Power distribution question?

[384drtysteve101]

Ok that works then, i have to make the power distribution board very accesible then, by the way im christian not steve,lol

[andreboos]

We mounted ours upside down on the underside of the electronics board last year and passed inspection. However we did have a few issues with the cRIO power connector detaching itself from the board. This year I have a bigger electronics board and can fit everything onto one side

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by andreboos

However we did have a few issues with the cRIO power connector detaching itself from the board.

With the screws to hold it in, that's one connector I wouldn't have expected problems with.

[384drtysteve101]

What about victors, spikes, the d-link and its power adapter upside down? I would assume the d-link would be fine but im not sure about the other 3 componets.

[MrForbes]

I like the idea of mounting the Victors upside down. They won't collect debris as easily that way. As far as how the components function, upside down is not an issue. Inspection, service, etc are the big issue. I think the compressor is the only thing that needs to be mounted upright, and that is only because it needs to be on it's isolation mounts, and they are designed to work in compression.

Is there a way to make it so the whole board hinges up easily so you can see and work on it? all the wires would need to enter/exit from one edge.

[384drtysteve101]

Were not using a compressor, so need to worry about that one, but as for now the electrical would be bolted upside down at an angle, when we go into inspection i dont how that will be for the inspectors...there really is no room for the board to swing since it is a an angle and has no room to swing at the bottom it.

[MrForbes]

If you could post some pictures of the robot we might be able to suggest something. Also you might be able to make a board with the PD mounted on top, and the victors/spikes/ etc mounted below, and wires go thru holes to feed power to the various parts.

[drakesword]

just make sure your controllers can get air circulation or you may have issues there.

[rsisk]

Originally Posted by squirrel

If you could post some pictures of the robot we might be able to suggest something. Also you might be able to make a board with the PD mounted on top, and the victors/spikes/ etc mounted below, and wires go thru holes to feed power to the various parts.

Hmm, kinda like the imagery of that idea

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by 384drtysteve101

What about victors, spikes, the d-link and its power adapter upside down? I would assume the d-link would be fine but im not sure about the other 3 componets.

As with most components, they don't care which way they are mounted. Electrons are not as influenced by gravity when in the presence of battery. The Dlink needs to be mounted up and away from motors and steel so that the radio can handshake with the field. Rules require that the Dlink be visible from the front of the robot by setup crews. The Victors and Jaguars have indicators that you need to see as well as anyone helping you. You really need to consider a lot of other things as well before you really tie yourself into this design. If an inspector can't complete inspection you can't play.

[drakesword]

Another side note. It is dangerous to charge the battery on its side. so make sure you remove it (which you should be doing anyhwho) before charging it.

[384drtysteve101]

Sorry not posting any pictures of our robot, because we dont want other teams in the region to know how we are going on our bot, sorry but i can give a small representation of it.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Bryant,
MK says their batteries can be used in any orientation but should not be charged upside down. I recommend that batteries only be charged upright for a variety of other reasons.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by 384drtysteve101

im christian not steve,lol

Sorry Christian,
If you update your user info, we will use that. Thanks.