Electrical
The nervous system of every robot.
Electrical systems are like the nervous system of a robot, carrying the energy and signals that bring a machine to life. In this Tech Crest you will explore how electricity flows from a battery to motors, sensors, and microcontrollers. By practicing safe wiring and learning how to connect components without a short circuit, you will gain the skills to build a robot that is reliable, powerful, and ready for action.
- Identify a trainer with your coach's approval and confirm their availability.
- Meet with your trainer. Discuss your plan of work and timeline.
- Complete the requirements at your own pace. Check off items as you go.
- When you have satisfied all requirements, present yourself for review.
- Trainer verifies completion and submits the Tech Crest Completion Form.
When all requirements are satisfied, trainers use this form to officially record the completion and provide feedback.
Tech Crests™ are developed by Scouting Robotics, Inc in partnership with FIRST Robotics Competition Team 321, the RoboLancers. Copyright is assigned to Scouting Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. This document is provided freely for public review. Teams may implement the Tech Crests™ system if they agree to use the provided completion form to provide usage tracking data and feedback. Tech Crests™ is a registered trademark of Scouting Robotics, Inc.
Safety & Fundamentals
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1. Identify potential hazards in electrical work on robots. Explain appropriate precautions to perform electrical work safely.NotesTrainer initials
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2. Explain the following electrical terms: voltage, current, resistance, power, circuit, short circuit, circuit breaker, brownout, and wire gauge.NotesTrainer initials
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3. Identify at least four methods for making an electrical connection on a robot, explain when it is appropriate to use each method.NotesTrainer initials
Making Connections
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4. Demonstrate each of the following connection techniques:
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4a. Demonstrate how to properly strip the insulation from the end of a wire.NotesTrainer initials
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4b. Demonstrate how to properly crimp an Anderson Powerpole to 12 AWG wire.NotesTrainer initials
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4c. Demonstrate how to properly connect wires with crimped terminals.NotesTrainer initials
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4d. Demonstrate how to properly connect wires with clamping terminals.NotesTrainer initials
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4e. Demonstrate how to properly make a soldered connection and how to remove solder.NotesTrainer initials
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4f. Demonstrate how to properly secure and safeguard connections with strain relief.NotesTrainer initials
Wiring & Battery
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5. Explain the importance and principles of good wire management.NotesTrainer initials
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6. Demonstrate the proper procedure for each of the following:
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6a. Demonstrate the proper procedure for changing the robot battery.NotesTrainer initials
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6b. Demonstrate the proper procedure for charging a robot battery.NotesTrainer initials
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6c. Demonstrate the proper procedure for monitoring battery charge and health.NotesTrainer initials