🏅2024 FIRST Championship
Overview
Congratulations on qualifying for the 2024 FRC Championship event! If you haven't heard by now, FIRST will be using the VH-109 radio for the 2024 Championship event. This page is meant to help prepare teams to use the VH-109 radio on their robots.
Mounting
Where should I mount the radio on my robot?
This is something teams should carefully consider since where you mount your radio can adversely affect its performance.
We've covered this on the 'Mounting Examples' page linked below.
📣pageMounting ExamplesHow do I mount the radio to my robot?
Please read the page called 'Mounting Methods' for details on how to mount your radio.
🗜️pageMounting OptionsCan I make a mount or case for the radio?
Yes, you can make your own mount or case for the radio. However, we recommend reading the section 'Mounting Your Radio' to best understand all the factors you should consider when designing your own mount for the radio.
DO NOT enclose the radio. This will trap heat and cause the radio to overheat. When the radio is overheating it will automatically throttle bandwidth.
If you're looking for a CAD file to help you design your own mount or radio, you can find one here:
📐pageMechanicalWiring
How do I wire the radio to my robot?
There are several options for wiring the VH-109 radio into your robot. This part should be easy as the VH-109 is designed to be a drop-in replacement for the OM5P Radio.
Read the section 'Wiring Your Radio' to learn about the different ways your can wire the VH-109 radio into your robot.
📪pageWiring Your RadioI use the Radio Power Module (RPM). Can I use this to power the radio?
Yes! We have a wiring diagram of this located here.
I use the Voltage Regulator Module (VRM). Can I use this to power the radio?
Yes! We have a wiring diagram of this located here.
I want to power the radio using Power over Ethernet (PoE). How should I do this?
If you wish to power your radio using PoE, we recommend following this example. The PoE + 12V creates power redundancy.
Logistics
Do I need to buy the radio to compete at the 2024 FIRST Championship?
No, radios used at the 2024 FIRST Championship are donated by Vivid-Hosting and WestCoast Products. You will get to keep your radio after the event.
Do I need to buy spare radios?
No, Vivid-Hosting and WestCoast Products will have radios available to teams in the event that they need a spare radio. However, spare radios will only be issued with FTA/CSA/Vivid-Hosting authorization.
What if my radio breaks during the 2024 FIRST Championship?
Please find a FIRST Technical Advisor, Control System Advisor, or Vivid-Hosting Expert. They will triage/troubleshoot the radio prior to issuing a replacement. Vivid-Hosting technical staff will be available at every division field.
Replacements can be picked up at the WestCoast Products booth in the Robot Service Center.
Operation
What do I do in the pits?
You will be required to tether your robot while in the pits. Please refer to the tethering wiring diagram.
What do I do on the practice fields?
While on the wireless practice fields, your robot will operate just like it does over 6 GHz on a competition field. On a tethered practice field, you will need to tether your robot, just like in the pits.
Misc.
Are there CAD files available?
Yes, there are CAD files available under the Mechanical section.
📐pageMechanicalLast updated