Main Power Terminal Blocks?

[K.Porter]

I've been laying out some diagrams for the electrical on this year's robot, and the only components that I haven't been familiar with are the new terminal blocks.

These are the modular square boxes that are intended to be attached to a supplied rail.
On FIRST's supplied diagram, they are wired between the main breaker/switch and all of the breaker panels and components. I've never used terminal strips like this, I've just wired directly from the positive output on the main switch to the positive input on the component boards, and then used a separate terminal block to return on the negatives to.

So really, my question is, does anyone know if these terminal blocks have to be wired to the positive side of the circuit out of the main breaker?

Thanks.
-Kevin

[ttedrow]

The power distrubution block is not required by the rules. But, if you are using more than one circuit breaker panel, it would be good wiring practice.

[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by ttedrow

The power distrubution block is not required by the rules. But, if you are using more than one circuit breaker panel, it would be good wiring practice.

I think it is required. See <R57>.

[SuperBK]

I also intepret <R57> to mean that the power distribution blocks must be used:

The power distribution block must be directly connected to the APP connector and main
120-amp circuit breaker. No other loads may be connected to the main 120-amp circuit
breaker.

[sanddrag]

I don't mean to be un-gracious, but what is the point for this new power distribution block? It is taking up a great deal more space and weight. The Maxi fuse block is designed to take like 4 or maybe even two gauge wire. The other panels have big enough lugs to take a terminal for 6 gauge wire. In the past, we would always run 6 gauge wire off the breaker to every panel. Why this intermediate thing? To me, it is like driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco by passing through Wyoming. Is there a good reason for it that I'm not seeing? If not, can we rally for a rule change so it isn't required?

[K.Porter]

Okay, thanks for the info. I must have looked right over <R57> last night.

I agree though, that this seems to be less of a help than a hindrance... I'm gonna have to sketch my diagram out again, taking into account using a bit more large gauge wiring to fit this block...

[Pavan Dave]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

I don't mean to be un-gracious, but what is the point for this new power distribution block? It is taking up a great deal more space and weight. The Maxi fuse block is designed to take like 4 or maybe even two gauge wire. The other panels have big enough lugs to take a terminal for 6 gauge wire. In the past, we would always run 6 gauge wire off the breaker to every panel. Why this intermediate thing? To me, it is like driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco by passing through Wyoming. Is there a good reason for it that I'm not seeing? If not, can we rally for a rule change so it isn't required?

That is exactly what I have been trying to say. It is MUCH more weight and less practical from my knowledge.

Can a controls mentor please explain the function of a power block I do not completely understand.

Pavan.

[eshteyn]

Honestly they are completely useless. From what i know what you always did is still allowed and is not a wrong way of doing it. These blocks are probably just a way for making the electronics look nicer.

[cdennisxlx2]

I beleive its leagal to use last years power distribution block (altho i havent gotten all the way through the robot section). DIN Rails do add weight but adds a nice organization to your electronics. I do agree it does seem kinda redundant, we found out we will need more negative blocks then the amount we were given and much less positive as we are just using breaker panels for all of our victors, spikes, and the RC.

[cdennisxlx2]

all the fuse panels are the exact same ones from last years, the power distribution box last year wasnt a DIN Rail but it was essentially the same thing just made of a solid block of plastic.

<R24> Individual COMPONENTS from ROBOTS entered in previous FIRST competitions may be
used on 2007 ROBOTS IF they satisfy ALL of the rules associated with materials/parts use
for the 2007 FIRST Robotics Competition.

Last years PDB does comply with the rules for the 2007 FIRST Robotics Competition because its the same exact thing as the DIN Rail just not on a rail.

[ttedrow]

Originally Posted by Richard

I think it is required. See <R57>.

Thanks guys. I stand corrected.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Guys,
As much as these rail mounted blocks add weight and space, they are standard equipment in most modern electrical installations. Be sure to use the jumper accessory to connect all of the positive blocks together and all of the negative blocks together. These blocks will take #6 wire and I recommend using only #6 to feed the 40 amp Maxi block. It is best to strip back 1-1/2" of insulation and then fold over the strands, twice, so that they fill the entry hole in the Maxi block. This will give you a reliable connection that will not loosen over time.

Please watch the team updates for a change on these though. I feel there is an error in the electrical diagram as far as the negative battery side wiring is concerned. Negative lead wiring should follow the same distribution as the positive lead wiring, i.e. all black wiring should return to the DIN blocks, not a common point. Remember all current flowing out of the battery on the red wire, returns to the battery through the black wire.

[Jake M]

I take this to mean we cannot use the 2005 All-in-one Breaker Panel

And as a side note, where is the power distribution diagram? I can't seem to find it.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

The diagram was on the documentation area of the website. I believe the electrical rules prevent the use of last year's hardware and more importantly, the IFI breaker panel.

[karin l.]

Originally Posted by Jake M

I take this to mean we cannot use the 2005 All-in-one Breaker Panel

And as a side note, where is the power distribution diagram? I can't seem to find it.

this how you get to the power diagram.
go here:
http://www.usfirst.org/community/frc...nt.aspx?id=452
go down to Section 8 - The Robot