[FTC]: Modern Robotics Controllers

[skatefriday]

So Modern Robotics is not going to release datasheets
for their controllers. Which means the only way to
program them is through the Java API that Qualcomm
is releasing.

e.g. Want to program one using an arduino? Blocked.
A raspberry pi? Blocked. Want to develop an android
API that is different from the Qualcomm API? Blocked.

Want to discuss with your team members how the
black box controller actually works? Blocked.

So who's going to hook up a usb analyzer and reverse
engineer the protocol?

[connor.worley]

Sources/context for the FRC folks who don't follow FTC?

[skatefriday]

Sources/context for the FRC folks who don't follow FTC?

FTC has abandoned Lego/Hitechnic/RobotC in favor a brand new platform
in the form of ModernRobotics/Android/Java.

http://modernroboticsinc.com/

One of the nice things about the Hitechnic controllers was if you googled
you could find datasheets.

https://code.google.com/p/stuyfissionfusiondevelopment/downloads/detail?name=HiTechnic%20Motor%20Controller%20Brief %20v1.3.pdf

ModernRobotics is not going to be releasing datasheets that will
allow people to program the controllers. Unfortunate in an era where
STEM education is gaining increasing importance to see organizations
like FIRST embracing closed systems.

One of the great things about the NXT brick was it was completely
open. Lego provided schematics and datasheets that told you all
you needed to know to do pretty much anything with it. Funny how
Lego seems to be doing quite well and nobody stole their intellectual
property and produced counterfeit NXT's. (ModernRobotics excuse).

[skatefriday]

And context for the SDK Qualcomm has released...

http://ftcforum.usfirst.org/showthread.php?4227-Pre-release-apps-and-software-are-available-for-download

[cadandcookies]

A small clarification: Modern Robotics is a HiTechnic subdivision. You would be forgiven for not realizing this considering I haven't found any mention of it on their site, but I have an acquaintance who works for HiTechnic/Modern Robotics.

Could you link to a source of Modern Robotics stating IP infringement as the cause of not releasing data sheets for the new stuff? I haven't seen that anywhere.

Another reason for this might be that this entire new technology rollout has been very haphazard and all the nice open-stuff we're used to is being neglected to make sure the essentials are ready at launch.

[skatefriday]

A small clarification: Modern Robotics is a HiTechnic subdivision. You would be forgiven for not realizing this considering I haven't found any mention of it on their site, but I have an acquaintance who works for HiTechnic/Modern Robotics.

Interesting.

Another reason for this might be that this entire new technology rollout has been very haphazard and all the nice open-stuff we're used to is being neglected to make sure the essentials are ready at launch.

Well Qualcomm has the datasheets/documentation or they wouldn't
be able to write the internals of the SDK. So it exists. ModernRobotics
is just choosing not share.