Installation & Wiring
What you’ll need
Section titled “What you’ll need”- Marigold-5 module
- 16–18 AWG red and black wire for a 15–20A FRC branch circuit
- Wire strippers
- 15–20A circuit breaker for the PDH
- USB-C cable rated for at least 3A
- #4-40 mounting hardware or zip ties
Mounting
Section titled “Mounting”
Top view showing mounting points
Screw mounting
Section titled “Screw mounting”- Use the two #4-40 threaded inserts with 1.25-inch spacing.
- The pattern is compatible with standard 1×2-inch FRC aluminum extrusion.
- Use #4-40 screws no longer than 0.5 inches.
Zip-tie mounting
Section titled “Zip-tie mounting”- Route zip ties through the four integrated points around the case perimeter.
- Inspect the ties regularly because they can loosen over time.
Wiring input power
Section titled “Wiring input power”
Marigold-5 wiring diagram
The input connector is a TBLH10-350-04BK spring-cage terminal block.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Rated current | 10A (UL), 17.5A (IEC) per contact |
| Wire gauge | 16–24 AWG (0.2–1.5 mm²) |
| Strip length | 7–8 mm |
The terminal block accepts 16–24 AWG wire. For an FRC robot using the recommended 15–20A branch-circuit breaker, use 16–18 AWG copper wire. Smaller wire may fit the connector but is not permitted on that breaker range under the current FRC wire-sizing rules.
| Pin | Function | Wire color |
|---|---|---|
| BATT+ | +12V input | Red |
| BATT+ | +12V input | Red |
| GND | Ground | Black |
| GND | Ground | Black |
Wiring procedure
Section titled “Wiring procedure”- Remove exactly 7–8 mm of insulation. A shorter strip length may prevent a secure connection, while a longer strip length leaves exposed conductor.
- Press the white push button on the terminal block.
- Fully insert the red wire into BATT+ and the black wire into GND.
- Release the button so the spring clamp secures the wire.
- Gently tug each wire to verify that it is secure.
- Install a 15–20A breaker in the PDH port before connecting battery power. Use 16–18 AWG wire with this breaker range.
Connecting devices
Section titled “Connecting devices”USB-C output
Section titled “USB-C output”- Role: Source (DFP)
- Advertised current: 3A through 10 kΩ CC pull-ups
- USB Power Delivery: Not supported
Connect a cable rated for at least 3A. If using the locking cable, tighten its retention screw. Thin or low-quality cables can cause excessive voltage drop.
| Device | Typical current draw |
|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi 4/5 | 2–4A |
| Orange Pi 5 | 2–5A |
| Arduino/ESP32 | 0.2–0.5A |
| LED strips | Varies; check the device specifications |
Co-processor wiring diagrams
Section titled “Co-processor wiring diagrams”
Orange Pi 5B wiring diagram
Raspberry Pi 5 wiring diagram
Auxiliary output
Section titled “Auxiliary output”The auxiliary output uses a pin header with a 2.54 mm pitch.
| Pin | Function |
|---|---|
| + | 5.1V output |
| − | Ground |
The auxiliary output can power cooling fans, indicator LEDs, microcontrollers, and compatible 5V network equipment. Its load counts toward the combined output current. The recommended combined load is 5–6A for continuous operation, with a 7A continuous maximum. Limit 8–10A loads to a few seconds unless adequate user-supplied active heatsinking and cooling are installed.
Power on and verify
Section titled “Power on and verify”- Turn on the robot’s main power.
- Confirm that the STATUS LED is solid orange.
- Confirm that the connected co-processor boots normally.
- Optionally measure 5.1V ± 0.1V at the auxiliary output with a multimeter.
If the STATUS LED remains off, continue to troubleshooting.