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Unread 31-01-2009, 22:11
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: 10,798
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Re: how many people have had failing jaguars

Quote:
Originally Posted by emersont49 View Post
Though we charge our batteries offline, I was unaware of the danger of charging them while connected to the control system.
Tim,
It is at this point that I jump in with suggestions to all teams. Swap out the alligator clips that come with your battery chargers and install a 50 amp battery connector in their place. The clips are far too dangerous for our applications and the temptation is to connect the clips to the battery connector rather than the battery terminals. When teams do this they scratch the surface of the 50 amp contacts causing high resistance and potential connector failure. The cost of a 50 amp Anderson plug and two contacts is tiny compared to a lost match or a damaged battery and/or charger. Robot Inspectors and UL safety people will be watching for these unsafe practices.
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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.