FRC Resources

Battery Testing and Performance Report (April 2018)

Battery performance is critical for the optimal performance of a robot under competition demands. An under-performing battery can cause brownout conditions which may affect many robot systems including the dropout of the processor and other critical functions. The purpose of this report written by team members of The Charge is to provide a means for FIRST teams to test their batteries using industry standards to ascertain characteristics and provide critical insight on which batteries to use in a competition environment. To facilitate a rapid method of battery testing, an automated circuit was developed with accompanying software to graphically depict the battery's performance curve which can easily be compared and documented. The automated test analyzes a battery's characteristics using a variable load and current sensing with a microprocessor controlled interface and output on a laptop computer. The software can also simulate a FIRST robotics match on the battery without the need of a robot or match environment. 

​January 2023 update: Unfortunately the circuit and high-level software is no longer available for distribution.  The team hopes to re-develop it sometime after the 2023 FRC season.

The detailed report is available here, the presentation video is here and the presentation slides are here.

Engineering Inspiration! (March 2018)

The Charge has released a report on our Engineering Inspiration activities.  This report helped The Charge win the Engineering Inspiration Award at 2018's Kettering University District Event #2.   Please click here for the report and click here for the associated flipboard.
 Battery Cart Plans available (April 2018)
The Charge has their battery cart plans available to all teams.  Click here for the zip file. 
Control System Information

The Charge's control systems are innovative and provide unique capabilities and benefits to our robot.  Documentation of capabilities and functions are described in a two part document.  Click for Part 1, click for Part 2.
Safety Information
Safety Videos