RoboRIO not getting power.

[anthonygraff24]

We have pretty much the worst possible problem at this stage in the build. The RoboRIO isn't getting power and we cannot figure out why. The wires are securely connected to the Power Board and to the RoboRIO and EVERYTHING on the bot is lighting up (indicating power) except the RoboRIO. We've tried reconnecting the wires and at this point the only thing that I can think could be wrong is that the RoboRIO is shorted. If that is what has happened then we are pretty royally f***ed. Please someone try to help me out and find what the problem is because I'll probably go insane if this is shorted. :eek: :eek: :eek:

[rich2202]

Did you install the little fuse on the PDP next to the roboRIO power connector?

[feverittm]

Could you have blown the small fuse on the PDP that protects the RoboRio circuit?

[anthonygraff24]

Yes we installed the little fuse

[anthonygraff24]

How could we tell if we blew the small fuse on the PDP?

[rich2202]

You can pull the fuse and look at it.

Or, you can remove the power wires from the roboRio and use a volt meter to make sure you are getting 12 volts (careful not to accidentally short the wires, or you will blow the fuse).

Make sure you check your polarity. I think the roboRIO has circuits to prevent blowing the roboRIO if you have reverse polarity.

If:
1) You have 12 volts on the wires
2) You have long enough leads on the wires
3) You have proper polarity
4) Inserted the wires correctly
then you probably need a new roboRIO.

[Deetman]

If you can post some pictures of your wiring from the power board to the roboRIO that would probably be helpful.

[GeeTwo]

The first thing to check is to see if the voltage is coming out of the PDP on the port to the RoboRIO.

If not, the fuse next to the port is the first place to look.

If it is, check at the 'RIO end of the power cable to be sure you don't have a broken wire.

If you're getting voltage at the 'RIO input, but the lights aren't coming on, it's time to look at National Instruments documentation. If you can't find anything on this in a reasonable amount of time (an hour or two), contact them - the NI documentation and website are well known for being terrific at some things and terrible at others.

[anthonygraff24]

The first thing to check is to see if the voltage is coming out of the PDP on the port to the RoboRIO.

If not, the fuse next to the port is the first place to look.

If it is, check at the 'RIO end of the power cable to be sure you don't have a broken wire.

If you're getting voltage at the 'RIO input, but the lights aren't coming on, it's time to look at National Instruments documentation. If you can't find anything on this in a reasonable amount of time (an hour or two), contact them - the NI documentation and website are well known for being terrific at some things and terrible at others.

What exactly do you mean by the National Instruments Documentation?

[rich2202]

What exactly do you mean by the National Instruments Documentation?

https://decibel.ni.com/content/servlet/JiveServlet/download/30419-60-90614/roboRIO%20User%20Manual.pdf

from here:
https://wpilib.screenstepslive.com/s/4485/m/24166/l/144968-2015-frc-control-system-hardware-overview

and this info:
https://decibel.ni.com/content/docs/DOC-40980

But, power is pretty fool proof. If you have power at the connector, and the polarity is correct, the roboRIO should light up. If it doesn't light up, there is not much you can do.

[juchong]

Could the two wires coming from the PDP be reversed? Black to "C" and red to "V".

[scca229]

Could you possibly have the insulation crimped on either the PDB or RoboRIO?

[philso]

Probe the two screws on the power connector of your RoboRio. You should be able to measure your battery voltage there if the wiring to that point is correct.