2007 Robot Controller
 

Innovation first has been out of robot controllers since before the end of last season. Does anyone have any clues to what might be involved with the new controller?

Re: 2007 Robot Controller
 

If they are planning anything, its probably not major. I remember seeing mention somewhere of the RC being updated, but not redesigned.

Re: 2007 Robot Controller
 

You should search before you post. There have been many threads about this, but probably no big changes.

Re: 2007 Robot Controller
 

I've heard the exact same thing.

Re: 2007 Robot Controller
 

I heard that the new controller will have the capability of using USB joysticks, and the radio receiver may be internal.

Re: 2007 Robot Controller
 

I would have to doubt that they would make the radio internal especially since all of the radio communication goes through the competition port. Most of the upgrades will probably be fixing the bugs that teams found last year.

James

Re: 2007 Robot Controller
 

The current radios also arent that small. Unless they redesigned them i think it might be a little hard to get them on the RC board.

Re: 2007 Robot Controller
 

I wouldnt be suprised if they switched the programming port from DB-9 to a mini usb... i have a feeling that will probably be the only major design change...

I personally would enjoy seeing a radicle change but im not going to get my hopes up

Re: 2007 Robot Controller
 

I'm pretty sure the radio modems are big for a reason, I believe, is mostly so they can get better reception. If you heard anything about Nextfest, they had a lot of reports of radio interference, and that is not good if you want to have matches that are fair. Another reason could be it's cheaper to have them larger, they keep Kit prices really reasonable, so size might be a sacrifice.

Anyway, I'm willing to predict a new controller available from IFI in the new future, whether or not it's for FIRST or not is a question. The only controller you can buy from IFI right now is the Mini Robot Controller, so who knows. They discontinued the Isaac Controller line, and they look remarkably similar to the FIRST controllers. Who knows, maybe there was some business reasoning for that.

If there is a new system, I'd say it is going to be very close to the current Vex microcontroller

Re: 2007 Robot Controller
 

Right, many teams have the RC in the center of there bot. If the radio was internal you would have a small little radio that might not get reception because it is blocked. There is no reeal reason for the radio to be internal.

Re: 2007 Robot Controller
 

I imagine so; with FIRST's and IFI's switch from the BS2 controller to the PIC, the Isaac controllers were obsolete, and in such a low-volume product (low enough to run out mid-season), there's no gain to be made in having two lines.

Re: 2007 Robot Controller
 

I see plenty of reasons to incorporate the radio into the RC.

First of all, the argument that the radio is big and won't fit is moot, as the radio is years old and has changed a bit, but it seems it has stayed the same shape to ensure modularity. If Cingular can incorporate and edge antenna into a card bus slot and little tiny rc cars can run on 900mhz, the receiver can fit in the RC as it stands.

For benefits on the consumer side, it eliminates a serial cable and another electronics box. We can all use that extra weight. Its also just a more elegant solution than having cables running all over the place.

On the manufacturing side, it eliminates another PCB to print, and another box to mold. You can sell a cheaper product for the same price. More money in your pocket.

Re: 2007 Robot Controller
 

:) Ohh yeah That would be sweet seeing as that most laptops don't have serial ports anymore, and since when did you see a programmer working on a desktop in the pits?

Re: 2007 Robot Controller
 

USB would be nice. The team in the pit next to us at VCU brought a desktop. Personally I just prefer a laptop and USB to Serial adapter.

Re: 2007 Robot Controller
 

I saw one in Milwaukee, but I don't remember what team it was. USB programming would be nice.