Line Sensor Wiring to Solenoid Breakout(?)

[iambujo]

I haven't seen any discussion yet on Team Update 5 as it relates to photosensor wiring.
http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Robotics_Programs/FRC/Game_and_Season__Info/2011_Assets/Team_Updates/Team_Update_05.pdf

R60: Solenoid Breakout outputs shall be connected to pneumatic valve solenoids or photoelectric sensors, PN 42EF-D1MNAK-A2 only. No other devices shall be connected to these outputs


Assuming I read it right, we can wire each photosensor to the solenoid breakouts for power? That could save on breakers and wire runs to the PDB. I like it. I guess then you'd set each Output on the breakout to a logical high to turn on the photosensor (as if you were controlling a solenoid)?

This is clearly useful in light of potential battery voltage drops as the sensors can become erratic if voltage drops too low for too long.
http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=16403

[Joe Ross]

This is clearly useful in light of potential battery voltage drops as the sensors can become erratic if voltage drops too low for too long.
http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=16403

Reading the specs of the NI 9472, it does not appear to provide regulation of the 12 volt supply, so I'm not sure how useful it will be. I have not tried to measure it, however.

[iambujo]

Interesting. I hadn't thought about that yet. I wonder why GDC would have gone there if it turns out to not help?...

[Joe Ross]

I guess it does help if you connect it to the cRIO 24v as allowed by <R38>, but not to the 12v from the battery.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

using a solenoid module wired for +24 volts takes power from a regulated 24 volt source on the PD. Since the photosensor is speced at 10.8 to 30 volts, this is a perfect solution.