Robot Signal Light volts and watts spec?

[Ether]

I used the CD search box and Google but couldn't find an answer: What is the wattage rating and operating voltage of the RSL?

[billbo911]

I used the CD search box and Google but couldn't find an answer: What is the wattage rating and operating voltage of the RSL?




From the model #855PB-B12ME522, I can say it is a 12v unit. I don't seem to find a power rating though.

http://www.ab.com/en/epub/catalogs/12768/229240/229246/229858/tab3.html

Looking closely at the picture in this link, I can see that the 10v version has a 30mA rating. I can only guess that the 12v version is not too different.
http://epub1.rockwellautomation.com/images/web-proof-large/GL/11764.jpg

[Ether]

From the model #855PB-B12ME522, I can say it is a 12v unit. I don't seem to find a power rating though.

Would an automotive 12v turn signal light draw too much current from the digital sidecar ? This is for non-competition use.

[Joe Ross]

It's powered by the battery and has an approximately 2 amp fuse built into the sidecar, from what I remember.

[114Klaatu0x72]

According to this datasheet (http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Community/FRC/Game_and_Season__Info/2010_Assets/3-2010FRCControlSystemComponent%20DatasheetsRev1_enc .pdf), it appears that the max amperage for the robot signal light port is 2.2 amps, with a typical amperage of 1.1 amps. The voltage is equal to Vin. Also stated is that there is a snubber diode put in parallel to protect it from any load inductance, so you might be able to use a light that has a slightly higher than recommended peak amperage, but that's really only if you don't mind the possibility of damaging the digital sidecar.

[kamocat]

Here's the circuitry you're interested in:
http://content.screencast.com/users/kamocat/folders/Jing/media/c3216479-a3e7-4165-b2f8-f33e98257d1d/00000107.png
It uses a FDN359AN (http://www.fairchildsemi.com/ds/FD/FDN359AN.pdf) for amplification.
The data sheet says 2.7A max continuous.

By the way, I got that schematic from
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/content.aspx?id=11838
(I posted only a small screenshot)

[MrForbes]

An 1157 bulb (used for turn signals for years in cars) draws 2.1 amps on the bright filament

but you could use a bulb that does not draw as much current, or a modern LED replacement.

[kamocat]

How about putting a resistor inline?
A 5 ohm should be fine, if you have it in a 6W package.
Or you could put two of these bulbs in series.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Rockwell lists the current as 60 ma for the robot signal light. the turn signal lamp for my Honda is rated at .89 amps. Since the FET does not have a heatsink, I am going out on a limb and say that it might be pushing it to tie in a lamp of nearly 1 amp.

[kamocat]

The datasheet says 0.5W max power dissipation.
With a resistance of 0.05 ohms, I would think that isn't a problem for the transistor. It shouldn't even heat up much.

Now, what I would look at is the traces - make sure THEY aren't too small.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

I am just concerned for this package and where it is located on the board.

[Ether]

According to this datasheet (http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Community/FRC/Game_and_Season__Info/2010_Assets/3-2010FRCControlSystemComponent%20DatasheetsRev1_enc .pdf), it appears that the max amperage for the robot signal light port is 2.2 amps, with a typical amperage of 1.1 amps.


Thank you all for the help.

I had a senior moment and forgot about the Section3 Component Datasheets document.