General FRC Knowledge
What does FRC stand for in the context of robotics?
FIRST Robotics Competition
What is the name of the control system used to operate FRC robots?
RoboRIO
What color wires are typically used for ground connections in FRC wiring?
Black
What is the function of a bearing in an FRC robot mechanism?
To reduce friction and support rotational or linear motion
What is the function of the radio in an FRC robot?
To enable wireless communication between the Driver Station and the robot.
What is the purpose of the robot’s "bumper" in FRC?
Bumpers are used to protect the robot and to make sure it meets size and safety requirements.
What is the function of the PDP (Power Distribution Panel) in an FRC robot?
Distributes power to all robot components
What type of connector is commonly used for connecting motor controllers to motors?
Anderson Powerpole or Wago connectors
What is the main purpose of a gearbox in an FRC robot?
To modify the torque and speed of a motor
What does VRM stand for, and what is its purpose?
Voltage Regulator Module; it provides stable 5V and 12V power to low-power components like the radio or cameras.
How is the robot controlled during a match?
The robot is controlled wirelessly from the Driver Station using a laptop or joystick controller.
What is the purpose of encoders in an FRC robot’s drivetrain?
To measure the rotation of wheels or motors for precise movement
What component protects the robot's electrical system from current overload?
Circuit Breaker
Strip a wire in under 20 seconds!!
Did you do it?
What is the average voltage supplied by the main FRC robot battery and what type of battery?
12.6 Volts, Car battery
What is "autonomous mode" in an FRC match?
A period of the match (usually 15 seconds) where the robot runs pre-programmed commands without human control.
What type of motor controllers are commonly used in FRC robots?
Talon SRX, Victor SPX, Spark Max
What is the main purpose of ferrules in FRC wiring?
To secure and protect stranded wires when connected to terminals
What are the two most common drivetrain configurations in FRC robots?
Tank Drive and Mecanum Drive
What is the purpose of motor controllers like the Talon SRX or Spark Max?
To regulate the speed and direction of motors based on commands from the RoboRIO.
How do teams submit their robot for inspection during an FRC event?
Teams submit their robots for robot inspection to ensure it meets all safety and design rules set by the competition.
What is the purpose of the gyroscope sensor in FRC robots?
To measure angular velocity or help with precise turning/navigation
What is the maximum gauge wire allowed for powering motors in FRC?
12 AWG
What is the difference between a planetary gearbox and a spur gearbox?
A planetary gearbox has gears that rotate around a central gear (compact and efficient), while a spur gearbox uses simple parallel gears.
What is the primary function of the network switch in an FRC robot?
The network switch connects multiple devices on the robot (like the RoboRIO, motor controllers, and the camera) to allow communication between them.