Compressor troubleshooting

[Mark McLeod]

A couple of tests you can try:

1. Use a multimeter to test the Relay signal/ground on the Sidecar. It'll be a steady 4.6v on one of the two signal pins matching position with the green LED. The other pin will read 0v.
2. Use a multimeter on the far end of the PWM cable to see if the voltage is getting there.

P.S.
If you are getting a green LED lit for the Relay, then the code and pneumatic setup has ordered the compressor to turn on.
Don't bother looking at the pressure switch or code at this point.
The next stop in the command stream is that the Spike LED color should be matching the green Relay LED color.
If the Spike LED doesn't match the Relay LED, then there is the failure is between the Relay output and the Spike - PWM cable, reversed plug, plug not making contact, Relay output under powered, Spike failure.

[brennonbrimhall]

You didn't mention that you had a reservoir hooked up into your system. I assume you do, but if not, the compressor can easily pressurize an entire robot's tubing in a fraction of a second. It turns on, but not long enough to notice.

[Hieb]

I'll try the multimeter tests if I can find my multimeter (my school decided to move us in to a new room in the middle of the build so all of our tools and equipment was randomly placed in to boxes that we are still digging through).

Originally the pressure switch was in-line with the reservoir system, but I currently have the switch out of the system entirely so it should never reach pressure and always run.