Go to Post Wait hold the phone. Do you mean its physically possible to not spend time on robotics during the season?!!! Too much.......for brain......to compute!...goes against.....beliefs........aaaaarrrrrrghhhhhh!!! [syntax error] - BuddyB309 [more]
Home
Go Back   Chief Delphi > Technical > Electrical
CD-Media   CD-Spy  
portal register members calendar search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read FAQ rules

 
Closed Thread
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
  #16   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 15-03-2005, 00:34
eugenebrooks eugenebrooks is offline
Team Role: Engineer
AKA: Dr. Brooks
no team (WRRF)
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Rookie Year: 2001
Location: Livermore, CA
Posts: 601
eugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond repute
Re: SLU-70 Lugs

Quote:
Originally Posted by KTorak
We are iffy on this new connector, our robot got hit causing the wire to pull out of the connector in a seeding match (our second of the day). We were very dissappointed that it came out considering we originally had a really good crimped connection.
There is good reason to be iffy on this connector, but it is required by the rules this year. If you do not solder the wire in after you have tightened the screw, it can pull loose as you have experienced. If you solder, you need to use a larger iron and clean the copper well before you assemble the connector. Tin plating helps soldering a great deal if you have means to do this.
  #17   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 15-03-2005, 00:47
sanddrag sanddrag is offline
On to my 16th year in FRC
FRC #0696 (Circuit Breakers)
Team Role: Teacher
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Rookie Year: 2002
Location: Glendale, CA
Posts: 8,519
sanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond repute
Re: SLU-70 Lugs

I've tried every iron and soldering gun I have to solder Anderson Contacts onto 6 ga wire and I just cannot get it anywhere near hot enough. The best thing that I've found is a small butane pencil torch, but mine broke so now I use the big propane torch. It gets hot enough but it is a real pain because the flame is so large.
__________________
Teacher/Engineer/Machinist - Team 696 Circuit Breakers, 2011 - Present
Mentor/Engineer/Machinist, Team 968 RAWC, 2007-2010
Technical Mentor, Team 696 Circuit Breakers, 2005-2007
Student Mechanical Leader and Driver, Team 696 Circuit Breakers, 2002-2004
  #18   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 15-03-2005, 00:51
activemx's Avatar
activemx activemx is offline
A M X
AKA: Akshay Dodeja
no team
Team Role: College Student
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Rookie Year: 2000
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 312
activemx is a glorious beacon of lightactivemx is a glorious beacon of lightactivemx is a glorious beacon of lightactivemx is a glorious beacon of lightactivemx is a glorious beacon of light
Send a message via AIM to activemx Send a message via Yahoo to activemx
Re: SLU-70 Lugs

Quote:
Originally Posted by sanddrag
I've tried every iron and soldering gun I have to solder Anderson Contacts onto 6 ga wire and I just cannot get it anywhere near hot enough. The best thing that I've found is a small butane pencil torch, but mine broke so now I use the big propane torch. It gets hot enough but it is a real pain because the flame is so large.
Yeat I remember when we had the monster cable 4 Guage cable at 115 it was impossible to solder with a iron. The crimp was'nt good enough. We figured a butane torch would be the best and it wourked out. Hahah i can just image use a propane torch that would just burn the cable ends. Try a small torch you can get at home depot or online.
__________________
2005 - Present - FIRST Volunteer(Inspector, Ref, Judge)
2000-2004 MVRT 115
  #19   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 15-03-2005, 01:46
eugenebrooks eugenebrooks is offline
Team Role: Engineer
AKA: Dr. Brooks
no team (WRRF)
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Rookie Year: 2001
Location: Livermore, CA
Posts: 601
eugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond repute
Re: SLU-70 Lugs

Quote:
Originally Posted by sanddrag
I've tried every iron and soldering gun I have to solder Anderson Contacts onto 6 ga wire and I just cannot get it anywhere near hot enough. The best thing that I've found is a small butane pencil torch, but mine broke so now I use the big propane torch. It gets hot enough but it is a real pain because the flame is so large.
We use a soldering iron that runs a bit hotter than most, and has a large tip, for soldering lugs. Ours is a Hakko unit that is no longer sold, but the Hakko 456-16 iron, 60watts, 1110F, is equivalent. It is important that you do not clamp the lug in a vice, it will draw away needed heat.

