Is this allowed? -- DSC directly on 9403

[VEI Dude]

Trying to shave every bit of weight possible, and wondering if we can legally do this. The DB-37 cable by itself is 0.5 lbs!
See attached...

[EricVanWyk]

I have no idea if it is legal or not, but I certainly wouldn't recommend it. You can easily damage the d-sub connectors that way. An early DSC concept was similarly cantilevered, but it was quickly dismissed for many reasons.

Why don't you just use a ribbon cable instead of the provided one?

[VEI Dude]

I was actually planning to support it with a strap of metal. The ribbon cable is a great idea though, so I will investigate that.

Cheers,
-Neil.

[samir13k]

can anyone reccomend a place to get 37pin male to female ribbon cable?

thanks,
Samir

[Travis Hoffman]

Originally Posted by samir13k

can anyone reccomend a place to get 37pin male to female ribbon cable?

thanks,
Samir

6' Multicolor:

http://search.digikey.com/scripts/Dk...A7MFB-3706M-ND

6' Gray:

http://search.digikey.com/scripts/Dk...A7MFB-3706G-ND

These are not listed in stock because they have to assemble the cable for you, but it takes very little time for them to complete and ship, from past experience with 15-pin cables.

I'm sure you could also order the consituent components (see the product description details) on Digikey if you wanted to make a shorter custom cable.

[samir13k]

Originally Posted by VEI Dude

I was actually planning to support it with a strap of metal.

just remember that the cRio is grounded to its casing, so any metal around it is probably not a good idea.

[Vikesrock]

That Sigital Sidecar is currently overhanging Slot 1 where the required 9201 Analog Module with Analog Breakout and Battery Monitoring jumper must be installed per <R64>.

[dani190]

wow is this a joke? You want to shave weight from the cable?

I really really dont recommend doing what you posted in the picture... Maybe try getting a lighter cable if you are that concerned from the weight.

[Alan Anderson]

We saved 5 or 6 ounces by using a 37-pin ribbon cable. Not to mention the nicer-looking connection.

[VEI Dude]

I missed that R64 -- we are not using that module or it's breakout. So we have to have it on there anyway??? Or does the rule imply that if we're using it, then it must be in that slot?

Either way, we could've shuffled the other modules so the digital sidecar clears.

I'm looking at the DB37 w/ribbon connector option now. Yes, every bit of weight savings helps, because we don't want to comprimise the design.

Cheers,
-Neil.

[Joe Ross]

Originally Posted by VEI Dude

I missed that R64 -- we are not using that module or it's breakout. So we have to have it on there anyway??? Or does the rule imply that if we're using it, then it must be in that slot?

The orange box after <R64> makes it clear that it's required for every robot (and even explains why it's required).

[VEI Dude]

Okay, I'll check the docs when I get back tonight. Thanks!

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by VEI Dude

I missed that R64 -- we are not using that module or it's breakout. So we have to have it on there anyway??? Or does the rule imply that if we're using it, then it must be in that slot?

Either way, we could've shuffled the other modules so the digital sidecar clears.

Yes, you must have the analog module in slot 1 with a 12-volt supply connected from a 20 amp breaker on the power distritution and the analog breakout's jumper set to read battery voltage.

No, you can not shuffle modules. They must be in the defined slots. Mandatory analog in slot 1 (with battery monitor jumper) and digital in slot 4 (with attached sidecar connected to Robot Signal Light). Optional analog in slot 2, digital in slot 6, and pneumatic in slot 8.

[VEI Dude]

Okay thanks. I'm going to leave the connection changes to the controls sub-team folks. I'm just trying to re-do the mount layout and board today for weight savings.

[Woody1458]

Originally Posted by dani190

wow is this a joke? You want to shave weight from the cable?

I really really dont recommend doing what you posted in the picture... Maybe try getting a lighter cable if you are that concerned from the weight.

the scale doesn't care where you lose the pounds, and the wiring of a robot certainly holds a lot of weight. We lost 6 pounds when we re-imagined our electrical board.