Circuit Breakers Block (JEF-531D)

[Nitroxextreme]

Where can a second "gold-plated" circuit breaker block be purchased and what is the pricing for it?

[Excelsior]

I would assume IFI Robotics, but I'm not sure.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

In 2004, the Team updates listed Terminal Supply as a second source. If you search for car stereo installations and accessories, you will find several outlets that carry this line.

[want2modmygt]

get the 2005 circuit board. all inclusive, less wires, and i think it might be lighter too.

[Gamer930]

Does someone have a link to where we can buy the Maxi Block JEF-531D??

I searched to no find including in Terminal Supply Catalog and google.

[CEO Dan]

We were concerned with weight as well. The weights are as follows:

Maxi Fuse:420g (14.8oz)
Ground Stud:103g (3.6oz)
Power Distribution Block:40g (1.4oz)
Total: 563g (19.8oz)

Last Year's Distribution Panel:442.6g (15.6oz)

Also to be kept in mind: additional 6 AWG wiring is needed for each distribution to and from each new part compared to the two 6AWG needed for last year's bot; this years system would require more weight in that sense.

[lukevanoort]

Originally Posted by CEO Dan

Maxi Fuse:420g (14.8oz)
Ground Stud:103g (3.6oz)
Power Distribution Block:40g (1.4oz)
Total: 563g (19.8oz)

Thats pretty bad, but it'd get even worse if you add the ATC panels. (not that they're THAT heavy)

[Erics626]

Originally Posted by want2modmygt

get the 2005 circuit board. all inclusive, less wires, and i think it might be lighter too.

I agree. Its well worth the $85 or so from IFI. Its much easier, more compact, and allows for a more aesthetically pleasing electronics layout.

[Shu Song]

Originally Posted by Erics626

I agree. Its well worth the $85 or so from IFI. Its much easier, more compact, and allows for a more aesthetically pleasing electronics layout.

Our team has, against the wishes of the entire electronics team, decided to go with the maxi fuse blocks. The team did a cost/benefit evaluation of the IFI fuse blocks and decided that it wasn't worth the $85 for less weight, less wiress and less headaches while wiring and maintaining.

<rant>
I really hope that FIRST goes back to the IFI blocks in future years, because technology is supposed to be about advancing, not going back to things that are inferior to save money. I know that this is a very idealistic way of looking at it. I guess FIRST is trying to make the teams make these kinda of decisions. I'm just worried that these decisions lead down a road to balancing money with things like safety. Maybe it's just my being paranoid.
</rant>

[Erics626]

Originally Posted by Shu Song

Our team has, against the wishes of the entire electronics team, decided to go with the maxi fuse blocks. The team did a cost/benefit evaluation of the IFI fuse blocks and decided that it wasn't worth the $85 for less weight, less wiress and less headaches while wiring and maintaining.

<rant>
I really hope that FIRST goes back to the IFI blocks in future years, because technology is supposed to be about advancing, not going back to things that are inferior to save money. I know that this is a very idealistic way of looking at it. I guess FIRST is trying to make the teams make these kinda of decisions. I'm just worried that these decisions lead down a road to balancing money with things like safety. Maybe it's just my being paranoid.
</rant>

That's unfortunate. I would have had a major problem if our team didn't shell out the money for the IFI block. And I couldn't agree more with your post. In the long run, the IFI blocks would be better. It teaches students how to keep their electrical systems neat and compact, and allows for more room to put gyros, accelerometers, and more speed controllers for more motors!

[lukevanoort]

If only we could use these We wouldn't have to have two extra MAXI slots.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by Shu Song

I really hope that FIRST goes back to the IFI blocks in future years, because technology is supposed to be about advancing, not going back to things that are inferior to save money.

The guys at First are just trying to max out what goes into the KOP with what money is budgeted. If you like the IFI panel (and I do!) and if you like IFI support them by buying their products. Be happy that First is allowing both and that is a big improvement. (In electrical terms)

[Gdeaver]

I agree that the electric distribution is a step back this year. What KOP items would you eliminate to free up money for the IFI breaker panel next year ?

[Erics626]

Originally Posted by Gdeaver

I agree that the electric distribution is a step back this year. What KOP items would you eliminate to free up money for the IFI breaker panel next year ?

Maybe the extra larger fans that they provide. At least we've never used them, and if we ever do, we have plenty from years past.

[lukevanoort]

The IGUS bag and a pair of spikes.