1 Recommended Tools
| Component | Part # | Quantity | Photo |
| Utility Knife | N/A | 1 | |
| Tape Measure | am-4986 | 1 | |
| 5/32 in. Hex Driver | am-2751 | 1 | |
| 3/8 in. Combination Wrench | am-4961 | 1 | |
| 3/8 in. Nut Driver | am-3877 | 1 | |
| 1/2 in. Combination Wrench | am-2746 | 1 | |
| 3/8 in. Impact Nutsetter | am-2755 | 1 | |
| Drill | N/A | 1 | |
| Safety Gloves | N/A | 1 | |
| Flush Cutters | am-3910a | 1 | |
| Carpenter Square | N/A | 1 |
2 Parts List – Individual Components
| Component | Part # | Quantity | Photo |
| Green ARTIFACT | am- 3376a_green | 12 | |
| Purple ARTIFACT | am- 3376a_purple | 24 | |
| Red Cable Ties (consumed with each build) | am-1552_red (or equivalent) | 5 | |
| Blue Cable Ties (consumed with each build) | am-1552_blue (or equivalent) | 5 | |
| Undertile Disk | am-5422 | 4 | |
| 1/4-20 x 1.25 in. long Hex Head Cap Screw | am-1738 | 4 | |
| 1/4-20 Wing nut | am-1705 | 4 | |
| 10-32 x 0.5 in. long Socket Head Cap Screw | am-1002 | 8 | |
| #10 Nylock Nut | am-1042 | 8 | |
| 1 in. Wide Gaffers Tape Red, Blue, and White (consumed with each build) | am-5700_tape (or equivalent) | 1 roll each |
3 Parts List – Pre-Built Assemblies
| Component | Part # | Quantity | Photo |
| Lower RAMP Assembly (Red) | am-5715_red (Partial) | 1 | |
| Lower RAMP Assembly (Blue) | am-5715_blue (Partial) | 1 | |
| GOAL and Upper RAMP Assembly (Blue) | am-5715_blue (Partial) | 1 | |
| GOAL and Upper RAMP Assembly (Red) | am-5715_red (Partial) | 1 |
| Component | Part # | Quantity | Photo |
| Blocker Panel Assembly (Red) | am-5715_red (Partial) | 1 | |
| Blocker Panel Assembly (Blue) | am-5715_blue (Partial) | 1 | |
| OBELISK Assembly | am-5705 | 1 | |
| ARTIFACT Tray | am-5706 | 2 |
4 Fasteners & Tightness
There are no specifications for torquing the various fasteners used on the
FIRST® Tech Challenge FIELD. Unless otherwise noted, all fasteners should
be fully tightened as part of the assembly process.
For general reference:
• No fasteners should deform the items being connected.
• Threadforming screws should be tightened until no threads are visible.
o When threaded into Churro Extrusion, they should be tightened until the Churro Extrusion
can no longer rotate when spun by hand.
• Screws threading into nylock nuts should be tightened until no threads are visible between the
screw head and nut, and the nut/screw combination can no longer rotate when spun by hand.
• Initial assembly may require loosely attaching Cable Ties to enable correct assembly.
o Fully secured Cable Ties should be tightened until they can no longer be pulled further by
hand, and the objects being connected do not move relative to each other.
5 Initial ARENA Planning
Before beginning FIELD setup, planning for the larger ARENA area should take place. This can mean
different things depending on if the FIELD is being set up in a school classroom or as part of a multi-
division Regional Championship.
When doing ARENA layout, it is important to consider things beyond the FIELD itself. Event planners
should be sure to include team/spectator/volunteer walkways, a scorekeeper’s table, timing screens,
volunteer snack cart, audience displays, queuing tables & paths, cart parking at the field, and more.
Please refer to the Tournament Guide for more information on event
planning, layout, and setup.
5.1 FIELD Surface
While every FIELD uses TILES, ROBOTS will perform differently depending on the surface under the
FIELD. We recommend that wherever possible, TILES are placed on top of a hard, level, and uniform
surface. This will enable the most consistent ROBOT performance. We also recommend that whatever
the surface conditions are for the FIELDS in the ARENA, similar conditions are available at any practice
FIELDS which are available. Consistency is most important. (If you must have carpet under practice
FIELDS, consider putting carpet under the FIELDS in the ARENA, and vice versa.)
6 TILE Coordinates
TILE coordinates are used to assist with FIELD setup. Figure 5-1 below defines the intersections/seams
of each of the TILES on the FIELD where the TILE tabs interlock. Figure 5-2 defines the grid coordinate
system for the TILES.
