possible solution to the static problem
 

As seen in last weekend's regional competitions the electro-static discharge caused by the rover wheels and the floor can fry speed controllers, driver stations, and even knock the field systems out of whack.

It could be possible that anti-static spray could be used on your drive wheels and control board to prevent any catastrophic discharge. Plus the spray is pretty cheap and can be picked up at almost any office supply store for around $3-4, you can also buy industrial-strength spray from McMaster-Carr for $11.57 for a 11.5oz can (part # 6038T11)

Any thoughts?

Re: possible solution to the static problem
 

Thought #1: If that spray affects traction, don't even think about it.
Thought #2: Might be worth it for a team with a practice robot and field to try it out.
Thought #3: Why not just put a wire hanging from your frame almost to the ground? You've got plenty of wire, I'm assuming. Can't be that hard to attach it to the frame...

Re: possible solution to the static problem
 

The FRP is non conducting, so there is no path from the robot to the ground while it is driving around. If you are driving full speed into a wall or airlock, there may not be enough contact with the carpet to discharge the build up into the ground before it contacts the field frame.

Re: possible solution to the static problem
 

Ah. That complicates matters.

How about grounding the airlocks? Teams can't do that, but if FIRST figures out how to do it, then the issue won't exist anymore. At least, not as much.

Re: possible solution to the static problem
 

Your first though scares me that you are more worried about a team getting traction then a team frying their driver station. :confused:

Re: possible solution to the static problem
 

Eric might have been thinking about the rules....

Re: possible solution to the static problem
 

There are spares (or were) at the event.

Quite honestly, I don't really like the control system this year. There have been reports on top of reports of things breaking, frying at the slightest provocation, releasing magic smoke, etc. You'd think that with over a year to design for that, they'd be better. On the flip side, customer service has been excellent for the teams that do break system elements. I'm sure that there will be improvements for next year.

Re: possible solution to the static problem
 

My first thoughts are about the teams. What fun is it going to be if a team blows their driver station or power blocks and cant run.

Re: possible solution to the static problem
 

What fun is it going to be if the team finds that they can't run because they're in violation of a rule? Remember, violation of the robot rules not only keeps you from competing, but if it happens on the field, it's grounds for a disable and a card.

Re: possible solution to the static problem
 

Just out of curiosity, have you actually used the control system at all this year? Are your comments based on actual experience and personal practical knowledge? Or just second-hand information provided by others that you have not personally verified or validated?

I am just trying to understand how to calibrate credibility levels of the comments.



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Re: possible solution to the static problem
 

I didn't see anything at the mini-regional I was at, but if this is a problem with the field, FIRST needs to be contacted.

Re: possible solution to the static problem
 

Just on what I've seen on CD. This may be a small portion of teams that each fry multiple components, or not. I am not involved with a team this year due to location (no team within about 100-200 miles, and no car). However, my old team reports that if you set up the control system as spec'd, you should be fine (other than the risk of frying that has been reported).

Re: possible solution to the static problem
 

I don't know how much it would affect traction, or if it would at all as the spray's viscosity is almost the same as water and it dries without leaving any sort of residue or film on the rover wheel plastic.

As I said in my first post you could also spray it on the more sensitive parts of your electronics and control board to reduce the likelihood of releasing the magic smoke.

The issue is is that the regolith sheets are over carpet and when you drive a robot over it the floor works like a capacitor, storing the charge until it builds up to the point of catastrophic discharge. At the Manchester Regional the field crew's solution was to spray water on the field to dampen the static, but I think that having water and electronics that close is asking for trouble plus it makes the field dangerous for people to walk on.

Re: possible solution to the static problem
 

FIRST is well aware of the problem. Dean and Woodie were both at BAE and there is even a video around here somewhere of Dean spraying parts of the field down with water.

Re: possible solution to the static problem
 

Hey Dave,
Just admit it, the GDC made a plastic wheel on plastic surface game so they could do accellerated ESD testing on the new control components. ;)