If you need to solder lugs in the pits,
please remember that open flames are forbidden there.
  #20   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 15-03-2005, 01:58
The Lucas's Avatar
The Lucas The Lucas is offline
CaMOElot, it is a silly place
AKA: My First Name is really "The" (or Brian)
FRC #0365 (The Miracle Workerz); FRC#1495 (AGR); FRC#4342 (Demon)
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Rookie Year: 2001
Location: Dela-Where?
Posts: 1,564
The Lucas has a reputation beyond reputeThe Lucas has a reputation beyond reputeThe Lucas has a reputation beyond reputeThe Lucas has a reputation beyond reputeThe Lucas has a reputation beyond reputeThe Lucas has a reputation beyond reputeThe Lucas has a reputation beyond reputeThe Lucas has a reputation beyond reputeThe Lucas has a reputation beyond reputeThe Lucas has a reputation beyond reputeThe Lucas has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via AIM to The Lucas
Re: SLU-70 Lugs

Quote:
Originally Posted by sanddrag
I've tried every iron and soldering gun I have to solder Anderson Contacts onto 6 ga wire and I just cannot get it anywhere near hot enough. The best thing that I've found is a small butane pencil torch, but mine broke so now I use the big propane torch. It gets hot enough but it is a real pain because the flame is so large.
While working with Team 1495, we soldered these with the only soldering iron available, a 25-watt Radio Shack iron. It took about a half an hour per connector. These stupid things make an excellent heatsinks.
__________________
Electrical & Programming Mentor ---Team #365 "The Miracle Workerz"
Programming Mentor ---Team #4342 "Demon Robotics"
Founding Mentor --- Team #1495 Avon Grove High School
2007 CMP Chairman's Award - Thanks to all MOE members (and others) past and present who made it a reality.
Robot Inspector
"I don't think I'm ever more ''aware'' than I am right after I burn my thumb with a soldering iron"

Last edited by The Lucas : 15-03-2005 at 02:00.
  #21   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 15-03-2005, 02:11
sanddrag sanddrag is offline
On to my 16th year in FRC
FRC #0696 (Circuit Breakers)
Team Role: Teacher
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Rookie Year: 2002
Location: Glendale, CA
Posts: 8,519
sanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond reputesanddrag has a reputation beyond repute
Re: SLU-70 Lugs

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Lucas
While working with Team 1495, we soldered these with the only soldering iron available, a 25-watt Radio Shack iron. It took about a half an hour per connector. These stupid things make an excellent heatsinks.
I'm worried that in this case all you have done is created a "blob" (for lack of a better term) of solder. A good solder joint is a hot one, and hot solder joints happen quickly. You may have just filled in the gaps without providing any increase in mechanical or electrical integrity.

I have a question, assuming you only screw down the lug, do you get a better connection on more finely stranded wire? Like good welding cable as opposed to the junk battery cable they give us?
__________________
Teacher/Engineer/Machinist - Team 696 Circuit Breakers, 2011 - Present
Mentor/Engineer/Machinist, Team 968 RAWC, 2007-2010
Technical Mentor, Team 696 Circuit Breakers, 2005-2007
Student Mechanical Leader and Driver, Team 696 Circuit Breakers, 2002-2004
  #22   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 15-03-2005, 02:19
activemx's Avatar
activemx activemx is offline
A M X
AKA: Akshay Dodeja
no team
Team Role: College Student
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Rookie Year: 2000
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 312
activemx is a glorious beacon of lightactivemx is a glorious beacon of lightactivemx is a glorious beacon of lightactivemx is a glorious beacon of lightactivemx is a glorious beacon of light
Send a message via AIM to activemx Send a message via Yahoo to activemx
Re: SLU-70 Lugs

Quote:
Originally Posted by sanddrag
I have a question, assuming you only screw down the lug, do you get a better connection on more finely stranded wire? Like good welding cable as opposed to the junk battery cable they give us?
You will get better conection with the thin stranded copper cable. It is more expensive but it is easier to solder and crimps better then those wires that have barely any flexibility.
__________________
2005 - Present - FIRST Volunteer(Inspector, Ref, Judge)
2000-2004 MVRT 115
  #23   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 15-03-2005, 02:35
eugenebrooks eugenebrooks is offline
Team Role: Engineer
AKA: Dr. Brooks
no team (WRRF)
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Rookie Year: 2001
Location: Livermore, CA
Posts: 601
eugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond reputeeugenebrooks has a reputation beyond repute
Re: SLU-70 Lugs

Quote:
Originally Posted by sanddrag
I'm worried that in this case all you have done is created a "blob" (for lack of a better term) of solder. A good solder joint is a hot one, and hot solder joints happen quickly. You may have just filled in the gaps without providing any increase in mechanical or electrical integrity.


I have a question, assuming you only screw down the lug, do you get a better connection on more finely stranded wire? Like good welding cable as opposed to the junk battery cable they give us?

If the solder flows through the wire and joint you have a good solder connection. Someone practiced at soldering will know what good solder flow looks like. I would not try to solder the SLU-70 lugs with a 25 watt iron, however.

