Educator Resource · Build Guide

Build the Game Board

Set up the Botball Explorer game board so your team can begin testing missions.

You Need: Game board mat · 4’x8’ (1.2192 m x 2.4384m) plywood board · 3 8’ (2.4384 m) two-by-fours · PVC Kit
Finish Line: A level, labeled board ready for mission practice

In order to match practice conditions with KIPR-hosted event conditions, we recommend following the full table build guide. However, if for any reason you can’t build a full table, a clean, smooth, solid floor may be used for practice purposes.

Specifications and Materials

Inside wall-to-wall dimensions:
- Length = 93±1/4" (2.362 m ± 6 mm)
- Width = 45±1/4" (1.143 m ± 6 mm)
All border walls on any table must have the same height and must fall within the range:
- Height = 2-1/2" (6.4 cm) min to 4" (10.2 cm) max

KIPR boards will be made with two-by-fours, as in the following table, but anything which falls in the range above is allowable.

Part	Description	Dimensions	Paint	Quantity
A	Table Surface: Smooth plywood	96" (2.438 m) x 48" (1.219 m) x minimum: 1/4" (0.635 cm)	Outside (optional)	1
B	Long Walls: Two-by-four	8’ Two-by-four: 96" (2.438 m) x 1.5" (3.8 cm) x 3.5" (8.9 cm)	Yes	2
C	Short Walls: Two-by-four	45" Two-by-four: 45" (1.143 m) x 1.5" (3.8 cm) x 3.5" (8.9 cm)	Yes	2
-	Wood screws	2.5" (6.4 cm)	-	~24
-	Matte black paint	-	-	1 qt (1 L)

The following parts should be included in your Botball Explorer kit.

Part	Description	Dimensions	Quantity
D	Long PVC	29.5" (74.93 cm)	1
E	Medium PVC	26" (66.04 cm)	2
F	Short PVC	3" (7.62 cm)	4
G	PVC T Connector	-	2
H	PVC Elbow Connector	-	2
I	Mat	45" x 93" (1.143 m x 2.3622 m)	1

Wooden Frame

First, screw the walls together on top of the base board.

Repeat at all four corners. Next, secure the base board to the walls.

With this, the wooden frame is complete! Now you can add the KIPR Botball Explorer mat and the loading dock (box).

PVC Assembly

Assemble the PVC as shown, with the longer piece on the right and the two medium ones in the center and left. Gluing the PVC connectors is not required for practice tables. You will probably need a hammer and cushioning cloth or soft mallet of some kind to make sure the PVC goes fully into the connectors. Be careful, especially if using a metal hammer, to use something to cushion the PVC.

As long as all of the PVC pieces were pushed all the way in, the PVC assembly should now line up perfectly with the outline on the top of the game mat.

Now, refer to the rulebook to arrange the pieces, and you are ready to play!