Programming instructions

Glossary • 127
APPENDIX B - GLOSSARY
Inventor’s Guide
276-2178-E-0610
Memory Effect – Power Subsystem
Technically, the phenomenon where a rechargeable
battery that is repeatedly discharged to the exact
same level and then recharged will develop a
permanently diminished capacity. True memory
effect is observed only under laboratory conditions
and on board solar-powered satellites in space. The
more common usage of the term is incorrect, and is
frequently used mistakenly to refer to voltage drop.
Microcontroller – Logic Subsystem
The “brain” of the robot. The Microcontroller
contains the robot’s program and processes all
signals received from both human operators and
onboard sensor systems. It also manages power
allocation on board the robot, and directly controls
the motors.
Miscalibrated – Control Subsystem
A condition where two values which should be the
same do not, in fact, match each other. This occurs
frequently with the joysticks on the Transmitter,
which should produce a neutral motor state when
centered, but will often cause motors to turn slowly
instead when the sticks are released. Sensors that
indicate things like distances can also become
miscalibrated, and report values that do not reect
the actual physical situation.
Mix (Transmitter) – Control Subsystem
A control setup where inputting commands on one
control channel inuences the commands being sent
on other control channels.
Motion Subsystem
The subsystem responsible for the generation and
transmission of physical motion on the robot. This
includes motors, gears, wheels, and many others.
Motor (Electric) – Motion Subsystem
An electromechanical device that converts electrical
energy into kinetic (physical) energy on demand.
The motion generated by a motor is almost
always rotational in nature, and may need to be
mechanically redirected before it can be used to
produce the desired effect.
Glossary
Motor Port Bank – Logic Subsystem
The port bank on the Microcontroller where the
motors or servos are plugged in. The motors/servos
receive both commands and power through these
ports.
Motor Shaft – Structure Subsystem,
Motion Subsystem
A carried-over term from automotive engineering,
this usually refers to the axle (square bar) that is
directly driven by the motor.
Mounting Point – Structure Subsystem
Any place where a component can be conveniently
attached. An open spot on the front bumper, for
instance, may serve as a good mounting point for a
forward-facing sensor.
N
NiCd (Nickel-Cadmium) – Power Subsystem
The preferred battery chemistry for the VEX
Robotics Design System for performance reasons.
A NiCd (pronounced Nai-kad) battery is an
electrochemical cell which uses Nickel metal
as its cathode material, and Cadmium metal
as its anode material. Cadmium is highly toxic,
and should not be disposed of in the trash (call
1-800-8-BATTERY).
Nut – Structure Subsystem
Nuts are used to allow a screw to function as a
fastener when the actual component being fastened
does not include its own threading. A screw and a
nut “sandwich” the parts that are being fastened,
and hold them together. The nut provides threading
for the screw to lock into when none is present
otherwise.
O
Overcharging – Power Subsystem
Continuing to apply a charging voltage to the
battery after it has reached full capacity. This is
very likely to damage your battery, and can be
dangerous, as the battery will heat up rapidly while
being overcharged, and may even explode if it gets
too hot. Be sure your charger has the appropriate
safeguards so that it will not attempt to overcharge
your batteries.
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