Updated September 13, 2024
Detailed directions and measurements on setting up an Aerial Drone Competition Field can be found in the Competition Manual. Below are some tips and tricks to assist Event Partners in setting up fields for teamwork and/or skills missions.
Setting up Solid Panels for Mission 2025: Gravity
Step 1: Place one side of the double sided sticky tape on the back of the bracket.
Step 2: Identify the center of the Solid Panel (8.5 inches) and draw a line down the center.
Step 3: Make a mark 3' from the top and bottom of the Solid Panel.
Step 4: Attach the brackets, by removing the 2nd side of the double sided sticky tape and pressing down on the panel. The bracket edge should align with the 3" mark.
Step 5: Attach to Keyhole Gate Pole so the top of the Panel aligns with the bottom of the Keyhole Gate
Setting up Drop Zones for Mission 2025: Gravity
Step 1: Place the Velcro Circles on the Connector (this connector is white, but yours will be black).
Step 2: Place the Connector in the center of the 6” circle.
Step 3: Place the connector through the hole on the mat.
Step 4: Attach the pole to both connectors.
Reusing PVC from Mission 2024: Eclipse to create Mission 2025: Gravity
If you have PVC from Mission 2024, we have the following recommendations to reuse as much of the pieces from last season as possible.
- Cut the 45" piece into: three 14" pieces
- Cut the 30" piece into one 24" piece
- Cut five 10" pieces into five 8" pieces
- Cut one 10" piece into one 6" piece
- Purchase five @ 10' pieces and cut those into 5' sections
- Purchase two couplers
- Purchase six 90 degree angles
Please refer to the Competition Manual for PVC required to create the entire competition field.
Note: If you are setting up a practice field only, you can eliminate the PVC boarder to save on costs.
Field Element Assembly
Be Aware of Drafts
When determining where to place your competition fields consider air flow and traffic flow. If possible, avoid placing fields directly under vents that blow air or near doors that will be opening and closing during the competition. This is especially important for the Autonomous Flight Mission Fields.
Cutting PVC
There are many options for cutting your PVC. A hacksaw, miter saw and PVC Cutters are all common tools. The PVC Cutters are a favorite among Coaches and Event Partners. In the US, they run about $10 - $20 at your local hardware store.
Sorting/Storing your PVC
Mark your PVC with the length by writing on the end, using colored sharpies or adding colored tape using the same colors used in the Competition Manual. Whenever possible, our team uses the same sizes/colors from season to season. This way you can easily identify the length of the piece for quick field set up.
Blackout Screen Bags
In your field element kit, you will receive two gray bags. Fill these with sand or water to hold down the feet of the blackout screen. If using water, DO NOT FILL all the way. You only need about 1/2 inch to 1 inch of water to provide enough weight to hold it down.
Tension Wires, Tie Downs, and Nesting Feet
Tension Wire: The tension wires should be placed so they are sitting just above the metal tube as shown in the photo below.
Tie Downs: Using the black stings to tie down the arch gates gives the field a cleaner, smoother look and feel.
Nesting Feet: Note that each foot has a long side and a short side. When "nesting" feet, If you line up the long side to the long side (and short side to the short side) you can intertwine them for easier set up as shown below.