diff --git a/docs/source/tech_tips/tech-tips.rst b/docs/source/tech_tips/tech-tips.rst index 6c1c65735..9ccf9b5d4 100644 --- a/docs/source/tech_tips/tech-tips.rst +++ b/docs/source/tech_tips/tech-tips.rst @@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ Updated Tech Tips: .. toctree:: :maxdepth: 1 + tech-tips/tech-tip-annual-maintenance/tech-tip-annual-maintenance tech-tips/tech-tip-practice-timer/tech-tip-practice-timer Legacy Tech Tips: diff --git a/docs/source/tech_tips/tech-tips/tech-tip-annual-maintenance/tech-tip-annual-maintenance.rst b/docs/source/tech_tips/tech-tips/tech-tip-annual-maintenance/tech-tip-annual-maintenance.rst new file mode 100644 index 000000000..53ae3524c --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/source/tech_tips/tech-tips/tech-tip-annual-maintenance/tech-tip-annual-maintenance.rst @@ -0,0 +1,49 @@ +Robot Annual Maintenance +======================== + +Started in the 2023-2024 season, Tech Tips are segments released in the +*FIRST* Tech Challenge `Team E-mail Blast +`__. +Sometimes the Tech Tips are included in whole in the email blast, but sometimes +there is more content than is reasonable in the email blast so partial content +is included in the blast with the rest of the content here. + +.. _annualMaintenance: + +**Robot Annual Maintenance Tips** + +Just like "spring cleaning," an annual check-up for your robot's electronics +and software is essential to prevent common issues caused by aging components. + +* Secure XT30 Connections: If your power cables feel loose in the REV Control + Hub or Expansion Hub's XT30 connectors, avoid using glues like hot glue. + These only hide an unstable connection between the metal contacts, which can + lead to intermittent power loss under shock. Instead, the metal pins on the + device's XT30 connectors likely need to be uncompressed. Refer to `REV + Robotics XT30 troubleshooting `__ for proper maintenance of these pins. + +* Battery Rejuvenation (Charge Cycling): Older NiMH batteries can develop + crystalline structures, increasing internal resistance and reducing power + output. Charge cycling—discharging slowly to 10V (500-600mA) then + recharging—can break down these crystals. This should only be done with + advanced chargers (e.g., Toolkit Q4AC, Hitec RDX2) for batteries older than + one season or those with an internal resistance exceeding 150% of their new + value. + +* Continuous Wiring Inspection: Make wiring inspection an ongoing task, not + just an annual one. Regularly check for frayed insulation, loose connections, + or bent pins. Specifically, ensure no exposed wire is visible where it meets + XT30 connector housings to prevent potential shorts. + +* Software Updates Are Key: Always update your Control Hub OS to the latest + version (e.g., 1.1.6 for Wi-Fi driver security) and your FIRST Tech Challenge + SDK (e.g., SDK 11.0) for improved performance and better support from + tournament staff. + +Following these tips will help ensure your robot's electronics and software are +reliable and competition-ready. + +Got any questions or want to discuss additional tips with others? Come start +or join the conversation on the `FTC Community Forums +`__! +