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Unread 15-01-2011, 01:06
Unsung FIRST Hero
Al Skierkiewicz Al Skierkiewicz is offline
Broadcast Eng/Chief Robot Inspector
AKA: Big Al WFFA 2005
FRC #0111 (WildStang)
Team Role: Engineer
 
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Re: How should we wire the photoswitchs?

Hugh,
Your voltage graph is pretty typical of the kind of short duration spikes that occur on the robot. In our experience, the voltage falls actually much lower on occasion. It is not uncommon for it to go down to 4 volts at the input of a speed controller that is pulling a lot of current. It is a good reason to use #10 AWG for drive motors instead of #12 or #14 where the voltage drop across the wire is higher. I will check and see if I can find any data from the manufacturer on how low these sensors actually can operate.
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Good Luck All. Learn something new, everyday!
Al
WB9UVJ
www.wildstang.org
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Storming the Tower since 1996.