08-02-2008 08:10

Jimmy Nichols

Re: pic: TEAN 540 E-BOARD 1

We got caught on this also, check out:

<R50> The 12V battery, the main 120-amp circuit breaker, the power distribution block, and circuit
breaker distribution panels shall be connected as shown in the 2008 Power Distribution
In particular:
• All circuit breaker distribution panels must be connected directly to the power
distribution block. No intermediate connections are permitted.

08-02-2008 08:40

ERAUeagle68

Re: pic: TEAN 540 E-BOARD 1

I think what I have done is legal, because I have done it for the past 3 years and never had anything said by the inspectors. Also that same rule was in the rules last year and i did not have to change it at competition. But i will take the stuff I need to fix it at competition. Thanks for the info.

This is from the Rule Book last year
<R57> The 12V battery, the main 120-amp circuit breaker, the power distribution block, and circuit
breaker distribution panels must be connected as shown in the 2007 Power Distribution
Diagram. In particular:
 The battery must be connected to the ROBOT power system through the use of the
Anderson Power Products (APP) connector.
 The APP connector must be attached to the battery with either the copper lugs provided in
the FCI Burndy Bag or appropriate crimp-on lug connectors.
 The battery terminals and the connecting lugs must be insulated with shrink tubing and/or
electrical tape.
 The main 120-amp circuit breaker must be directly connected to the hot (+) leg of the
ROBOT-side APP connector. Only one 120 amp main circuit breaker is allowed. This
breaker must not be bypassed.
 The power distribution block must be directly connected to the APP connector and main
120-amp circuit breaker. No other loads may be connected to the main 120-amp circuit
breaker.
 All circuit breaker distribution panels must be connected directly to the power distribution
block. No intermediate connections are permitted.
 Additional lengths of #6 red and #6 black wire may be used to reach the panels as needed
to make the above connections.
 Circuit breakers must be accessible for inspection at each FIRST Robotics Competition
event.

08-02-2008 09:06

DanDon

Re: pic: TEAN 540 E-BOARD 1

Then you, my friend, got lucky. I urge you to fix the problem before ship date, there will no doubt be many other things to do come Practice Day, and you want to a) pass inspection as fast as possible, and b) make inspection as painless and easy as possible for you and the inspectors. They /want/ to pass you but they can't ignore the rules.

08-02-2008 09:37

Jimmy Nichols

Re: pic: TEAN 540 E-BOARD 1

Precisely. 2 years ago at Pittsburgh Regional the inspection process consisted entirely of weight and dimensioning and that was it . No pit inspection of electrical, pneumatics, or anything. They didn't have the personel to do it. At other regionals the inspection is more complete and that mistake would certainly be found.

08-02-2008 10:04

wilsonmw04

Re: pic: TEAN 540 E-BOARD 1

It's not legal my West End Friend. I would change that ASAP.