pic: Testbench with PDB backpower

[bobbysq]

Originally Posted by GeeTwo

I recommend verifying that you check on circuit you used as the "input", both to verify that it still works, and whether its current meter still functions properly before you build a robot with that PDP and have incredible fun troubleshooting the problem.

Is there a way to check the current meter without having to put much in the code? I assume it'd be easy to display it in SmartDashboard or in the web config.

Also, maybe I should just make a straight-up test program since I highly suspect we've damaged a few current meters already due to an unrelated thing. From the manual:

Warning: Inductive loads (motor, compressor) must have a power management device(motor controller, PCM, spike) between itself and the PDP. No inductive loads (motor,compressor) may be directly connected to the PDP channels as this can damage current sense circuitry.

We have probably done this with a prototyping setup involving a dipole switch connected as an H-bridge to a motor. It might be safe though, if the issue is only referring to the reverse voltage that a motor generates when slowing down.