Introducing a New Modular Control Board System

[Mark McLeod]

Originally Posted by coolhandluke811

In reflection I believe 2012 to 2015 difference is around 5 lbs. However I may still be slightly off with that.

I think that it's more in the neighborhood of a 2 lb savings.

[Dale]

I'd love to see how well these works with the new Talon SRX and Victor SP speed controllers. Those are a different form factor and also use their entire body as the heat sink. I don't know if they'll get so hot as to melt the ABS (105 C) but it may soften it.

[Monochron]

Boy, that video. I like it

I would love to see some of this hooked up in various configurations with the new control system though. Lots of possibilities.

[coolhandluke811]

Originally Posted by Dale

I'd love to see how well these works with the new Talon SRX and Victor SP speed controllers. Those are a different form factor and also use their entire body as the heat sink. I don't know if they'll get so hot as to melt the ABS (105 C) but it may soften it.

Here's what they look like with the new motor controller. The wiring is a little different but should function fundamentally the same.

If the hardware is getting so hot that its softening the ABS I would say there are likely other issues occurring.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Luke,
I am impressed, nice job!
Al

[MrBasse]

Originally Posted by coolhandluke811

Here's what they look like with the new motor controller. The wiring is a little different but should function fundamentally the same.

If the hardware is getting so hot that its softening the ABS I would say there are likely other issues occurring.

Does it seem possible to mount two controllers to one board? You might lose some of the air space for heat control, but the space savings might be worthwhile.

[coolhandluke811]

Originally Posted by MrBasse

Does it seem possible to mount two controllers to one board? You might lose some of the air space for heat control, but the space savings might be worthwhile.

The reason this wasn't built-in was because you can only drill so many holes in the places you want them. On top of that when you decide to do it this way, it becomes harder to route the wires below because it blocks the channels.

BUT.... the 811 is an adaptable system. You want something to fit? Drill new holes or make an adapter plate. They are pretty simple to make and are great intro CAD/machining/3D printing projects for new students.

The picture attached is just to show that you can fit two per part.

I will release CAD so that teams can 3D print/manufacture these motor controller adapter plate.

They will work by:
1. drop in the nuts for bolting to mount
2. bolt the hard ware pieces on top (this capture the previous nuts)
3. bolt to mount through holes already in the mount for some other hardware (lots of options)

easy peasy

If your team doesn't have 3D printing/manufacturing resources I am happy to help work something out.

[x86_4819]

What about using Jaguars with this?

[mastachyra]

I bought it! I think it's a great idea! I'll make sure to let everyone at the Midwest regional know how well it works.

[coolhandluke811]

Originally Posted by mastachyra

I bought it! I think it's a great idea! I'll make sure to let everyone at the Midwest regional know how well it works.

Thank you for your order! I look forward to your feedback!

[coolhandluke811]

Originally Posted by x86_4819

What about using Jaguars with this?

Due to the Jaguars large foot print and uncertainty in current lifespan, it was not incorporated into the built in bolting options.

I hope the attached images help justify this decision.

It is possible to create adapter plates to fit 2 jaguars on 4 cells.

[nuclearnerd]

I was about to be all snarky and say "what problem is this solving that DIN rail doesn't already"...

...and then I saw the sub-level wiring channel. Take my money.

PS - Have you considered making "vertical mount" modules? You could probably get two victors (or 4 of the new design) onto a single module if they were supported "on edge".

[coolhandluke811]

Originally Posted by nuclearnerd

PS - Have you considered making "vertical mount" modules? You could probably get two victors (or 4 of the new design) onto a single module if they were supported "on edge".

At the top of the page you can see how to easily fit 2 new controllers onto 1 mount.

I think the attached image shows what you are trying to describe.

Issue #1: Wires extending out of the bottom create slight wiring complexities and add required height. A possible work around would be do drill out holes for routing the wires immediately to the sub-level.

Issue #2: Coupling 4 controllers like this so close can create heat problems. Its possible to use heat shielding or insulating. But this is at your own risk and should contact Vex or CRE before trying this.

Issue #3: Wiring all those wires can become complex.

Still doable. Proposed alternative to better use the 3rd spacial dimension:
In the videos you can see how to double the Cells back to back.
-Mount 12 cells in a 2x3 grid back to back.
-On one side mount the Power Distribution Panel to 6 cells. (or whatever you want)
-On the other side mount up to 12 of the new motor controllers, or whatever the robot needs/your heart desires.