pic: 1885 Drive, 2013

[JesseK]

Sure.

The patch panel represents 1 mechanism's sensors per port (e.g. 2 limit switches + 1 pot), 4 single/2 double acting solenoids per port, or an actual network connection into the router.

It's much easier for us to label & read when we're interchanging the electronics board or parts. In particular, it will allow us to use the board for several offseason projects with several novices -- preventing them from (e.g.) frying a digital side car by not paying attention. The panel itself is from 1/16" sheet metal, though I think they went to 1/8" black ABS for the production version. The mounts also create a nice channel for the moving chain to go through the board. I think they pulled out excess twisted pairs from the Cat6 cables. Overall, both connector panels add roughly 2.5 lbs when considering the panels, connectors, and additional wires. Since the drive train was so light (lightest in 6 years) we figured the weight is fine for this year.

On the opposite side of the board are mini-anderson connectors in their black 2-pair block mounts.

That's what I know; I can get you in touch with our electronics guys if you want to know more.

(Edit -- sorry, I sound a bit blah ... long day at work ><)