Why Won't our Pneumatic System Work!!???!?

[anthonygraff24]

We have been struggling really hard with our pneumatics system for the past couple of days. We have literally tried everything, but still when we enable the robot, the compressor doesn't start. I'm going to list everything we have going on related to pneumatics with our robot. If someone can PLEASE tell us what we're doing wrong, you would be a LIFESAVER!

CODE:

We code in Java. The compressor constructor reads as follows
Compressor compressor = new Compressor(2,8);

Inside the robotInit method, we have the following
compressor.Start();

The code properly compiles to the cRIO.


Our Compressor is wired to a spike. When plugged in, the light on the spike is orange, which we read is the correct color. The spike goes to the PDB. It is also wired via PWM cable to the Sidecar into relay #8. The Pneumatics are set up according to Team 358 (Happague)'s instructions. The pressure switch is wired via PWM cable to DIO #2 on the sidecar.

According to our (painstakingly extensive) research, when we enable the robot, the compressor should start. We aren't even worried about firing the piston yet. If you see anything in here that seems WRONG, or somewhere where we might have done something stupid like plug a cable in backwards, please let us know.

[Domenic Rodriguez]

There's a set of red and green LEDs next to the relay ports on the Digital Sidecar that indicate the state of each relay output (see the green circle in the attached image). When you enable the robot, does the green light next to relay port 8 turn on? Also make sure you are using compressor.start(), not compressor.Start(). The 's' in 'start' should be lowercase (unless that was just a typo in your post).

[brycen66]

The PWM is plugged into the signal and Ground ports correct?

[anthonygraff24]

Originally Posted by brycen66

The PWM is plugged into the signal and Ground ports correct?

Which PWM cable?

[anthonygraff24]

Originally Posted by DomenicR

There's a set of red and green LEDs next to the relay ports on the Digital Sidecar that indicate the state of each relay output (see the green circle in the attached image). When you enable the robot, does the green light next to relay port 8 turn on? Also make sure you are using compressor.start(), not compressor.Start(). The 's' in 'start' should be lowercase (unless that was just a typo in your post).

When we enable the robot nothing comes on there . What does that mean/what should we do?

[Domenic Rodriguez]

If the light isn't coming on, then the code isn't activating the relay output. This could be due to either a bug in your code or an issue with your pressure switch. Check your pressure switch wiring and make sure it is working properly.

Edit: Also see these threads:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=125584
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=124738
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=112749
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/se...archid=5331576

[anthonygraff24]

Originally Posted by DomenicR

If the light isn't coming on, then the code isn't activating the relay output. This could be due to either a bug in your code or an issue with your pressure switch. Check your pressure switch wiring and make sure it is working properly.

I don't think there is a problem with the code, but could I possibly send you our code to make sure its alright?

[Domenic Rodriguez]

I sent you a PM; from what you described, it doesn't seem like a code issue to me either.

[Mark McLeod]

If you continue to have problems I could come by and take a look.

[Joe Reel]

Are getting the 110 psi reading? Our compressor did not shut off and we found that the pressure regulator had been installed with the wrong direction for the air flow. (there is an arrow on the regulator)