[RyanCahoon]

Originally Posted by biojae

Though, im sure if i got it working for auto, then they'd want to use it for an operator control , so an interface to the DS would be best.

True, I could see that kind of interface getting addictive...

Originally Posted by biojae

Do you know of any cheap ethernet controllers for mcus? your last point could make it into a small dashborad Telemetry, speed and other statuses could be displayed, and have it for times not in a comp

There's a couple of different ways you could go with this:

• Slightly higher-end microcontrollers often have ethernet interfaces built in. Many of these same controllers are also able to run Linux, which gives you the standard network suite (ifconfig, etc) that you'll be familiar with if you've ever used a Unix-like system. The chip that I have the most experience with in this category is the Avr32 from Atmel. Certain models of the Avr32 chips also have builtin LCD controllers, which you may be able to use to output to your touchscreen. Linux drivers for the LCD controller are included, I believe. For more information, check out Atmel's site or the user forum at Avrfreaks.net. If you choose to go this route, Atmel makes "evaluation boards" that basically save you the effort of having to design and fab PCBs yourself. They're a little on the pricey side, but I still feel they're a good deal for what you get in the package.
• Alternatively, if you already have a system design in place and just want to add on ethernet functionality, there are several makes of ethernet to TTL serial converters. While I have not used any myself, I can pass along many good recommendations I've heard about Lantronix's modules. The XPort line seems to be about what you want. The $50 price tag may seem like a lot, especially compared to the price you may be able to find on a raw IC that accomplishes the same purpose, but, again, this gives you an already assembled package, and it's all about saving yourself the effort of having to solder tiny traces onto a PCB.
• If you want a completely assembled board, but don't want to go as far as the Avr32 eval boards, you may be able to find somehing like this board from SparkFun (this one built around a PIC).

One thing to consider though is that FIRST has been very particular in the past about what types of devices can plug into the control inputs of the DS/OI. They might not allow your interface to be both connected as a dashboard and as a controller. <Insert disclaimer that I've never been a robot inspector and that rules are subject to change without warning from year to year anyway>

Originally Posted by biojae

what baud could be obtained through usb?

Even USB 1 can get 12 Mbsp, but since you're limited to packing your data into the amount of data that the joystick would be sending, I doubt you'll be able to get any more data through the USB ports than you will through the exposed analog and digital inputs. It's just a matter of how the input data is being sent to the processor in the DS; it all eventually gets packed into the data packets that only get sent at 50Hz.

--Ryan