Some links and prices for reference:
Here's a good set of links to CompactRIO products:
http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/3114
$3000 - This is what "looks like" the FIRST integrated controller and chassis (no guarantees from me though) (NI 9074):
http://sine.ni.com/nips/cds/view/p/lang/en/nid/203964
Note: The NI website indicates 128MB RAM and 256MB storage, while the FIRST
FAQ indicates 64MB/128MB, so this may be an indication that FIRST is getting a customized version -- or it might just be a typo.
$350 - The analog input module mentioned on the website (NI 9201):
http://sine.ni.com/nips/cds/view/p/lang/en/nid/14588
$350 - The digital I/O module mentioned on the website (NI 9403):
http://sine.ni.com/nips/cds/view/p/lang/en/nid/203425
$100 - The "solenoid" module mentioned on the website (NI 9472):
http://sine.ni.com/nips/cds/view/p/lang/en/nid/14175
Again, no guarantees that FIRST will use these exact versions....
So, ~$3800 to get the whole package now -- nearly the cost of entry for a regional competition.
Plus, I don't know where to get the new power distribution block and digital sidecar board, or how much they might cost.
Some options to save a few bucks:
$1500 - What looks like a lower-end controller, with less RAM/storage (and no integrated chassis):
http://sine.ni.com/nips/cds/view/p/lang/en/nid/203347
$700 - What looks like the lowest-end chassis (no integrated controller):
http://sine.ni.com/nips/cds/view/p/lang/en/nid/14156
So if you really want something to play with in the pre-season, you could spend ~$3000 for a somewhat limited controller/chassis, or $3800 for the (possibly) real thing -- or save all kinds of money and just do research until you get the real deal in 2009.
FRC is definitely getting more expensive for the off-season... Each team will have to judge their spending based on their own budgets and desires for off-season work.
I kind of hope that they DON'T release the final controller, etc, until the 2009 kickoff, it would be a nice little equalizer for lower-budget teams if everyone had to start their hands-on learning curve at the same time next year.
