Panasonic Ideas for Life - Creative Design Challenge

Frequently Asked Questions

Team Eligibility

Technical

Material Usage

Team Eligibility
1.	Q. Is there a restriction on what grade the students are from. Do all team members have to be from one grade level or can students be from all four HS grade levels to participate? A.All four high school grade levels can participate (9-12). The 3 team members do not have to come from the same grade.
2.	Q. I know that only 3 students can participate in the Challenge, but can more than 3 students work on the design with the understanding that only 3 students with represent the team at the actual competition? A.Yes, students participating in the competition can seek outside assistance from teachers, parents, fellow students, etc. However, the names registered with Panasonic and listed in the official CDC logbook can participate in the preliminary competition, the oral presentation, logbook entries and final competition. The other students who helped with the design will not be recognized and will not be allowed to participate at the Preliminary and Final Challenge. The oral presentations are private and only the registered team members and advisor(s) will be allowed in the room. All entries into the logbook must be made by the registered team members. Finally, if the team happens to win, the scholarship money and/or Panasonic product will only be given to the registered team members.

Technical
1 .	Q. Is there a specified number of batteries we can use for our device? A. All batteries or a portion of the batteries can be used in your device - (6) 9V and (8) AA. You are not permitted to use more than this amount.
2 .	Q. Would it be possible to use servos with remote control to steer the robotic device? Is it possible to use a wireless remote control from a toy car or do we have to be built it from the ground up? A. Using servos with remote control is not permitted. Using a wireless remote control from a toy car is not permitted. These devices are not included on our list of approved materials.
3 .	Q. Are teams allowed to use a potentiometer as a switch in the Challenge? A. Using a potentiometer as a switch is not permitted. This device is not included on our list of approved materials.
4 .	Q. Is there a limitation on how we wire our (6) allotted 9V batteries? Is there a voltage/current limitation (series and parallel)? A. The guidelines explain the voltage range for motors (10 -13 volts). If a team decides to use anything more than that, you could run the risk of motor burnout and ultimately a loss for the team. Discretion should be used when making this decision.
5 .	Q. May we build a wireless remote to control our device? A. Using a wireless remote is not permitted.
6 .	Q. Are we allowed to use a chip to make the remote controlled device? A. Using a chip is not permitted.
7 .	Q. What is the rated continuous output of the provided AA and 9 Volt batteries? A. AA Evolta = 3400 milli-amp-hours capacity when continuously discharged at 25 milli-amps to an end voltage of 0.8 volts. AA Digital = 3100 milli-amp-hours capacity when continuously discharged at 25 milli-amps to 0.8 volts. 9V Digital = 600 milli-amp-hours capacity when continuously discharged at 25 milli-amps to an end voltage of 4.8 volts.
8 .	Q. The motor when hooked to the battery runs very fast. We are trying to figure a way to reduce the voltage. I saw that on the FAQ’s that servos and rheostats are not permitted. The only way we have researched was shorting the battery. However, this way may result in problems. What is permitted that may be of help? A. Our management team cannot make any suggested alternative methods to slowing down the motor. We believe that finding a solution or exploring the possibilities of a solution to this problem is part of the competition.

