TeamSGG'day
OK, so three weeks ago I said I had a chopped / hacked / optimised Sawppy power unit under development in OnShape. Well, I'm finally done.
For those not following closely (most?), I figured I could afford to optimise the power unit a bit, safe in the knowledge it was unlikely to require significant future modification, regardless of whatever else I end up doing with the rover. Thus I've spent a bit of time pondering the power supply set-up in order to satisfy my overly-finicky sensibilities.
Quick list of mods to the OS (Original Sawppy) power panel & battery tray.
- spacers either side of the tray to keep the battery centred and aligned
- integrated battery connector socket in the floor of the tray
- recessed, panel-mount fuse holder on the power panel face
- next size down voltmeter unit
- voltmeter wires exchanged for pins so as to accept the battery balance plug
- mostly hidden cable conduit in battery tray base
- terminal block mounted on back side of battery tray
End result is a power unit that can be easily disconnected and quickly dismounted from the rover body. Pretty stoked with it. A nice example of what I'd suggest was fruitful pondering. Maybe it took too long, but that's fine.
Next sub-project is mounting the RCU components (pi, buslinker, tx) within the body of the rover. I already have some ideas there, but I'm sure more will come as I periodically stare at it intently whilst mumbling to myself at appropriate intervals.
Still waiting for my extra link cables from China...
Pics or it didn't happen:
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This is very nice! Redoing this board has been on my to-do list as well, and I like your use of modular connectors plus the integrated fuse holder. On the subject of voltage monitoring, after a few outings I've found that a purely visual indication wasn't good enough: I needed an audible buzzer to alert me to low battery.
I'm relaying my experience so you can take it into consideration for your own rover. Sometimes Sawppy is outdoors in bright sunlight making the numbers difficult to read, sometimes I get so involved talking with people I neglect to occasionally glance at the numbers.
Here's the generic item I bought from one of many vendors selling similar things: (https://amzn.to/2uoDauZ) Designed for RC aircraft, these buzzers are intended to be audible to operator on the ground even if buried inside the aircraft fuselage. That is to say, they are LOUD. Definitely can't miss it when it goes off.
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Thanks, Roger. I pinched that fuse holder idea from someone else doing a Sawppy - here on Hackaday, I think.
I hadn't really thought about the real life practicalities of battery monitoring. You're probably right about the buzzer thing. I'm not sure how I'll fit that in now. Perhaps I suffer from premature optimisation? Lolz.
That idea will have to go on my already burgeoning "winter upgrades" list. I have a list like that for my car - things to keep me busy in the shed when it's chilly outside :)
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