So our robot is disabling when it hits the chain. Doesn’t do it other times. We are aware of the issue with the Driver Station software and don’t think that is the issue (although always open to thoughts - but our programming team has done the updates from that thread).
The climber uprights are aluminum, definitely touching the frame electrically. Climber chain and hooks all electrically contacting the frame (checked resistance with multimeter).
We believe the issue is our ground intake, which is close to the ground, is building up static. What we can’t figure out is how that is translating to the chain and only the chain cause us to disable. We can immediately enable and move again after it happens.
Wheels are the 3D printed variety that has been discussed on a thread here. We are considering changing them to typical conveyor belt tread, but like their performance otherwise.
Static electricity is definitely a possibility. Adding a drag chain is a simple test. Just need a wire with ring terminals on each end. One bolted to the frame, the other with a short bolt/nut to add weight that touches the ground. Make sure it can’t get caught in your drivetrain. The field is flat this year so nothing for it to get caught on. You can add a spade connection in the middle if you’re still worried about that.
Yes, carpet is an insulator. That’s a good thing for static discharge. You want it to bleed off slowly rather than all at once. In industry we aim for ~1 megaohm resistance for ESD protection.
A tug and wiggle test on all your wires is always a good thing too.
Thank you for your responses. We are looking for how to discharge static electricity. For a temp solution, we put a battery cable from the frame to the floor. It drags along the floor. Unfortunately, so far that hasn’t helped. The chain idea is good and we will look into it.
What we can’t figure out is the mechanism/process of the failure. Yes, if it is static electricity, then when we touch the chain we are discharging to it. But what specific component is causing the disable? The Rio? The PDH? The Radio?