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Unread 29-01-2007, 15:19
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Al Skierkiewicz Al Skierkiewicz is offline
Broadcast Eng/Chief Robot Inspector
AKA: Big Al WFFA 2005
FRC #0111 (WildStang)
Team Role: Engineer
 
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Re: Power Distribution Block Grounding

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nitroxextreme View Post
Im not sure on the legality of this (actually tryin to find the answer myself)....
Couldnt you just run a ground from the distribution block to a smaller circuit board...the circuit boards have plenty of extra ground points on them.

This would also cut down on the size of the power distribution block.
Jon,
I am guessing you are talking about the ground returns on the small Maxi fuse panels. And you would be correct that this would work. However, the Tips and Guidelines supported by a Team Update require that the negative leads of the high current loads be returned to the distro blocks. This is also a good practice as it shortens the length of the return wiring and places the connections in terminals better designed to handle the high current and larger wires.
My initial concern, though, is with the current capability of the jumper accessory (the four position, yellow piece with four screws). Since we will potentially have currents of 300 amps or more passing through the jumpers, I want to know exactly what they are capable of so that I can plan the load balance accordingly. I am guessing that for most robot designs, these will be fine. On those rare robots with six motor drives and lot's of accessories that the current might burn one open and take out part of the block in the process. Does anyone else think it odd that manufacturers do not spec this part in their literature. (Even German manufacturers do not.)
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Al
WB9UVJ
www.wildstang.org
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Storming the Tower since 1996.