cRio Positioning Help
 

Hello all,

Our team is currently having some issues with electronics and the rules they have to follow.

1) Can the cRio be on its side as shown in the picture below

2) Can all the electronics be mounted on our board with zip ties as shown in the picture below.

Thank you in advance.

- Alexis Tavizon
The Monty Pythons Team 2151

Re: cRio Positioning Help
 

Yes. And "Yes, but expect an inspector to pull-test 'em".

Re: cRio Positioning Help
 

"There is no rule that prohibits this"

I recommend securing the cRio with something more substantial than zip ties. Everything else is probably fine.

Re: cRio Positioning Help
 

Double sided tape/velcro tape works well for the cRIO.

Re: cRio Positioning Help
 

Thanks all for the quick replies and useful information.

Jared341, thanks for the tip, we have it already mounted on with velcro but it is a bit wobbly. Any more suggestions?

Re: cRio Positioning Help
 

Try the dual lock that came in the black tote.

Re: cRio Positioning Help
 

Mmmm, dual lock. Smells like FLL again...

Re: cRio Positioning Help
 

We use a combination of zipties and Velcro for everything EXCEPT the cRio. That's pretty much the only thing we bolt down.

Re: cRio Positioning Help
 

Expect that the cRio will want to move when hit by a defending robot or driven by an inexperienced driver. Expect it and plan for it. It won't do you much good if it leaves the robot during a match.

Re: cRio Positioning Help
 

A couple comments.

The cRIO mounted on its side, was actually the originally suggested orientation by NI engineers. It helps to cut down on condensation damage if there are large temperature changes in a humid area. It helps to cut down on shorts due to small pieces of wire, aluminum debris, etc. So, that is a good mounting orientation as far as I'm concerned.

But, be careful not to make the mount too permanent. If you decide that you need to remove a module for debugging, repair, or upgrade, it requires clearance for the clips. If you mount the cRIO firmly to the plywood, the modules are captured a bit more than you'd really like.

There are many solutions to this including a spacer block between the plywood and the cRIO, using velcro or less permanent binding agents. You can also use a small mounting bracket that attaches to the bottom of the cRIO, turns the corner, and attaches to the plywood. You decide what works best for your team.

Greg McKaskle