We are placing our control board on a fold out door. The board lowers horizontally and is then accessible. Does this obey FRC accesibility rules?
Given your description, it might be compliant, but it might not. I’m going to pull up the relevant rules for you and explain the intent a bit, so you can decide if you have a problem.
[R40] The 120-amp circuit breaker must be quickly accessible from the exterior of the Robot.
While the robot is in game starting/playing configuration (that is, in exactly the configuration(s) you would have it in when it is on the field), could a referee reach your 120-amp breaker and power your robot off easily and quickly in the event that your robot goes rogue or catches fire? They shouldn’t have to open or fold anything, and their hand shouldn’t have to fit into a small or hazardous space. It should also be obvious where the breaker is (use the included label), so they can find it quickly without having any prior knowledge of your robot.
[R41] The PD Board and all circuit breakers must be easily visible for Inspection.
While being inspected, can you quickly open the panel so that the inspectors can see the whole PDB and the breakers (particularly being able to read the current ratings on the breakers)?
[R56] The DAP-1522 wireless bridge must be mounted on the Robot such that the diagnostic lights are visible to Arena personnel.
This means while in your game starting/playing configuration without having to touch anything, and where they’re likely to notice it without having to hunt. The reason for this is so that they can figure out what is wrong if you aren’t connecting to the field properly.
[R57] Robots shall use the diagnostic Robot Signal Light (RSL) provided in the KOP. It must be mounted on the Robot such that it is easily visible while standing three feet in front of the Robot…
Self-explanatory. This is also so that the field staff can figure out what’s going on with your robot if you aren’t connecting to the field properly.
Other (not a rule, just a good idea) considerations:
For troubleshooting, it is useful to be able to see the diagnostic lights on the cRIO, speed controllers, and anything else that has them while the robot is operating (though not necessarily in full playing configuration - just in a configuration where you can test functionality).
You need to be able to change the battery in a hurry (less than one match cycle), but it needs to be secure enough not to fall out if your robot should happen to take a really hard hit or flip upside down.
You need at least 2" of free air space over Victors and Jaguars for airflow. These components are also highly sensitive to metal fragments.
Please don’t double post the same thread. It’s frowned upon here at Chief Delphi.