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Unread 28-10-2003, 09:14
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kmcclary kmcclary is offline
Founder 830/1015;Mentor 66/470/1502
FRC #0470 (Alpha Omega Robotics)
Team Role: Engineer
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
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Location: Ann Arbor, MI
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Re: Mystery solved, why did IFI add PWM in?

Quote:
Originally posted by caffel
They want to add the combat robotiers to their target market. Its that simple.
Notice that the new controller doesn't have the word 'Edubot' on it.
Oooooh, EXCELLENT point, Charlie! I think you're right!

BTW, slightly off topic, but note that IFI has a "parallel" website to InnovationFirst.com:
- http://www.ifirobotics.com/

It's VERY instructive to explore. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of the new controller there, but they're a few years behind us in CPU tech. (Darn...) IMO, IFI is probably using FIRST to finance the development of their products, and then selling them to the BattleBot et al crowd via IFIRobotics storefront to help extend the product lifetimes, and float the company off season. (IMO a smart business move.) I don't see the EduBot's CPU there yet. The Issac32 is our controller from at least two years back (see the battery screws).

Can any old timers here tell us: Is the "Issac16" from even EARLIER FIRST contests? If so, what year(s)?

Now what *I* want is for us to have access to the IFIRobotics 120A *885* Victors (or *150A* "Thor"!) and some SERIOUS drive motors, and/or the "SC" ("Spin Controller") versions of the smaller Victors, which would be great for things like soccer ball shooters! <drool>

Back to topic...

I see on the IFIRobotics website a "PWM Signal Driver". See:
http://www.ifirobotics.com/victor-SC...ler-robots.htm

I'll bet that's the WRONG way though (standard 5V PWM R/C signals up to 12V PWM signals...)

Gee... If the only problem is the peak PWM voltage out of the Robot Controller PWM outputs, that can EASILY be handled with simple resistor-zener voltage clamps on each PWM input of the EduBot. Would only cost a couple of bucks to whip THAT up. LOTS less than even a CHEAP R/C rig!

- Keith
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Keith McClary - Organizer/Mentor/Sponsor - Ann Arbor MI area FIRST teams
ACTI - Automation Computer Technologies, Inc. (Sponsoring FIRST teams since 2001!)
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