Spectrum Resources
Inexpensive Build Tips
Ways to build a competitive FRC robot without a large budget, drawn from Spectrum 3847's own early seasons.
Robot Parts
Section titled “Robot Parts”Cable Management
Section titled “Cable Management”- Zipties
- Ziptie mount pads (can be 3D printed)
- Hot glue
3D Printed Tools
Section titled “3D Printed Tools”Tube Cutting Jig for 1/2“ Grid Punched Tube
Section titled “Tube Cutting Jig for 1/2“ Grid Punched Tube”- This allows you to easily align any saw to cut any 1/2“ grid tube to 0.25“ or 0.5“ spacing from the hole.
- Original Version: Printables Model 373487 — Tube Cutting Jig
Gridfinity Storage Organization
Section titled “Gridfinity Storage Organization”- You can use these 3D printed bins for sorting hardware, tools, and mechanism parts.
- Gridfinity Onshape FeatureScripts — Open in Onshape allows you to create custom storage grids and bins of any dimensions.
Organization
Section titled “Organization”Cafeteria Trays
Section titled “Cafeteria Trays”- We borrowed this idea from FRC#3538
- Cafeteria trays make it very easy to organize fasteners, hardware, and tools while working on the robot. Work can be left over night in a semi-organized manner and doesn’t get lost as easily as parts just sitting on a table or on the floor.
Hefty HI-RISE Bins
Section titled “Hefty HI-RISE Bins”- We have begun switching to these bins for organization and mechanisms, as the larger lids allow more items to fit, and they are inexpensive and robust in our experience.
- They are sold at multiple vendors, including Walmart and Target.
Small Parts Organization
Section titled “Small Parts Organization”- Use small parts organizer to organize bolts, and small hardware.
- Examples: Swyft, Harbor Freight, Stanley