We use #6 welding cable for our power wiring for its flexibility and high quality rubber insulation. The problem with this cable on the SLU-70 lugs is that the wire is fine enough to work its way through gaps in the clamping mechanism. You can end up with a connection that loosens. Solder the connector after clamping the wire it in order to remove this possibility. I would never use the SLU-70 lugs without soldering them.
  #24   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 15-03-2005, 09:00
The Lucas's Avatar
The Lucas The Lucas is offline
CaMOElot, it is a silly place
AKA: My First Name is really "The" (or Brian)
FRC #0365 (The Miracle Workerz); FRC#1495 (AGR); FRC#4342 (Demon)
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Rookie Year: 2001
Location: Dela-Where?
Posts: 1,564
The Lucas has a reputation beyond reputeThe Lucas has a reputation beyond reputeThe Lucas has a reputation beyond reputeThe Lucas has a reputation beyond reputeThe Lucas has a reputation beyond reputeThe Lucas has a reputation beyond reputeThe Lucas has a reputation beyond reputeThe Lucas has a reputation beyond reputeThe Lucas has a reputation beyond reputeThe Lucas has a reputation beyond reputeThe Lucas has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via AIM to The Lucas
Re: SLU-70 Lugs

Quote:
Originally Posted by sanddrag
I'm worried that in this case all you have done is created a "blob" (for lack of a better term) of solder. A good solder joint is a hot one, and hot solder joints happen quickly. You may have just filled in the gaps without providing any increase in mechanical or electrical integrity.

I have a question, assuming you only screw down the lug, do you get a better connection on more finely stranded wire? Like good welding cable as opposed to the junk battery cable they give us?
Quote:
Originally Posted by eugenebrooks
If the solder flows through the wire and joint you have a good solder connection. Someone practiced at soldering will know what good solder flow looks like. I would not try to solder the SLU-70 lugs with a 25 watt iron, however.
That is a valid concern especially when working with a 25-watt iron. I can confirm it is a good hot solder joint. I had a student hold the iron on the bottom of the lug and I applied the solder directly to the top of the wire. As soon as the whole system heats up, the solder flows through the wire and down to the bottom of the lug. The result is a thoroughly tinned wired and bottom of the lug. We even avoided soldering the screw and clamp so we can still screw that down. It was also a good lesson on what it takes to make a good hot solder joint, and that student's small wire soldering skills improved.

Team 1495 works in a school metal shop and has few electrical tools. Soldering with a 25 watt iron is fairly dangerous, since you have a very hot wire and lug near your hands for about half an hour. However it is possible, so you could do it in a pinch. A micro torch is a better idea and that is what Team 365 is going to use on all the new SLU-70 lugs we had to use after we found out that rule at Pitt.
__________________
Electrical & Programming Mentor ---Team #365 "The Miracle Workerz"
Programming Mentor ---Team #4342 "Demon Robotics"
Founding Mentor --- Team #1495 Avon Grove High School
2007 CMP Chairman's Award - Thanks to all MOE members (and others) past and present who made it a reality.
Robot Inspector
"I don't think I'm ever more ''aware'' than I am right after I burn my thumb with a soldering iron"
  #25   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 15-03-2005, 10:47
Doug G's Avatar
Doug G Doug G is offline
Coach / Teacher
FRC #0701 (Robovikes)
Team Role: Coach
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Rookie Year: 2001
Location: Fairfield, CA
Posts: 880
Doug G has a reputation beyond reputeDoug G has a reputation beyond reputeDoug G has a reputation beyond reputeDoug G has a reputation beyond reputeDoug G has a reputation beyond reputeDoug G has a reputation beyond reputeDoug G has a reputation beyond reputeDoug G has a reputation beyond reputeDoug G has a reputation beyond reputeDoug G has a reputation beyond reputeDoug G has a reputation beyond repute
Re: SLU-70 Lugs

We over looked that rule as well and this year we thought we're on top of it by soldering all our 6 gauge crimp connections - oh well - we replaced them with the SLU-70 lugs and all was well they held up through 15+ matches. I did notice a couple of rookie teams that had their lug screw pressing onto their wire instead of the screw pressing onto the V shaped clamp and then agaist the wire. Perhaps this might be why some teams had them coming loose.
__________________
Work Hard, Have Fun, Make a Difference!

