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1E: Subsystem Workflow - Detailing the Drivebase

Electronics Mounting

To make wiring the robot and later inspecting the wiring easier, enough space should be left around each electrical component. You should work with your electrical teammates to determine the best location for the various control system parts. Teams typically try to mount their electronics on the bellypan, permitted there is space.

Example

Example layout of various different electronic components on a bellypan. (Photo Credit: FRC 3647)

Electronic Components

A list of typical electrical components found on FRC robots is provided below, as well as a recommended mounting location. Again, mounting locations are highly dependent on the rest of your robot, make sure to always coordinate with your electrical team to decide what is best.

FRC Electrical Components

Component Function Suggested Location Image
REV Power Distribution Hub (PDH) or CTRE Power Distribution Panel (PDP) Distributes power to all other components Bellypan PDH
Main Breaker Is used to turn on/off the robot and protect electronics from events with extremely high current drawn Somewhere easily accessible and close to the PDH and Battery Main Breaker
RoboRIO Central controller for all robot operations Bellypan RoboRIO
Integrated motor controller (eg: Falcon 500, Kraken X60) Powers and controls the integrated motor No electrical mounting required Integrated motor controller
Discrete motor controller (eg: Spark Max, Talon SRX) Required to power and control some motors (eg: NEO, CIM) Near the controlled motor or on the bellypan Discrete motor controller
Robot Radio Allows the robot to establish wireless connections to the field or driver station Follow Vivid Hosting's radio mounting guidelines. Robot Radio
Robot Signal Light (RSL) Indicates whether the robot is on and enabled/disabled Somewhere easily visible Robot Signal Light
Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) Used to determine robot heading and acceleration Close to the center is best practice (on Bellypan or VHB tape to attach to RoboRIO) Inertial Measurement Unit
Voltage Regulator Module Can be used for custom circuits Bellypan Voltage Regulator Module
Pneumatics Hub Controls pneumatic components Bellypan Pneumatics Hub