[Al Skierkiewicz]

Scott et al,
It is not only the battery that can cause a brownout condition. Depending on the wire size and length, a considerable amount of voltage can be dropped during high current conditions feeding individual controllers.

The breakers may or may not trip above 40 amps. In general these breakers can sustain a 600% overload for a short period of time. They are also automatic reset. This occurs relatively quickly and you may not even notice where the trip occurs. However, the breaker makes a noticeable mechanical noise. When drawing well over trip current over a long time, the breakers will actually start to buzz. If this should occur, let the robot cool down for several minutes before allowing your students near the PD. When breakers buzz they become incredibly hot. Should someone touch them, they will likely receive a burn from the top of the breaker.