[Paul H]

We have done this since we've had pneumatics on our robots (which is the past three years). We always want to get the pump on, but weight never allows. This year we came closer than ever, but it still didn't happen.

Our design for a remote compressor is actually pretty cool. I'm not sure if I remember exactly how it works, but let me try. It has a battery, compressor, pressure guage, limit switch, and pressure switch. The battery is wired to the positive on the pump, and the negative goes to the limit switch, which then goes to the pressure switch, which then goes to the pump. Pneumatically, the air goes from the pump to a check valve to a T fitting. From there, one end goes to a simple valve used to purge the system before we un-hose the bot. The other end of the T goes to the pressure switch and guage, and to the robot. On the robot, we use another valve. We simply open the valve, air up, close it, and purge the system outside of the robot so it can be disconnected.

Sounds confusing, and I'm not exactly sure it's correct. I'll try to get a pitcure next time I can.