Speed controllers....

[Ken Patton]

Its been my experience that the IFI speed controllers are pretty robust. We've done a lot of stupid things over the years and not had too many issues with the IFI parts. Are you sure you are not doing something wrong in how you are using/connecting the speed controllers?

One thing that is a source of failures is for metal chips to get inside and short out the speed controller. Is it possible that you have been generating chips too close to your speed controllers?

Maybe if you explain how the failures are occurring it would be possible for people in the forum to give more specific help.

Ken

[Cory]

I've never ever seen one "blow up" in 4 years of doing robotics.

I have VERY rarely heard of them failing in mysterious ways.

Double check all your wiring, make sure it's all right, nothing's shorting out, etc etc

[Tristan Lall]

Years ago, in 1999, Woburn had some trouble with (what was believed to be) metal filings at the base of the FETs. A few Victor 883s failed that way. Also, in 2003, one unexplained faulty 884 turned up in West Michigan. It may have failed for the same reason (since preventative measures weren't really taken to avoid debris).

I'd say that this is the most likely explanation for the issue. Do you typically cover the Victors before performing metal work?