clarification of rule <R44> on the "The Robot" section

[Jon Stratis]

Surprisingly, part of our robot is going to look very similar - we're stacking the cRio and the PDB as well. However, we're flipping ours around - the cRio is mounted horizontally below the PDB, making the PDB easily seen at all times. For easy access, we've routed all the wires from the PDB to one side - this allows us to run them over a hinge, so the PDB can quickly and easily be raised out of the way for access to the cRio if needed during competition.

If you have the capability to create a sturdy bracket for the top board, a hinge (specifically a piano hinge) might be a great way to go. This will be the third year in a row we've used one. The first year was for a piece of plexiglass covering our electronics and the second year on a sheet aluminum "door" that allowed access to the orbit balls when the robot was turned off so they could be inserted to or removed from our mechanism quickly and easily.

[Daniel_LaFleur]

Originally Posted by mobilegamer999

ok, i have a question on part H of that rule.
i don't know how "easily" visible our power distribution board would be. we have a 2 tiered component layout with our first layer containing our power distribution board but it isnt the most easily visible component we have. (Detailed pic will be provided an about a day or so). But basically theres about 4-5 inches of open space between the bottom and top level but sadly they are both made a black plastic material so seeing through them is not an option.

Might I suggest using a hinge on one side of your black plastic so that you can quickly unscrew the other side and flip it up for the inspector.

Otherwise, I see a little disassembly at inspection.

Remember: The inspectors are trying to get you out on to the playing field, but they are also tasked with ensuring that the robot complies with all rules. If they cannot see if you comply with the wires/breaker size rule then you will need to have you disassemble enough so they can see.

[Jon Stratis]

Here's a good picture of our hinge mount.


The cRio mounts directly below this, however it's currently in use on our practice robot, thus not pictured here. We used a standard piano hinge for the mount.

[JimWright949]

Ben,

As a robot inspector for both Portland and Seattle, I would think as I'm aproaching your robot, 'Oh no, not another one I will have to bend down and get my flashlight out and figure out what is connected to what.' I would then, bend down and get my flashlight out and figure out what is connected to what. It will take a lot longer to do that then other teams...

however...

if everything is connected properly I would check it off as good.

Now, the question you have to ask yourself is, if your team has made it to the final match, and before that match a breaker stops working, your alliance has already used it's one time out in the semi-finals, will you be able to replace it in 6 minutes?

-Jim

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Jon,
Another beautiful job by the Robettes. Can't wait to see it up close. Goldstar for the electrical team.

[Jon Stratis]

Thanks Al. The hard part comes tonight, tomorrow and Friday, as we run all the wires between the various components. Due to an overwhelming desire to keep the robot under 17.5 inches AND still be able to do everything a robot could possibly do in this game, we weren't left with very much room to even put the electronics, let alone run the wires neatly and safely.

Our one saving grace for running the wires, however... due to the limited space, we spread everything out all over the place, and the speed controllers all ended up being extremely close to their motors. Coincidence?

[Matt Howard]

Originally Posted by Cascade

Agree with Mike and Al. Having the board easily accessible is to your advantage, as well. You never know when you will need to check the board, breakers, or tighten something. Always good to be able to get to all your electrical components easily and quickly. Wires connected to Victors is another place you will want easy, good access to.

No doubt the need to do this will occur two minutes before the final match for the Regional Championship, as Mr. Murphy would say.

+1 to everything said here. And speaking of Mr. Murphy..

Murphy reared his ugly head when when our CRIO died in the first quarterfinals match at the San Diego Regional this year. Easy access and unobstructed placement allowed us to replace it in under 2 minites. Flashing the new one on the other hand... A different matter entirely.