Running a Window Motor with both a spike and a victor at the same time

[EricH]

Spikes have three speeds: Full forwards, full reverse, off.

If you're running both a Victor and a Spike to control a single motor... I suggest using ONLY the Victor if you need variable speed. I can't find a rule saying it's illegal, but you'll have a much more difficult time passing inspection than if you only use one (and the wiring... you might get into trouble with altering the wiring pathways).

What trouble are you having with the window motor, exactly?

[ShaneKent253]

Hello!

Our window motor was running off of a spike to lift and drop a big claw that sits in front of our robot to pick up the ball. We were using the window motor with no problem for the past two weeks with no problem and now (this week) after not changing anything our motor can not lift the ball when we have it in our claws.

We are not sure what to do about this and we are looking for any help.

Thank you!

Shane

P.S.
This is my real account.

[artdutra04]

The Window motors contain an internal PTC circuit breaker - if they get too hot the circuit breaker will open the connection (and stop the motor) until the motor cools down.

Check everything to make sure nothing is binding; if there is nothing obvious then it is likely the Window motor is simply struggling with the task. The Window motors only have a peak power output of 20 Watts, which is one of the weakest FRC-legal motors.

In this case, you should investigate to see if you can use a different, more powerful motor to accomplish this task.