Adding Annual Robot Maintenance Tech Tip

Author: texasdiaz

docs/source/tech_tips/tech-tips.rst

@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ Updated Tech Tips:
 .. toctree::
    :maxdepth: 1
 
+   tech-tips/tech-tip-annual-maintenance/tech-tip-annual-maintenance
    tech-tips/tech-tip-practice-timer/tech-tip-practice-timer
 
 Legacy Tech Tips:

docs/source/tech_tips/tech-tips/tech-tip-annual-maintenance/tech-tip-annual-maintenance.rst

@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+Robot Annual Maintenance
+========================
+
+Started in the 2023-2024 season, Tech Tips are segments released in the
+*FIRST* Tech Challenge `Team E-mail Blast
+<https://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/ftc/team-blast-archive>`__.
+Sometimes the Tech Tips are included in whole in the email blast, but sometimes
+there is more content than is reasonable in the email blast so partial content
+is included in the blast with the rest of the content here. 
+
+.. _annualMaintenance
+
+**Robot Annual Maintenance Tips**
+
+Just like "spring cleaning," an annual check-up for your robot's electronics
+and software is essential to prevent common issues caused by aging components.
+
+* Secure XT30 Connections: If your power cables feel loose in the REV Control
+  Hub or Expansion Hub's XT30 connectors, avoid using glues like hot glue.
+  These only hide an unstable connection between the metal contacts, which can
+  lead to intermittent power loss under shock. Instead, the metal pins on the
+  device's XT30 connectors likely need to be uncompressed. Refer to REV
+  Robotics tutorials for proper maintenance of these pins.
+
+* Battery Rejuvenation (Charge Cycling): Older NiMH batteries can develop
+  crystalline structures, increasing internal resistance and reducing power
+  output. Charge cycling—discharging slowly to 10V (500-600mA) then
+  recharging—can break down these crystals. This should only be done with
+  advanced chargers (e.g., Toolkit Q4AC, Hitec RDX2) for batteries older than
+  one season or those with an internal resistance exceeding 150% of their new
+  value.
+
+* Continuous Wiring Inspection: Make wiring inspection an ongoing task, not
+  just an annual one. Regularly check for frayed insulation, loose connections,
+  or bent pins. Specifically, ensure no exposed wire is visible where it meets
+  XT30 connector housings to prevent potential shorts.
+
+* Software Updates Are Key: Always update your Control Hub OS to the latest
+  version (e.g., 1.1.6 for Wi-Fi driver security) and your FIRST Tech Challenge
+  SDK (e.g., SDK 11.0) for improved performance and better support from
+  tournament staff.
+
+Following these tips will help ensure your robot's electronics and software are
+reliable and competition-ready.
+
+Got any questions or want to discuss additional tips with others?  Come start
+or join the conversation on the `FTC Community Forums
+<https://ftc-community.firstinspires.org/>`__!
+