[Al Skierkiewicz]

Guys,
IFI designed the Spike with a fuse to protect the relay contacts on the two relays that make up the working part of the Spike. When pneumatics were allowed to be used on the robot, users found that the compressor start current was slightly higher than 20 amps and this would result in an untimely demise of the fuse (during a match). IFI recommended that for the compressor only, the fuse be replaced with a 20 amp circuit breaker. FRC accepted that recommendation and made it part of the rules we see today. The Spike is not designed to control electrical loads greater than 20 amps. The robot rules continue to reflect that design requirement by not providing for teams to modify the Spike except when used with the compressor. If you are using the Spike to control a motor and the fuse is repeatedly opening, then you are drawing current in excess of that which will damage the Spike. Your only choice will be change the output coupling to lower the current or to replace the Spike with a speed controller.