When is the compressor supposed to run in competition?

[tkbletsc]

We just got our compressor working with cRIO control, but it seems to power on only in teleop and autonomous, not in disabled.

It seems like at the start of autonomous, we'd want pressure already available without waiting for the compressor to charge up our tank.

We're a rookie team, so we don't know the mechanics of competition. Is there time for us to charge the compressor before the match? Once the robot radio is configured for field use, would we even be able to control it to enable the compressor ourselves?

If not, what do people do about pressure...do teams just wait for it to build during the match before being able to start shooting?

[Qbot2640]

That is exactly when it will run - and it will run when the system's pressure falls to the point where it needs to be recharged. You will need to have sufficient air storage (the cylindrical "Clipper" tanks) on your robot to make sure you start off each match with enough air.

You can activate your teleop mode in the pit, just before you queue up for a match, to pre-charge your air system.

[DonRotolo]

Disabled means just that: not enabled. The compressor must not run then.

Just before you leave your pit, on your way to the match, you tether and enable your robot, let the air pressure build up, and then shut down, put in a fresh battery, and go get in queue (line) for the match.

If you dont have many leaks, the pressure will hold for the 5 minutes until the match starts. (otherwise, fix those leaks!)

[tkbletsc]

Originally Posted by DonRotolo

Just before you leave your pit...

Perfect, thanks.

[FrankJ]

Your pressure should hold for over an hour assuming you have an accumulator. If it doesn't, you should find & fix the leaks. Soapy water can be used to find them.

[trilogy2826]

Originally Posted by FrankJ

Your pressure should hold for over an hour assuming you have an accumulator. If it doesn't, you should find & fix the leaks. Soapy water can be used to find them.

My new best friend for leak finding is a cheap stethoscope from Harbor Freight. $5 and you have a mess free leak detection method. Wish I would have realized this years ago