Pneumatic pressure readout

[gappleto97]

Our team is attempting to redesign our drive station this year, and among other things, we wanted to get an air pressure readout in the console command. Unfortunately, even if we knew the coding for it (which at the moment we don't but I assume would be relatively easy), we can't find a sensor that would do the job.

Does anyone know of a sensor that we could get?

[protoserge]

You are looking for a "pressure transducer". These are not inexpensive items at the pressure of the FRC system so expect to spend over $100 for each sensor. I did a quick search and found a unit on McMaster-Carr for $170. This is by no means a parts recommendation, it's just for reference. Pneuaire has some SMC units, but they are only rated to 75psi proof pressure. I hope this helps!

Remember to verify the pressure rating and follow the rules carefully for pneumatics component selection when they come out next year.

Coding would be very straightforward in LabVIEW. You may need to make a custom circuit to interpret the output and power the sensor.

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by stinglikeabee

Remember to verify the pressure rating and follow the rules carefully for pneumatics component selection when they come out next year.

And among other things, print off and bring with you the data sheet for the transducer, so the inspectors can quickly and easily see that it is appropriately rated for FRC use!

[Nate Laverdure]

One was provided in the 2004 kit, which was pretty cool.

The Team 358 Pneumatics Resources page offers a couple more options if you don't have parts from 2004 laying around.

[Joe Ross]

R82 last year made these illegal to use on the high pressure side. It would be almost pointless to use one on the low pressure side. Be sure to wait for the rules next year before spending a lot of money on a sensor that might not be legal.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

As mentioned, pressure transducers were not allowed in 2013. This was a suggested rules change (from teams) during the last season. If they were to be allowed, they would be in addition to, not in place of, the current pressure switch. Several years in the past, transducers actually came in the KOP.