How do you wire the DC/DC converter?

[random_hero]

We are working with our extra robot for something to do in our down time. We have blown 2 D-Link bridges when powering on our robot.

We are going from the 12V port on the power distribution blue thing, to the dc/dc converter, then from the dc/dc converter to the bridge. As the negative cable on the d-link cable that we cut, we are using the wire with the dashes on it, which i assume was the negative cable. What are we doing wrong? Thanks.

[MrForbes]

Probably what you are doing wrong is assuming that the dashes means negative.

Look at the label on the bridge, does it have a little drawing of the power connection and + and - labels?

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Random,
Regardless of whether you think you have done the correct wiring, prudence demands that you get a meter and check that the polarity and voltage at the connector matches the bridge before you plug it in. It is very easy to use a meter to check continuity to the inner and outer terminals of the plug.

[Ether]

We are working with our extra robot for something to do in our down time. We have blown 2 D-Link bridges when powering on our robot.

We are going from the 12V port on the power distribution blue thing, to the dc/dc converter, then from the dc/dc converter to the bridge. As the negative cable on the d-link cable that we cut, we are using the wire with the dashes on it, which i assume was the negative cable. What are we doing wrong? Thanks.

This (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12337&stc=1&d=1332005913) is from page 30 of Getting Started with the 2012 FRC Control System (http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/uploadedFiles/Robotics_Programs/FRC/Game_and_Season__Info/2012_Assets/Getting%20Started%20with%20the%202012%20FRC%20Cont rol%20System_2.pdf).

As you can see, the center pin (green arrow) is positive and the shield (red arrow) is negative. Use a cheap ohmmeter to figure out which wire is negative.

[cgmv123]

Use a cheap ohmmeter to figure out which wire is negative.

My experience has been that the wire with the dashes is center-pin/positive. TEST FIRST! Your mileage may vary.