Finding a control system
 

Hi, I was in FIRST last year for the 2009 competition unfortunately I graduated and had to move off to college but I quickly found another robotics team. The problem I have is our control system is the same kind you would find in a RC car/plane and has no autonomous capability, figures that the year I joined my current team they added an autonomous section to the competition.

So my question is; how would I put together a control system comparable to the current FIRST control system, or is there any team who would be willing to sell or donate the older(IFI) control system?

Thanks,
Pat

Re: Finding a control system
 

I'd look into using a vex controller. It's probably more than powerful enough for what you'll use it for, and it's cheap too....

Re: Finding a control system
 

how would I set that up to work as a controller with the wireless router and receiver setup?

Re: Finding a control system
 

I'm looking at the vex controller it seems its an all encompassing system. so with only that I would have all I need to control the robot and program an autonomous mode, still being able to switch back and forth from autonomous and teleoperated?

Re: Finding a control system
 

The vex Controller is an all encompassing system as long as you buy the transmitter, receiver, micro controller and programming kit. I believe you can get all of these items in a bundle or something of the sort.

As far as switching, IIRC, you can switch from Autonomous to Teleop by placing a jumper or installing a switch.

Re: Finding a control system
 

Sounds like the ATMAE competition. I just began working with a team because they needed an electrical/programming person with the new autonomous they added this year.

I'm probably going to take an old FRC control system from IFI and use it... I just have to convince them that this system is reliable.

They used van door motors last year for drive motors... I was a bit turned off by that. Even more that they want to reuse them this year when I already introduced them to CIM Motors and sealed planetary gear drives for them.

Re: Finding a control system
 

Team 2219 donated their IFI System to the SIU-Carbondale ATMAE team last year, and they got along with 2nd place, the best Control System Award. It's a great system!