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Unread 24-04-2008, 13:32
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AKA: Alex Yeckley
FRC #2252 (Mavericks)
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Re: NEW 2009 Control System Released

Quote:
Originally Posted by yoyodyne View Post
Working with software at the device level is what made the FRC embedded software development experience different and in my opinion more valuable then just more applications level programming experience.
I'll second that! I've never been in love with NI hardware or software products (though I'm grateful for their sponsorship).

I wonder how many teams will sit 2009 out because of the steep learning curves? For teams that have four-year students and tight budgets it might make sense, which is unfortunate. Unless the system comes pre-configured with a very, very, strong set of reference VI's and some unbelieveably great documentation, I can envision a large backlash against FIRST by frustrated and upset teams in March 2009. The IFI reference code was pretty good - NI needs to top that.

I'd have loved to have a year or two to make the transisition. I can't see any technical reason that the two field control systems couldn't have operated in parallel in 2009 (cost issues aside). Better yet, it would have been great to let the market decide which system the customers (e.g. the teams) prefer. One entry fee gets you an IFI system, and a higher entry fee gets you an NI system. That would have made a great introduction to the economic realities of the engineering profession for students!

I also wonder if Kevin Watson will stay involved.
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