Layout of off-board compressor (featuring sweet pics)

[Jared Russell]

Originally Posted by tkbletsc

We have the emergency relief valve on the compressor, but I'd rather not rely on that. How are you "supposed" to do it?

That's what the emergency relief valve is there for.

[cbale2000]

What you need to do is get one of these (similar ones can be found in assorted pneumatics parts that come in old kits or from FIRST Choice):



and connect one of these to it:

[Nate Laverdure]

Schematically, your legal options look like this:

Standard "on-board" compression


"Off-board" compression


"Seriously off-board" compression

[Chris is me]

For our robot this year, we would plug the offboard compressor into a fitting attached to a manual valve. The other end of the manual valve was attached to a T, which itself was attached to an additional manual valve and our stored pressure regulator / automatic relief valve. After this collection of brass and hardware, we ran a tube to the first storage tank and the rest is the same as an on-board setup. I can post a picture if needed.

[CENTURION]

You could also hook up a quick-disconnect fitting like this one:
http://www.hydraulic-supply.com/imagesorg/aqpfd41.jpg

Instead of having a manual valve at the point the compressor attaches.

It solves your problem of accidentally trying to charge only a 6" section of tubing, instead of the whole system.

It's also designed to be connected and disconnected many times, whereas the standard kind of tubing fittings used in FRC are really not meant to be used that way (Though they do hold pretty up well under that sort of use).

You can put the male connectors on each pneumatic system, and just one male connector on the hose/tubing coming from your compressor.

Another bonus: These can often be found at local hardware stores, they'll probably be with the air tools (Nail guns and the like).

As far as I know, these connectors are legal for FRC use (Though as you said this is an off-season project, that may not matter).

As others have said, you do need to have a pressure relief valve on the compressor. It's not just the rules; it's so that you don't blow anything up

[Chris is me]

The quick disconnects don't seal themselves when not in use? You still need a manual valve between the quick connect and the rest of the system.

[BBray_T1296]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

The quick disconnects don't seal themselves when not in use? You still need a manual valve between the quick connect and the rest of the system.

The female quick disconnects automatically seal. I think he made a typo

[rich2202]

Originally Posted by CENTURION

As far as I know, these connectors are legal for FRC use (Though as you said this is an off-season project, that may not matter).

It is an R77-f part. Make sure it is COTS, and bring the pressure rating.

R75 - Must be rated for at least 125 psi. If rated for less, at a regional, we will let you use it if your switch and pressure relief valve are set for the lower rating (robot compliant with the spirit of the rule). At the championship, I am guessing they will not let you compete with the under rated component (robot fully compliant).