Let's Collaborate: FRC Electrical/Systems Troubleshooting Manual

[joeweber]

Generally it can be solved easily though process of elimination and a little luck to make it go faster. You need to always determine if the problem is mechanical, electrical or programming.

I like to blame the programmer first but you must start with mechanical.

1. You can use another system to check that the mechanics of your system is working. Power up motors to see if they are working.
2. Check from one end to the other that all items move as they are suppose to.
3. Check and recheck that all sensors are working constantly. After three uses it may change or the speed it is actuated may not be detected by the computer randomly.
4. Check and follow every single wire and make sure all polarity is correct.
This is why it is important to label and organize your wiring. Keep the 12 volt separate from the low volt. It will make it faster to trace.
5. If all the mechanics and wiring check out than start investigating the program..

An effective manual would be difficult to make but could be helpful. There are so many variables to why something is not working.