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Unread 15-01-2012, 03:00
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Re: stupid rookie questions. need definitions

I like to think of the digital sidecar and the breakout modules as converter cables. They take the multi-pin serial connector on the cRIO, and convert it into something that you can easily plug your own devices into. There are three types:
  • The analog breakout is used to connect analog sensors like gyros and Potentiometers to the cRIO, and connects directly to the analog module
  • The digital sidecar is used for a number of things, including sending signals to your speed controllers from the cRIO, taking input from digital sensors, operating the robot signal light, and controlling spike relays. The digital sidecar connects using the 37 pin ribbon cable
  • The solenoid breakout is used to control pneumatic solenoids, using a 2 wire output. It connects directly to the solenoid module, much like the analog breakout.

Remember though, each breakout and sidecar needs its own power supply from the power distribution board.

I/O is input and output. The I/O ports on the sidecar can be used for digital inputs, like switches, or for small digital outputs, like lights. Larger digital outputs are best done using a relay.

Do you mean the compressor? If so, yes, it's used to refill the pneumatic system. Electrically speaking, it is connected to a Spike relay, which in turn is driven by a signal from the digital sidecar.

The D-link will be used for wireless communication between the Operator Interface and your robot during operation, allowing you to drive it. The converter ensures that the D-link receives the correct voltage.

Solenoids are connected through the solenoid breakout, or using relays. They are used to control pneumatic cylinders.


A lot of useful information on these parts can be found here.
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Unread 15-01-2012, 03:45
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Re: stupid rookie questions. need definitions

also, what is an analog module?
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Unread 15-01-2012, 04:19
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Re: stupid rookie questions. need definitions

There are 3 modules that plug into the cRIO. Each requires a breakout board to adapt between the many-pin connector on the module and the things that you want to connect to the module.
  • Analog Input Module (NI 9201): required; breakout board is a small circuit board that plugs directly into the module; for taking inputs from analog sensors (where the signal varies from zero to five volts)
  • Digital I/O Module (NI 9403): required; breakout board is the Digital Sidecar; outputs PWM signals, for controlling speed controllers, as well as a simple on/off signal for controlling relays (like a Spike) and takes inputs from digital sensors (where the signal is either on or off).
  • Solenoid Module (NI 9472): only needed if using pneumatics; breakout board is a small circuit board that plugs directly into the module
.

A potentiometer (or pot) is a variable resistor which can be used to give a analog signal based upon the position of the knob. The knob on a stereo is a potentiometer.
A gyroscope (or gyro) is a type of sensor that gives a signal that changes with rotation. Most gryros give an analog signal, but some can also give a digital signal. For example, a Wiimote uses gyros and accelerometers (a sensor that measures acceleration) to track its movement.

I'm pretty sure this is the link eedoga meant for his first link, it and the other he provided are both very useful and here is the official technical resources page for the 2012 control system.
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Last edited by jason701802 : 15-01-2012 at 04:37. Reason: Grammar
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Unread 15-01-2012, 09:00
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Re: stupid rookie questions. need definitions

this has almost everything you will need and more...it along with the part specs on the first website were a great help for my team (thank you team 358)
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Unread 15-01-2012, 11:03
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Re: stupid rookie questions. need definitions

The digital sidecar is the blue plastic board



that you connect to the digital I/O (input/output) module in the cRio, using the big cable that has 37 pin connectors on both ends. The digital sidecar is used to connect some types of sensors (like limit switches), motor speed controllers (like the Jaguars), and relays (like the Spikes) to the cRio so it can "talk" to the parts of your robot. The cRio is the robot's "brain", and the wiring is kind of the "nerves" that connect to it.

The analog and pneumatic bumpers are the little modules that plug into the analog and pneumatic cRio modules, they look like this, but they say right on them "analog" or "pneumatic"



Compression is a word used for several things, if you tell us the context where it's used, we could help you understand what it means.

Pneumatic systems use compressed air to do stuff. The pneumatic solenoid valves are used to control air flow, so you can make it do what you want, when you want it. So if you plan to use pneumatics to move something on your robot, you need a solenoid valve for each thing you want to control.

Last edited by MrForbes : 15-01-2012 at 11:06.
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Unread 15-01-2012, 13:26
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Re: stupid rookie questions. need definitions

Hey, I'm from Team 3013 in Vallejo, CA. If your team ever needs any help don't hesitate to come down. We have 4 years of experience and would have no problem helping out.
For contact information email traubmath@gmail.com, one of our mentors.
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Unread 16-01-2012, 00:07
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Re: stupid rookie questions. need definitions

Thanks everyone! I think i understand now. @alex thanks for the offer, i will ask my team about how many would be willing to drive down to vallejo. how many people are on your team? how many would be willing to help out? i assume you guys are also participating this year?
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