[feverittm]

While we have tested both the gamepad and the joystick interfaces, we have normally stayed with the joysticks. We use tank mode driving which seems more natural with two joysticks. When we have tried using a gamepad we found the lack of range of stick motion vs game pad stick motion to be disturbing (there is more room for the driver to move the sticks), this might be different with omnidirectional type of drives. You will probably need to check which is easier for your drivers.

As per the First Touch IO module, we used this last year. While you can update and reprogram the device (more like a FPGA than anything) this is difficult since in order for the IO module to be recognized by the driver's station it must be built on the FIRST provided framework and at this point is difficult. It provides Analog (which we used last year as inputs from Potentiometers) and digital inputs, as well as digital outputs. There are supposedly other modes (like encoder input) available, but switches are the most used.

One thing not noted. Be very careful with your wireless signals. The best we have seen is to try and maintain wireless N across the drivers station link in order to eliminate the interference with WiFi signals/Access points. You do not want to see the dreaded 'No Robot Communication"!