Just Curious

[Johnny_5]

Team 3484 is interested in getting involved with the local drama club at the school by animating some sets to spin or move around on their own.

We are looking for an enclosure and have been thinking about a PLC Enclosure. Does anyone know who manufactures the cabinets that are used on the red and blue SCC's on each end of the field?

[DonRotolo]

No, but any electrical supply house will be able to supply very similar housings and cabinets. These enclosures are used all the time in industrial electrical work. The clear covers used by FIRST are probably custom-made, but I would imagine some companies offer them from stock.

Be warned: They are not inexpensive.

[Deetman]

How big do the enclosures need to be? SparkFun and AdaFruit have some smaller hobbyist type of enclosures and there is always the standard RadioShack project boxes.

Bud Industries has tons of boxes of all shapes and sizes including some that are similar to the FIRST boxes.

Google search "electronics enclosures" and find more than you'll ever need.

[craigboez]

Hoffman is the Kleenex of industrial enclosures. That would probably be a good starting point.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Issac,
Those big grey boxes are known as NEMA enclosures. They are usually fiberglass reinforced and meet a lot of safety standards for electrical enclosures. You might find some at Mouser or Digikey. BTW Digikey now supports a team in Minnesota.

[Hugh Meyer]

Isaac,

There are several types of these enclosures. In a theatrical type environment you likely would not need a sealed water tight enclosure. A type I enclosure would be fine. This will help to reduce the cost, although they are still expensive. Attached is a data sheet showing some that I like to use. Also attached is a sheet showing the heavier type 12. You can find more on their website. The window is an option.

As mentioned previously Hoffman is the standard. Contact any electrical supply house in your area. They will be happy to help you. The first question would be if they carry Hoffman enclosures. If not then go on to the next vendor.

-Hugh

[rsisk]

Love the fact you are combining robots and theater. We used a holo mic drive robot base to animate a piece of furniture for Blithe Spirit a couple years ago. Took home a Technical Design award for that show. About to start production on Something's Afoot which will also include a robotized piece of furniture and some magic components.

[Paul T.]

The enclosures are usually just sheet metal boxes and come in a variety of shapes and sizes i believe the ones on the field are Allen-Bradley but i may be mistaken you could find them at your local industrial supply company or electricians supply company.