Wireless problem - losing communication

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Hadi,
I have to ask if you charged the batteries before you used them from the KOP? Then working down the list, check that all of the terminals are tight and that you don't have a damaged 120 amp breaker. You have used the #6 wire that came in the kit for wiring from the battery to the PD and the main breaker. Then check that all the screws are tight in the connector you are using to feed both the OI access point and the robot wireless. A quick check it to measure the output of one of the WAGO connectors with a breaker installed. The voltage should not vary much from 12 volts. If it does fall at the same time, as the router drops out, something is loose up stream. If everything checks out, and the CRIO voltage stays at 24 volts, then there is a possiblity of a defect on the PD.

[popo308]

We were having a similar issue...
Our problem was when we suddenly changed directions the power draw was causing the Gaming adapter to lose power momentarily...

The Fix? A fresh battery... now it works fine! Whenever it starts to happen we just swap the battery out for a new one and the problem stops...

[Hadi379]

All connections seemed to be secure and wiring is correct (gauges and connections). The battery was a fresh battery. I will check the output tomorrow. I am using an older 120amp circuit because one was not included in the early ship of the control system. I will also switch that tomorrow.

This problem seems to only happen when we make the sudden change from one extreme to the next, full forward to full reverse.

If this is a battery issue, what will happen in the middle of a match or near the end when the battery becomes drained a bit?

Thanks for the advice, hope it solves our problem...

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Hadi,
The power supplies built into the PD should work even with heavy battery draw. Remembering that any series resistance will drop voltage as the load current increases, teams should check for loose hardware on the battery terminals, PD terminals, loose crimps on the Anderson plugs and damaged contacts on connectors. It is quite common for teams that use the supplied alligator clips on the battery chargers to scratch the contact surface of the Anderson connectors and raise the contact series resistance. It is highly recommended (read that as do it) to change the clips to an Anderson connector. There is always the possibility that the battery is defective as well. Checking with a voltmeter will point you to the problem I think.