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Unread 02-05-2006, 20:07
Gdeaver Gdeaver is offline
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Re: IFI Control System (OI/RC) - The Future???

I recently have dealt with some Zigbee modules. There are some FCC precertified modules that include powerful processors. Some are 32 bit RISC and I believe an ARM one will be available soon. They have enough i/o and a to d pins to virtually replace the entire operator interface. This could drastically lower the cost of First electronics. The robot controller is a little different. With the master proc generating the PWM's and other house keeping, a single Zigbee module would not be a good replacement of the master proc on the RC. A Cheaper less capable Zigbee module and 2 pic 16 assembly coded PWM chips would fit the needs of the master proc. The cost savings of not having to provide 2 radio modems could be substantial. 50$ in volume buys 1 hell of a powerful module. All IFI would have to do for the oi is make a back plane with some sockets on it. Micro chip and FIRST are close. IFI would have to look beyond Microchip for precertified modules.

The Vex could also benefit from a little radio change. This past weekend I got a PS2 wireless controller hooked up to a pic and some servos powering a Vex square bot. I don't know about licensing issues but if vexlabs total skipped the radio's and oi and just provided a Sony PS2 jack the cost of a VEX kit could drop allot and reach a larger market. Let the user provide the PS2 wireless controller. I really liked the feel of the PS2 controller for vex.