Talon SRX Stacking?

[homerun33ss]

Is it okay to physically stack Talon SRX controllers on top of each other to save space in our electronics board setup? I know the previous Talons were stackable if you used spacers to separate them enough, which still allowed them to release heat through the top. Can you do the same thing to Talon SRX's, and if so, do you need to make your own custom spacers, or are there specific spacers available for purchase?

[Sperkowsky]

Based on the way the heat fins work you don't want them directly on top of each other. I would personally want at least a 1/4" spacing between them vertically. For that a 3d printed bracket would probably be your best bet.

[homerun33ss]

Originally Posted by Sperkowsky

Based on the way the heat fins work you don't want them directly on top of each other. I would personally want at least a 1/4" spacing between them vertically. For that a 3d printed bracket would probably be your best bet.

Yeah, that's what we were suspecting, but we just wanted some extra input. Thanks!

[asid61]

I think it depends on the application. If it's not super current-heavy then you can get away with it.
Last year we used all talon SRXs for stacking and drivetrain, and they never got more than warm. We stacked quite quickly too.

[homerun33ss]

Originally Posted by asid61

I think it depends on the application. If it's not super current-heavy then you can get away with it.
Last year we used all talon SRXs for stacking and drivetrain, and they never got more than warm. We stacked quite quickly too.

When I said stacking, I meant physically stacking the TalonSRX's on top of each other to save space in our electronics board setup. Sorry, I should probably clarify that in the OP.

[asid61]

Originally Posted by homerun33ss

When I said stacking, I meant physically stacking the TalonSRX's on top of each other to save space in our electronics board setup. Sorry, I should probably clarify that in the OP.

I knew that would be a problem when I typed it. My bad.
We did not stack up our Talons, but used them for current-heavy stacking of totes. Knowing that, I would be comfortable stacking SRXs right on top of each other like you describe for non-heavy applications.

[philso]

You can probably get away with it if the current draw is low (you are controlling a bunch of AndyMark 9015's) or if the current draw is high but has a short duration with a long cool down time (eg. 0.5 seconds at 35 A then 5 seconds off). You should test in a prototype as you would use it in competition or practice then quickly check the temperature of the metal casing of each and every Talon SRX. If you can hold your finger on the case, it is generally Okay. You may want to stack them side by side rather than on top of each other so that you can see the two status LED's and access the Cal button.

I did not notice any mention in the Talon SRX User Guide of being able to read the temperature of each controller. If it is possible, that would be a good thing to monitor in your software.

[fovea1959]

Originally Posted by philso

I did not notice any mention in the Talon SRX User Guide of being able to read the temperature of each controller. If it is possible, that would be a good thing to monitor in your software.

CANTalon.getTemperature() is in there.

[marshall]

"It's Talons all the way down!"

[GreyingJay]

I would suspect that, as someone above has said, you would like to be able to see the LEDs and press the calibrate/brake buttons.

Maybe mount the Talons side by side on a plate that you could then mount vertically?