Figure 5-1: TILE tab-line locations
Figure 5-2: TILE locations
FIELD & Perimeter Assembly
7 FIELD & Perimeter Assembly
The primary version of the FIELD perimeter is the AndyMark FIRST® Tech Challenge Perimeter Kit (am-
0481), but other equivalent perimeters may be used. Detailed information about what FIELD
components may be used for official FIRST® Tech Challenge events is found in section 9 ARENA of the
DECODE Competition Manual.
Step 1
If using the AndyMark “FTC Field Perimeter”, follow theFTC Field Perimeter Setup Guideto construct
your FIELD perimeter. Scan or tap this QR code or tap the link above to view.
If using a different FIELD perimeter, follow its associated assembly guide. Note that different FIELD
perimeters will have varying heights, as listed in the table below.
Step 2
Assemble a [6 by 6] grid of tiles inside (or below) the FIELD perimeter. The tiles will be wider than the
inside of the perimeter.
TILE Sizes Vary- In the next step you will need to cut some of each “tab” off some TILES. Measure how
much material needs to be removed so your TILES will be centered inside the perimeter.
Note: TILES may be different than the ones shown.
Step 3
Make [16] Edge TILES: From [16] TILES, remove material from [1] edge. These will be used on the edges
of the FIELD.
Keep TILES Centered:Make sure to cut an equal amount from both sides of the field to ensure your
TILES remain approximately centered in the perimeter.
Step 4
Make [4] Corner TILES: From [4] TILES, remove material from [2] adjacent edges. These will be used in
the corners of the FIELD.
Step 5
Install the FIELD perimeter straps 6 in. away from the FIELD centerline on the perimeter walls as shown.
Use the cut TILES ([16] edge TILES, [4] corner TILES) to form the outer border of the FIELD floor inside
the FIELD perimeter. Fill in the rest of the floor with uncut TILES. In total there should be [36] TILES
placed in a [6 by 6] grid.
Centerline
Centerline
AUDIENCE
Step 6
Prepare the Undertile Disk Assemblies by inserting [1] Hex Head Bolt (am-1738) through the hole in [1]
Undertile Disk (am-5422). Ensure the head of the screw completely recesses into the disk. Prepare [4] of
these Undertile Disk Assemblies for a full FIELD.
4X
Step 7
Insert [4] Undertile Disk assemblies underneath the TILES at each location shown. The magnified
images identify the location where the bolt should stick through the TILES.
A6
B
C
D
E
F
5
4
3
2
1
AUDIENCE
OPTIONAL Step 8
Once the FIELD is in the correct location, some events will attach the FIELD perimeter to the surface on
which it rests. In this setup, teams will need to be aware that the FIELD perimeter will be more rigid and
behave differently than unattached FIELDS.
Typically, this is only done if the FIELD perimeter is sitting on a platform or stage using some form of
clamps or screws spaced evenly around the perimeter.
This should not be done when the FIELD is placed directly on a surface where damage is a concern.
(Don’t drive screws into the gymnasium floor.)
OPTIONAL Step 9 (IFI Perimeter Users Only)
In the corners above TILES A6 and F6, remove the top corner brackets. This may make these [2] FIELD
corners temporarily unstable until the GOAL is installed during a later step.
Initial Tape Installation
8 Initial Tape Installation
8.1 Recommended Tape
The tape used to mark lines and zones throughout the FIELD is 1 in. (2.50 cm) wide 3M™ Premium
Matte Cloth (Gaffers) Tape (GT1), orProGaff® Premium Professional Grade Gaffer Tape,or
comparable gaffers tape in red, electric blue, and white.
8.2 Line Variance
The tape lines are shown as continuous, but this is not required at official events:
• After applying the tape, event staff may cut the tape at the TILE seams so the TILES may be
removed without replacing the tape.
• Events may also apply the tape in multiple segments with gaps less than 1.25 in. +/- 0.25 in.
(3.15 cm +/- 0.65 cm) between segments spanning the TILE seams or at the end of tape
segments which end at a TILE seam.
REFEREES are instructed to treat these line segments as a continuous line segment, ignoring gaps,
when applying game rules.
8.3 Anti-Static Spray & Applying Tape
Before applying tape to the foam TILES, ensure the TILES are dry and clean of any debris, dust, or
contaminants.
