View Single Post
  #6   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 04-02-2004, 15:36
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
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Rookie Year: 1996
Location: Wheeling, IL
Posts: 10,785
Al Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond repute
Re: Do we need to use the gnd stud and MAXI fuse block

Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe Ross
Al, I can't find that in the rules, nor can I find where the ground stud is required. Can you please point me to that either in the rules or in the Q/A?

I have been treating the electrical blueprint as a suggestion. One reason for that is that the blueprint shows the current sensors in line with the drill motors, but we aren't required to use the current sensors for the drill motors (or at all).
Joe,
I was confused as well until you check the entire document as a whole. There are places where exceptions are carved out. (like current sensors are optional) and other places that refer to the drawing as if the entire rule section was illustrated in the blueprint. i.e. 5.6.1 Power Distribution Circuits
Exception: The Ground (GND or Common -) wires from low current items such as relays controlling solenoid pneumatic valves, custom circuits, sensors, LEDs, and fans may be connected as a group to one common wire that leads back to a Common (-) terminal tab on an ATC panel, or directly to the ground stud.
I expect a more precise list in a future team update. I am betting that the inspectors will be checking against a list that includes the stud, the maxi block and the #6 to #10 transition block.
On a personal note...I assisted with robot inspections at the Midwest Regional and was questioned about a number of robots at nationals and I can tell you that FIRST (and many other engineers) were very concerned about the way the robot electricals were handled by some teams. The wiring bordered on hazardous and departed widely from the electrical rules last year. I do not expect that same problem this year. I expect inspectors will be well versed in electrical layout and will not allow robots that fail inspection to compete. If anyone has a question about wiring or electrical, please post it here soon or PM me and I will try to answer. The electrical is not as easy as it seems and I don't want to see a robot die because of a failed electrical system that could be easily fixed. Please ask for help!
__________________
Good Luck All. Learn something new, everyday!
Al
WB9UVJ
www.wildstang.org
________________________
Storming the Tower since 1996.

Last edited by Al Skierkiewicz : 04-02-2004 at 15:39.