Spike motor control

[kansattica]

We are trying to make a motor go on/off with a spike switch, we are using LabView. Please help thank you.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Before you get carried away, remember that Spikes can only control certain types of motors. You cannot use CIM or FP with a Spike.

[Racer26]

You would need to give us more information than this. What joystick/button/other condition do you want to cause the motor to switch on and off, what ports are things connected to, etc.

[DSST\neal.ian]

Thanks alot, because we hadn't known that you can't use a CIM motor with a spike. I guess we're gonna be using an old Victor, then. Thanks.

[fovea1959]

Al: why can't we control an FP with a Spike? current?

[Al Skierkiewicz]

fovea,
The robot rules restrict the CIMs and FP motors to speed controllers only. I however, recommend that teams be very careful when choosing what devices to use. The Spike is only designed to switch 20 amps, based on the specifications of the relay contacts used. However, several other motors have high stall currents as well. Some of the Banebots, AndyMark and possibly even an ARA motor since we have no specs on what motors teams may find all have higher stall currents than should be used with the Spike. While the Spike has worked for years in controlling the compressor, the old one only draws 25 amps for a short duration during start and then falls to 12 amps. The new compressor is just a little less. It is for this reason on the compressor Spike only, can the fuse be replaced with a 20 amp breaker.