Re: 2009 Distribution Block
 

Well said Al. We never had a single failure withe the Rockwell. Properly used they were very reliable.

Any product improperly used is subject to failure.

Re: 2009 Distribution Block
 

I also agree we Al.

I think we should remember GP and realize that everyone associated with the FIRST organization is trying with all their ability to do their best and that no one is perfect. As for the IR receiver board we did not have a problem with it and appreciated the introduction of a new component. All we did was follow the directions on how to install and use. My impression was the developer and producer was trying his best and probably at a sacrifice to some other more important business or personal endeavors. It seems that anytime there is change introduced to a system especially trying to make an improvement in technology there are going to be some rough spots to be dealt with. GP goes a long way to separate FIRST from many other organizations. Let us all pull together to improve our technology, hardware, software and most importantly the culture for the students. Constructive criticism works the best! Reading and following the documentation works very well too.

Re: 2009 Distribution Block
 

Although not necessarily a fan of the Rockwell distribution block because of its size, we had no complaints about its performance. We followed the manufacturers directions regarding wire prep. All inbound wires were secured with strain reliefs. We used wires of the appropriate gauge size, and left the ends loose (unsoldered). As a result, we never had a problem with wires working loose from the block during the entire season. We checked the clamp screws periodically to see if there was an issue, but found that they never worked loose and did not need to be retightened.

Although I have not had a chance to play with one yet (c'mon, when are they going to announce who is in the beta test program? :) ), I expect that the 2009 distribution block will perform just as well if reasonable care is taken to use it properly. Follow the manufacturers recommendations, use the correct wire size, tie down all wires properly (this is a VERY important step - anticipate that wire bundles will be vibrating and shaking, and apply appropriate countermeasures to minimize the transmitted forces), tighten everything to spec, and I suspect that you won't see a whole lot of problems.

-dave


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Re: 2009 Distribution Block
 

We never had any issues with the Rockwell PD Blocks. Although the screws did start to back off after a while, or maybe the wire was shifting around a little, we never did lose power, and all we did was tighten the screws more. After one tightening, all was well.

Also, I'd imagine that the smaller wire sizes will make a difference with how they're secured. I've never had any issue with smaller wires coming out of this compression type of connection. There's a right wire size for every hole. If the new PD block manufactures did their homework, then I believe everything will go well.

Re: 2009 Distribution Block
 

We never had an issue with the Rockell PDB other than it being massive and the fact that we loved the IFI breaker board.

One of the reasons is probably that we used 4 gauge wire instead of 6.

It seemed like too many teams who really know what they are doing *did* have trouble, though.

Re: 2009 Distribution Block
 

Perhaps someone who knows more about this can help me here, but is it possible to use split lock washers [between the top of the crimp connector and the bottom of the screw head - e.g. not between the main contact area of the connector and the terminal strip] on terminal strips to help prevent the screws from backing out?

EDIT: Thanks Al.

Re: 2009 Distribution Block
 

Art,
I am guessing you are asking about the new PD panel. I believe the intent is to ship with a nut designed for the power studs. (I don't have time to go look up the spec sheet, but I think they are metric) As I remember, that nut has built in anti-back thread so that it won't come loose. In any installation, some method of locking the turning device is recommended. Also, plan on securing the wiring so that it won't be distrubed when changing batteries.

Re: 2009 Distribution Block
 

This is very good advice. Thank you. I'll remind the electrical people to actually read the manual next time :rolleyes:

For the record, it never gave us any trouble either, but sometimes when we checked it we found that one of the wires was falling out :eek:

What method do teams use to secure the wires prior to entering the block?

Re: 2009 Distribution Block
 

I am a great wire maker (cutting, stripping and crimping) so i am not fond of the PD block used the past two years. But going with the team tradition of needing to bend an instrument before the screw turns, we had no problem keeping the wires in. I am also sad to see crimping being reduced so much.

Re: 2009 Distribution Block
 

Wow. I just lost a $20 bet.

Re: 2009 Distribution Block
 

finally got a chance to look at Bilfred's post. Looks great!
The 07 and 08 ones were terrible. It was a couple of extra stages and space taken up we didnt need.
Looked more like car stereo ones.

Re: 2009 Distribution Block
 

Erik,
We can't let that go! Do tell?!?

Also, are the PDs shipping with hardware and are the studs metric?

Re: 2009 Distribution Block
 

I bet that no one would ever miss crimping, as it is one of the major sources of faults in the power system. A single poor crimp can and will take down a robot spectacularly. Personally, I've been wanting to remove failure modes since I started back in high school.

Re: 2009 Distribution Block
 

Next thing you know they'll take away radio issues and popping the main breaker!

Re: 2009 Distribution Block
 

I thought they were keeping the old breaker? It made a handy on/off switch :)

No more radios though! (not sure about issues...)