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Re: do we "NEED" the power distribution block
Well I know this is kind of late in the game for the last year but I have a good feeling that they are going to bring the power distribution block back. Reason could be due to a contract or donation reason but that is just my guess and shouldn't be taken into to consideration because the true point is that it is required in the rules but however there is a few scenarios that have me confused on why you need the power distribution block.
Some information on wiring:
With the current battery cables at the gauge that they are it would be pointless to go a high gauge or doubling up on the same battery gauge in the controller system because your can’t exceed the power limitation set by that battery cable. The higher the gauge the more power can flow.
The longer the cable the more energy is lost due to resistance. So for example when Tomas Edison wired up a town with dc the power could only go a limited range because of the resistance.
Some of you said that the power Distribution block is a standard there I agree but grounding pins and other power products in that nature are also standards.
Questions and scenarios:
So if I were to make a robot with Only one ATC fuse panel ( 20/30 a ) would I need to use the power distribution block? Its required in the rules and also on the check list but it would serve no purpose.
(Because as far as I see I have only one grounding pad and one positive pad creating no reason for a Distribution block)
Ok let say I’m using two to three and maybe four fuse panels, using the fact from above about the battery’s wire gauge and also that the maxi fuse block is essentially a distribution block why would I need another distribution block when there are ones in place already? You may say resistance and you may have a point but I could say the same thing about the new distribution block.
I don’t know how many of you have looked at the inside of the New distribution block and understand how it works, but if you look there is a lot of wasted space. If you notice that in the base there are 3 squares, now if I was to drill a hole through all these squares I could run the battery cable through them that FIRST supplies. I also could do some other added things but as things go all will say I’m not allowed to tamper with these devices since I could make it unsafe not like I have shocked myself with an outlet 4 times or more to learn my lesson.
Now let’s say I have a maxi fuse block and an ATC fuse panel. Could I ground the four 40 AMP speed controllers to that ATC fuse panel and not have to use the negative half of the distribution block?
Final Note
I would go into mounting but that is another story for when this year is revealed. Also I would like to note that though I don’t like the distribution block for the robot purposes I do enjoy it for my other projects such as my other post called the cart files where it would help with later modifications.
Well I know there is probably more cases others can think of that I’m missing but it is 2:30 am and I’m tired so I leave it for you to debate on and create your own opinions because who am i but a student that doesn't have a degree in electrical like some of you.
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Curiosity killed the cat, satisfaction brought it back.
Last edited by BlackShadowFox : 01-12-2007 at 10:57.
Reason: Change Of name
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