Power suppy for dashboard.

Technical Technical Discussion
1

I am trying to figure out a way to power our dashboard without having to plug it into an outlet. Does anyone have any ideas?

We are desperate, we have a demonstration for a fund raiser tomorrow and there is limited to no outlets available.:ahh:

2

If you are refering to the OI, you can tether it to your bot with the red tether cable.

Jacob

3

The usual answer is obvious: use a laptop computer with a built-in battery. The question seems odd enough that I figure I’m probably not understanding it. What are you using for a dashboard?

4

as jacob was saying hook up the tether between the OI and RC when you turn on the robot the OI should turn on. just make sure to take a few extra batteries. they die pretty fast. good luck with your fund raiser.
EDIT: i was not sure if you meant dashboard on the computer or OI.

5

I think that he(?)'s referring to the OI. If this is for a demo, that’s what it sounds like.

Jacob

6

You can power the OI from a robot battery. Measure the output from the wall-wart power supply to determine its polarity. Wire a similar plug to an Anderson battery connector, matching the polarity. If you’re not comfortable exceeding the “spec” supply voltage, use six D-size alkaline cells in series, or a high-capacity 9.6v NiCd rechargable battery pack.

I’ve considered using cordless drill battery packs as a portable OI supply, with a built-in slot on the operator console to accept one. (The ones I’ve been toying with are many years old, from the days when they were used to power FRC robots, and don’t last very long.)

7

If your problem is powering your operator controls, then a battery pack is all you need. You can find all the parts you need at Radio Shack.

8

Sorry, I meant the OI. Thanks for the help

9

That works, but a good 9.6v rechargeable will run longer. And you can still find all the parts at RadioShack.

10

would you set up the 9.6v rechargable in a similar fasshion as the battery pack that Mark mentioned?

11

I’ve also used the Vex 9.6v packs with a short connecting piece that has a standard RC battery connector on one end wired to the OI connector on the other.