[EricH]

I see some problems with any setup. However, the big one I see here is this:

The system components may share protocols, but they were never designed to work together.

Before you say, "He doesn't know what he's talking about", hear me out. Protocols are a good way to get stuff talking with each other. However, stuff can easily get lost in translation. Ask someone who did surfacing in CAD some little time ago--it wasn't uncommon for a surface to jump if you changed systems. It's less common now, with standards like IGES and STEP around, but it still crops up occasionally. The cRIO and the router weren't designed to work together--they can both use Ethernet, but that doesn't necessarily mean that stuff won't get lost in translation, especially if a connection shakes loose. See "router wasn't designed for the impact of one 150# robot into another".

Field-supplied communication stuff would be a pain to work with. First, you have to have 3 sets of 6. One on the field, one being removed after a match, and one being loaded before a match. You might need a fourth--being set to work in two matches. With the flags, it wasn't bad because there was a specific interface, and no other connection was needed, just place and play. For a router, you have to have a minimum of three connections. First, a secure mounting for the device. Second, a reliable power supply running to the mounting. Third, a communication line running to the mounting. All three have to be standardized and work. Depending on the setup, the router may need to get a new encryption/IP every match, which takes more time, hence my suggestion of a fourth set.


Personally, I'd like to see a brand-new integrated system designed from the ground up for FRC use. That's what the IFI system was when it came along. By "integrated" I mean that every part is designed to work with every other part it has a direct connection with, interchangeably if possible (see: IFI radios). Oh, and designed to handle the forces that FRC bots take when they hit each other--metal on metal.