CORE SPECIFICATION

You must print off the full specification – you can download it below. This is the specification that will be used for the judging process.

The guidelines below are for on-line reference only. The complete specification can be downloaded here.

The Challenge

Track
• A time limit will be announced on the day for the completion of each run of the course. NOTE: the time limit will be more than sufficient for students to complete the course whilst adhering to Land Rover´s Tread Lightly principle, which is expected to be maintained at all times
• The track will be split into stages, and successful completion of each part of a stage will be rewarded with the accumulation of points
• Failure to manoeuvre a stage will not mean forfeiting the entire run. The vehicle will be moved forward to the next stage by a track official
• Each team will be given two attempts on the track and the best score will be counted.
The order will be decided on the day for the first attempt
• If a vehicle breaks down it will forfeit that run
• If a vehicle breaks down during the first attempt on the track, it may take part in run two if it is repaired by the time the team is called for its second run
• It should be noted that the track MAY BE elevated up to one metre above the floor, and so speed control is essential to avoid damage to the vehicles
• At the beginning of the Regional Heats and National Final you may be asked to declare the radio control frequency and channel being used. This is to identify teams who are using the same frequency and thus avoid interference
• You will be asked not to turn on your transmitter except when it is your turn to compete
You MAY also be asked to hand in your transmitters at the beginning of the day and only be issued with them when it is your turn to compete.
• The track MAY or MAY NOT also include the following:
- Simulated sand – this will be a non-abrasive material of approx. 5mm diameter 
- Water crossing with a maximum depth of 50mm

Personnel
Each team must consist of four to six students. Teams of more than six will not be allowed to enter the competition.The young people may all be the same age or a mixture of different ages. Educational establishment may set up teams with young people across year groups.

Vehicle size
The vehicle must not exceed the following dimensions:
Length : 350mm*
Width : 200mm* 
Height (excluding aerials) : 200mm*

*Size restrictions have been imposed for a reason. If the vehicle is outside the given dimensions it will not only lose marks in the judging section, but it may be very difficult to manoeuvre over some sections of the already tight course.

Aerials must be very flexible so as not to be an obstacle.

Wheels and drive
• The vehicle must be powered by an electric motor or motors
• The vehicle must have four wheels
• All wheels must be driven
• The vehicle must be capable of forward and reverse drive
• Tracked vehicles are not allowed
 

4x4 technology
• The approach angle must be a minimum of 25°
• The departure angle must be a minimum of 25°
• The breakover angle must be a minimum of 20°
• The ground clearance must be a minimum of 20mm
 
 
Body and steering
• The typical weight of the vehicles participating in the TrackNAVCHALLENGE is 1.8kg. Vehicles weighing less will be awarded additional marks at the 2008/09 Regional Heats and National Final
• The vehicle must have a body shell that covers the main mechanical elements and which is positively retained
• The vehicle must be able to turn left and right
• Tank or skid steering is NOT permitted

Standard equipment
The following radio control equipment will need to be purchased if you have not participated in TrackNAVCHALLENGE before:

• At the minimum, a standard two-channel radio control system with a digital speed controller
• A battery pack which has a maximum of 7.4v and 2500mAh
The cost of the radio control equipment is not part of the budget allocated for the build of the vehicle. Land Rover has, as detailed below, recommended suppliers of certain components which you may require; however you are free to purchase components from whichever supplier you choose.

All of the above can be obtained through a Ripmax dealer – details of which can be found on the Ripmax website www.ripmax.com or your local radio control model shop.

All Ripmax dealers are aware of the TrackNAVCHALLENGE and can also help you identify and purchase other components for your vehicle.

In addition, Rapid Electronics are prepared to offer a 10% discount for all schools involved in the Land Rover TrackNAVCHALLENGE. Rapid's website is: www.rapidonline.com.

Rapid Electronics are also happy to provide advice through their technical department for the electronic tasks if you need it.
 
 
Vehicle electronics
• The vehicle must have a lateral tilt detection system to trigger lights or a buzzer on the vehicle when the angle of tilt is greater than 25°
• The vehicle must have an automated system to turn the vehicle lights on when the light level drops to 25 lux
 
 
TrackNAVCHALLENGE Guidelines – Additional Tasks

Teams who have participated in TrackNAVCHALLENGE previously usually undertake this additional task, but it is open to all participants.

Teams who participate in the Additional Task Section must declare this at the time of entry for the Regional Heats.

The additional task for 2008/09 is:

The Winch Test
If you are fitting a winch to your vehicle you need to be aware of the following:

• Your vehicle should be fitted with a winch that fits the overall vehicle size (i.e. maximum vehicle length 350mm). The winch can be removable (i.e. only fitted for this test) or permanent
• The winch must have the capability to pull a slave vehicle up a slope of one metre long

To test the capability of your winch the following will apply:

• Your vehicle will remain stationary at the top of the slope and be secured to an anchor post behind it. You are responsible for providing a securing device to put around the post
• The platform that your vehicle is stationary on will be about 600mm long to enable the slave vehicle being winched up to come on top of it
• A strip of 'chequer plate' will be at the top of the slope to guide your winch rope
• The angle of the slope you will pull the slave vehicle up may have an adjustable slope which starts at 30°, rises to 40° and further rises to 60°

The diagram in the Specification section illustrates how the test will be set up.