Title says it all really, what I’m mainly looking for is a way to connect smaller gauge devices such as CANCoders and IMUs without taking up all the slots on a REV PDH. I know that REV has a mini power module that looks useful but ive had someone tell me that it wouldnt be legal in competition. Alternatively I’ve looked into the option of for example connected several CANCoders into one slot using wago connectors. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated, thank you.
My team uses the VRM from CTRE/VEX, which provides some small ports for lower powered devices. We haven’t tried the mini power module yet, so I’m not sure what it’s like or if it’s legal or not.
If all else fails the vrm will definitely still be viable, I just hoped to be able to use something a bit more modern and a bit more rev.
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I don’t know who said the MPM wouldn’t be legal, but they weren’t reading the Q&As correctly.
First things first: MPM is a COTS Connector, specifically legal by R623 if it’s properly rated for the load. (Just so everybody’s clear, here’s the specs for said device: Mini Power Module - REV Robotics) That would be 15A max per channel, 40A total.
Next: The Q&A was asked twice about the MPM, particularly with respect to motors. The first time asked if it was legal, to which the GDC said “No comment”. The second time asked specifically about putting multiple motors on the MPM (and 1 input from the PDP/PDH), to which the GDC said “Violates R621, 1 motor per breaker on PDP/PDH”. In neither case did the GDC say it was not legal in competition for general usage–just not for motors.
You’re using it to power auxiliary devices–CANCoders, IMUs, other 12V devices. This isn’t a motor case, and this looks like exactly what it’s designed for. Take your $35 and hand it to REV, and you should be just fine as long as your wiring team doesn’t stick a motor on the darn thing.
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Thank you for the clear and concise response.
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My team twists and solders (splices) 5 conductors together with one going to the PDHREV's Power Distribution Hub and 4 for the 4 CANcoders. Do that twice for the “+” and the “-”.
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Oh ok I was thinking of a similar method so its nice to know that it would work. If possible do you think at one point you could provide a picture of what that would look like?
Something like this: Soldering Multiple Wires for a Distribution Joint : 4 Steps (with Pictures) - Instructables
Note the wire gauge requirement applies equally to all branches when wiring like this (you can’t scale down the wire size without using an inline breaker/fuse).
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