Tape will more effectively stick to the foam TILES if it is applied before any anti-static compound is
sprayed on the TILES. FIRST® recommends that tape is installed before anti-static spray is applied. If
anti-static compound has already been sprayed on a TILE, it is important to ensure it is fully dry before
applying any tape. Vacuuming the field may negate the effects of anti-static spray.
Many types of tape use pressure-activated adhesive. To ensure the best performance, press firmly
along as much of the surface area of the tape as possible during installation.
Note: Almost all tape lines can be installed before the FIELD is assembled. Only the
DEPOT tape lines at the base of each GOAL need to be placed after the FIELD
elements are installed on the FIELD.
Initial Tape Install – Quick Reference:
For veteran DECODE FIELD builders who only need a quick reminder on tape locations and key
dimensions, this quick reference sheet provides all the basics for tape installation.
Where they are given, dimensions should be measured precisely according to FIELD specifications;
however, most of the tape lines are designed to be placed without needing a measuring device. These
lines start and end at fixed locations on the FIELD, and/or run adjacent to the seams of the TILE grid.
Refer to the Initial Tape Installation guide for more details.
Step 1Install LAUNCH LINE (Back)
There are [2] sets of white LAUNCH LINES on the FIELD.
The back LAUNCH LINE is in the shape of a “V” which runs from
the back corners of the FIELD to the center point of the FIELD on
TILES A6, B5, C4, D4, E5, and F6.
During installation, ensure the centerline of the tape is directly
aligned with the corners of the FIELD and the center point of the
FIELD, as defined by the [4] center TILES, at the TILE intersection
X3.
Care should be taken that the center of the tape line passes through each of the TILE junctions between
the FIELD corner and FIELD center to ensure the line is correctly placed. Tape lines that lead up to the
edge of the FIELD can be wrapped around the edge for a cleaner placement.
It may be easiest to install these [2] tape lines in an
overlapping “X” over the TILE intersection and then
using a sharp knife to trim the tape into the shape
shown.
Step 2Install LAUNCH LINE (Front)
The front LAUNCH LINE is made from [2] tape segments in the
shape of an inverted “V” which spans the [2] edge TILES C1 and D1
centered on the audience side of the FIELD (as shown).
During installation, ensure the centerline of the tape is directly over
these key locations:
First, each tape line should be centered
over the point at the TILE intersection X1
where the [4] TILES meet as shown.
It may be easiest to install these [2] tape
lines in an overlapping “X” over the TILE
intersection and then using a sharp knife to
trim the tape into the corner shown.
Second, each tape line should also be centered
over the point at the outside “perimeter facing”
edge of the foam TILES and the inside edge of
the TILE seam.
Tape lines that lead up to the edge of the FIELD
can be wrapped around the edge for a cleaner
placement.
Per section 8.2 Line Variance, in this guide:
Builders cutting the tapelines at TILE seams
may have small “extra” segments of tape.
These can be cut or omitted, such as the small
triangle at the corner of the LAUNCH LINE
triangle.
Step 3Install [2] BASE ZONES
There are [2] BASE ZONES on the FIELD, [1] constructed
from red tape and [1] from blue tape. They are located on
the FIELD relative to the foam TILE grid, as shown. The red
BASE ZONE is on TILE B2 and the blue is on TILE E2.
Each BASE ZONE is made from [4] segments of tape
measuring 18 in. (45.70 cm) long, forming a square.
The BASE ZONES are located such that they are lined up
against the inside edges of the TILE seams. Place each
square so [2] tape edges are adjacent to the TILE seams in
the locations shown. The red BASE ZONE is lined up with
tape adjacent to the TILE seams W and 1, and the blue BASE ZONE is lined up with tape adjacent to TILE
seams Y and 1.
Step 4Install [6] SPIKE MARKS
There are [6] white tape SPIKE MARKS on the FIELD used
for FIELD reset of SCORING ELEMENTS located relative to
the foam TILE grid, as shown. SPIKE MARKS are placed on
TILE pairs A4/B4, A3/B3, and A2/B2, each spanning TILE
seam V, and on TILE pairs E4/F4, E3/F3, and E2/F2, each
spanning TILE seam Z.
Each SPIKE MARK is placed along the centerline of a TILE
and evenly spans the TILE seam.
SPIKE MARKS are orthogonal to the TILE grid.
Cut [6] pieces of tape which are 10 in. (25.40 cm) long and place a
mark at the center point of each piece for reference.
Place each SPIKE MARK using the marked center points as a
reference for installation – the tape center point should be placed
at the middle of the TILE, evenly spread across the TILE seams, as
shown.
