Base Plate for Electronics Board Assembly
 

Was there a base plate for the electronics board included in the kit of parts? If not, then what material should base the electronics board and what size should the base be? I was looking at the Quick Build Template, and I was confused about what size the base plate should be.

Re: Base Plate for Electronics Board Assembly
 

There are no defined control board mounting materials provided in the kit.

In the past we have used Lexan successfully. 1/8" is usually good. It is not too heavy, and mounts well. I find wood is a little to heavy unless you find some super light weight stuff.

Do not use metal or carbon fiber. It is conductive and is just asking for shorts... We have made that mistake in the past.

I do not have any good size ideas. Pick out what hardware features you are using, and lay them out on cardboard or something to fins the best sizing.

Re: Base Plate for Electronics Board Assembly
 

My old team used sign board material, it was really lightweight and sturdy. We got scrap pieces donated both years. Just a warning, you need to mount the cRIO on something different because the sign board can conduct electricity. :ahh:

Re: Base Plate for Electronics Board Assembly
 

How about plexiglass?

Re: Base Plate for Electronics Board Assembly
 

plexi glass is cheap but most of the time it is thin. wood might be the best coz it is able to hold a strong amount of weight.

Re: Base Plate for Electronics Board Assembly
 

I would strongly suggest that you avoid Plexiglas anywhere on your robot.

Plexiglass runs the risk of shattering, while polycarbonate will just bend.

Many teams make electronics boards out of lexan, wood, or PVC.


P.S. If you didn't know, lexan is just a brand name for polycarbonate.

Re: Base Plate for Electronics Board Assembly
 

Thanks for the suggestion guys, um I was wondering where you could get polycarbonate/Lexan or PVC?

Re: Base Plate for Electronics Board Assembly
 

most of our components come from McMaster-Carr http://www.mcmaster.com/# They have a good selection at moderate prices.

I am sure that other teams use different suppliers, but McMaster works for us because we are able to drive to the warehouse and pick up our order the next day.

Re: Base Plate for Electronics Board Assembly
 

CHS,
I am going to add something at this point (for you and any rookies listening). The Crio case is electrically connected to the negative lead of the battery. Therefore the Crio case must be electrically isolated from the robot frame. Lexan makes this easy as Lexan is an electrical insulator. We use punched aluminum sheet and tywraps to secure electronics to the sheet. The sheet can be mounted with pop rivets and a small piece of lexan under the Crio will then provide the electrical isolation.

Re: Base Plate for Electronics Board Assembly
 

You can find pretty much a lot of types of Plexiglas or PVC at local hardware stores, my team tends to stick to Home Depot more than anywhere else.

But for loading electrical items its probably best to use some thing non conductible and sturdy (nothing that could break or shatter), and to hold down everything with screws and keep it a safe distance up.

In past years my team has built a little cage to keep the electronics safe, but as long as its further from where the balls can reach, or higher then hitting its self going over a bump your pretty safe as far as placement goes.