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Unread 10-04-2002, 07:18
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: 10,766
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"What we found was a spot no bigger than a pencil eraser on the negative battery lead that was not fully covered in silicone, which just barely contacted the aluminum frame."
This is a subject that is not given enough coverage but should be a warning for all new team members. The battery is capable of welding itself to metal and with that the possibility of self destruction. With the addition of the battery connector (I hope most teams are using some form of connector) accidents have been reduced. It was not uncommon for two anxious team members to reach in and each work on battery terminal hardware to change out the battery only to find that both their tools contacted the frame at the same time and poof!
Nice find on the problem.
Good Luck All
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Good Luck All. Learn something new, everyday!
Al
WB9UVJ
www.wildstang.org
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Storming the Tower since 1996.