Re: Glove Control System?
 

All that says is that it can't be powered externally. It is quite possible to run a microcontroller off of the power available on the joystick port; we did it successfully this year.

Re: Glove Control System?
 

<R83> All equipment connected to the joystick ports of the Operator Interface must be powered solely through the power available through the port. External power sources of any type are not permitted on any equipment connected to the joystick ports. Portable computing devices can not be connected to joystick input ports on the Operator Interface. Powerpassive devices (e.g. joysticks that draw their power solely through the Operator Interface joystick port) are permitted. The one exception to this rule is Innovation First Incorporated USB adapters (IFI Part Number USB-CHICKLET) may be used to connect USB devices to the joystick ports of the Operator Interface. If used, this USB adapter must be powered with a 7.2V battery similar to the back-up battery. Teams can not use power from the competition port or any other source to power the USB adapter. The USB adapter must be positioned within the OPERATOR CONSOLE so that the indicator lights may be seen during inspection and operation in a match.

So yeah, the processor would have to accept the power from the joystick port, and so would the glove (which is USB complient.. a lot of power). Also, I think the processor would be considered as a Portable Computing Device.

Although, perhaps an exception could be made with the GDC for this device in particular. Kind of like DDR pads don't officially follow the rules, the GDC has allowed them. I think the intent of this rule is to prevent you from plugging in a computational aid into the joystick ports to run your bot (like somthing plugged into your dashboard that is getting real-time info, or a laptop that can tell the robot what the best place to score is, etc.)

Jacob

Re: Glove Control System?
 

This is what I was getting at. The traditional (and sensible) interpretation is that PICs are not computers.

Re: Glove Control System?
 

Perhaps, but there is still the power issue. I'm sure this thing consumes quite a bit of power (there is a wireless component (IR I believe) to it as well)...

Isn't that another rule somewhere? No wireless stuff other than IFI 900mhz? It's only IR (I think), but it still may be considered wireless.

I would love to be able to do this, but not if I build it and found out I can't use it.

Jacob

Re: Glove Control System?
 

That is my opinion as well, and seems to be backed by various FRC Q&As. This one from last year (I know, I know - last year is not this year) said that translators were not considered portable computing devices. This one from 2007 indicates that any USB->15 pin adapter (if such a thing other than the Chicklet exists) is legal as long as it does not draw external power. Logically, that would extend to any sort of adapter that does not require external power. Attached is a picture of our OI with the two adapter boards that we designed and used.

Regarding the original topic, if it's USB couldn't you just use the Chicklet and be done with it?

Re: Glove Control System?
 

I always thought a plugged-in microprocessor matched the idea of a "portable computing device". However, it seems the Q&A draws the line at "external power source" rather than at my idea of "computing device".

Re: Glove Control System?
 

Also, HOT had a glove in 2005, but im not sure what they used it for either.

Re: Glove Control System?
 

Assuming that it's powered solely by USB... the most it can draw is 5v @ 500mA if I'm not mistaken. That, and IR LED's draw very little amperage (as do most LED's). Now, if it's legal for competition? I have no idea.