Wiring problem
 

As our electronics&electricity sub-team started to connect the Power distrabution we found that there were no connectors for the Ground stud.
Does anyone know where can we find one?
Should it be at the First kit or should be buy it seperately?

Thanks in Advance.
Aviad. Team #1574

Re: Wiring problem
 

It will save a lot of energy/weight to use last years fuse block which encompassed everything. Though it will cost $80 to get a new one as you can't use parts from last year's robot, it'll be worth it, trust me.

Re: Wiring problem
 

Go and buy connectors that you need. The kit supplies some ring terminals for the #6 gauge wire. For other gauges you will have to supply your own. It is very important to use connectors sized for the gauge wire you are attaching. A bad crimp can come loose or be a source of high resistance.

Re: Wiring problem
 

In your kit, you have 6AWG ring lug connectors (light blue insulator) and bare copper SLU screw connectors for 6AWG wire. Both came in the "Terminal Supply" bag.

If you do not have the proper crimp tool for the ring lug connectors, please use the screw connectors.

Crimping connectors is more of an art than most people realize. A bad crimp on a high current wire will cause you numerous problems down th road.

If you do not have an electrical engineer as a mentor on your team, ask your teacher if your school has an electrical maintenance person on their staff (almost all schools do). If you ask politely, I'm sure that he (or she) will attend a meeting and show you the proper way to crimp power connectors.

Regards,

Mike

Re: Wiring problem
 

You have found out by now that almost none of the connectors have a large enough mounting hole to fit the grounding stud. Most hardware stores and home centers will have what you need. Try to obtain connectors that have the right size mounting hole but do not achieve that by sacrificing the overall size. The connctors in the electrical bag (in my opinion) do not have enough material to provide a reasonable attachment point or provide a low enough insertion resistance. If you use this type of connector please make sure you anchor the wires securely so that the connector will not fail during competition.

Re: Wiring problem
 

we found are lost connections in the mass so thank you all for the help.
we just need to work more organized to find are parts.

Re: Wiring problem
 

:D My freshman year, when I learned proper crimping methods, to help ensure a snug fit, i was taught that it's also considered a "sport."

Re: Wiring problem
 

As I understand the rules, you CAN re-use COTS items from last year as long as they are still available. However, when accounting for your robots cost, you must use the current purchase price (treat them as if you bought them new this year).

Go ahead and re-use that breaker panel if it suits your needs. Just remember that it is to be used in addition to those included this year.

See Robot Rules <R22>, <R24>, and <R43>.

Steve

Re: Wiring problem
 

A great number of electrical problems are caused by the badly installed crimp connectors. I like to crimp and solder connectors on to the wire. The old belt and spenders approach. Beats having a dead robot.

Re: Wiring problem
 

Team Update #2 allows the 2005 Breaker Panel to be used instead of the breaker panels and maxi fuse block in the 2006 KOP.

Link: http://www2.usfirst.org/2006comp/Upd..._update_02.htm

Re: Wiring problem
 

So this year must we use the ground stud or can we make our own ground buss ?

Re: Wiring problem
 

Quote:

<R54>

According to <R54> you must follow the power distribution displayed in the 2006 FRC P.D. diagram, which shows the negative paths branched through the included terminal ground stud.

Re: Wiring problem
 

Alternatively, you can use the 2005 FRC P.D. diagram. This topic was discussed extensively in an earlier thread and resolved by FIRST in Team Update #2.

Re: Wiring problem
 

if you have the right equipment crimping & soldering the terminals on the 6awg wire will let you sleep better at night

Re: Wiring problem
 

thanks