2009 Distribution Block

[jtdowney]

From my understanding the new distribution block is being fabricated by Diversified Systems (DivSys) out of Indianapolis. These are the same folks who provided the IR boards last season.

[pacoliketaco]

Originally Posted by jtdowney

From my understanding the new distribution block is being fabricated by Diversified Systems (DivSys) out of Indianapolis. These are the same folks who provided the IR boards last season.

hmmm, i guess we'll just have to hope that these boards work better than the IR ones (my team could never get them to work), though they do look very nice so far.

[Greg Marra]

I have firm reason to believe these will be the best power distribution blocks since the 2005 season.

[Cory]

Originally Posted by Greg Marra

I have firm reason to believe these will be the best power distribution blocks since the 2005 season.

I totally get what you're saying, but that isn't saying much, given that IFI boards were great, and the distro blocks the last 2 years sucked.

[=Martin=Taylor=]

Originally Posted by Greg Marra

I have firm reason to believe these will be the best power distribution blocks since the 2005 season.

Yeah, but didn't that one use push-on connectors?

This one uses screws to clamp down the leads... the same method the Rock-fail-well Distro' block used Those screws always came loose.

We shall see... At least its nice and compact and not too heavy-looking..

[EricVanWyk]

Originally Posted by Hachiban VIII

This one uses screws to clamp down the leads... the same method the Rock-fail-well Distro' block used Those screws always came loose.

Nope.

The main battery leads are ring crimped and attached to a pair of press fit shanks. A nut is then tightened down on top of this. This is similar to the old IFI breaker board and the 120A main breaker connection, but with enhanced awesome. These are the square chunks of metal on the right hand side of http://first.wpi.edu/Images/CMS/Firs...ax_600x406.jpg

As for the fanout past the breakers, these use Wago 745-85X and 745-83X cage clamp style connectors. A piece of spring steel, not a screw, supplies the clamping force. These are the blue and white connectors on the top and bottom of http://first.wpi.edu/Images/CMS/Firs...ax_600x406.jpg

[R.C.]

I like the New Control System, the 07-08 was really annoying.

[Cory]

Originally Posted by rc_cola1323

I like the New Control System, the 07-08 was really annoying.

Care to elaborate?

I for one enjoy using products that work--something IFI is very good at.

FIRST has a dismal track record when it comes to introducing new vendors/products into FRC. It's going to take a lot more than fancy specs to make the new controller superior to the old--first it has to work, which is no small task.

[R.C.]

For one, on the distro block the terminals were very hard to work with. They would wiggle out. There were other small things that i do like about the new controller. The new distro block has everything included into a package. BTW, Cory what terminal connectors did you use one your batteries, they were really cool.

[Cory]

Originally Posted by rc_cola1323

For one, on the distro block the terminals were very hard to work with. They would wiggle out. There were other small things that i do like about the new controller. The new distro block has everything included into a package. BTW, Cory what terminal connectors did you use one your batteries, they were really cool.

I think it's important to distinguish between IFI and third party manufacturers. IFI manufactured the control system. They are in no way responsible for the shortcomings of a product being used outside of it's intended application (the Rockwell Distribution Block)

As for our batteries, we just used standard ring terminals. We had 4 gauge monster wire, which was what looked different from most teams.

[R.C.]

Originally Posted by Cory

I think it's important to distinguish between IFI and third party manufacturers. IFI manufactured the control system. They are in no way responsible for the shortcomings of a product being used outside of it's intended application (the Rockwell Distribution Block)

As for our batteries, we just used standard ring terminals. We had 4 gauge monster wire, which was what looked different from most teams.

Oh, otherwise IFI products were great. Can you give me link to the standard ring terminals. Thanks Cory

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Please note that the Rockwell block has a specification for strip length that teams chose to ignore. Without stripping to 5/8", the wire was guaranteed to push out as the screws were tightened. The new Waco blocks have a similar specification. You must strip 1/2" of insulation for the wire to be properly terminated in the 745-85X block according to the manufacturer. You must strip 1/3" of insulation for the wire to be properly terminated in the 745-38X block according to the manufacturer. Their ability to stand up to robot movement will be tested during the beta testing. Please standby...

We might as well get this discussion going early, so let everyone know what the spec is.

[IndySam]

Well said Al. We never had a single failure withe the Rockwell. Properly used they were very reliable.

Any product improperly used is subject to failure.

[artdutra04]

Originally Posted by Hachiban VIII

This one uses screws to clamp down the leads... the same method the Rock-fail-well Distro' block used Those screws always came loose.

Perhaps someone who knows more about this can help me here, but is it possible to use split lock washers [between the top of the crimp connector and the bottom of the screw head - e.g. not between the main contact area of the connector and the terminal strip] on terminal strips to help prevent the screws from backing out?

EDIT: Thanks Al.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by artdutra04

Perhaps someone who knows more about this can help me here, but is it possible to use split lock washers [between the top of the crimp connector and the bottom of the screw head - e.g. not between the main contact area of the connector and the terminal strip] on terminal strips to help prevent the screws from backing out?

Art,
I am guessing you are asking about the new PD panel. I believe the intent is to ship with a nut designed for the power studs. (I don't have time to go look up the spec sheet, but I think they are metric) As I remember, that nut has built in anti-back thread so that it won't come loose. In any installation, some method of locking the turning device is recommended. Also, plan on securing the wiring so that it won't be distrubed when changing batteries.