft wide lanes with approximately 150’ straights. Setting up a similar course will help you practice for one
of the premier competition events in May. Again limiting the lane width to less than the competition width
is a good way to practice for this event. Gearing will be determined and sent out to all teams well in
advance of the May challenge day event date.
Mini IVD TOP SPEED CHALLENGE: HOW FAST CAN YOU GO?
200 foot Top Speed Challenge - Straight-line acceleration competition on the Michigan International
Speedway Pit Row.
Gearing, suspension set up, electronics tuning, body choice and positioning will all play a part in how fast
you go in this annual event. This year teams will only be allowed to run a single spec battery in their
vehicles (1 Dynamite Reaction 2 cell - 7.4V 5000mah 30C Hard Case Lipo). ONLY the winner takes home
THE TROPHY. Last year’s winner will hand it over and pass it on…. unless they retain their title!
SHOWCASE AWARDS
Mini Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge 2011 – Sponsored by the Square One Education Network
The Square One Education Network is a 501c3 educational grant funding organization
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First and Second Place Trophies will be awarded in the five categories listed below. Judges will evaluate
each scoring category using the attached score sheets.
1. Design Innovation
How creative and innovative were the students with their overall project? Did the students think "out of
the box" even if in the end the innovation became a detriment to the performance of the vehicle?
2. Engineering and Craftsmanship
Was the vehicle (and its re-engineered components) robust, how was the quality of assembly, structural
integrity, applied reasoning and effectiveness. Were there design attributes that could be seen to solve
problems or overcome issues within the target performance? How well did the team incorporate the tire
and insert challenge and the fluid challenge?
3. Vehicle Performance
Objective scoring based on the times and distances traveled. Electronic scoring will be used wherever
possible. Teams will be allowed to run each course two times (1 practice and 1 for score). We will take the
best time/score as the final score. On the day of the Performance Showcase, minimal assistance may be
provided to teams suffering major vehicle damage or assembly difficulties. Replacement parts will be
considered acceptable as long as teams stay within their allotted budget. On site experts can be
solicited for ideas, coaching, and technical assistance as long as current year students are performing
the majority of assembly and/or repair work. Minor parts may be purchased the day of the event from
the parts store trailer/booth (if in attendance with sufficient parts stock). However, teams should consider
pre-purchasing various common crash parts. Again, all vehicle components, and parts purchases must
stay within the allotted grant budget.
4. Presentation
Research conducted, recorded and conclusions shared on the LCG chassis conversion/ tire and/or insert
types. Clarity, quality of presentation, and data collected will be scored. All facets of the vehicle should
be presented at this time for the judges (innovation, craftsmanship, ambassadorship, and research).
Teams should practice their 5-minute presentation ahead of time and be sure to provide judges with
supporting documentation.
5. Ambassadorship
Awarded to the team that best engages at least 100 younger students in this engineering project in an
innovative, inspired fashion. This is a significant endeavor and will have to be completed prior to the
presentation to justify scoring.
6. Square One Award – First place only
Awarded for the overall best combination of Innovation, Engineering, Vehicle Performance and Team
Dynamics to produce an exemplary device and outcome for the competition. This is the "Convergence
of Innovation, Engineering and Team Work."
7. Ingenuity Award Awarded to the one team doing the most with the least, demonstrating
perseverance and tenacity, “sticking” with it in response to challenges faced during the Mini IVD
competition.
Mini Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge 2011 – Sponsored by the Square One Education Network
The Square One Education Network is a 501c3 educational grant funding organization
These materials may not be duplicated or distributed without permission of the copyright holder
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Expense Report (Sample)
High School
Team:
Square One MIVD Project Expense Report Spread Sheet Template
Item
#
Category
1 Body
2 Batteries
Electrical
3 System
4 Wheels & Tires
5 Motors
Innovation
6 components
7 Drive System
8 Repair Parts
9 Other
Ambassador
10 Program
Brief Description
Line Tot.
