FRCTools

R618       *Do not modify critical power paths. CUSTOM CIRCUITS shall not directly alter the power or control pathways between:

A.      the ROBOT battery and main power switch,

B.      the main power switch and a power regulating device (per R609),

C.      any two power regulating devices (per R613), or

D.      power regulating devices and actuators.

Custom high impedance voltage monitoring or low impedance current monitoring circuitry connected to the ROBOT’S electrical system is acceptable if the effect on power pathways is inconsequential.

Altering a power pathway includes, but is not limited to, altering the voltage of the power pathway using a boost (DC voltage step-up) or buck (DC voltage step-down) converter or otherwise altering the natural variable DC voltage provided by the ROBOT battery to create a constant DC voltage.

Devices that modify actuator control signals or power (except those allowed by R505) are prohibited, such as the goBILDA Servo Travel Tuner.

Similar Rules

Rule R613
R613       *No high voltage allowed except for LEDs. Any active electrical item that is not an actuator (specified in R501) or power regulation device (specified in R505) is considered a CUSTOM CIRCUIT. CUSTOM CIRCUITS shall not provide regulated output voltages exceeding 5V, except if solely used for powering LEDs, but may pass through unregulated battery voltage.
Rule R619
R619       *Do not mix and match power on or between power regulation devices. The following rules must be adhered to when using power on any power regulation device (per R505):
Rule R602
R602       *Other batteries are only allowed for peripheral devices and LEDs only. COTS USB battery packs with a capacity of 100Wh or less (27,000mAh at 3.7V), with 5V/5A max output or 12V/5A max output using USB-PD per port, and batteries integral to a self-contained camera (e.g., GoPro style camera) may be used provided they are:
Rule R617
R617       *Powered USB hubs must draw energy from approved sources. Powered USB hubs used on the ROBOT can only be powered through one of the following ways: