Documenting RoboRio / PDB Wiring

[Al Skierkiewicz]

This is copy of our motor function sheet. Please note that there are colors involved in the sheet. We use color wire marking tape (available from Digikey) to identify everything. The breaker, power wiring, PWM position and wiring on the RoboRio, the motor controller or Spike and the motor or other device controlled by that branch. If the yellow motor is not working, look for the yellow controlled, breaker and PWM for a problem.
The striped colors indicate either a white or black tape in addition to the color. Note also that the breaker size and motor controller output wiring polarity is also included.
The wire marking tape comes in a ten color dispenser (EIA colors) made by 3M for about $30. Yes it's expensive but it eliminates schematics for troubleshooting. Even mechanical can identify were the problem might be.

[MrRoboSteve]

A local alternative to Al's wire marking tape are these books of wire marking stickers. $7.96 at Home Depot.

Like 111, we don't bother with a schematic. Instead, we print the robot map from the robot program and use that as a reference. That, plus wires marked at both ends (yes, every wire), is adequate.

One other tip. Always connect motors and power to speed controllers with the red wire connected to the positive terminal and the black wire connected to the negative terminal. If you notice that your motor is turning backwards, it's tempting to fix it by swapping the polarity of the wires. The problem is that you need to remember that orientation if you replace a part. Better to do the swap in the program and have the physical wiring on the robot standardized.