Inverter and PC Power Supply Check Out

Finally had a chance to check the inverter today. The beeping noise it makes is a low-voltage alarm. If the power supply drops while it’s starting up, it will never start up properly. Since the power supply I tried it on last week wasn’t quite powerful enough, it wouldn’t turn on. With a more powerful supply, I was able to get it to turn on today. I wasn’t able to verify the output because I don’t have an appropriate plug, but the fan turns on, as does the power light, and the error light and tone don’t, so I’m calling it a success.

I wasn’t too sure about the retrofit job they did, so I opened up the inverter. All of the capacitors on the input are rated 35 volts, and the input fan is designed for 24 volts, so I think it’ll be ok.

I also got to check out the PC power supply today. It works fine, which means that the PC is ready to go – I just need to install Linux and ROS on it. I also want to mount the supply in the case properly with standoffs, but not until I have the robot built. In the mean time, I’m going to keep using the AC supply for convenience.

To Do Today

• Update Profs Newman and Lee
• CAD DIN Rail
• Fix back frame rails in CAD
• CAD mounting holes
• Generate drawings

To Do This Week

• Finalize E-stop design (don't forget to add caps across opto-isolators; consolidate connectors)
• Finalize cRIO breakout design (move into gEDA; use better connectors)
• Submit parts orders for boards
• Submit board orders
• Submit order for inverter plug (or just wire directly?)
• Submit any hardware/materials orders for frame