Re: pic: Early Bird Control System
 

I wonder what the cost will be for just a 2nd CRio and Power Distro Board. Seeing many teams will have a spare Digital Side car and Analog Bumper.

Re: pic: Early Bird Control System
 

I made it a point to try them out when More Robotics of Milwaukee came to Kokomo for a demo over the weekend. The joysticks are ambidextrous (i.e. left-right symmetrical) and don't feel different when held with each hand. They return to center with relatively strong force, and will likely need to be firmly mounted to a base in order to be comfortable to use. They're not as "smooth" around the center as the CH Flightsticks, but which is better is probably a matter of personal preference.

I don't think there's any mechanical calibration to get out of whack. That alone is going to make things a lot easier on the drivers.

Re: pic: Early Bird Control System
 

I have a WAGO tool. It's a screwdriver but sharp enough to cut yourself with. :P

-Vivek

EDIT: accidentaly of course :yikes:

Re: pic: Early Bird Control System
 

Don't hold your breath on that one. There are some very compelling reasons to keep the entire robot weight below 150 lbs.
120 + 15 [bumpers] + 13 [battery] = 148

Both of these are just additional engineering challenges :) Just like we face every day in industry. It's all just part of the fun.

Re: pic: Early Bird Control System
 

I believe the NI fellows that made the presentation at the IndianaFIRST forum said one extra package will be available to each FIRST teams for $650 (any more and you pay full price).

Re: pic: Early Bird Control System
 

OSHA Max. 2 man lift weight = 150 lbs.

Re: pic: Early Bird Control System
 

Exactly. And as an "old guy" who always seemed to get stuck with carrying the bot on and off the field with the human player so the drivers could set up the controls, my back is of the opinion that's still too heavy :)

Re: pic: Early Bird Control System
 

He didn't give a firm number, but he suggested that "less than $700" was the target. However, that "one extra package" is only the NI-supplied components: the cRIO and its plug-in modules. Power Distribution, Sidecars, and Breakouts are to be available a la carte through AndyMark (also at an as yet undisclosed price).

Re: pic: Early Bird Control System
 

I though they said $1000 for an the extra cRIO and each team could purchase one at that price.

I believe Andy was estimating $200-$300 for the PD, sidecar and breakouts.

Re: pic: Early Bird Control System
 

NICE! Lucky you, ground shipping is fast shipping where you're located.

Re: pic: Early Bird Control System
 

That's because we're downhill from New Hampshire.:)
On the way to Hawaii the ground shipping has to get pretty deep to find ground then climb all the way back up those Hawaiian mountains.:eek:

Re: pic: Early Bird Control System
 

I believe Barry said "under $1000, and probably under $700". Whether or not he knew the actual figure is questionable.

Re: pic: Early Bird Control System
 

ours just shipped :-)

Re: pic: Early Bird Control System
 

Looks like I'll have plenty of parts to model this year for the FirstCadLibrary.

Re: pic: Early Bird Control System
 

How do you know if it shipped? E-mail?