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SandraM6046 19-01-2017 19:33

Battery Placement
 
Hi everyone,

My team was wondering if it was within FRC rules to have the battery placed horizontally. In that manual it says "The ROBOT battery must be secured such that it will not dislodge should the ROBOT be turned
over or placed in any arbitrary orientation" but does not say anything about being placed horizontally.

Would anyone be able to confirm whether the battery can be placed horizontally or not?

Thank you:ahh:

Bluman56 19-01-2017 19:34

Re: Battery Placement
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by SandraM6046 (Post 1633685)
Hi everyone,

My team was wondering if it was within FRC rules to have the battery placed horizontally. In that manual it says "The ROBOT battery must be secured such that it will not dislodge should the ROBOT be turned
over or placed in any arbitrary orientation" but does not say anything about being placed horizontally.

Would anyone be able to confirm whether the battery can be placed horizontally or not?

Thank you:ahh:

It can be placed horizontally or vertically given that either way it is securely fastened (as mentioned in the manual).

SandraM6046 19-01-2017 19:36

Re: Battery Placement
 
Thank you very much!

bobbysq 19-01-2017 20:09

Re: Battery Placement
 
It should be relatively easy to secure it. All you need to do is buy (or 3d print) one of these and then bolt some straps to the plate you're mounting to. If you already have some Velcro around, you can put together a quick one by bolting down a loop side face up and a hook side face down on opposite ends of the battery. Keep the backing on.

DonRotolo 19-01-2017 20:44

Re: Battery Placement
 
Just avoid mounting it upside-down.

Also, place it so both the terminals cannot ever touch a piece of metal at the same time. That would cause a short circuit across the battery terminals, which will be a very dangerous event (as in "Flash" "Bang" "Send for Help")

cgmv123 19-01-2017 21:09

Re: Battery Placement
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by DonRotolo (Post 1633719)
Also, place it so both the terminals cannot ever touch a piece of metal at the same time.

This is in addition to making sure the battery terminals are fully insulated with electrical tape and/or heat shrink.

Ari423 19-01-2017 21:11

Re: Battery Placement
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by DonRotolo (Post 1633719)
Also, place it so both the terminals cannot ever touch a piece of metal at the same time. That would cause a short circuit across the battery terminals, which will be a very dangerous event (as in "Flash" "Bang" "Send for Help")

I even suggest if possible try not to put it so both terminals are near the same piece of metal. On our practice chassis last year, there was an aluminum cross support that the battery sat next to (read:was strapped onto). While switching batteries once, the electrical tape around the terminals came loose and as soon as we started driving the battery arced through the cross support. It made a big blue light and a pop sound and the next second the battery had practically no charge. Luckily no one was touching the robot or someone really could have gotten hurt. After that, we made sure all of our terminals were taped up really well.


Also let this be the first reminder of the year (that I've seen) to tape your battery terminals thoroughly to avoid arcs. Last year this was an inspection point. Not sure if it is again this year, but make sure you will pass for your own safety even if it's not.

cgmv123 19-01-2017 21:19

Re: Battery Placement
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Ari423 (Post 1633731)
Last year this was an inspection point. Not sure if it is again this year

It's R42.

Al Skierkiewicz 24-01-2017 13:46

Re: Battery Placement
 
Sandra,
Most of the manufacturers on the "allowed" list will specify that their batteries can be used in any orientation. I for one, recommend that batteries be charged only in the upright position to allow the cell gas valves to operate correctly during charge.
Double down on the suggestion that battery terminals be insulated at all times.

lukekaiser 24-01-2017 14:00

Re: Battery Placement
 
If you don't secure your battery properly you will run into complications like 5547 at about 2:30 you'll see the RED team robot attempt to clear the defensive obstacle and it literally "poops" out the battery. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_MJpGp38qM


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