  #26   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 15-03-2005, 14:30
Unsung FIRST Hero
Al Skierkiewicz Al Skierkiewicz is offline
Broadcast Eng/Chief Robot Inspector
AKA: Big Al WFFA 2005
FRC #0111 (WildStang)
Team Role: Engineer
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Rookie Year: 1996
Location: Wheeling, IL
Posts: 10,798
Al Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond repute
Re: SLU-70 Lugs

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rombus
Since im going to be doing wireing next build year, what about soldered lugs?
Rick,
The electrical rules have changed each year for several years now. You will need to check next year's rules in order to be in compliance for your 2006 robot.
__________________
Good Luck All. Learn something new, everyday!
Al
WB9UVJ
www.wildstang.org
________________________
Storming the Tower since 1996.
  #27   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 16-03-2005, 15:10
Daniel Daniel is offline
Daniel Katanski
#0240
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Monroe, MI
Posts: 32
Daniel is on a distinguished road
Re: SLU-70 Lugs

Quote:
Originally Posted by BrianBSL
Although at first I was not a fan of these - they are a large improvement over what most teams were using in the past, particularly now that FIRST no longer includes a crimping tool truly capable of crimping 6 gauge connectors in the kit. I'm pretty picky about electrical connections, and every non-signal connection on our robot is crimped then soldered and heatshrinked, including the SLU-70's. We also put a little bit of solder into the setscrew of the lug to add something to prevent it from loosening. Solder isn't really good at doing mechanical things, but its an improvement over just leaving it. All of this, of course, requires that you have a soldering iron capable of heating up the copper connector and 6 gauge wire.
An important point that you missed is "Strain Relief". That is, tie wrap your wires to a piece of the frame near the SLU70 so that part of the #6 wire will not move. This is the biggest problem with any mechanical connect, and it can be solved so easily. I'm trying to find a lug with strain relief to solve all of out problems.
  #28   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 05-04-2005, 13:06
Unsung FIRST Hero
Al Skierkiewicz Al Skierkiewicz is offline
Broadcast Eng/Chief Robot Inspector
AKA: Big Al WFFA 2005
FRC #0111 (WildStang)
Team Role: Engineer
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Rookie Year: 1996
Location: Wheeling, IL
Posts: 10,798
Al Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond repute
Re: SLU-70 Lugs

I thought it important to resurrect this thread and remind everyone that although the rules were relaxed for this last weekend (difficulty in obtaining the parts) SLU 70 connectors will be required at nationals. Home Depot, Menards, Lowes, Ace Hardware and of course Terminal Supply are all sources of this connector. Please watch for changes from FIRST, until then, Be Prepared!
__________________
Good Luck All. Learn something new, everyday!
Al
WB9UVJ
www.wildstang.org
________________________
Storming the Tower since 1996.
  #29   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 12-04-2005, 08:40
cbolin's Avatar
cbolin cbolin is offline
Programming & Electrical
FRC #0342 (Burning Magnetos)
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Rookie Year: 2004
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 72
cbolin is a splendid one to beholdcbolin is a splendid one to beholdcbolin is a splendid one to beholdcbolin is a splendid one to beholdcbolin is a splendid one to beholdcbolin is a splendid one to beholdcbolin is a splendid one to behold
Re: SLU-70 Lugs

Our team came in last evening and changed out the connectors on all 9 batteries. Our electrician had done a good job crimping and taping (lots of it) so it took us a lot of time to get the battery plugs off of the battery. Whew!

We also connected those Anderson plugs on all four of our battery chargers to make charging easier, safer and less likely to reverse charge the batteries.

Remember...only 9 more days to get this done!!

Regards,
ChuckB
__________________
Team 342 Programming & Control Systems
Good luck and have fun!
  #30   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 12-04-2005, 09:19
Jack Jones Jack Jones is offline
Retired
no team
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Rookie Year: 2003
Location: Waterford, MI
Posts: 964
Jack Jones has a reputation beyond reputeJack Jones has a reputation beyond reputeJack Jones has a reputation beyond reputeJack Jones has a reputation beyond reputeJack Jones has a reputation beyond reputeJack Jones has a reputation beyond reputeJack Jones has a reputation beyond reputeJack Jones has a reputation beyond reputeJack Jones has a reputation beyond reputeJack Jones has a reputation beyond reputeJack Jones has a reputation beyond repute
Re: SLU-70 Lugs

Quote:
Originally Posted by cbolin
Our team came in last evening and changed out the connectors on all 9 batteries. Our electrician had done a good job crimping and taping (lots of it) so it took us a lot of time to get the battery plugs off of the battery. Whew!

We also connected those Anderson plugs on all four of our battery chargers to make charging easier, safer and less likely to reverse charge the batteries.

Remember...only 9 more days to get this done!!

Regards,
ChuckB
OMG - Outside the window! Get ready to do-it-again, 21-April?

PS: Does FIRST honor the FIFTH Amendment?
__________________
This message is hidden because Jack Jones is on your ignore list.

Last edited by Jack Jones : 12-04-2005 at 09:24. Reason: ADDED PS
Closed Thread


Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Anderson Copper 70 Lugs xFlashbacksx Electrical 5 19-02-2005 12:33
Spazing Robot Matthew_H Electrical 15 19-04-2004 07:49


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 20:46.

The Chief Delphi Forums are sponsored by Innovation First International, Inc.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2017, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © Chief Delphi