Vehicle+Specs

Junior Solar Sprint

2009 Vehicle Specifications

1. One of each of the following parts is required for each vehicle: a. JSS Solar Panel sold by Solar World, cannot be shaved, drilled or delaminated. b. A Pitsco motor 280, part #54428, cannot be re-wound or disassembled. Reflectors, supports, and power leads may be added to these components as needed. 2. Students must design and build their own bearing systems. Purchased or manufactured bearings will not be allowed. 3. The remainder of the vehicle can be made from any other materials. 4. The vehicle may not be larger than 30 cm (12 inches) wide by 60 cm (24 inches) long by 30 cm (12 inches high). 5. The solar vehicle must be structurally sound, so it will not interfere with other vehicles in the race. 6. In case of bad weather, a battery pack with two AA batteries supplied by the race coordinators must be fastened to the vehicle by Velcro. Each vehicle must have a battery area with piece of coarse Velcro, as the packs will have the fuzzy side Velcro fixed to them. The solar panel must easily disconnect from the motor and allow simple connection of lead from the motor to the battery pack (captains will only have 5 seconds to connect it in the race). 7. A 3 cm x 3 cm (~ 1 in x 1 in) surface must be available for the car number. 8. The vehicle must carry a payload of 1 empty 12 oz. Aluminum soda can. Each team must bring their own can on race day, although judges may replace it at their discretion. Judges may inspect any vehicle at any time during race day. 9. The vehicle must be powered solely by the sun’s energy. No energy storage devices (e.g flywheel battery) may be used in conjunction with the solar panel. 10. The vehicle will be guided via a wire that runs the length of the track (typically fishing line). The vehicle must be attached to the guide wire by at least 1 attachment point during the entire race. The vehicle must be easily attached (and removed) from the wire without disconnecting the guide wire. 11. The vehicle must be of students own design and manufactured from the current school year. No car or major part thereof, from a previous year shall be allowed to compete. Teams from each school must have a unique car design.