For most types of TILES, the “shark fin” tooth at the middle of the
TILE can be used as a reference for the center, as shown.
It is recommended builders use a “Square” of some kind to ensure
the SPIKE MARKS are orthogonal to the TILE grid.
Step 5Install [2] GATE ZONES
There are [2] GATE ZONES on the FIELD, [1] for each
ALLIANCE. Each GATE ZONE is made from [2] pieces of red or
blue tape.
The GATE ZONES are located on the FIELD relative to the
foam TILE grid, as shown.
The blue GATE ZONE is taped on TILES A3 and A4.
The red GATE ZONE is taped on TILES F3 and F4.
Cut [2] pieces of red tape and [2] pieces of blue tape each 10
in. (25.40 cm) long.
The tape lines are placed such that their ends start at TILE
seams V and Z and run toward the nearest perimeter wall and
parallel and adjacent to nearby TILE seam 3, as shown.
Step 6Install [2] LOADING ZONES
There are [2] LOADING ZONES on the FIELD, [1] for each
ALLIANCE. Each LOADING ZONE is made from [2] pieces
of white tape.
The LOADING ZONES are located on the FIELD relative to
the foam TILE grid, as shown. LOADING ZONES are in
TILES A1 and F1, in the corners on the audience side of the
FIELD with [2] tape lines bounding its inner edges.
The tape lines are placed such that their ends and side
edges are adjacent to nearby TILE seams 1, V, and Z, as
shown.
Step 7Install [2] SECRET TUNNEL ZONES
There are [2] SECRET TUNNEL ZONES on the FIELD, [1] for
each ALLIANCE. Each SECRET TUNNEL ZONE is made from
[1] piece of red or blue tape.
The SECRET TUNNEL ZONES are located on the FIELD
relative to the foam TILE grid, as shown. The red SECRET
TUNNEL ZONE is on TILES A2 and A3 spanning from TILE
seam 1 to 3. The blue SECRET TUNNEL ZONE is on TILES
F2 and F3 from TILE seam 1 to 3.
The tape lines are placed such that they are 16.75 in. (42.55
cm) away from the inside of TILE seam V or Z, respectively,
as shown.
ARENA Setup
WARNING
Metal parts MAY have sharp edges.
Be careful when handling them. Using
gloves is recommended. Sharp edges
can be deburred with a deburring tool
or sandpaper.
9 FIELD Element Installation
Step 1
Place each GOAL Assembly onto the FIELD, making sure the GOAL Border Brackets slip over the FIELD
perimeter, and the RAMP Support Bracket engages with the Undertile Disk assembly as shown. Secure
with [1] 1/4 −20 Wing Nut (am-1705) each.
Step 2
Place the Lower RAMP Assembly on the FIELD, as shown. Secure to the TILES with [1] 1/4-20 Wing Nut
(am-1705). Secure to the Upper RAMP Assembly using [4] 10-32 x 0.5 in. long screws (am-1002) and
[4] 10-32 nylock nuts (am-1042).
Warning: Ensure Lower RAMP is Properly Aligned
During assembly the RAMPS may be built with a slight “twist.” To ensure proper RAMP function, make
sure both RAMPS sit flat when placed on a flat level surface, with no twist down their length.
Step 3
Attach the Blocker Panel Assembly using [5] same ALLIANCE colored cable ties (am-1552) as shown.
Cable tie heads should be INSIDE the assembly. To make assembly easier do not tighten cable ties
until after the assembly is complete.
Once each assembly is complete, tighten and cut the tails off all cable ties.
10 Final ARENA Details
Step 1–Place [2] ALLIANCE AREAS
There are [2] ALLIANCE AREAS in the
ARENA, adjacent to the FIELD, [1]
constructed from red tape and [1] from blue
tape. The red ALLIANCE AREA is on the left
of the FIELD, and the blue is on the right of
the FIELD, from the audience’s perspective.
Each ALLIANCE AREA is defined by [3]
segments of tape. The ALLIANCE AREAS
are 54 in. (137.15 cm) wide and run along
the sides of the FIELD for 96 in. (243.85
cm) starting from the corners at the
audience end of the FIELD.
The tape line at the end of each ALLIANCE
AREA is placed colinear with the side of the
FIELD perimeter closest to the audience.
Step 2–Install [2] DEPOTS
There are [2] DEPOTS on the FIELD, [1] for each ALLIANCE. Each
DEPOT is made from [1] piece of white tape.