Material Usage
1 .	Q. The list of accepted materials says we can use modeling clay. Does this include Play-Doh or Crayola Model Magic? A. You can use Play-Doh or Crayola Model Magic. However, it is not recommended because Play-Doh becomes rigid when left out of its container and exposed to the air for a day or more. This is quoted from the Play-Doh web site. "PLAY-DOH compound is designed to use over and over again. If allowed to harden (to preserve a creation), it will most likely crack. Look for oven curable clay at your local craft stores to make long lasting creations.” The website also states that if water is added to the clay, it could be restored to softness." Crayola® compound dries to a resilient consistency within 24-36 hours without kiln firing.
2 .	Q. Can the tethered control box be made of wood? A. No. Wood is not included on our list of approved material.
3 .	Q. Why is foam not included on the list of approved materials? A. Our environmental department reviewed our list of materials, and in keeping with the environmentally friendly theme, they instructed us to remove foam from our list of materials. Foam will not be allowed in this year’s competition.
4 .	Q. Are CD plugs permitted as a material? A. No. They are not included on our approved list of materials.
5 .	Q. Can we use metal ball bearings or ball bearings of any material? A. No. They are not included on our approved list of materials.
6 .	Q. Are snap rings or external retaining clips permitted, under the umbrella of washers? A. No. they are not permitted.
7 .	Q. Can we use Lego’s that are not included with the CDC material kit to build our device and can we use rubber tires that are from a toy car? A. You are not permitted to use other Lego parts that are not provided in the kit. Items not listed on the approved list of materials cannot be used in your device. This includes rubber tires from a toy car.
8 .	Q. Is fishing line permitted, falling under the umbrella of “string and thread”? Is spider wire permitted under the umbrella of “wire”? A. Using fishing line and spider wire is not permitted.
9 .	Q. Can WD40 lubricant be used? A. This type is of liquid is not permitted
10 .	Q. Are we allowed to use metal axle rods, as well as the supplied Lego ones? Can we use ball bearings in the axles? Is Carbon Fiber allowed? In the hand control, are we allowed to put a small computer fan in, to reduce heat and create air circulation? This would be run off of a separate circuit, but still only using the supplied batteries. A. All items are not included on approved material list: Metal axle rods: Not permitted, but you can use wooden dowels as axles Ball bearings: Not permitted Carbon fiber: Not permitted Computer fan: Not permitted
11 .	Q. On the list of approved materials it lists “switches”. Does that include things like potentiometers and other variable output switches that could be used to control motor speed? Or is the switch strictly a 2-way on and off switch. A. You will not be allowed to use a potentiometer. The switches are used to maneuver the device forward, backward, sideways, off and on.
12 .	Q. 1) For the control pad, are we allowed to use the following project box? http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062281 2) Lastly, for the wires connecting the pad to the controller, can we make our own wires and ports by using these pieces? http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102865 A. Both items are not permitted
13 .	Q. I noticed that foam is not permitted. Does this include all foam materials? There are many different Types - liquid foam, floral foam, Styrofoam etc. Students want to use Styrofoam for their traction Tires, is this permitted? A. Styrofoam will not be permitted, as well as the other foam items that are mentioned.
14 .	Q. Can we use rigid insulation? A. This insulation is made out of foam. If so, it is not permitted. This item is not listed on our approved material list.
15 .	Q. Can we us Nalgene water bottles? A. These water bottles are not permitted. Also, these water bottles have raised concerns for being hazardous to your health.
16 .	Q. Just confirm, pre-shaped cardboard (as used for posters, packaging, etc.) is permissible for “cardboard”? A. Yes, you can use pre-shaped cardboard.
17 .	Q. Can we use wood putty? A. Yes, will permit the use of wood putty.
18 .	Q. I have a team that has a question regarding one of the materials on the list. Electromagnets are listed. Their question is whether they may use a solenoid. It is going to be used to create linear motion in a manner similar to those used in pinball machines. It will consist of a coil of wire and the solid steel core rod. A. Your team cannot use a pre-built solenoid but they can construct their own solenoid using the parts on the allowable parts list. The materials of the solenoid need to be documented in your logbook.
19 .	Q. May we use guitar switches as a toggle switch on the remote control. A. Yes, will permit the use of guitar switches. However, resistors and potentiometers are not permitted.
20 .	Q. Can I use masonite (type of cardboard) for robot? A. No, we will not permit the use of masonite.
21 .	Q. Can I use a 1900 metal electric box for the control box? A. No, we will not permit the use of the metal electric box.
22 .	Q. Can I use house switches? A. Yes, house switches can be used.