Presenter: Shane Trent (Ironclad Owls, TerrorBytes, GearCats (6500), North Carolina)

Key Takeaway: Attendees will learn how to make RJ45, sensor power, and battery performance more reliable.

Did you know your robot only browns out when you ask it to? This session explains how to avoid the most preventable control system failures. You will learn why RJ45 connections glitch and why hot glue is not the solution, how stress concentrators are a primary cause of sensor, camera, and CAN bus wiring failures, and how to identify the best battery in your fleet. Bonus: battery warming, why the cool kids are doing it, and the pros, cons, and precautions you actually need to know.

About the Presenter:

BS EE, MS Materials Engineering, USPTO Patent Agent. Automated Test, Solid-State AC Circuit Breakers, EV Charging, embedded systems, and SLA power systems. Enjoys teaching students about batteries and robot reliability, and got his start in FIRST in 2012 when his son was in 1st grade. Coached Wharf Rats FLL #5027, North Carolina FLL Judge Advisor, Taught FLL Summer Camp, Mentored TerrorBytes FRC #4561, CSA, Robot Inspector, and is a participant in the Mentor Development Initiative (MDI).