Re: extra connector on breaker panel
 

The question of the function of the extra connector is answered here: http://www.ifirobotics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=165

Re: extra connector on breaker panel
 

I looked into the documentation for the breaker panel:

Section 4 of this PDF explains how to use the serial port.
http://www.ifirobotics.com/docs/brea...005-revnc0.pdf

The isometric view in this PDF states that it is an unused connector.
http://www.ifirobotics.com/docs/IFI-BREAKER-INSTALL.pdf

Hope this helped

Re: extra connector on breaker panel
 

I am confused on how this years breaker works. Last years was VERY simple. They seem to be getting more complicated.

Re: extra connector on breaker panel
 

What are you confused about? I can try and help you if you need some. I actually have found it more simple than last years, but thats just me for you ;) .

Re: extra connector on breaker panel
 

Does anyone, or has anyone, seen a way to detect the current with the new panel? Such as what the robot is drawing at the time. I have a 600 amp shunt which I had a thought about interfacing with the bot and watching the readings even if its just for testing.

-Mike

Re: extra connector on breaker panel
 

Justin,
I think this breaker panel is actually a little easier to use. Problems are sure to arise but I can't anticipate any at this point. After all, there are two more 40 amp breakers than we ever had before and additional smaller breakers plus the added benefit of telling if and which breaker is actually tripping.
The one thing I am concerned about ( and all of you should be as well.) is the soldered in push on tabs. These are not as roboust as last year's breaker panels so they cannot take mishandling. Team members should be aware that pulling at odd angles and wiggling to install or remove the connections may result in breaking the tabs off the board. Once everything is in place and working, be sure to secure all cables so that they do not break the tabs on the breaker panel. Our panel has pretty tight connections on the breakers themselves but I expect those to loosen up with use.
Mike,
In the past we have effectively used a one foot length of #10 to measure current. Search last years' posts for discussions on this subject as there many. A 12" #10 is very close to .001 ohms and using that and a Maxim battery monitor chip seemed to be a pretty easy way to monitor current.

Re: extra connector on breaker panel
 

Sort of off-topic, but has anyone weighed the Breaker Panel? We mounted ours to the robot, and we want to know the weight of the Panel? Thanks.

Re: extra connector on breaker panel
 

So if the extra pwm port can be used instead of the db9 port, this is similar to the connections of the camera this year isnt it?