Re: Using Switches on the Operator Interface
 

The LED outputs on the OI are internally current limited to 10 ma so that an LED can be directly connected without any other components needed. The OI reference guide explains it all starting on page 5. There are up to 8 LED driver outputs.

Re: Using Switches on the Operator Interface
 

So, simple how would I wire a light to these ports that can power an LED. And how would I define it to light up?

Like

if Tracking_Initialized == 1

*TURN LED ON*

Re: Using Switches on the Operator Interface
 

I quote from the operator interface manual:

"LED Drivers (see pinouts on pages 7-10)
PORT 1 and PORT 3 each provide four LED output drivers. These LED drivers allow the connection of
external LEDs that duplicate the function of the top eight Robot Feedback LEDs on the Operator
Interface. The LED drivers provide 5V that is current limited to 10mA. Connect the LED’s anode to
the desired LED drive pin. Connect the LED’s cathode to any ground pins."

See the Operator Interface manual for which pins to connect to what.

Re: Using Switches on the Operator Interface
 

Now I have a question of my own: earlier in this thread, people were talking about how in order to wire a custom control box with switches and all to the OI, i'd need male-female solder cups. What is a solder cup? What is meant by that? What is it and where can I buy it? I thought I would just split the cable and solder wires together. Apparently I have to get some sort of special "solder cups?" Also, what is a backshell? The OI manual says:

"WARNING: The COMPETITION port has pins that connect directly to the Operator Interface microprocessor. Incorrect wiring may damage the unit and will void the warranty. This damage may not be apparent until connecting to the field at competition. Use caution and double check your wiring prior to making a connection. Always use a backshell to protect the connector’s pins from ESD discharge."

Can anyone decode that for me? What is ESD discharge and what is a backshell?

Re: Using Switches on the Operator Interface
 

Cronos,
A solder cup is a particular type of "D" connector that is designed for soldering wires to, as opposed to an IDC where a ribbon cable is simply pressed between two pieces of the connector. D connectors come in 9 pin and 15 pin types for your convience and the shell is the cover of the connector after you have wired, it. Check the Digikey website for picturs of both types.
You should not connect anything to the competition port except the dongle, a switch wired per IFI that would allow you to simulate a competition field. Wired as described on the IFI website, the switch can disable your robot function, enable the robot or start autonomous. It is simple to build a three position switch into the shell of the D connector for you to practice auto mode and competition start.
ESD stand for Electro Static Discharge and it is what occurs when you get shocked by equipment on a dry winter day. The release of energy built up on your body can and often does damage electronic equipment. By using a shell to cover the exposed pins in anything connected to the OI, you can prevent damage should your finger touch an OI input and discharge static electricity.
Connection for an operator switch box are best done by obtaining the right sex and pin count D connector and wiring to allow switches to be read by the joystick ports on the OI. Note that there are four joystick ports on the OI, each with several digital inputs to read switches on joysticks. Those inputs can be used with your software to initiate fuctions on the RC like pnuematic valves, arm controls or motor operation.

Re: Using Switches on the Operator Interface
 

Just FYI:

This year I am using these parts from Newark:
DB15, Male, Solder Cup - 92N3443
DB15 Backshell - 44N8888

You can check out their images/data sheets for more details.

Re: Using Switches on the Operator Interface
 

I was under the impression that joysticks were technically rheostats, rather than potentiometers. That is, the analog inputs just read resistance values. By that theory, the sweeper and one end of the chain would connect to a ground pin and analog input and the +5V pin wouldn't be used.
Did I read the OI ref manual wrong?

Re: Using Switches on the Operator Interface
 

Yeah, the OI manual says you should connect joysticks to a +5V

Re: Using Switches on the Operator Interface
 

Check out the equivalent input circuit on the IFI website. Don't forget that the analog input has a resistor to ground internal to the OI. As such a variable resistor, external to the OI, will vary the voltage at the input if it is connected to 5 volts at one end. The beauty of this circuit design is that the OI can now recognize when a joystick has been unplugged and output a 127 to the PWM outputs it controls.

Re: Using Switches on the Operator Interface
 

Thanks.


The variables for the OI LEDs and how to use them are explained in the one of the ppts here. I think it's one of the later ones, but I'm afraid I don't know which.

Re: Using Switches on the Operator Interface
 

Thanks for all the information guys/girls. I am currently making a custom joystick out of a medium size Radioshack hobby box, i have 4 switches (conveyor on off, rev fwd, shooter on off, camera track on off) and a knob for pan and a stick for tilt (which i may be using a mini joystick stick for).. <definately will post a picture later.

i have an led on my knob and i knew nothing of how to light it up :) but thx to you, now it do :D

now to convince some students that a custom interface is better then those plain white joysticks :eyeroll:....

Re: Using Switches on the Operator Interface
 

What I did was just took an old joystick (which has most wires needed for switches) and cannibalized the wire. :D