Can we use 2006 Robot Controller?

[steve d]

We might need to. We're having trouble in that all our speed controllers keep blinking. We go thru alot of playing with PWM cables to get the speed controller LEDs to stay lit solid. All 6 controllers act up, alot. Also had trouble with the radios. Wouldn't work the first night, then they did. We're going to go over all the wiring tonight, but if we need to, can we use 2006 Robot Controller instead?
Seems ok by Rule R27.

[MrForbes]

unfortunately <R64> says otherwise.

[tdlrali]

Contact IFI, they might have a solution. Otherwise, ask them for a replacement.

[Jeremytice]

Again <R64> says that ROBOTS must be operated via the wireless, programmable Innovation FIRST 2007-Robot Control system. We had a lot of trouble with our pwm cables the first couple of weeks. They were all bad so now we are making our own pwm cables. I hope you guys can figure out the problem!

[seanl]

we had this problem too but it turns out both the y connectors we used were bad try replaving out a few of the pwms and see if it fixes it. if its doesnt works you might want to contact ifi.

[Alexa Stott]

For official competition, you cannot use the 2006 RC, but you can use it to finish up any programming/practice/testing you have left. Last year, when our RC broke, we used an upgraded 04 one to program with.

As it has been stated, contact IFI and see what they suggest, but until then, you can use the 2006 one to practice with and whatnot.

[Mike Martus]

Here is a possible answer to you blinking light issue in the form of trouble shooting and some advice.


To start:
1. Make sure you have a clear map (printed chart) of what wire goes where and controls what.
2. Lable every wire, every speed controller, every spike, including every PWM wire.

Blinkng light on speed controller usually means that it has power but a path of control is not right.
1. Review your map - is your PWM plugged into the port you say it is to be plugged in and is it matching your program?
2. Are you testing the right motor (is it plugged in).

Now here are several real possibilities.

1. The PWM wires are very sensitive to being plugged in backwards. They will not work. Check both ends.

2. Is the PWM seated fully - Hint! Look at the speed controller slot (deep in the slot) for the PWM receptical. It often gets pushed to one side and when you insert the PWM wire you are not in alignment with the pins.

3. Is there a small piece of plastic or other junk blocking the hole or holes?

4. This is really the first thing to do.... Sub in a known good speed controller and known good PWM wire and test.

Stop.... slow down.... use a logical trouble shooting process.

Do not blame the controller yet..... usually it is not the problem.

[Doug G]

I know it seems each year we have a bad pwm cable or two. Pick up some extra cables, do continuity tests on each one. If you don't have time to order new cables, see if there is a hobby store in town, they usually carry them as well. We've gone to making ours, painstaking as it is, it seems to work out just well and a bit cheaper in the end.

Double check your wiring, then have someone else double check it. Try tether mode (red cable) before you try the radio. Try it without any PWM or Relay outputs and check if just the RC works by itself.

Do you get any indicator lights on the RC? ie, RC Mode, etc...

If no lights come on the RC, check it's fuses. Make sure the RC isn't wired in backwards. Make sure the 12 V isn't wired into the Battery Backup.