Budget

Budget:

We are very fortunate. As a result of the emphasis our school places on STEM, our administration has entrusted our team with a robust budget. Our rover and the trip to Alabama are supported by the school’s operational budget. This year we have also been fortunate to continue our relationship with three key sponsors (American Water Jet, KS Analytical Systems, and Truxx Outfitters) who have supported our work by allowing us to utilize machining equipment free of charge to cut out components and to learn more about fabrication. Truxx Outfitters donated the truck bed liner material for our wheels.

Our goal this year was to have the entire cost of the rover (including telemetry systems) come in at or below $4,000.00. Our overhaul of the frame design, which utilized more aluminum than previous years, caused our frame costs to increase. We attempted to reduce the cost of our drivetrain by forgoing differentials, but the Hammerschmidt cranksets were expensive. Furthermore, the sprag freewheel bearings, replacements for the differentials, were a significant financial investment, but one we felt justified due to their durability and ease of assembly. We can share the final cost of the 2018 rover is $4,598.56. The cost of breakout of our major subsystems is shown below:

❏ Frame - $768.38

❏ Drivetrain - $2,385.91

❏ Wheels - $842.41

❏ Telemetry - $372.48

❏ Seats - $229.38