Quote:
Originally Posted by EricH
First off... No sensors should EVER be connected to the VRM (unless they need one of the constant voltages it supplies to operate). The Voltage Regulator Module supplies a constant voltage to whatever is connected to it. This probably won't be a good thing for the sensors...
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Some more details: The VRM provides 5V and 12V only, and if your sensor is not 5V or 12V, it should not connect to the VRM. If the sensor is 5V or 12V, then it can be connected to the VRM since the purpose of the VRM is provide regulated 5V and 12V rails despite the voltage peaks and voltage dips seen on the battery rail. One advantage to that is ensuring your sensors don't drop out if the battery voltage dips during high current events.
Always read the datasheet of a candidate sensor to make sure you are meeting the voltage and current requirements of said sensor.
For learning the differences between the general sensor types I think the best place to start is the FRC documentation...(
https://wpilib.screenstepslive.com/s...commit=search).
...particularly for sensors that connect to the roboRIO directly. Search each sensor type individually.
Additionally sensors can also be attached directly to motor controllers in the case of the Talon SRX and Jaguar. In the case of the Talon SRX the user's guide goes over wiring, and the software reference guide goes over programming.
http://www.ctr-electronics.com/talon...ical_resources