Watchdog and Communication Issue

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by Willn147

The power converter is connected to 30amp max section of the PD, and we are using a 20amp breaker.

This could be the issue. Connect it to the regulated 12V output on the end of the board (next to the 24V output for the cRio), instead of through a breaker.

The regulated output will continue giving 12V to the power converter until your battery hits about 4.5V. The breakers, on the other hand, simply pass through the apparent battery voltage. When you're driving your CIMs and other motors, you'll see this battery voltage will drop below 10V frequently due to the load, and when it drops low that power converter can't work properly.

I saw this exact same issue with a team up in Duluth. They pushed their robot forward full power, and comms dropped out for 30 seconds or so. We could tell from the FMS that it was the radio, and when I went to their pit that was the first thing we looked at. After fixing it, they didn't have any comm issues for the rest of the competition.