Electronics workbench upgrade
During June 2021, Triple Helix Robotics overhauled our electronics workbench in our fabrication shop
at Menchville High School.
Category: Electrical
Case for wide angle VGA USB camera module
A generic camera case for a VGA USB Camera Module (640×480). Includes flexible mounting points. Camera can be oriented as desired and includes a connection port on the back with two small slots for a strain-relieving zip-tie. Secure camera board with M1.6 screws.
Latching switch adapter for arcade button
Arcade pushbuttons normally use standard miniature snap action microswitches to provide momentary input to an electrical device. When latching push-on/push-off switch functionality is desired, use this adapter to install a low-cost latching pushbutton switch in place of the microswitch.
Building a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generator
This project uses easy to find and affordable components to construct a Pulse Width Modulation signal generator that can be used to test motors and servos. The ability to bench test motors, subsystems, or prototypes without the need for RoboRIO or special software can save time. It is also a fun and and interesting project for the electrical team!
Using 4 AWG cable with the Anderson SB50 connectors
The crimp contacts used with the Anderson SB50 connector are sized for up to 6 AWG cable. Let’s swage them to fit 4 AWG!
DIY ‘encoder stage’ for VersaPlanetary
A procedure for adding a hall-effect gear tooth sensor within the input stage of a VexPro VersaPlanetary gearbox. Requires modification of several inexpensive COTS parts; these modifications can be done by any moderately-capable FRC team in a reasonable amount of time and without use of external machining resources. This results in a robust encoder “stage” which performs comparably to a high-quality optical encoder, but for approximately 1/3 the cost.