Old and New

[rwhidby]

My name is Ricky and I am from team 519. I have two questions. Can we use the power distribution block from 05, and if we can use it, can we use the ground screw that came in the 06 kit with it.

Thanks in advance
Ricky
Team 519

[Mike Schroeder]

Included in the rules were :<R43> Specific items allowed include:
• Additional HITEC HS-322S servos.
• Additional Victor 884 Speed Controllers and Spike Relays, as needed.
• Additional solenoid valves, air cylinders, and connecting fittings.
• Teams may purchase either one additional 4-slot Maxi-block circuit breaker panel OR one 2005 FRC
circuit breaker panel, and utilize it on their 2006 robot in addition to the circuit breaker panels provided in
the kit of parts.
© FIRST 2006 FIRST Robotics Competition Manual, Section 5 – The Robot, Rev A Page 13 of 30
• Teams may utilize one or two additional small CIM motors (part #FR801-001) in addition to those
provided in the kit of parts. This means that you may use up to four, and no more, small CIM motors on
the robot.


and Ironically there is also a link :
http://www2.usfirst.org/2005comp/Drawings/2005_ROBOT_POWER_DISTRIBUTION.pdf

that shows how the electronics have to be layed out if you choose to use the 2k5 IFI power distro panel

its amazing what you can find when you read the manual and check the documents and updates

[Al Skierkiewicz]

In quiring minds want to know...Why if you use the IFI breaker panel would you want to use the ground stud?

[Elgin Clock]

In quiring minds want to know...Why if you use the IFI breaker panel would you want to use the ground stud?

Well... part of my mind says that "hey, using 2 ground studs opens possibilities to adding more electronics, cause you have 2 posts to attach ground wires to."

But, then the second half of my mind says "hey, wait a minute! won't having 2 ground studs close the system, and/or shunt it"?

So, i usually have 2 logics, and it's a constant struggle trying to decide which logic to use.

Can you add anything to the conversation between my 2 minds to give me a definite answer Al? Which one is right? Or, are they both right, or are they both wrong?

[rwhidby]

The reason I asked the question is because the way are robot is laid out, the quick disconnect connector from the battery to the IFI Breaker panel is not long enough. Of course we could buy or make an extension to fix that problem, but we already had the ground stud mounted and wired and at this point we didn't really want to start redesigning are electrical board. But from the replies I have received, I think I'll have to buy or make an extension.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Please ask this in the Q&A so we can get some clarification. Electrically, there should be no reason that it would be illegal. You could, after all, purchase an insulated crimp splice for #6 wire to extend the wire and be legal. (I would recommend replacing the #6 with a longer wire or move the breaker panel closer.)