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Module 4 — Inspection & Reliability

Objective: pass inspection and survive matches.

Prereqs: Wired system and battery plan.

Steps

  • Tug-test every connection; check CAN continuity and IDs.
  • Verify radio mount, PoE/injector, and power; check breaker accessibility.
  • Run full bot power-on test; confirm brownout indicators are clear.
  • Confirm wiring color/labeling meets inspection expectations; secure loose wires/hoses.
  • Test comms to DS and bandwidth usage; confirm radio firmware/current year image if required.
  • Inspect for metal shavings; vacuum/air clear electronics if drilling was done nearby.
  • Re-run pull-tests on high-risk connections (battery, main breaker, radio power) before events.

Deliverables

  • Completed electrical inspection checklist signed before integration.
  • Notes on any remediation required before event inspection.

Resources

  • REV wiring guide: docs.revrobotics.com/firstrobotics/wiring-guide
  • Spectrum wiring guide: Spectrum FRC Electrical Guide.pdf
  • Electrical Bible (legacy fundamentals): UPDATED Electrical Bible.pdf

Instructions (numbered)

  1. Tug-test all connections; verify CAN continuity and IDs.
  2. Confirm radio mount, PoE/injector, firmware/image, and breaker accessibility.
  3. Run full power-on; check logs for brownouts; validate comms to DS and bandwidth.
  4. Check labeling/color coding; secure loose wires/hoses; ensure no sharp edges contact wiring.
  5. Inspect for metal shavings; vacuum/air clean if any drilling occurred nearby.
  6. Re-pull-test high-risk points (battery, main breaker, radio power) before events.

Example

  • Pre-event check: CAN OK, radio fw current, no brownouts in log, battery lugs re-pull-tested, shavings cleared after pit drilling.

Best practices

  • Use a printed inspection checklist; sign/date.
  • Do a quick power cycle and comms check before every event day.
  • Keep spare fuses/breakers and labeled spare cables.

Common mistakes

  • Skipping re-tests after pit work.
  • Loose radio mount/antennas causing intermittent drops.
  • Hidden shavings causing intermittent shorts.

Checklist

  • Tug tests done (battery/main/radio emphasized)
  • CAN IDs/continuity verified
  • Radio mount/PoE/firmware checked
  • Brownout/log review done
  • Labels/color coding correct
  • Shavings cleared
  • Comms/bandwidth check passed

Recommended tools

  • Multimeter, CAN health tool, vacuum/air, labeler, spare fuses/breakers, inspection checklist.

Sample log (template)

  • Date:
  • Checks performed:
  • Issues found:
  • Fixes applied:
  • Ready for inspection? (Y/N):

Photos/diagrams

  • [Placeholder: annotated board photo showing inspection points]