Thomas Compressor

[yara92]

If we use Thomas Compressor using the PCM it is stop and wirking many time befor the Tanks is full.
I am trying to wire Thomas Compressor with SPIKE. with Power Distribution Panel 20 A .
is it O.K.

[Mike Marandola]

It's ok. Check R37 and R42

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Mohamed,
You can replace the 20 amp fuse in the Spike with a 20 amp circuit breaker for the compressor only. I highly recommend you make the change.

[Richard Wallace]

I support Al's recommendation to replace 20A fuses with 20A snap action breakers in Spike relays that feed compressors, especially the Thomas 405ADC38/12.

Look here for some test data that may help understanding why this recommendation is important.

[rich2202]

Which Thomas Compressor?

R68 Compressed air on the ROBOT must be provided by one and only one compressor. Compressor specifications may not exceed nominal
12VDC, 1.05 cfm flow rate.

[yara92]

Wiring the Compressor/ to
The Power Distribution Panel
What about Pressure Switch can we use Pneumatics Control Module.

[tStano]

If you wire the compressor to the PDP, you want to wire your switch to the DIO on the robo-rio so you can control it in your code. If you were to wire it to the PCM, it would be difficult to access the pressure switch value.

If you wire the compressor to the PCM, then you should wire the pressure switch there as well.

[GeeTwo]

We aren't using any pneumatics this year, but I have been in on several support threads. While using the spike to control the compressor is legal, it is really not the best solution. The PCB has circuitry to dampen the transient as the motor starts up, reducing the likelihood of tripping the fuse/breaker in the first place. I'm a "late adopter" who only uses something new when it is either mandatory or a clear improvement over the old-and-trusted. From what I've read, I'd rather use the PCB to control the compressor this year. If you decide to go the Spike route, a breaker rather than a fuse is a must!

[yara92]

I understand what you say, I have problem that we use the Thomas Compressor, 1/10 HP Model: 405ADC38/12 it is not working until it up 120 PSI about 70 psi stooping then after a while continue working.
So I don’t know where is the problem . I use the wiring PCM

[rich2202]

Originally Posted by yara92

Thomas Compressor, 1/10 HP Model: 405ADC38/12

That compressor is rated for 100 psi. It will likely not stop running until the thermal switch on the compressor stops it. And then, it will not restart until the thermal switch resets.

The Nason pressure switch trips around 115 psi, well above the rated pressure of the compressor. It should not pressurize the system to the "fully charged" 115 psi level.

I don't know whether it is allowed to adjust the Nason switch to trip at a lower psi.

[FrankJ]

Originally Posted by rich2202

That compressor is rated for 100 psi. It will likely not stop running until the thermal switch on the compressor stops it. And then, it will not restart until the thermal switch resets.

The Nason pressure switch trips around 115 psi, well above the rated pressure of the compressor. It should not pressurize the system to the "fully charged" 115 psi level.

I don't know whether it is allowed to adjust the Nason switch to trip at a lower psi.

If this is the old FRC compressor, it will run to 120 PSI, no problem. The pressure switch is sealed. It is somewhat adjustable, but it would no longer be First legal. Since the rules require a specific part number, you cannot order it with a lower set pressure. Lot of discussion about this last year.

[yara92]

It It doesn't work by
Compressor Recharge Current Test Bench Set Up
test set up 48.pdf

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Mohamed,
There could be one or two things that are having an issue here. There is a thermal breaker inside the compressor that takes several minutes to reset once it trips. If you block the air slots on the side and end of the compressor, it will over heat. We are also unsure if the PCM can handle high current for this compressor. I would suggest you connect the compressor directly to the PDP through a 20 amp breaker please. See if it runs for a longer period than when controlled. It should reach well above 120 psi. That compressor is rated for 100psi but can easily pump up to 150 psi if it runs continuous.
The Nason pressure switch is not adjustable. The adjustment that people talk about simply sets the trigger for the internal microswitch. If mis-adjusted it will either not start or not shutoff. The factory makes the correct adjustment during production and then seals the adjustment screw.
It is also possible that you have an electrical issue between the PDP, the PCM (if you are using one) and the compressor. If one of the connections is loose, it will eventually heat up and fail intermittently.

[ozrien]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

Mohamed,
There could be one or two things that are having an issue here. There is a thermal breaker inside the compressor that takes several minutes to reset once it trips. If you block the air slots on the side and end of the compressor, it will over heat. We are also unsure if the PCM can handle high current for this compressor. I would suggest you connect the compressor directly to the PDP through a 20 amp breaker please. See if it runs for a longer period than when controlled. It should reach well above 120 psi. That compressor is rated for 100psi but can easily pump up to 150 psi if it runs continuous.
The Nason pressure switch is not adjustable. The adjustment that people talk about simply sets the trigger for the internal microswitch. If mis-adjusted it will either not start or not shutoff. The factory makes the correct adjustment during production and then seals the adjustment screw.
It is also possible that you have an electrical issue between the PDP, the PCM (if you are using one) and the compressor. If one of the connections is loose, it will eventually heat up and fail intermittently.

I've tripped the internal compressor breaker by blocking the compressor's output air port, with a PCM. This is part of testing.

Do not connect the compressor directly to the PDP. Please read the PDP's User's Guide, which states not to do this.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Oz,
I made the suggestion to try and diagnose the issue. If the PDP cannot handle the current then it cannot handle a CIM either. Connecting to the PDP through a 20 amp breaker for testing at least gives some electrical protection. We need to know where to look to suggest a fix.
Blocking the output port cannot not provide the necessary testing as it simply forces the piston to bypass compressed air. I would suspect that run current would only rise slightly in this condition. I am guessing that what is at issue here is a low voltage condition that is overheating the compressor armature.