📪Wiring Your Radio
These diagrams are meant to illustrate how to wire the VH-109 robot radio. We did our best to make sure that these are legal configurations, however these may not always be up to date with rule changes. The FRC Game Manual is the ultimate authority on legality. If you have questions about legality, please submit a question to the FRC Q&A.
Powering Your Radio
The VH-109 radio was designed to operate directly off battery voltage but is compatible with the sources of radio power for the OM5P radio. The radio can also be dual powered using both the 12V Weidmuller DC input or using Passive Power over Ethernet on the RIO port simultaneously however, the inputs need the SAME source and voltage.
When configured as a WIRELESS ACCESS POINT, due to regulatory requirements, the VH-109 radio cannot be powered using a battery source and is for Indoor Use Only. The device is regulated by the FCC LPI (Low Power Indoor) requirements when in this mode. Only when the VH-109 radio is configured as an INDOOR CLIENT DEVICE (STA) may it be powered using a battery. When configured as a WIRELESS ACCESS POINT, the device must be powered using an AC to DC adapter that is sold separately.
Rev Robotics Radio Power Module Warning
If your team is using the Radio Power Module (RPM) from Rev Robotics, please be aware of the following:
DO NOT use both the RPM and 12VDC to power the radio. Doing this can damage your radio.
If you have enabled PoE on the VH-109 Radio, DO NOT use the RPM and a PoE camera/device at the same time.
The Rev Robotics Radio Power Module outputs PoE at 18VDC.
While the VH-109 radio can handle up to 19VDC, this wiring method will cause damage to the Rev Robotics Radio Power Module.
Since the Rev Robotics Radio Power Module outputs 18VDC, all downstream devices need to be able to handle 18VDC. As of the 2024 FRC season, most of the cameras typically used by teams do not support 18VDC. This will damage the camera.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) For Downstream Devices
The VH-109 radio provides POE passthrough to two ports labeled AUX1 and AUX2. Please use caution when using these ports as they can be configured to have energized DC pins, and some devices may suffer damage if not designed for Passive POE injection.
Refer to the example below section for examples on PoE injection wiring.
By default, PoE output on AUX1 and AUX2 is DISABLED. By enabling the PoE output using the switches on the bottom of the radio, the corresponding ethernet port will be energized with the same voltage level provided by either the PoE input on the RIO port and/or the 12V Weidmuller input.
Power over Ethernet is controlled using the DIP switches on the bottom face of the radio.
Power over Ethernet output is disabled by default
1
AUX1
2
AUX2
Wiring Diagrams
There are several ways in which you can wire the radio into your robot. Here are some common applications that cover the most common scenarios.
PoE + 12 VDC
This is the recommended method of wiring the radio to your robot. This method allows you to utilize Power over Ethernet (PoE), while having redundant backup power in case something happens to the PoE cable.
OM5P Replacement (VRM)
This method is the easiest option if your robot is using the CTR Electronics VRM and PDP and you want to switch from using the OM5P radio to the VH-109 radio.
OM5P Replacement (RPM)
This method is the easiest option if you're robot is using the Rev Robotics RPM and PDH and you want to switch from using the OM5P radio to the VH-109 radio.
DO NOT use 12V + the Rev Robotics RPM at the same time.
PoE Only
This method discusses how to wire the radio to your robot using only Power over Ethernet (PoE).
Please reference the current game manual to ensure that you are not violating any wiring rules.
DO NOT use the Rev Robotics RPM with a PoE camera or device if you have enabled PoE on the VH-109 radio.
Using an Ethernet Switch
This method shows how to use an ethernet switch with the VH-109 radio.
DO NOT plug a switch into the RIO port on the VH-109 radio without using a power injector like the Rev Robotics RPM or passive injection cables. Without these, power can be back fed which can damage the switch.
Tethering
This discusses how to tether to your robot while on the practice field at a competition.
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