Power distribution block mounting
 

I would appreciate any sort of help at this point, since we are in the process of re-wiring our electrics.

How exactly do you mount the power distribution blocks on the DIN rails? I assumed since they came in the same bag in the kit of parts they have to to used in conjunction. (Even though my physics professor denies it.:p )

Also, following the 2007 power diagram, I noticed 3 of the four negative power blocks leading to a CIM motor (the kind we are using for driving), while the fourth one leads to to fuse box. My question is, do we need an extra negative power block or can we use a negative common and split one of the wires and use it on the fourth CIM. I find that solution very unprofessional but with the limited time frame until shipping the fifth block will have to wait.

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

There should be a screw on the top that lossens a clamp on each one that you can tighten to secure it to the rail. You can use any side to split the ground, so with one entry from the anderson connector you should have 7 to use however you wish, if you need more you'll need another block.

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

So we are supposed to use the holes in the rail to screw in the grey blocks?

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

You use the holes on the rail to screw it onto your board, the blocks should have a screw that tightens or loosens a clamp that will secure the blocks onto the rail.

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

Hmmm I'll have to look harder for that, I'll post a follow-up once I return to the shop. Thanks for the quick replies too.

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

Look at the following link to get the installation instructions for the power block.

http://www2.usfirst.org/2007comp_173...Strip%20R3.pdf

The red and black blocks just click on to the rail and the grey blocks have a screw in them to lock them to the rail.

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

For a quick and easy answer does the TERMINAL BLOCK have to be used? Is it a must or was it thrown in the KoP box to see how many teams would really use it - Much like the Camera which is optional.

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

It seems our DIN rail is too small, the anchors won't tighten on it. I'm almost sure that we have the same rails that came in the power block bag. I'm also pretty sure this is the only set of rails in the whole KoP.

Or am I missing something?

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

OK,
Let's see if I can hit all the answers...
First, Yes, you must use the terminal block for power distribution. You can use only the number of blocks you need and leave the rest in you spares kit. The 40 amp returns (black wires) must come back to the black terminal block. The Electrical wiring diagram on the FIRST documents site will show you a typical robot wiring scheme. Modify it as you need for your robot design.
The link provided above also has a nice instruction sheet following the picture showing how to assemble the block. First slide a grey block onto the rail and tighten the locking screw until the block is held in place. Then assemble the other blocks as needed. The grey blocks do not have electrical connections they are made to lock the others in place. Please use the grey inserts to protect the exposed side of a terminal as shown in the diagram. According to a team update, you can cut the yellow jumpers if you use less then four of the blocks. The manufacturer recommends only one #6 wire be terminated on each side of the block, but you can terminate two #10 or smaller wires on each side.
The DIN rail should mounted on your robot before you mount the terminal block. You can cut the rail to just the size you need (the length of terminal blocks) and save some weight. We used steel rivets with washers to lock the rail in place on the robot.

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

We can use the amount we need and not all of the 4 block for each color? I think i saw someone mention that we need at least 3 of each, not sure where though. Anyways we know how to mount the DIN Rail, just not how to secure the blocks to the actual rail.
Would really help if we only had to install the amount we actually need and not all of them since all we need is 1 of each (1 circuit breaker panel), no 40 amp fuses.
EDIT: Not sure if the DIN Rail we have is the correct one, could you post a picture of the correct one to make sure?

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

lancerbotics already provided what you're asking for.

http://www2.usfirst.org/2007comp_173...Strip%20R3.pdf

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

Nelson,
I would highly recommend you rethink your design. If you are using the AndyMark transmissions with the Chalupa motors (CIM) then you should use the 40 amp breakers and #10 wire for best results. These larger motors have a very high stall current and if you chose to run them on the 30 amp breakers you will find that they will trip and not give you the driving time you need. Please ask questions while you still have time before ship.

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

On our driving tests we ran smoothly with 20 amp fuses on each motor. We upped it to 30 amp fuses to be on the safe side.

Our DIN rail's width is too small for the grey anchor blocks to latch on. We are not sure if we go the wrong size on the rails or they shipped us an incorrect type. It is the only thing missing on our electronics board so we can ship a running robot.

I will include a picture showing our grey anchor block on our DIN rail.

Thanks for the help in advance.

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

Just a thought but maybe there is another DIN rail and the one that is smaller is the IGUS rail that comes in the kit?

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

Igus bag came with aluminum rods and no rails. I remember checking out the DIN rails from the list coming from the block bag.

If there's any hope we could probably get some when we fly.

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

Jorge,
The DIN rail in your picture is definetely different thant ours. It appears you were shipped the wrong one by mistake. I would get a hold of FIRST parts right away. It might be too late for you to ship but I am sure you should be able to add it at your first regional. Our rail has slotted mounting holes.

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

The rail you showed looks a lot like the IGUS rails we're using for our arm, are you sure that there isn't any other rail in your kop?

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

There are no other rails in our KoP. I guess we were missed out on those.
Thanks for the help guys, we should get to ordering some rails.

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

We're gonna have to use the robot with the feed wires going directly to the hi-amp breaker and the ground common for now. Were gonna leave it all setup for when we get the DIN Rail in the regional (with the holes and the wires cut to the measure).

Can anyone tell me the distance between the edge of the DIN Rail to the nearest setup hole and the distance between each hole and how many of each of the red and black terminal are the minimum REQUIRED for the distribution block?

Thanks to everyone that helped us in any way in this thread.

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

Guys,
I would assemble the blocks and hold them together with electrical tape or something and then wire as normal. Then all you have to do when you get the right rail is just slip it in and mount it up and remove the tape. No wasted wire or time.

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

I mounted it temporarily using zip ties and electrical tape, hope we can install it neatly at the regional!. Thanks again

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

Anytime, Good Luck! What regionals will you be attending?

Re: Power distribution block mounting
 

Our team will be attending the Boilermaker Regional in West Lafayette and the Buckeye Regional in Cleveland. Gonna put it in my sig =)