One theory rumbling about is the idea of the kart kit. The purpose? Modeled after FIRST FRC, students would probably enjoy learning about the components, tech and science of a kart if they actually got their hands on one, something easy to build. This would hopefully facilitate discussion of the parts themselves, but also encourage learning about how to improve the kart.

The Kart Kit should be the most basic, so students can see some upgrades very easily to start. For example, start with just one motor, driving one wheel. We would hope students could theorize that adding a second motor to the other wheel would be an upgrade. Then considerations for a different drive altogether (live vs dead axle), maybe a differential, etc.

(A STEP file, picture and other info will be posted by this weekend. Frameworks is the company that has helped design the frame with a 50% school discount to build/sell, and we have other sources to share.)

Here is a link to a Google Drive which contains some frame concepts. https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0Bz1uEnTBg46Qa1UyU0pYbTEwZ00&usp=sharing

In short, one uses a VersaFrame (and it's WAY too big, but within PPPRS regs) as well as an 8020 frame. We received a quote from tslots.com to make the frame for about $250 (50% off for schools). I think the 8020 could be more simplified, and hence cheaper.

Steering - AZPartsUSA.com will give us 30% for their products, which could be the steering system.

Motors - our concepts used a 24V 350W motor from monsterscooterparts.com, and their throttle, motor controller, etc. Will work on a discount there, but also contacting myamigo.com to see if they would give us old scooters.

Electric - we have been using a pair of 12V SLAs, and the monsterscooterparts controllers, throttles.

Brakes - yeah, we're working on that. Probably should prioritize it, currently using FF method (Fred Flintstone).

Wheels and other are from VEXRobotics.com We are trying their 4-inch rubber tread wheels, 32 tooth #25 chain sprocket, hex shaft for the rear dead axle, and hex bearings from them too.