Power Distribution Block..

[sanddrag]

Originally Posted by Don Rotolo

I agree with Squirrel: If you use them correctly, they work perfectly, and if you use them incorrectly, do you wonder why they don't work right?

See that's just the point though. As far as I know, these are not designed for the application they are being used in. Traditionally you see these things in rather static environments not subject to the kind of vibrations we see in FRC. I'd say FIRST is using them incorrectly.

[Smaug]

a thing team 675 did that seamed to help was solder the wires before you put them in the distribution block. the solder keeps the wire is one piece instead of spreading out when pressure is applied and in turn falling out of the hole.

[Drwurm]

I'm going to go with the new PDBs suck argument. They were a real pain to use last year. They really were. But I'm not as mad about the PDBs as I am about the fact that I cant use the 40/30/20 breaker panel that I love so much.

[keen101]

Our team ordered and used the old power distribution block last year from a few years ago.

Are we still allowed to use those? They are COTS items, so I think we can.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Working backwards...
No the rules state you must use the Power Distribution Block. You had to use it last year as well. There are no substitutes. See R50, it is too lengthy to quote here.
I miss the IFI breaker panel as well.
This block is an industry standard component and as Sanddrag has pointed out, they are most often used in static (non-moving) environments. It is for that reason, I recommend that all teams secure the wiring with tywraps (wire ties) near the block. Wires that can't move won't transmit the movement to the block.
Never tin (apply solder) for wires used in any type of clamp or crimp prior to insertion. For this block in particular, the wire will not conform to the terminal as the screw is tightened and therefore you will increase the surface resistance of the connection. Resistance means heat and current reduction. Heat will cause the terminals to expand making the situation worse, not better.
Squirrel thanks for the link, I didn't think people ever read my posts.
Yes you can eliminate the unused blocks and cut the jumper, but you never know when you might need to add something back.
Stripping less than 5/8" of insulation will cause the wire to be pushed out of the terminal when you tighten the screws.

[MrForbes]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

Squirrel thanks for the link, I didn't think people ever read my posts.

Are you kidding? Your posts are jewels of wisdom.....especially those on electrical subjects.

[steveg]

Another thing to do that works well (in addition to everything Al and Jim said) is to apply a little bit of Loc-Tite (not the permanent stuff, just in case!) to the screws to keep them from backing out and having to retighten them after every match.

[MrForbes]

It's been our experience that loctite is not required, and retightening after every regional should be all that's needed.

[steveg]

Welll... I don't really know what to say. That wasn't our experience.

[keen101]

Our team DID use the 2006 Power Block in our 2007 design. We were even inspected, and passed. It was legal in 2006, and apparently in 2007. I am wondering if it is still legal. I think it's still a COTS item from terminalsupplyco, so I think it's ok.

[sanddrag]

Be careful with Loctite. It attacks (eats/melts) some plastics. Never use it near any of the IFI electronics. Not sure about the others.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by keen101

Our team DID use the 2006 Power Block in our 2007 design. We were even inspected, and passed. It was legal in 2006, and apparently in 2007. I am wondering if it is still legal. I think it's still a COTS item from terminalsupplyco, so I think it's ok.

Keen,
The three section power distribution block is/was not a legal substitution for the Rockwell block in either 2007 or 2008. The Rockwell block makes that part obsolete and redundant if you plan to use both. If you passed inspection, you had a sympathetic inspector. If you wish to discuss this, would you mind a PM exchange?