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Unread 04-05-2006, 16:10
Rickertsen2 Rickertsen2 is offline
Umm Errr...
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Re: IFI Control System (OI/RC) - The Future???

I talked to The IFI guy at the Peachtree regional about the future of the controller. He told me that it has "outlived its useful lifespan" and that it was coming time for a new model. He told me that they had not yet decided what the new model would be like, only that there would be one.


I predict
  • The PIC is here to stay
  • Next year's controller will have a USB interface in addition to or in place of the serial port. I is likely that they will just add on an internal usb->uart chip.
  • We may see a different connector scheme (I pray). It would require breaking compatibility with standard RC hardware, but would be well worth it. The can always sell adapter cables. the .1" headers are meant to be well protected. the do not take well to FIRST abuse, are not secure, and are generally a pain.
  • A possible move from the traditional black flat square enclosure. This is WAY bigger than it needs to be. If you take it apart an look at the PCB, its very sparsely populated. Just look at the EDU.
  • add an internal charger for the backup batt

I would also like but do not think it is likely
  • An LCD display on the robot (2x16 characters min)
  • Strong aux power on the OI
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Last edited by Rickertsen2 : 04-05-2006 at 16:12.