Operator Interface power ISSUE

[kacz100]

Well, our robot is done and driving and we walk out to the field and test it plug it in and start moving the robot via the radio and one of our wonderfully talented and extremely nimble students walk into the power cable ripping the power jack clear for our control panel. Quickly going over the damage we send a person to radioshack to find some parts to replace it. They feel as if they figured everything out about the power and we try it... bad news the robot power light is the only light that is lighting up. Everything works with the tether but thats annoying on a larger playingfield. Any ideas, thoughts, or anything?

[Greg McCoy]

Perhaps they didn't get a power supply rated high enough for the OI? For some reason I'm thinking that it requires a 1500 mA power supply (and many RadioShack type ones are only like 300 mA). Sounds like it's not getting enough juice.

[dlavery]

We ran into a similar problem last year (and the year before) when we kept losing our OI power supplies. One VERY IMPORTANT thing that we found out is that if you get a replacement supply from anywhere other than Innovation First, make sure that it is AT LEAST a 1500mA supply (with 12VDC output, plug tip is positive). While a lower level supply will power the OI, the performance and range of the eWave radio modem will become questionable. The OI will light up, and everything will look like it should be working, but you can't get any signal to the RC (or if you can, the working range may to limited to ten feet or less). This sounds like the same symptoms you are seeing.

You can get a direct replacement unit for the OI power supply from Radio Shack. Part #273-1779, it usually runs about $20. We have tried using lower level (cheaper) supplies before, and every time we had disappointing results.

-dave

[kacz100]

Sorry but there might be a misunderstanding the jack on the OI is what has broken clear from the OI there are no problems with the powersupply. Sorry for the confusion.

[steven114]

Did you solder it back on? Did you check to make sure that you were providing power and ground in the right polarity?

[kacz100]

Everything seems to be connected properly and we do get a power on light but nothing else. So we are assuming we connected the powersupply correctly otherwise that wouldn't even light up. Is there a something else that could be damaged?

[Alan Anderson]

The [replaced] power connector on the OI doesn't work, but it runs okay when tethered, right? You've already damaged the thing, so you probably don't have anything to lose by powering it through the competition port. I think pin 1 is power.

[jjv]

Originally Posted by Alan Anderson

The [replaced] power connector on the OI doesn't work, but it runs okay when tethered, right? You've already damaged the thing, so you probably don't have anything to lose by powering it through the competition port. I think pin 1 is power.

...Might be your best bet here, but I'd try and get in touch with IFI, and run your problem by them, and see if you can confirm that it is pin 1

[KevinB]

Originally Posted by jjv

...Might be your best bet here, but I'd try and get in touch with IFI, and run your problem by them, and see if you can confirm that it is pin 1

It is pin 1, but building an adapter that powers the OI this way will void your OI warranty. (although we HAVE built such an adapter ... and it works great)

[dlavery]

Originally Posted by kacz100

Everything seems to be connected properly and we do get a power on light but nothing else. So we are assuming we connected the powersupply correctly otherwise that wouldn't even light up. Is there a something else that could be damaged?

At this point, the best thing you can do is call Innovation First, get an RMA number, and send it to them for repair. If you are really, really, really nice to them when you call, and explain the situation, they just might send you a replacement immediately while fixing your RC, rather than making you wait until the repairs are completed before returning your original unit.

-dave

[Al Skierkiewicz]

I go along with Dave on return to Innovation First. The power connector solders to the board on both sides. When the connector was ripped out, there was likely damage to one side or the other of the board. Either the board is cracked or there is a broken circuit board trace, and either one requires an expert fix or replacement.

[kacz100]

Sounds wonderful, we shall see what they have to say. Thank you for your replys!