Specifics:

Components Used:

• cRio
• Power distribution center
• Digital side car
• 4 Victors
• Spike
• Air Compressor
• Battery

Keeping with the general design of this years' robot, the electronics is very simple. In past years, we have had to cram electronic in some small, inconspicuous corner, to be later subject to weight reduction, and all manner of other hideous decapitations. The difference is this year we took the amount of space needed for electronics. Before we put on one bolt or even unpacked the bundles of aluminum, we laid out a very specific, detailed layout of the components that we needed (cRio, power distribution center, etc) and then ones that we wanted (compressor, solenoids, etc). After we learned the constraints of the electronics, like weight, space, and total number of motors, solenoids, and sensors, the team laid out a detailed schematic of the board as a whole. This included not only the components but also how they would be wired together. The schematic was very helpful because not only did it help us with the overall layout, it was wired, which means faster actual wiring and easy repair of damaged wire. For protection, the robot is encompassed in 1/32" lexan panels, which provide not only protection for the internal system, but also the outside walls for our hopper. These panels have easy access and are opened to turn off the robot and release the air pressure in the tanks. The system is not complicated, but it meets all of its requirements very effectively.