Like many other beta test teams, 111 has just received the 2015 control system hardware: PDP (Power Distribution Panel), PCM (Pneumatics Control Module), VRM (Voltage Regulator Module), and roboRio. These are our FIRST (ha) impressions of the new products.
The PDP
The Power Distribution Panel from Cross The Road Electronics features slots for 16 breakers – 8 30A max, and 8 40A max. It also has CAN capabilities, and a new cover for main power supply leads from the battery and main breaker. Like the previous PD board, this one takes 12 volts from the battery and outputs 12 volts at the slots along its sides. Unlike the previous PD board, there appears to be no LED indicators to show either when there is a fault with an attached circuit, or when an attached circuit has no breaker. When we fired it up with an attached motor, removing the fuse caused no indication of an interrupted circuit.
A few things we noted about the changed terminals: the large screw tended to create swarf when it was unscrewed. We are unsure if this is just because it’s new, or due to the spring terminal rubbing the main terminal post, but we will keep an eye on it in the future. The terminal cover and hardware can be easily misplaced/lost. The terminal cover also limits the orientation of the wires as they enter the PDP, which could be an inconvenience if you don’t remember to plan accordingly. Also, remember to put the lock washer on when attaching terminals – this is important and easily forgotten.
Another part we will be watching is the breaker sockets. We found the breakers to be incredibly hard to pull out, but this could also be because the board is new and they need to be ‘broken in.’ Two miniature fuses are installed at the far end and may need to be protected during use.
The VRM
The pneumatic control and voltage regulator modules are both fed power from dedicated outputs on the PDP. The VRM supplies 12 volts and 5 volts, both at 500ma and 2 amps.
The 5V 2A output is for the D-Link radio power.
The PCM
The PCM replaces the cRIO solenoid module and breakout of the old
system, and is used for controlling pneumatic solenoids.
There are 8 outputs, and can be used for either 12V or 24V solenoids. This is selectable by moving the position of a small jumper.
It also has CAN bus, and we’re looking forward to seeing what we can do with that.
New connectors
The PDP, VRM and PCM use a Weidmuller LSF series push-in connector (here in their product catalog).
To put a wire into the connector, you simply push down the white section to open the connector (we used a WAGO – anything small with a flat edge will do), push the wire in, and release, much like a WAGO connector. They are easy to use, but stripping the correct length of wire will be critical for good, solid connections.
One of our concerns with this is that something could fall on top of the modules, depress the push lock, and release wires, so we will be looking carefully into good placement, or making a guard to prevent this from happening.
The brain! (roboRIO)
Last but not least, the roboRIO. Replacing the current cRIO and digital sidecar, the roboRIO combines them into a single, smaller, component. It has 10 PWM, 10 digital I/O, 4 relay outputs, 4 analog inputs, I2C, RS-232 SPI, and a general I/O expansion port, giving the potential to break out more. We are currently designing a general purpose I/O expansion board to investigate how to use the expansion port.
Mounting can be done through zip tie slots in the sides and bottom of the plastic case.
This is just the beginning, there will be much more testing to come. Watch our calendar for upcoming events, and email us at betatest2015 (at) wildstang.org with any questions.
-WildStang Beta Test Team