The DEPOT tape lines should be placed after the GOALS have been
installed on the FIELD.
Each DEPOT tape line runs along the bottom of the GOAL and is
adjacent to the bottom edge of the front plastic GOAL panel, as shown.
The ends of each DEPOT tape line can be cut with a sharp knife to end
cleanly at the side plastic panels or they may be “tucked” under the
side plastic panels.
Step 3–Place OBELISK
The OBELISK is placed in the ARENA on
the side of the FIELD opposite the
audience.
The OBELISK is placed approximately at
the center of the FIELD and TILE seam X,
adjacent to the FIELD perimeter,
contacting the perimeter wall. Since the
OBELISK is rotated each MATCH, its
position is approximate.
The OBELISK has a notch centered at the
top and bottom of each face which can
be used by FIELD STAFF as a reference
for placement and adjustment of the
OBELISK.
Note: The OBELISK is not intended to be deterministic relative to the FIELD coordinate system and
should not be used for ROBOT navigation.
TOP TIP for Happy Refs: Label the OBELISK. To assist in rotating the OBELISK to the correct side
during FIELD randomization, it is recommended that the back of each panel on the inside of the
OBELISK is labeled with the MOTIF code shown on the front face (i.e., 21 - GPP, 22 - PGP, 23 - PPG).
This can be done using a marker or label maker.
If there are already MOTIF codes labeled on the inside of the OBELISK, ensure that the labeled MOTIF
codes match the AprilTag on the corresponding face outside of the OBELISK.
Step 4–Place SCORING ELEMENTS
There are [24] purple (P) and [12] green (G)
ARTIFACTS used in DECODE. The FIELD is
symmetrical from right to left, from the
audience perspective.
To prevent them rolling around, the on-FIELD
ARTIFACTS should all be placed with [1] of the
holes in contact with the foam TILES.
Each ALLIANCE AREA includes [6] ARTIFACTS
(4P,2G) which start in the ARTIFACT tray.
These are not in any specific order and can be
pre-loaded into ROBOTS before the start of
each MATCH.
There are [3] ARTIFACTS in each LOADING ZONE, placed contacting
the FIELD perimeter wall adjacent to each ALLIANCE AREA and directly
or transitively contacting the front FIELD perimeter wall. These are
both arranged in the PGP configuration, as shown.
There are [6] sets of [3] ARTIFACTS pre-staged on the SPIKE MARKS
with specific color configurations, as shown.
Note, the MOTIF for these ARTIFACTS is read (e.g., GPP) starting from
the middle of the FIELD and continuing toward the FIELD perimeter.
For each of these sets, the middle
ARTIFACT is placed such that it is directly
on top of the center of the SPIKE MARK
over the center of the TILE seam, with the
outside ARTIFACTS placed in contact with
the middle ARTIFACT and overhanging the
SPIKE MARK.
Note: to aid in FIELD reset, it may help to
place a small colored mark on each SPIKE
MARK corresponding to the correct
colored ARTIFACT in each location.
11 FIELD & ARENA Quick Reference
For veteran DECODE FIELD builders who only need a reminder on specific locations and dimensions:
DECODE Element Disassembly for
Storage & Transportation
12 Element Disassembly for Storage & Transport
During the season, a FIRST® Tech Challenge FIELD will be set up, taken down, moved, and re-assembled
multiple times. These FIELDS are designed to be partially disassembled for transport without needing
to fully disassemble every component. Below are the steps to prep the FIELD for movement:
Step 1
Cut ONLY the [5] cable ties that attach each Blocker Panel Assembly to each GOAL, as shown.
Warning: Do not cut additional cable ties. This will result in unnecessary disassembly. If needed, refer to
the “Initial FIELD Element Assembly Guide” for help rebuilding the Blocker Panel Assembly.
Step 2
Unscrew the [2] 1/4-20 Wing Nuts (am-1705) that attach each GOAL to the Undertile Disks.
Step 3
Undo the [4] 10-32 x 0.5 in. long screws (am-1002) and [4] 10-32 nylock nuts (am-1042) connecting the
Lower RAMP Assembly to the Upper RAMP Assembly and disconnect the [2] assemblies.
Repeat for both Lower RAMP Assemblies.
Step 4 – Ship it!
Pack the FIELD. No additional disassembly is required or recommended. The GOAL, lower RAMP, and
Blocker Panel Assemblies can be packed and transported with the rest of the FIELD.
Revision History
Revision
Date
Description
9/5/2025
Initial Release