[Adam Shapiro]

Originally Posted by Ian W.

And going by the rules FIRST has set for as long as I can remember, this is effectively illegal, because you have some sort of computer controlling the robot, besides the RC. This idea, while neat, is overly complicated and completely illegal for use during a FIRST competition, and honestly, I think it's a lot easier to rewire a joystick if that's the only joystick you can use.

This was my assumption as well. We were considering creating a Playstation controller drive system (just for fun) but decided that, even if we did (which I believe we probably will in the upcoming month or two), it would be illegal if it went through a PC.

The alternative to PC control, which I do believe is allowed, would be to create the interpreter using digital circuitry, transistors, and/or logic gates. For the most part, the circuit can be done simply through basic logic although a microcontroller may be necessary to communicate with certain serial-type controllers (PSX included). For more info on how console controllers communicate (systems from NES to N64 - not only Nintendo! ) check out http://www.arcadecontrols.com/Mirror...pro/index.html and http://www.gamesx.com/controldata/psxcont/psxcont.htm. Following instructions on their site, and one other, I was able to create a PSX->Parallel interface and simple driver which could be easily converted to work with separate circuitry rather than a computer.

Feel free to PM me if you have any more questions. I'll be sure to post a thread and pictures as soon as our team gets working on the controller project in the next weeks.

**EDIT
Now that I think about it, I seem to be having a Déja-vu about this topic. I think I may have posted this same information last year (or possibly the year before). I'm too lazy to search right now but if anyone wants to, feel free.