Re: Selecting Autonomous with TI LaunchPad?
 

Rotary switches are pretty cheep and easy to use. Here's a 12 position one that would emulate what GreyingJay did: http://www.digikey.com/product-detai...1NPF-ND/370270

In one of the Launchpad example control panels I wired up an 8 position one. You can see it here to get an idea of how to do it: http://processors.wiki.ti.com/index....nalog_Wire.JPG
The red and black wire on either end of the resistor chain are +3.3V and gnd, and the one in the middle is the signal out.

Re: Selecting Autonomous with TI LaunchPad?
 

In response to using a TI LaunchPad-
It would be much simpler, at least in my opinion, to use a Raspberry Pi Zero, as it is so inexpensive and abundant. It can pretty easily pretend to be a joystick with as many buttons as you want, and will have a LOT more support from outside sources and forums due to its much larger user base than the TI LaunchPads.
Interesting and somewhat related side note- if I remember right from my tinkering with the Pi, the Driver Station pitches a fit if you have a joystick with more than 32 buttons/ axes/ pov's combined, so keep that in mind when constructing your interface regardless of controller. You might have to double up on microcontrollers if you want anything incredibly complex.

Re: Selecting Autonomous with TI LaunchPad?
 

Raspberry Pi runs Linux which means there is a significant boot time. If the usb cable were to come loose during a match, the last thing I want to be waiting for is the thing to boot up again.

Re: Selecting Autonomous with TI LaunchPad?
 

That is quite a valid point...
However, it won't be on the robot and uses only micro-b type connectors, which are latching (not locking, however), so it can withstand some abuse, but if you think it'll be roughed around too much, then definitely pick the LaunchPad.

Re: Selecting Autonomous with TI LaunchPad?
 

Sorry for the delay in responding, I sometimes disappear off Chief for a while especially right after the season is over :p

Here's the unit we used.

http://www.robotshop.com/ca/en/rotar...module-v1.html

We really like it. You plug it right into an analog input on the RoboRio and just read the input voltage. The resistor network (similar to ILAMtitan's second photo) is internal, and there's a nice blue LED for visual feedback too. Plus, it's cheap!

Re: Selecting Autonomous with TI LaunchPad?
 

We ended up buying this exact one, but the problem is that there only seems to be a handful of values the NI Joystick Explorer sees which are .094, .1, .11, and .12. This is a problem because we really want to use all 12 parts of the switch. We are using the 3.3V rail. Is there something extra you have to do in order to make it so it reports very precise voltages? Thanks!

Re: Selecting Autonomous with TI LaunchPad?
 

This is how 1065 has selected auto modes for years now. 1 or 2 multi position dial and a toggle switch if needed. This year for instance we used the dial to select what we where driving over and position and then used a 3 position switch to determine if we would shoot high, low or do nothing once we got to the batter.