Re: Building an arena controller
 

I am no IFI rep, but in my experience the E-stop buttons have always used a DB9 port setup. Those plug into the controls at the alliance station, which then go on their sweet merry way.

I've always wondered what could be traveling through such a port. I've got a donut* for someone that tells me.

*Delivered off of the arena site, of course.

Re: Building an arena controller
 

As far as I know (from an IFI rep comment at sac last year), they only use two pins of the DB9 port, they use that format simply because of the ease of disconnecting and the fact that there is only one DB9 port on each field controller channel.

Re: Arena Controller
 

You've got it basically right...my understanding is that the channel select is activated by a password authentication sequence between the OI and AC when it is connected. Once that authentication is completed, a link is established between the two devices, transmitting enable/auton/channel/color/radio data.

If you don't want to get a full field from FIRST, there is an alternative that OCCRA has used for the past few years. Contact IFI directly, and see if you can rent a set of arena controllers directly from them. In conjunction with this, I have designed a basic field controller based on a Basic Stamp which OCCRA used in their 2004 season, and have a greatly improved version in the early design stages. Note that my system does not replace the ACs, but rather interfaces with them, mimicing the rest of the FIRST electronics system. If anyone is interested in the new design, let me know via e-mail.

Also, a clarification on the post mentioning the ethernet link to the Alliance consoles this year...my understanding is that there is a PLC installed in each console which handles control of that alliance station. The ethernet link is actually between that PLC and the main switch/router.

[edit]Also, if anyone is interested, I will be at the West MI event on Saturday only. I can bring information with me then...[/edit]