[KevinB]

Originally Posted by Billfred

Thanks for the input.

I noticed on my sketch that I just had 8 and 12 hooked together directly for channel access. IFI's has a switch to enable/disable this. Is there any advantage either way?

There is absolutely no advantage to using a switch ... don't use one.

Originally Posted by Billfred

And I'm just thinking out loud--if those are all the pins one needs to do autonomous and disabling and channel setting, how hard would it be to create a rudimentary arena controller? Just run the wires for four dongles to one central spot, perhaps add a timer to the disable circuit, and bada-bing!

You are correct, this would be reasonably easy.

Originally Posted by Billfred

(I figure that even the channel -shouldn't- matter, since the RC checks for team number as well. Of course, it wouldn't hurt to give each robot their own channel in matches.)

The channels absolutely must be different. Even with the team number check, the packets will still interfere with each other.

Originally Posted by Billfred

Now for my final question: where on earth do you get those DB15 connectors? I checked my local Radio Shack, then their site. No luck either place.

You should have received several in the Kit of Parts. Otherwise, check www.digikey.com