Programming Contradiction

[Jeff Waegelin]

I need a clarification. Can we program? I was told yes, but the rulebook still says "you may not program the computer" or something to that effect. So, yay or nay?

Also, if yes, will we be allowed to modify our control board setup? (ie. add pots or switches in place of one of the joysticks)

[Gadget470]

I was wondering this too. Mr. McIntyre said at kick-off a new feature to this year was that teams can program their robot. I believe it was RB3 that stated no.. hmm.. official answer?

[Gadget470]

Yes Programming was voted in as being allowed for the teams that want to this year. Programming is NOT required.
Teams can use the default program.

This is from the thread labeled (?) Programming as posted by Mike Martus. I assume this will overrule RB3

[Mr. Mac]

Sorry about that: PROGRAMMING IS DEFINITELY ALLOWED THIS YEAR! (We used last year's game rules as a template in writing the OCCRA 2002 rules and that old line sneaked past us!) The rules also say that you are being given 2 potentiometers and 2 limit switches but may buy as many additional ones as you like.

[Jeff Waegelin]

What about custom control board components?

[Jack]

we all wish Jeff, but i don't think so:)

[Mr. Mac]

You can have all the pots and limit switches you want; specifically, what other "custom components" would you want? The committee will need to address it, of course. We don't like changing the rules in the middle of the season, so any potential changes need to have a good reason and be made quickly (before people get too far along in their designs).

[Jeff Waegelin]

By that, I mean on the operators' control board, not the robot itself. I was thinking of things like replacing one of the four joysticks with a small box of pots and buttons. Would that be allowed?

[Mike Martus]

The committee has decided the following:

You must NOT disassemble/modify or alter the joysticks as they are the official controls that all teams are to use. The joysticks MUST be the main driving controls.

You MAY add switches, pot's as is the case on the robot this year if they are correctly interfaced with the controller. WARNING: Improper connections that result in damage to the controller are at your expense for replacement.

Mike Martus

[Jeff Waegelin]

Thank you for clarifying that issue.

[Gadget470]

What about off-the-shelf joysticks interfaced with the control board. The kit included two (2) CH Flightstick joysticks, would a CH Flightstick Pro model off-the-shelf be an acceptable replacement control unit (i.e. swap the pro with standard).

from the ch website:
http://www.chproducts.com/shop/media/FSPro-side.jpg

[Mike Martus]

All teams should use the same joy sticks. You were, or will be given a set for your use. We do have replacements if needed.

The intent this year is to keep playing field as even as possible.

[Gadget470]

ok, thanks Mr. Martus