Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- test_power_panel [2017/12/12 14:32] – created tell
+++ test_power_panel [2018/01/28 14:06] (current) – [A Test Power Panel] tell
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-we're going to build ourselves a "power test panel" for testing one or two motors at a time for  workshop demonstrations and for mechanism prototyping.  We've lashed this up a few times in the past, and its proved its usefulness.  Now we'll do it in a tidier, more durable form.
+====== A Test Power Panel ======
+We're going to build ourselves a "power test panel" for testing one or two motors at a time for  workshop demonstrations and for mechanism prototyping.  We've lashed this up a few times in the past, and its proved its usefulness.  Now we'll do it in a tidier, more durable form.
 I'm sure we can do it more neatly than the one pictured here:
@@ Line 16: / Line 18: @@
 condition and current drawn by things under test: [[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013PKYILS | Volt/Amp meter (Amazon)]]
-In order to control the motor controller, we'll need a souce of PWM data.
+In order to activate the motor controller, we'll need a souce of PWM data.
+Initially, we'll use this one that I built a few years back:
-We can use this thing that I build a few years back for demos: [[PWM generator with display]].
+[[PWM generator with display]].
-Alternately we can buy one of these: http://www.andymark.com/Thrifty-Throttle-p/am-2936a.htm
+Alternately, one could buy one or two of these: http://www.andymark.com/Thrifty-Throttle-p/am-2936a.htm
 Or we can build somthing using an arduino or other processor.
-Wiring diagram:
+====== Wiring diagram ======
+Here's how we'll wire the battery to the PDB.  Note that we're inserting the measurement shunt for the
+ammeter into the negative lead.  This wouldn't be FRC-legal on a competition robot, but is exactly what we
+want for our test board.
+{{ :power-test-board.jpg?direct&200 |}}
+  * Battery + to breaker (red)
+  * Breaker to PDB  (red)
+  * Battery - to current shunt (black)
+  * shunt to PDB (black)
+We wire the volt/amp meter unit exactly according to its documentation.  Incorrect meter wiring could damage the meter or cause it to read improperly.  There's a picture on the back of the meter unit.
+Be sure to insulate all of these connections with electrical tape.
-(TDB)
-Note that the current-measurement shunt must go in the negative battery lead.
+====== Finished test panel ======
+{{ :powerboard-pwm-overview.jpg?direct&400 |}}
+===== Closeup of the PDB and meter =====
+{{ :powerboard-closeup.jpg?direct&400 |}}