Programming port burning hot

[Joe Ross]

We accidentally touched the programming port on the RC and it was burning hot. The robot had been on for about 15 minutes, but it wasn't moving or anything.

Has anyone else experienced this?

[Brawler006]

Originally Posted by Joe Ross

We accidentally touched the programming port on the RC and it was burning hot. The robot had been on for about 15 minutes, but it wasn't moving or anything.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Ours gets kinda hot, but you can still touch it. I'm guessing that it's normal, but we added some fans to blow on it.

[Aignam]

Your programmer must have been 'on fire'.

[NotQuiteFree]

Well, we were having the same problem with our RC a while back. Now, I know you've already shipped, but when you are able to get back to looking at it, you may want to check the voltage on the frame. We were getting 5 volts running out of one of our Bosch motors and grounding to the frame. Our program port itself didn't get hot, but we actually melted the casing on the cable. So, just as a precaution, I would be absolutely sure to check the frame for voltage.

[dlavery]

Originally Posted by NotQuiteFree

Well, we were having the same problem with our RC a while back. Now, I know you've already shipped, but when you are able to get back to looking at it, you may want to check the voltage on the frame. We were getting 5 volts running out of one of our Bosch motors and grounding to the frame. Our program port itself didn't get hot, but we actually melted the casing on the cable. So, just as a precaution, I would be absolutely sure to check the frame for voltage.

This is a very good suggestion, for several reasons. In addition to potentially causing your problems, if you do have a short to the frame it is likely to cauce several other issues as well. In addition, having a hot ground to the frame is a no-no under the FIRST rules.

Inspectors will check for this, and if they find your frame is hot you will have to correct it before you can compete. If the frame is hot due to an accidental short, you will want to know and get this corrected ASAP anyway (and maybe replace one or two wires). But if it is hot because you designed the ground in your electrical system this way, then you will have to re-wire the entire system (NOT a fun situation at the start of a competition!).

-dave

[Greg McCoy]

Yeah, I believe we had this problem last year and didn't realize it until we blew like 4 or 5 Victors or something crazy like that. Check for contunity frequently between your frame and your fuse panels (when the robot is off )