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Module 1 — Standards & Layout

Objective: plan a serviceable, safe electrical system.

Prereqs: Drivetrain/mechanism footprint, battery and pneumatics needs.

Steps

  • Place battery, main breaker, PDH/PDP, radio, motor controllers, and pneumatics (if used) with service loops.
  • Plan CAN and power paths; minimize noise near signal runs.
  • Reserve mounting and strain relief points; ensure breaker and radio access.
  • Check weight distribution; keep heavy items low and central.
  • Plan ventilation and protection for radio; avoid metal enclosures blocking signal.

Deliverables

  • Layout sketch with device locations, wire gauges, and routing paths.
  • Breaker map and CAN ID plan.

Resources

  • REV wiring guide: docs.revrobotics.com/firstrobotics/wiring-guide

Instructions (numbered)

  1. Sketch component placement (battery, main breaker, PDH/PDP, radio, controllers, pneumatics) with service loops.
  2. Plan power paths and CAN topology; keep power and signal separated where possible.
  3. Set weight distribution (heavy low/central); ensure breaker/radio access.
  4. Plan ventilation and radio visibility (avoid metal shielding); add strain relief anchor points.
  5. Create breaker map and CAN ID plan; review with mech/CAD for clearances.

Example

  • Battery low/center, main breaker near bumper opening, PDH mid-board, radio elevated with clear line-of-sight, CAN in daisy-chain with branch to front sensors.

Best practices

  • Keep high-current runs short; avoid sharp bends.
  • Leave service slack; anchor wires near moving parts.
  • Plan ground paths and isolation from metal edges.

Common mistakes

  • Burying radio/PDH under mechanisms; no access.
  • No strain relief anchors; wires pulled at connectors.
  • Overlapping power and signal causing noise.

Checklist

  • Layout sketch complete
  • Power/CAN paths planned
  • Access to breaker/radio confirmed
  • Strain relief points included
  • Breaker map and CAN IDs drafted

Recommended tools

  • Layout template, tape measure, adhesive anchors/zip ties, Velcro/fasteners for mounting, labeling supplies.

Sample log (template)

  • Date:
  • Layout changes:
  • Breaker/CAN updates:
  • Risks:
  • Decisions:

Photos/diagrams

  • [Placeholder: board layout sketch with annotations]