Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Bottiglieri
Give me out of the box current monitoring with an easy I2R comp. code module (every CIM motor is about the same, right?),. Give me quad encoder inputs on the motor controllers.
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We already have that... it's called FIRST Lego League where everything is standardized and your choices for input and output devices are very limited. Works great for middle schoolers who aren't ready to learn the details of electromechanical control, but misses the point for FRC.
I don't think an extra-large incantation of Mindstorms is where we should go. Developing C code (albeit slowly) to make a robot with simple motor drives go straight gives the students a much deeper understanding of how things work. That is FAR more important than having a winning robot.
Insulating the students from complexity cheats them. Students who learn how their robot really works are better prepared to make the important educational choices that are in front of them at this time in their lives.
They are smart. They can learn if they have good teachers. I agree with the earlier point that most missing autonomous is due to the lack of mentors who can help them.
Making something idiot proof only cultivates better idiots.