(Required minimum 10%
of total grant)
Total Project Expenses
Square One Education Network
Mini IVD Grant Award $1,000.00
Available Balance
0
Total Spent on Project
Mini Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge 2011 – Sponsored by the Square One Education Network
The Square One Education Network is a 501c3 educational grant funding organization
These materials may not be duplicated or distributed without permission of the copyright holder
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IVD Project Summary (Limited to One Page)
School Name and City:
Team Leader Name:
Number of Students Participating in Total:
Number of Students Participating at MIS:
IVD Project:
Brief Description of Innovative component is:
Brief Description of Ambassadorship component:
We reached # _______ students and # _______ teachers via our ambassadorship
Our team motto is:
A couple of quotes from our team:
(What I liked/learned while a part of this project/What I might change about this
project)
A quote from our team leader:
(Advice, suggestion, revelation, you name it)
SAFETY
Mini Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge 2011 – Sponsored by the Square One Education Network
The Square One Education Network is a 501c3 educational grant funding organization
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Safety is of key concern at all events. The design of the vehicles is only one variable in the safety of an
event. Inspection of the vehicles to ensure that they meet safety rules, a course free from obstructions,
and ensuring that participants and spectators are not in harm’s way are just some of the requirements of
sanctioning the performance competition. A properly programmed fail safe is required for all vehicles.
For these safety reasons local Event Organizers, Promoters, and Event Stewards may not make ANY
changes to the Mini-IVD Racing Design and Event Rules other than where specific guidelines for deviation
are listed. All vehicles participating in the event must meet the current Vehicle Design rules.
Mini - IVD DESIGN PARAMETERS
 These parameters are provided to promote safe and fair competition.
 Since safety is of key concern these parameters should be considered minimum requirements.
These parameters will be in force and these requirements must be maintained during the entire
competition.
 Properly programmed fail safe should be functioning on the vehicle.
 Any vehicle should be able to pass inspection at any time during a demonstration.
 Experimentation of design and ingenuity are encouraged, but keep in mind the intent of safe
competition for the driver and the other participants of an event. If a new concept is being
attempted that does not fit the rules exactly it may be wise to contact a Square One-IVD official
before proceeding with construction. It would be unfortunate to complete a vehicle and then
have it disqualified at a competition.
Safety and Additional Rules & Guidelines:
 Motor Limit, for a brushless motor-_3800__ KV – (540 can size and 1 motor per vehicle only)
 Battery limit – 1 spec battery per car per event (all events). Teams can purchase more than one
battery so that batteries can be cycled between racing events and charging. However only one
battery will be allowed to run in the car in all events including Top Speed.
 Battery Spec - Dynamite 5000 mAh 2S 30C 7.4V Hard Case Lipo – Lithium batteries must be
charged and stored in a lipo sack. Lipo/Life compatible charger is required if using lithium based
battery. Also note that low voltage cutoffs must be used for any type of lithium battery. DO NOT
RUN a Life or Lipo battery without a low voltage cutoff. Severe damage to the battery, vehicle,
and personnel can occur when running w/o setting the low voltage cutoff correctly.
 Battery LVC setting – Lipo battery low voltage cutoff should be set at 6.4 volts (3.2v per cell) for
testing, and no less than 6.4 volts (3.2v per cell) for race day. Lipo batteries should never be
allowed to drop below 6V (3.0v per cell). 3.0 volts per cell or 6 volts does not allow any wiggle
room. Maintaining testing voltages at or above 6.4 volts should prevent damage and maintain
battery longevity. 8 minute mains will be run with sufficient time between runs to allow teams to
fully charge their batteries.
 Battery Storage – All batteries must be stored in a Lipo sack within a metal container. This
container must be dedicated for battery storage. Team name and/or school name must be
indicated on the battery storage container. Note: A metal ammo case or small metal tool box
works well for this application.
 Teams should experiment with different gearing and differential fluids to get the performance they
desire.
 Please remember that innovative designs with safety are our primary goals.
 Base model vehicle- manufacturer or model cannot be changed.
 Stock HCG or LCG chassis must be used (if a replacement is needed only a Traxxas Slash 4x4
chassis may be used for replacement).
 It is recommended that every team member learn to drive the vehicle during development and
practice.
