Wiring the 2014 FRC Control System
This document details the wiring of a basic electronics board for bench-top testing or to accompany the 2014 kitbot.
The images shown in this section reflect the setup for a Robot Control System used with the KOP Drive System in the “narrow” configuration, using a 4-slot cRIO and Victor 888’s. The setup is similar for any other chassis setup or using an 8-slot cRIO and/or Jaguars/Talons. The setup also assumes the motor controllers will be used to control two (2) CIM’s in the robot’s drive train. For a bench-top setup, teams may use any 12V DC motors they choose.
Gather Materials
Locate the following control system components and layout their locations on an appropriate nonconductive surface (e.g. plywood or plastic) to permit wiring connections as shown in the power distribution diagram on the FRC Kit of Parts Website. Plan the positions of the components to leave space to access the various connectors.
- Kit Materials:
- Power Distribution Board
- cRIO with modules (1x NI9201 in slot 1; 1x NI 9403 in slot 2; 1x NI 9472 in slot 3)
- Analog Breakout (to be installed with the NI 9201 module in slot 1)
- Digital Sidecar (to be connected to the NI 9403 module in slot 2)
- Solenoid Breakout (to be installed with the NI 9472 module in slot 3)
- Wireless bridge, DAP-1522 Rev B
- Circuit breakers
- Motor controllers, qty 2 or 4 (Victors, Jaguars or Talons may be used)
- 2 or 4 straight PWM cables
- 2 Y-Splitter PWM cables (if using 4 controllers)
- 120-amp circuit breaker
- CIM motors, qty 4
- 6 AWG wire and ring terminal connectors
- 18 AWG wire
- 12 AWG or larger wire
- Appropriate wire and connectors for size of motors
- 12V Battery (Enersys NP18-12 recommended)
- 12V/5V Adapter
- Dual Lock material
- Tools Required:
- Wago Tool or small flat-head screwdriver
- Philips head screw driver
- M6 nut driver (10mm socket)
- Wire cutters, strippers, and crimpers
- 7/16” nut driver
Create the Base for the Control System
Cut 2 pieces of ¼” material (wood or plastic) to 15.75" x 10.5" and drill holes per Appendix A (or match drill when aligned with robot chassis). Mark off the outside 1/2" on both short sides and one long side of each piece as shown in the layout image below. These sections will sit under the chassis flanges and must not have components overhanging.
Note that for a non-robot Control System test bed, teams may elect to use only one board.
Layout the Core Control System Components
Layout the cRIO, Power Distribution Board, Digital Sidecar, 120A Main Breaker, 12V/5V converter and (4) motor controllers per the image. Jaguars are shown in the image as these are the largest of the legal controllers, other controllers may be used and should fit in the same locations. Ideally all 4 controllers should be of the same type, if mismatched paris are being used, make sure to have the pairs located together (Victors with Victors or Talons with Talons, etc.). If only using two motors, it is recommended to place one controller on each board, in the location near the unmarked edge of the board. This will put the controller closest to the motor it is controlling, allowing direct connection of the motor wires.
Add Modules to cRIO
Fasten components
Using wood screws, fasten all components to the board.
Attach Battery Connector
Wire Breaker to PDB
Radio 12V-5V Converter
cRIO Power
Analog Breakout Power
Motor Controller Power
Wireless Bridge Power
Digital Sidecar Power
Robot Signal Light
Digital Sidecar Data Cable
Circuit Breakers
PWM Cables
Connect PWM cables as shown in one of the two steps below, depending on the number of speed controllers on the robot.
2 Controllers - PWM Cables
If using 2 speed controllers, use a regular 3-conductor cable (PWM cable) to connect the Digital Sidecar (PWM OUT Ports 1 and 2) to the Motor Controllers. Make sure to take note of the proper cable orientation on both ends (all FRC legal speed controllers connect with the black wire towards the inside of the controller as shown). Also make sure that the male end of the cable seats fully inside the receptacle on the speed controller.
4 Controllers - PWM Cables
If using 4 motor controllers attach two regular PWM cables to the Digital Sidecar as shown in the 2 Controllers images above. Then attach a PWM Y-Splitter cable to the end of the extension as shown above right (Black->Brown, White->Yellow). Plug the two ends of the Y-Splitter into the pair of controllers as shown (Brown wire towards the inside).
Attach to Robot
Note that if you are not putting this Control System on a robot, skip this step.
Attach the two boards to the robot (robot shown uses KOP Drive System). Note that temporarily removing some connections (i.e. 37-conductor cable) may make installation easier. Remember to remake all connections.
Motor Power
Robot Radio
Wire Management
Use cable ties to manage wire runs, ensuring wires won’t get caught in moving robot parts (e.g. belts and wheels).
Check Wiring
Note that while many of the system components have been designed to tolerate reverse polarity input or short circuits on the output, not all components are protected from all wiring issues. Teams should take caution to check that all wiring is secure and correct before connecting the battery after any wiring changes.
A best practice is to have someone other than the person that did the wiring check polarity and security on all connections (including the wires attached to the battery) prior to plugging a battery into the system.