Secondary DC-DC module for Vision Processing

[BetaHelix]

You can wire other electronics to the VRM, just not to the 2A connectors for radio power. If you choose though you can use other DC-DC converters, we used two last year for LEDs. Ask the q and a for sure though

[rich2202]

Is there a rule that says you cannot connect a 2nd VRM to a WAGO connector to power non-control devices, such as cameras? R43/44 seem to be specific to the Radio, but does not prevent other VRM's on the robot. They just can't power the Radio.

[billbo911]

Originally Posted by rich2202

Is there a rule that says you cannot connect a 2nd VRM to a WAGO connector to power non-control devices, such as cameras? R43/44 seem to be specific to the Radio, but does not prevent other VRM's on the robot. They just can't power the Radio.

No, I do not see a rule to prevent this. There would be no need for the DROK converter though if we just used a second VRM. The issue is, the VRM is usually driven by a "Boost" converter within the PDB. You would loose that protection if you connected it directly to a WAGO output.

[diverson]

Originally Posted by billbo911

No, I do not see a rule to prevent this. There would be no need for the DROK converter though if we just used a second VRM. The issue is, the VRM is usually driven by a "Boost" converter within the PDB. You would loose that protection if you connected it directly to a WAGO output.

Is that true? The docs for the VRM sure seem to indicate that it is a boost/buck converter all by itself.

[Mark McLeod]

The PDP special outputs for the radio VRM are just battery voltage.
You can test it yourself by comparing a meter reading there with a meter reading on the battery.

[billbo911]

Originally Posted by Mark McLeod

The PDP special outputs for the radio VRM are just battery voltage.
You can test it yourself by comparing a meter reading there with a meter reading on the battery.

If that's the case, then this has become a non-issue.
The PDB does indeed have a label that calls these outputs "VBat...".
I'm not sure where I got the impression there was a boost regulator driving those outputs.
Thanks again Mark.