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The Problem With Shorting
According to Jim Zondag, the problem with shorting will only happen: "If 2 Valeos are used on separate speed controller outputs. However, any Valeo motor that is not isolated will connect the robot's chassis to the electrical system. Depending on the polarity of the motor power, your robot chassis would be either grounded or energized to 12 volts. FIRST always insists on having robots with isolated chassis for a variety of safety reasons. I recommend we do the same and make teams isolate these motors. Hopefully, this is not too much trouble for teams. It is important to realize that the output shaft is electrically connected to the case of the motor, so connecting the output shaft to metal shafts, sprockets, bearings, and chains can create a path back to the chassis." As far as the other motors are concerned, we did not write them into the kit materials list or address them in the How-To manual. They were mentioned only because we were told by the donating company they would be coming. I still believe that to be true, but I cannot say when. In retrospect, I know it would have been better not to even mention them. All I can say is that you will get them within 24 hours of when we get them.
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