Wiring problem

[1574aviad]

As our electronics&electricity sub-team started to connect the Power distrabution we found that there were no connectors for the Ground stud.
Does anyone know where can we find one?
Should it be at the First kit or should be buy it seperately?

Thanks in Advance.
Aviad. Team #1574

[Shu Song]

It will save a lot of energy/weight to use last years fuse block which encompassed everything. Though it will cost $80 to get a new one as you can't use parts from last year's robot, it'll be worth it, trust me.

[Andy Brockway]

Go and buy connectors that you need. The kit supplies some ring terminals for the #6 gauge wire. For other gauges you will have to supply your own. It is very important to use connectors sized for the gauge wire you are attaching. A bad crimp can come loose or be a source of high resistance.

[Mike Betts]

In your kit, you have 6AWG ring lug connectors (light blue insulator) and bare copper SLU screw connectors for 6AWG wire. Both came in the "Terminal Supply" bag.

If you do not have the proper crimp tool for the ring lug connectors, please use the screw connectors.

Crimping connectors is more of an art than most people realize. A bad crimp on a high current wire will cause you numerous problems down th road.

If you do not have an electrical engineer as a mentor on your team, ask your teacher if your school has an electrical maintenance person on their staff (almost all schools do). If you ask politely, I'm sure that he (or she) will attend a meeting and show you the proper way to crimp power connectors.

Regards,

Mike

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by 1574aviad

As our electronics&electricity sub-team started to connect the Power distrabution we found that there were no connectors for the Ground stud.
Does anyone know where can we find one?
Should it be at the First kit or should be buy it seperately?

Thanks in Advance.
Aviad. Team #1574

You have found out by now that almost none of the connectors have a large enough mounting hole to fit the grounding stud. Most hardware stores and home centers will have what you need. Try to obtain connectors that have the right size mounting hole but do not achieve that by sacrificing the overall size. The connctors in the electrical bag (in my opinion) do not have enough material to provide a reasonable attachment point or provide a low enough insertion resistance. If you use this type of connector please make sure you anchor the wires securely so that the connector will not fail during competition.

[nirty]

we found are lost connections in the mass so thank you all for the help.
we just need to work more organized to find are parts.

[want2modmygt]

Originally Posted by Mike Betts

Crimping connectors is more of an art than most people realize. A bad crimp on a high current wire will cause you numerous problems down th road.

Regards,

Mike

My freshman year, when I learned proper crimping methods, to help ensure a snug fit, i was taught that it's also considered a "sport."

[emusteve]

As I understand the rules, you CAN re-use COTS items from last year as long as they are still available. However, when accounting for your robots cost, you must use the current purchase price (treat them as if you bought them new this year).

Go ahead and re-use that breaker panel if it suits your needs. Just remember that it is to be used in addition to those included this year.

See Robot Rules <R22>, <R24>, and <R43>.

Steve

[Rick Thornbro]

A great number of electrical problems are caused by the badly installed crimp connectors. I like to crimp and solder connectors on to the wire. The old belt and spenders approach. Beats having a dead robot.

[Sscamatt]

Originally Posted by emusteve

Just remember that it is to be used in addition to those included this year.

See Robot Rules <R22>, <R24>, and <R43>.

Steve

Team Update #2 allows the 2005 Breaker Panel to be used instead of the breaker panels and maxi fuse block in the 2006 KOP.

Link: http://www2.usfirst.org/2006comp/Upd..._update_02.htm

[anna~marie]

So this year must we use the ground stud or can we make our own ground buss ?

[dez250]

Originally Posted by anna~marie

So this year must we use the ground stud or can we make our own ground buss ?

<R54>

The EX18-12 Battery, the Main 120 Amp Circuit Breaker, and the Circuit Breaker distribution panels must be connected as shown in the 2006 ( or optionally) as in the 2005 diagrams shown below.

According to <R54> you must follow the power distribution displayed in the 2006 FRC P.D. diagram, which shows the negative paths branched through the included terminal ground stud.

[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by dez250

According to <R54> you must follow the power distribution displayed in the 2006 FRC P.D. diagram, which shows the negative paths branched through the included terminal ground stud.

Alternatively, you can use the 2005 FRC P.D. diagram. This topic was discussed extensively in an earlier thread and resolved by FIRST in Team Update #2.

[KenWittlief]

if you have the right equipment crimping & soldering the terminals on the 6awg wire will let you sleep better at night

[anna~marie]

thanks