Batteries

Batteries are the power source of our robots.

All FRC teams use 12V 18AH lead acid motorcycle batteries, and the robots use so much energy they deplete one in the 2:30 that makes up one match. We get a new set of them each year (usually around 5-8), and we need to take care of them so that they perform during competition.

Angelbotics's batteries are far from just plug and play, however: we test all of our batteries before competition and mark which ones are for comp and which are for other uses (testing, loaning out to other teams), we keep careful track of when each battery was used when and what its purpose is, and we warm our batteries prior to their match.

We take great care in transporting them (unless you are Trevor...) and making sure they are well secured and protected in the robot, we make sure they are named, we even (occasionally) paint them.

Why? Because battery issues are probably one of the most common failure points in FRC, and most of the time they are easily preventable.

Such as... Not plugging our battery in all the way. Mistaking the old match's backup battery for the upcoming match's battery. Getting our battery unplugged by a rolling pvc tube. Using a battery 2 matches in a row because 2 separate people swapped the battery for the one that was sitting nearby. (these are just a few of the issues we have had in the past 2 years)

Thus it is important to learn how to take care of them properly