Hardware or Software Problem?
 

Hey guys,

We recently had a weird problem with the cRIO. None of the lights would turn on despite power and there was no connection between the cRIO and the drive station. When we took a voltmeter to it, each individual module had power but the base did not. No coding modifications were made and none of the wiring was messed with. On the drive station the light indicating a connected code was blinking rapidly in and out. We are wondering if this is a hardware or software issue with the cRIO. Also, if it is a hardware issue, how much does a replacement cRIO cost? Just the base? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Team 4111 Peace, Love, Robots

Re: Hardware or Software Problem?
 

It sounds like a wiring issue, or possibly the power distribution board. Without more details about how things look and what voltages you found where, it's hard to say.

But it is easy to have wiring problems with the power to the cRio. We've been through that.

Re: Hardware or Software Problem?
 

Wire issue. Check polarity and the power distribution board. If you cannot figure out an electrical problem reimage the board using the crio image utility. Also, post a picture of the wiring please.

Re: Hardware or Software Problem?
 

We had this problem earlier in the year at an offseason competition. Check your power distribution board's 24V LED, it should be on when the robot is, if not that is your problem

Re: Hardware or Software Problem?
 

I'll check the PD board but as far as wiring and polarity, they are all correct according to the diagrams on the FIRST website. Also, I don't know what voltages my team got.

Re: Hardware or Software Problem?
 

Software isn't going to cause a lack of voltage on the cRIO's power input. It's a hardware problem. Look for loose wires in the 24v connectors. Make sure the 24V LED on the Power Distribution Board is lit. Try a freshly charged robot battery.