It’s been a full year since we first launched Redux Robotics with our first product, the Helium Canandmag. Now, as we head into 2025, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to the community for your support and enthusiasm.
Now, I know people are itching to get into the products, so let’s jump right in with something we are excited to unveil.
Zinc-V is a 12V input, 5V/5A output (8A burst) DC-DC step down regulator designed to power coprocessors and other Single Board Computers (SBCs) on your FRC bot. Featuring high efficiency, robust and proven Weidmuller screwless terminal inputs, and locking USB-C output, it is extremely versatile and perfect for a number of applications. In addition, free to download 3D printable Orange Pi 5 cases allow for quick and easy integration with a powerful coprocessor.
The casing of the Zinc-V regulator makes it extremely easy to use on your robot. The combination of zip tie grooves and a locking USB-C connector (with optional sold separately locking USB-C cables) are extremely convenient for quickly mounting and connecting to various coprocessors.
In addition, free to download OrangePI 5 cases make this easy to integrate with your coprocessors. We currently have three variants, two with the Zinc-V regulator integrated inside the case, and one with it meant to be used externally with a locking USB-C cable. The cases include vented variants, which have space for a 40 or 50mm fan and 40 or 50mm fan filter, and unvented, which are completely sealed.
Win on the case features and locking cables. Nice little compact solution.
Any guidance for best-practaces on using non locking cabes (e.g., need to use a special 90° cable because packaging)? Or Any way we need to be careful loading the connector on the board (e.g., strain relief best practices).
It’s pretty well secured as they go. You’re welcome to use any USB C cable, though I recommend looking for one rated for 100W to make sure it’s using large gauge wire. Strain relief is always good but I have no specific recommendation.
Any standard locking USB C cable will work. I will say though, ours turned out much stronger than I expected, definitely better than the common PVC cable stuff. I’ve been meaning to do a load test on it for fun.
A year ago, we announced an overhaul of our shipping protocols, which included international shipping options. Since then, we have been active in gathering feedback from international teams to make the process smoother and easier for teams not in the US. We are pleased to announce a new system we have been working on.
International Select
International Select is a shipping program we have been trialing behind the scenes which seeks to eliminate many of the common pain points of international shipping in both speed and cost.
Prepaid Duties
Using International Select, all duties are prepaid at the point of purchase. When checking out with an address outside the United States, the duties required at entry will be displayed in the shipping and checkout page and will be prepaid by Redux once the shipment enters the country.
Prepaid VAT/Taxes
In addition to duties, International Select will estimate and prepay VAT and other relevant taxes required to be paid on entry to the destination country. This means that the shipment will land and clear directly to the end address with no additional work required.
Local Carriers
We have identified that sometimes popular US-based carriers are not optimal for last mile delivery in other countries. As a result, International Select will use local carriers for the last mile where optimal, decreasing the overall hassle to get a delivery to your door.
Expedited Shipping
We are rolling out International Select Expedited, which will decrease transit time substantially to eligible countries. We expect this service to be widely available to all eligible countries within the next few weeks. International Select Expedited will additionally show live transit time estimations at checkout when available.*
*We are aware of an issue currently where some countries show the same transit time for both regular and expedited shipping, and we are working on resolving this.
