Is it okay to run one motor in a two motor transmission?

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by Rickertsen2

The breakers are irrevelant so long as the jumper is set to coast and you are giving the controller a neutral signal. You don't need any extra relays etc.


The spikes are definately mechanical. You can hear them click if you listen closely. I have even heard one make a machine-gun like noise when toggled very fast.... then it died after a few seconds...oops

Rick,
This from the Spike Blue Data sheet..."Spike is an H-Bridge relay module custom designed for Robotics applications." I believe the "H Bridge" implies in this particular device, a solid state device. There is simply not enough room for four relays in that little box. The clicking you heard was likely the components failing.
Using a Spike in series with a motor in our kit, is redundant since the Victors give such complete control over all motor functions. You may have seen an application where a Spike was used to turn "coast/brake" on and off. If you check the rule book you will find that spikes can only be used on certain motors.
"5.6.3 Relay Modules
For information about the Relay Modules, refer to the Spike Users Manual available on Innovation First’s
website.
Warning! Attempting to drive the Drill motors, Van Door motors, Globe motors or Fisher-Price motors
directly with the Relay Modules could damage the Relay Modules and is, therefore, prohibited.." Add the Chalupa to that list as well.
In addition to that, common sense practices dictate that you want a minimum of components between the controllers and motors, adding a relay module adds that much more wire, another failure point and a bunch of connectors to the circuit. All of which are bad.
It is not necessary to pull the breakers unless you are unsure of your software preventing drive to those motors you don't want to use. The breakers are there to protect the wiring and Victor from flaming during a catastrophic failure. Voltage from a turning motor backfeeding the Victor will not be protected by the circuit breaker upstream from the Victor.