2007 Region 1
GOLD Conference
GOLD Hovercraft
Competition
Goal: To build the fastest hovercraft that will travel a straight
distance of 50 feet in the quickest time possible.
|
Saturday,
April 28, 2007
8:00am to 12:00 noon
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Teaneck, New Jersey
|
First
Prize: $250 Cash
Second Prize: $150 Cash
Third Prize: $100 Cash |
Contact:
Uri Moszkowicz
GOLD Competition Chair
E-mail: uim@ieee.org |
Who can
participate?
All IEEE GOLD
members.
What is this
event about?
To test
individual creativity in both model-building and circuit design
skills. No off-the-shelf models or kits will be accepted. The craft has
to be built from raw components.
What are the
constraints in the competition?
2 AA-sized
Duracell "Coppertop" alkaline batteries.
Participants are free to use any material and components of
their own choosing. The constraint is that the model must
operate and resemble a hovercraft (no wheels, cannot take off from the
ground like a plane, etc.) As long as the model operates using the
principles used in a hovercraft, and is powered by 2 AA batteries,
participants are given the freedom to use any
circuits/motors/materials/design, etc.
How is the
competition judged?
Participants
have to make sure that their hovercraft model has enough
power to hover over a (walled) straight course to the finish line 50
ft. away. The craft that reaches the finish line in the shortest time
wins. If nobody makes it to the finish line, the craft that
could travel the longest distance will be chosen as the winner.
Each craft will be run and timed individually.
Where can I
get help?
Design ideas
are widely available on the internet. Participants will
need to figure out a way to design power boost circuitry to
power the craft for that short time from the two batteries.
How do I
sign up?
Participants
will initially just need to give their contact information. However, 2
days prior to the competition, they will need to submit a 1-page
description on their designs and why they were chosen. Participants are
also required to give a short presentation on their models to
spectators before running their crafts.
