View Single Post
  #33   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 20-02-2012, 15:29
Abrakadabra Abrakadabra is offline
Here We Go !!!
AKA: Scott Kukshtel, Mr. K
FRC #3467 (The Windham Windup!)
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Rookie Year: 2002
Location: Windham, New Hampshire
Posts: 160
Abrakadabra has a brilliant futureAbrakadabra has a brilliant futureAbrakadabra has a brilliant futureAbrakadabra has a brilliant futureAbrakadabra has a brilliant futureAbrakadabra has a brilliant futureAbrakadabra has a brilliant futureAbrakadabra has a brilliant futureAbrakadabra has a brilliant futureAbrakadabra has a brilliant futureAbrakadabra has a brilliant future
Re: Tips from a veteran Robot Inspector

Wayne and Al -

Thanks for the quick reply. I have just a few points needing clarification:

Assuming that I make a "compressor assembly" that holds the compressor and all the control components that I choose (and are allowed) to be kept off the robot:

- Compressor power will be provided through one Spike, which will remain on the Robot. Power will be provided to the compressor on the "downstream" end of the Spike via a suitable Anderson Powerpole connector.

- We will install one vent valve on the robot and one on the compressor assembly. The one on the compressor will be used to vent the supply line between the compressor and the robot before disconnecting. I assume this is the purpose of the "additional vent valve" specified on the Inspection Checklist, correct?

- We will keep the high pressure gauge and regulator on the robot in order to maximize on-board air supply. However, can I assume that it is okay to keep the mechanical compressor relief valve on the compressor assembly, because the only time we run the risk of overpressurizing the system is during filling? I.e. Can I ignore any overpressurization that might occur in my system due to ambient temperature changes after fillup? (In reality, I would assume the system would cool down, not heat up.)

- Likewise, can I leave the Compressor Control Pressure Switch on the compressor assembly if I make it obvious that the signal cable to the Digital Sidecar must also be plugged in when filling, thereby insuring full control by the cRio? After all, if the pressure switch circuit is left open, the cRio will not allow the compressor to run, correct?

I can see arguments for a "no" answer on either of the last two above, but I don't believe they are specifically covered in either the Rules or the Checklist. If the answer to all of the above is yes, then we would have three connections to make between the robot and compressor assembly:
1. air
2. compressor power (most likely a suitable Anderson powerpole product)
3. digital signal cable from the pressure switch to the sidecar

Sorry to be so detailed, and I realize the weight savings may be irrelevant in the overall scheme of things, but I would just like to do it right (and safe!).

Thanks!
Reply With Quote