Is this allowed? -- DSC directly on 9403

[Jim E]

Switching to the 37 pin ribbon able will save weight, along with changing the material you are mounting your electronics to. 1/4" hardwood plywood works great and weighs next to nothing. It's less than lexan and very strong.

[Gary Bonner]

Originally Posted by Travis Hoffman

6' Multicolor:

6' Gray:

http://search.digikey.com/scripts/Dk...A7MFB-3706G-ND

One of my problems with ordering from places like Digi-Key is too many choices that I can't tell the difference between. For example, is the above cable any different/better than this one for $9 cheaper?
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/dk...C7MFG-3706G-ND

6' is a bit longer than we need. If we wanted to make our own to a custom length, can anyone recommend specific connectors and ribbon cable?

Thanks.

[VEI Dude]

Well, it's done. We lost 10lbs 2oz with the mods, and only 2 unused cRio modules and 1 digital sidecar were dropped. We'll lose a bit more by changing that DB37 cable. I'll have our controls guys re-check it tomorrow for legality, etc.

Now if only *I* could lose 10 lbs in 8 hrs too...

Cheers,
-Neil.

[VEI Dude]

It is on much thinner lexan than before, but with a thin strip of aluminum angle under it for support. It's very solid now. Wood would not have been a good option for my mods, because I used captive studs to mount the Jaguars under other components.

Wireless adapter not shown because that will be mounted elsewhere, but it was included in the final weighing. One spike was also included in the final weighing, but it will probably be deleted, as we will most probably eliminate the compressor and use 4 accumulators instead.

Cheers,
-Neil.

[Kush]

i don't know if this is allowed but i wouldn't recommend it. if there is a shift in the chassis from the violent ramming in this years game it could damage the pins which will be hard to fix.

[j_johnson]

Originally Posted by VEI Dude

Wireless adapter not shown because that will be mounted elsewhere, but it was included in the final weighing. One spike was also included in the final weighing, but it will probably be deleted, as we will most probably eliminate the compressor and use 4 accumulators instead.

You will have to leave that spike on there, even if you are using accumulators. The rules require that the robot must be able to charge the accumulators with the compressor attached to the spike and the pressure sensor working as a cutoff, even if the compressor is off-board.

[EricVanWyk]

Originally Posted by j_johnson

You will have to leave that spike on there, even if you are using accumulators. The rules require that the robot must be able to charge the accumulators with the compressor attached to the spike and the pressure sensor working as a cutoff, even if the compressor is off-board.

Please quote the rule that enforces this.

[Vikesrock]

<R74> Compressed air for the pneumatic system on the ROBOT must be provided by the Thomas Industries compressor provided in the 2009 Kit Of Parts. Compressed air shall not come from any other source. The compressor may be mounted on the ROBOT, or it may be left off the ROBOT and used to pre-charge compressed air in the storage tanks prior to bringing the ROBOT onto the playing field. Off-board compressors must be controlled and powered by the ROBOT.
• Note: The only difference between an on- and off-board compressor is that the off-board compressor is physically removed from the ROBOT. The intent of this rule is to permit teams to take advantage of the weight savings associated with keeping the compressor offboard. However, using the compressor off-board of the ROBOT does NOT permit noncompliance with any other applicable rules.

Emphasis mine.

The offboard compressor must be run from the robot which means that the robot must have the electronics to properly run it installed which includes a Spike relay and properly installed pressure switch.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Vikesrock

Emphasis mine.

The offboard compressor must be run from the robot which means that the robot must have the electronics to properly run it installed which includes a Spike relay and properly installed pressure switch.

It does NOT say that the Spike and pressure switch must be on the robot. They may be with the compressor, on a compressor board. At least, that's the way I see it. (Note: if you do this, make sure that you make it easy to connect the Spike and pressure switch.)

[EricVanWyk]

Thanks Kevin. I had the same confusion that EricH states in the above post (Eric minds think alike?). Perhaps there is some Q&A that clarifies whether or not the spike can travel with the compressor.

[Vikesrock]

Originally Posted by EricH

It does NOT say that the Spike and pressure switch must be on the robot. They may be with the compressor, on a compressor board. At least, that's the way I see it. (Note: if you do this, make sure that you make it easy to connect the Spike and pressure switch.)

The Pressure Switch must be on the robot per <R73-C> and <R77>.

If you are planning on trying to ditch the Spike I would certainly submit it as a question to the Q&A. Based on the note accompanying <R74> stating that the only difference is the physical location of the compressor, I believe the Spike must be left on the robot at all times (however, my opinion doesn't really mean squat).

[AdamHeard]

In 2006 the rules were written about the same, it seemed clear you needed the pressure switch, but the spike was unclear.

Through two regionals and champs, the inspectors made sure we had a spike on the robot, pressure switch on the robot and a manual release valve on both the robot and compressor side.

I'd say play it safe and put everything but the compressor and a manual release on the robot. The spike and sensor do weigh something, but just be happy you already saved the 5+ of the compressor.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Vikesrock

The Pressure Switch must be on the robot per <R73-C> and <R77>.

Or must it? Pardon me, but <R77> specifies that it must be connected to the "high-pressure" side of the system, of which the compressor is a part. If the entire high-pressure side is on a compressor board, including the regulator (which is legal by <R75-D>), then the pressure switch must by rule <R77> be with the compressor.

It must also be connected to the DSC, and the cRIO must be programmed to handle it.

[Vikesrock]

Good point Eric, that brings up an interesting conflict with the rules as written.

If the regulator is kept off the robot per <R75-D> then the pressure switch must also be off the robot per <R77> however, <R73> requires that the pneumatic system on the ROBOT must contain a pressure switch.

[billbo911]

There is one more thing in the picture that has not been mentioned. You have a label on your cRIO indicating that port #2 is on IP address 10.18.98.3. This is incorrect and will not work. Port #2 is hard coded to 192.168.0.3 and is used specifically for the Axis Camera.

The 10.xx.yy.3 address is not actually used in the systems as we are currently configuring them.