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Multiple team members are required to drive the vehicle during racing events. The goal should be
a different driver per event. However, at least 4 different drivers will be required for this year’s
Mini Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge 2011 – Sponsored by the Square One Education Network
The Square One Education Network is a 501c3 educational grant funding organization
These materials may not be duplicated or distributed without permission of the copyright holder
11
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competition. No one driver should be allowed to dominate all events. Therefore advisors/sponsors
will need to keep track of this and make sure sufficient training is provided to all team members.
This rule is to maintain an even playing field for all teams. In the event of less than 4 drivers
available on race day we will revert back to last year’s rule of a minimum of 3 drivers. Let’s try to
keep it fun for everyone involved.
All Team members should be familiar with all basic vehicle operations, proper start up procedure
for Electric vehicles and safe shutdown of all vehicles.
The stock radio and electronics do not have to be retained.
2.4 Ghz Radio system is required (please monitor transmitter voltage carefully to maintain safe
vehicle telemetry).
Transmission, differential and drive train alterations or replacement allowed.
Vehicles must maintain a single speed transmission.
Any body style allowed. Vehicle must have a body. The body must cover the chassis and all
components mounted on the chassis. Additional covers for rotating components are not
necessary either on the chassis or outside the body.
All-wheel drive or two wheel drive allowed. All propulsion of the vehicle must go through the
vehicle drivetrain. Jet or Propeller propulsion will not be allowed.
Direct mechanical drive is required.
All teams are required to utilize 2.4 Ghz Spread-Spectrum radios on race day.
Any brand of electric motor, electronic speed control and electronics allowed.
Any electric motor that does not exceed the spec criteria limits can be used.
Any drive train gearing combination is allowed for all events except the Mini Michigan 500.
Mini Michigan 500 exact gearing will be provided prior to the May event. This spec will be issued
with sufficient time so that teams may order and practice with the spec gear ratios.
Modification of any steering or chassis component is allowed.
Chassis modifications or replacement allowed as long as the replacement is a stock chassis and
that the modifications do not affect the safe operation of the vehicle (weight reduction, altering
the shape of the chassis etc.).
The battery must be have the proper hold down and be in the original Traxxas Slash battery tray
position.
Electronic gyroscopic or handling improving/assisting devices may not be used on race day. All
steering and handling control must be from the hands of the driver.
Only two wheel steering will be allowed.
All soldered wire connections must be protected by shrink-wrap. Electrical tape is not
acceptable.
Wiring should be neat and orderly to prevent contact with the moving parts of the vehicle.
Non-permanent electrical connections for safety reasons must be made with a plug that will
handle the amperage of the components being used. Traxxas, Deans, or Power Pole high amp
connectors are required.
Track width 8 ft., Drivers stand height will be based on track availability on race day.
No restriction on vehicle weight, width or length or ride heights.
All cars must pass tech inspection, Square One reserves the right to enforce program rules.
All teams must be Square One Engineering Ambassadors.
At least 10% of the grant must be spent on the Ambassadorship program.
The grant provided will be 1 vehicle (approximate retail value $475) and $1000 dollars to
complete the conversion and challenge items.
Each team member should exhibit professional behavior. All behaviors should be in accordance
to the team’s home school code of conduct that governs student behavior for club events.
RESOURCES AND MATERIALS:
Joe Hart, Project Specialist
Joe@squareonenetwork.org
Mini Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge 2011 – Sponsored by the Square One Education Network
The Square One Education Network is a 501c3 educational grant funding organization
These materials may not be duplicated or distributed without permission of the copyright holder
12
Barb Land, Square One Education Network
Program Director
barb@squareonenetwork.org
248.736.7537
Karl Klimek, Square One Education Network
Executive Director
karl@squareonenetwork.org
313.590.4000
AMBASSADORSHIP RESOURCES:
Free lesson plans at various grade levels from The Henry Ford:
http://www.thehenryford.org/education/topics.aspx
Mini Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge 2011 – Sponsored by the Square One Education Network
The Square One Education Network is a 501c3 educational grant funding organization
These materials may not be duplicated or distributed without permission of the copyright holder
13