Figure out what's wrong with the IR board

[sparrowkc]

Our IR board has stopped working. No lights turn on when it has power and as far as I know the outputs don't work. How can I test the 5 volt regulator? Is there anything else replaceable that I could test?


Are there similar boards out there? We are really banking on antonymous, and can't afford to lose the IR

[Steve_Alaniz]

Here's the schematic if you don't already have it.
http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Community/FRC/FRC_Documents_and_Updates/2008_Assets/Manual/FIRST%20IR%20schematic.pdf
Apply power to the board and (Disconnect the outputs that go to the RC just in case) check pin 2 on J2 for 5V with a meter. If it's not there, the 5V regulator is the most likely failure.
If you're still not sure, then desolder pin 1 of the regulator, apply power and see if there is 5V on pin 1 of the regulator. This will eliminate a possible short on the board as the problem. If there's something other than the regulator I suggest trying to get a replacement from FIRST. They will probably have spares at the regional.


Good luck.

[sparrowkc]

How would we get a spare at the regional? Do you mean teams would bring theirs if they weren't using it or that they will be available officially.

[Steve_Alaniz]

USUALLY, though not always, FIRST bring all the relevant spares. Extra IR, RC controllers Radios and HOPEFULLY IR boards. Otherwise you might find a team not using theirs.
I have an IRII not the FIRST version and they are very simple units. I'd really try replacing the 5V regulator.

Good luck

Steve

[Cow Bell Solo]

It could also be a bad pwm cables because we have had a couple bad pwm cables

[Richard McClellan]

See Team Update #10, there's a new issue with the IR board, which our team ironically started having just last night. See this thread as well: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=64285